Going on a study abroad summer program could easily be one of the most interesting experiences you have during your college life. You get to travel outside your home country, see parts of the world that most people only dream of visiting, and develop memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, the process of going abroad can be very stressful at times, so you’ll want to be prepared. By planning ahead and making sure that you take a few necessities with you, you’ll make your time abroad much more comfortable, and thus letting you focus on your studies and on just having fun.

Rather than start with the obvious, such as a camera, summer friendly clothes, or a laptop (hey, it’s obvious to me!) I’d start by gathering up a few gifts. When you go abroad, you’ll end up meeting a huge array of new people, and these people will often be helping you. Some might be new friends who show you around a foreign city, others might be a host family that lets you stay with them, and still others might be a teacher who takes the time to help the foreign student out. Having some mementos from your hometown or college is a great way to say thanks. These gifts don’t have to be too expensive; a t-shirt with your university on it, a candy that’s particular to your hometown, or some particular knick knack that’s a lot of fun and doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase are all great gift ideas that will be appreciated by those who are taking the time to help you out.

If you happen to be a language major and are going abroad to further your language studies, or even if you don’t know or plan to learn another language yet are going to a country where English isn’t common, a PDA, smart phone, or other such device could be handy. There are tons of programs and digital dictionaries out there that allow you to input a word or phrase and get an instant translation. I personally couldn’t have lived without it when I was studying in China and Taiwan, as I was able to draw characters I saw right on the screen and find out what they meant without having to carry around a more cumbersome paper dictionary. It is also useful for keeping track of your spending, keeping all your notes in one place, and making sure that you never miss an appointment. All in all, it’s a great tool to keep handy.

Next is medicine. Any time you go to a new country you’re going to be eating foods that your body isn’t used to, and this can cause some problems that you should be prepared for. Make sure to bring something to help calm your stomach, such as Pepto-Bismol or Tums. You’ll also want to bring anti-diarrheal and laxative medication, just in case. If you’re prone to allergies or sometimes get sinus headaches, a pack of Sudafed could be handy. And finally, take some kind of headache medicine as well, as you never know when you might need it.

Finally, try asking some other students who have been to your chosen country before what items they missed while there. You would be surprised what kinds of items can be hard to find in some countries. Going back to my China example, I had a particularly hard time find deodorant or dental floss while there, and my girlfriend mentioned that she had trouble finding tampons. By asking around beforehand, you should be able to find out what you’ll need to take with you and what you’ll be able to find there.

Going on a study abroad summer program will create memories that will last for the rest of your life, but if you don’t take everything you need while there, it can be a tough few months to get through. By ensuring that you have a few basic necessities before you head out, you’ll be able to relax and focus on learning, meeting new people, and having the time of your life.

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While there are a huge number of reasons to study abroad, language study abroad programs still remain at the top of the list. Everyone who has studied a language learns sooner or later that actually going to a country where the language is spoken is the fastest way to master the language. Unfortunately, many students who do go overseas will often find themselves overwhelmed by the new sights and experiences that have just become available. They and their classmates will often start going out together, exploring the cities, the countryside, and all the other amazing places that their host country offers. They’ll have some great experiences, but they very well may miss out on one of the best opportunities they have for language learning. Fortunately, if you do want to get the most of your foreign language study abroad program, there are some fairly easy to follow tips to help you along your way.

Adhere to a Language Pledge:

One of the most helpful things you can do while abroad is participate in a language pledge. A language pledge is an oath or promise to only speak the language you are studying during your time abroad. By promising to avoid speaking English, you will find yourself learning at an even quicker rate. If you want to find a grocery store, you have to ask where it is in your chosen language. If you want to go out and have fun with new friends, you’ll have to talk to them in their own tongue. The first few days or even weeks of a language pledge can be difficult, but if you stick with it your speaking ability will improve by leaps and bounds in no time.

Stay Away from Other Foreigners:

You’ll find that many students often band together to go abroad. They often know each other before they leave, and even if they don’t, coming from the same country and culture creates a sense of community when they get to whatever country they’ve chosen. They’ll go out together, laugh about the things that have happened, and spend a lot of time chatting. Unfortunately, they’ll usually do this all in English, especially if their foreign language skills are somewhat weak. While such friendship can create great memories, it can also sabotage your language learning attempts and leave you wondering why your foreign language skills aren’t improving at a faster rate. If at all possible, try to go abroad on your own or, when you arrive, try to find a way to surround yourself with new friends who are locals or who are other foreigners who don’t speak English. They’ll be able to keep you speaking your new language and help you out whenever you have questions. If you have taken a language pledge and actually keep it, then staying with a group from your home country isn’t as big of a deal, provided they’ve taken the same pledge as well.

Find Media You Enjoy:

Sometimes you will have time to yourself where you’re not going out and exploring. This would be an excellent time to make use of local movies, books, newspapers, or anything else that you’ve found interesting. One of my favorite things to do during times like this was to find a DVD of a TV series I wanted to watch that also had subtitles. I would watch the show, trying to get as much as I could from it, and anytime I was confused about a word or phrase I could pause the DVD, write down the word or phrase, and either look it up or save it to ask one of my new friends later. Not only does this help expand your vocabulary, but it also can help you find more colloquial speech patterns to use. If you’re not sure what media to use, ask your teachers or local friends what’s popular with people your age in that country. Not only will you be learning the language, you will also be getting some cultural studies in there as well!

Get a Pocket Journal:

Another thing I’ve found useful abroad was keeping a journal on hand that I could fit into my pocket, or even better, a PDA or smart phone. If you have one of these, you’ll be able to write down any new word or phrase you come across to look up later, and you’ll have a growing list of new vocabulary that you can learn to make your speech more native sounding. If you have a PDA, iPhone, or something like that, you can also include a digital dictionary; this is something I found immensely useful when studying in China, as I could just draw a very complex character on the screen and immediately find out what it meant! To really make the best use of this journal, set aside time to review some or all of your words daily. This can be done while waiting for the bus, while standing in line at the grocery store, or for a few minutes before bed.
Before long you’ll have an impressive vocabulary!

If you’re going abroad to study another language, you need to do everything you can to get the most out of the experience. But remember, being focused on learning doesn’t mean that you have to give up hope on having fun. By following the tips above you should be able to have a blast and still learn a lot during your language study abroad experience.

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For those who want to do something different in the pursuit of their degrees, studying abroad has always been a great choice. Not only does it give you a wealth of new ideas and experiences that most people will never have access to, but it is also a great addition to your resume; after all, how many people get to say that they studied business in Greece or computer information in Japan? Most of the time, these opportunities come up during undergraduate studies, but there are still tons of chances for a student to study abroad while pursuing a graduate degree. Of course, some students may wonder how graduate study abroad programs can differ from undergrad programs—grad students do have different needs, after all. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest differences now.

One of the biggest differences between undergrad and graduate study abroad programs is the intensity of the work you do while abroad. During your study abroad experience as an undergrad, the work you do will usually be fairly structured. The classes are laid out for you, so you know what you’ll be doing before you even depart. You’ll generally have a set schedule which means that you know when you’ll be able to head out and play. There are usually plenty of opportunities to go out and see the country you’re visiting, to participate in the nightlife of the city you live in, and to just have fun. If you want a relaxing study abroad experience, going abroad as an undergrad is a great way to go.

Graduate experiences can differ quite a bit, however. A lot more emphasis is usually placed on independent study and research, which can mean different things to different people. In general, this means that you’re going to have to be out interviewing people, doing research on the topics that interest you, and generally spending a lot more time on academic work rather than play. This isn’t a bad thing for people who enjoy their research, and you still get a great opportunity to do your studies in a foreign land, but it is usually going to be more intense than an undergrad program.

Another difference is where your classmates come from. While there is no set rule stating this, many times students in an undergrad program come from different schools and study together. These programs can be fun, and you’ll make a lot of friends along the way. I even met my girlfriend on one such trip. With grad programs, however, students are often all from the same school. While you might not necessarily know each other, this does give a common background that everyone in the group stems from. There is usually less time spent with each other, both in the classroom and out having fun on your time off, and more time spent focusing on individual research and studies.

An undergrad program also often has more students in it than a grad program. Having more students in the program opens up more opportunities for group trips out and about, but the students usually have little say in what they do or where they go. Having fewer students in a graduate program means that you have a better chance to go to places that you actually want to visit, but unless these have to do with your research you will usually have fewer opportunities to go out.

One other difference between undergrad and graduate study abroad programs is the availability of funding for your trip. There are many scholarships out there if you know where to look, although the competition for these scholarships is definitely higher with undergrad students. For graduate students who want to do some international research, many good opportunities start to open up. These could be with your home institution itself, private organizations, or even with institutions in the country you want to visit.

In the end you need to think about what your primary concerns are for studying abroad. If you want to party and have fun without doing much work, undergrad opportunities might be the way to go. However, if you want to put an emphasis on your academic work and are planning on getting a graduate degree, definitely consider studying abroad as a graduate student. Or, like some people who just love the experience of being in another country, you could just try both!

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If you are planning to study abroad, you probably already have a good idea how expensive that endeavor is going to be. However, you may not realize that there is a lot of financial aid out there for students who will be traveling abroad for their studies. In fact, there are many study abroad scholarships available that you can apply for, saving you a lot of money and making your study abroad dreams a reality. Of course, when you are searching for these scholarships, some tips and ideas can make this easier for you. Here are the three most important things you must know when you are searching for study abroad scholarships.

1 – Where to Look for the Scholarships

First of all, you need to know where to look for the scholarships. There are many places where you can find excellent scholarships that will help you to fund your study abroad experience. In some cases these scholarships can be tough to find. They are competitive and limited, but a good place to start is with the website of the institution that you have chosen. Often they will provide you with a list of scholarships that are available. You can also look with Rotary International Scholarships to find scholarships you may qualify for. Check online as well. You may find informative websites on study abroad that will provide you with some helpful scholarship information.

2 – Applying for the Scholarship on Time

Another important thing you need to know when you are searching for study abroad scholarships is that applying for the scholarship on time is imperative. When you begin finding scholarships, always check their deadlines. You should plan on applying for the scholarships at least a month or two before that deadline. Never wait until the very end of the deadline if you can help it. There is a good chance that the organization will not even look at your arrival if it is late, so you have wasted your time and will ruin your chances of getting a helpful scholarship. Star your scholarship search early on so you can apply quickly and have applications in well before the deadlines.

3 – How to Become the Ideal Candidate

Of course, becoming the ideal candidate can help you to find study abroad scholarships that you can win to pay for your time abroad. Although grades are important, you need to prove your success academically beyond just the grades. Show extra curricular activities, show excellence in classes that are challenging, and more. You also need to be able to show great leadership. Showing that you have public speaking skills, showing leadership roles in various groups, and other leadership skills can be helpful. You need to show that you are committed and professional, which will mean you need to make sure everything is filled out accurately, a good essay if one is required, and excellent references. Having a good network of referees and mentors can also help you as you are working to find and apply for those study abroad scholarships.

In the end, making your dreams of studying abroad become a reality are not that difficult as long as you know what you’re doing. Learn where to look, make sure you apply on time, and do everything you can to make sure that you are what the judges are looking for, and in no time at all you’ll be experiencing things that others only get to dream about.

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You’re off to study abroad in Japan so you begin to prepare as much as possible. You brush up on your Japanese vocabulary and you confirm your travel plans and living accommodations. However, what about Japanese customs? What if you offend or anger someone because you don’t quite know how to act in certain situations? The following are some of the most common examples of faux pas students commit during their study abroad Japan programs. They include topics such as chopstick use, shoes, bowing as well as public displays of affection.

Chopstick Use

In Japan, it is customary to use chopsticks when dining. Learning how to use chopsticks isn’t difficult but you should make it a point to learn before you take your trip, rather than wait until you’re actually at the dinner table in Japan. You should also learn a few chopstick faux pas. For example, you should never wave your chopsticks above your food or point with them. You should also never stick your chopsticks into your food so they stick straight up and down, or use your chopsticks to stab food as a way to pick it up. Also don’t suck your chopsticks, pass food to another person’s chopsticks or pick up a cup or bowl with the same hand that’s holding them.

Shoes

Japanese people always take off their shoes when entering a home, restaurant or inn; unless the restaurants or inns have Western style chairs. They also take them off when stepping onto a raised floor surface.

If you’re worried about whether or not to take your shoes off, watch how others do it. You’ll also be glad to know that most establishments that require you to remove your shoes offer socks or slippers and a cubby hole to hold your shoes until you’re ready to leave.

Bowing

When meeting someone, it’s customary in Japan to bow to them. However, bowing has many other meanings as well. Bowing can be used to ask for favors, as a sign of gratitude, and it can also be used to say you’re welcome, congratulations, good night and good morning. Bowing faux pas include not bowing when bowed to. This is considered deeply offensive. You should also know how to bow. An informal bow is generally done with your hands at your sides and your back straight. The bow should be about 15 degrees. For more formal bows, and when bowing to people of a higher status than you, the bow should be deeper.

Public Displays of Affection

In Japan, public displays of affection are a faux pas; unless it’s done in an appropriate place. The Japanese prefer bowing and non-touch related gestures when dealing with other people in public; even their significant others. The only exception to this rule is in Karaoke bars, where public displays of affection are tolerated better.

This is a good guideline that should help you avoid committing faux pas during your study abroad Japan program. As long as you observe how others act, and do as they do, you should have a great time studying abroad in this beautiful country

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Choosing where to go for your study abroad program can be a difficult decision. But after you hear about London, and its culture rich in history, art, fashion, nightlife and more, your decision may be over. Many famous people have called London home, such as Charles Dickens, Jimi Hendrix, and, of course, the Beatles. London has also been home to many great thinkers, such as Sir Isaac Newton, Francis Bacon and Charles Darwin. A study abroad London program allows you to walk in these individuals’ footsteps while enjoying a city unlike any other in the world.

Out of the 300,000 students that attend London universities, 58,000 of them are from study abroad programs. That means any school you choose will be well prepared to deal with diversity and you will be allowed to succeed no matter where you originate. Also, you’ll be able to study nearly anything you’d like. In fact, London, the Capital of Britain, has for centuries influenced the world with its knowledge of literature, art, business, history, architecture and much more. So you should have no problem finding a focus of study that interests you.

London is also a great place to learn a foreign language. A very high percentage of people live in London who originate from other countries. Astoundingly, over 300 languages are spoken there. London is also great for art students, who will have access to the Tate Modern Gallery, the famous National Gallery as well as Waddesdon Manor, which is also known as the ‘Louvre of London’.

If you like History, there’s the Tower of London built by William the Conqueror over 900 years ago. There’s also the extremely preserved Apsley House and Wellington Museum. If Architecture is your thing, there’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.

That’s just the study part of your study abroad London program. After your classes are over, you can go visit Stonehenge, which is only two hours away from London. You can visit the ancient Roman baths of Bath, or you can visit the rest of Europe with the ultra-cheap plane tickets that offer quick access to literally anywhere in Europe.

This is only a small list of everything there is to see, do and learn about when it comes to taking a study abroad program in London. With all the culture, architecture, art, and history, it’s a must for any student who has a choice of where to study abroad. One thing’s for sure, however: once you arrive in London and see all that this great city has to offer, you’ll wonder why you didn’t choose it as a study abroad option sooner.

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If you’re planning a trip to Spain for a study abroad program, you may be wondering how solid your Spanish needs to be. Do you need to be completely fluent in order to get around, or can you at least have a basic grasp of the language? Can you study abroad in Spain without knowing any Spanish words at all? The following should help any students who are planning a study abroad Spain program so that they can avoid any problems due to language barriers.

Big Cities

When you travel abroad to a country like Spain, you are generally going to remain in a big city, such as Barcelona. Most people who live and work in big cities know how to speak English. That means you should be able to get around pretty well without knowing the language. This goes especially true when visiting restaurants, inns and other establishments where they’re used to dealing with foreigners.

While you may not need to know the language to get around in the big cities, it’s always best to have at least a basic knowledge of Spanish before traveling to Spain in case you ever happen to need it. You are, after all, in a foreign country. What if you get into an accident and need assistance from someone who doesn’t speak very much English? What if you need directions and there’s a language barrier? You’re not likely to find yourself in such situations in the big city, but you may find yourself stuck if you ever travel to any of the smaller towns and villages on the outskirts of those big cities.

Smaller Towns and Villages

While the big cities are filled with people who know and understand English, at least to some degree, you should know that the outskirts of those cities generally aren’t bilingual. The smaller towns and villages you may encounter during your study abroad program in Spain will typically be populated with people who speak Spanish only. That means you’ll need to have a good grasp of the language if you hope to communicate with anyone outside the big cities. The exceptions to this rule are, again, those restaurants, shops and inns that are used to dealing with foreigners.

So for your study abroad Spain program, as long as you stick to the big cities, you don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to get around and have a great time. If you plan on visiting the towns and villages on the outskirts of the big cities, however, you should brush up on your Spanish because you’re likely to find the language barrier you were hoping to avoid.

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Studying abroad is one of the most unique and rewarding experiences a student can have. He can see new parts of the world, experience new culture, and do so all while working toward a degree. With benefits like that that, it’s easy to understand why so many people take advantage of this opportunity. What a lot of people don’t realize is that there are differences between types of study abroad programs. For example, many people are familiar with the term “exchange program” and don’t know that there’s a difference between it and any other study abroad program. The differences, however, can be very important to a student who wants to give himself the best chance at studying in a foreign land.

The primary difference between foreign exchange programs and a regular study abroad program is the financial obligation involved. Exchange programs are actually a subset of study abroad programs. All exchange programs are study abroad, but not all study abroad programs are exchange. An exchange program is a special type of study abroad program in which a student can study at a college or university in another country while paying the tuition and fees of the school she exchanged from. What that means for you is that an exchange program lets you bypass higher tuition costs, foreign student fees, and any additional expenses associated with the school you wish to exchange with. On the other hand, if you want to exchange to a school abroad which has lower expenses, you still will pay your at-home school’s tuition and fees.

There are other differences as well. Because of the significant financial benefits of an exchange program, the positions are usually limited in number and competed for by far more students than there are slots available. If you want to get into an exchange program, the best way is to apply early and make sure you have all possible qualifications resolved to give yourself the best opportunity, especially if your desired school is significantly more expensive than your current school. Be sure to consider what your competition for that spot might be doing, and make sure you have no issues. Are you in good academic standing? Do you know the difference between the costs of your target school and your current school? Will an exchange save you expenses? If not, are you informed about other study abroad opportunities, and have you considered how those compare with foreign exchange programs? All of these questions and more are crucial to getting the most out of your study abroad decision process.

Studying abroad can be an amazing experience, but it’s important to know and understand your options in order to make the best choice for your future. By understanding the types of programs available, you pave the way to making the best decision for your life and future plans. There’s still a lot more to learn, so be sure to research your decision with your advisors to make sure you’re best informed.

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If you are going on a study abroad Italy program, you are incredibly fortunate. Italy is one of the top destination countries in the world. This country is rich with history, art, cuisine, and home of some of the most welcoming residents you’ll ever meet. In this article we will discuss some of the top places to visit in Italy and will discuss different cities and regions.

First stop is Rome – Italy’s most popular city. Not only because it is the home of the Vatican, but also it’s the home of the Ancient Romans. No trip in Rome is complete without a trip to the Colosseum. Next you can travel to the Castel Sant Angelo, which is mentioned in Dan Brown’s novel Angels & Demons, as well as the film by the same title. If you want to see how the Ancient Romans bathed, then the Baths of Caracalla is sure to please. For the art lovers there are simply too many places to list, but the one all must absolutely visit, is The Vatican Museums. We could talk about the glorious art work from the masters for days, months even, yet this is one destination that can only be fully understood with sight. Make sure you don’t leave without seeing the Sistine Chapel for the gorgeous visual splendor of Michelangelo himself and Raphael’s Rooms to see the apartments that Raphael was commissioned to design.

Then there is Venice, the city of lovers. This is the only city in the world that was built on water. Venice looks exactly the way it did 600 years ago, so this breathtaking city will be a treat for history buffs and lovers of architecture and design. One thing for sure, is that you will want to take a ride down the Grand Canal, known as one of the most romantic waterways in the world. Venice is a walking city, so make sure you have comfortable shoes. Places to see would be the Saint Mark’s Basilica, Jewish Ghetto of Venice and the Rialto Market.

Students of fashion design simply must add Milan to their itinerary. For all shopping addicts, please head over to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, this grand mall is housed in a 19th century palace. If you are interested in the lifestyle of current and past monks, visit the Chiaravalle Abbey, a magnificent abbey that is still ran by monks today. Nightlife in Milan is a party indeed, you can either ask the locals where are all the hotspots or head into a bar or pick a free copy of Zero2; a publication to Milan’s Nightlife.

For Italian regions, Tuscany is a favorite for many reasons. Some popular cities in this region are Florence, Pisa, and San Gimignano. Tuscany is noted for its mouth-watering cuisine and charming village towns. You can enjoy many of Tuscany’s wines such as the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Head over to Pisa to view the leaning tower or relax the day away at one of Viareggio stunning beaches.

The next region is for the nature lovers. This region is Umbria – who Henry James described as “the most beautiful garden in all the world.” When you think of Umbria; think of the Italian word ombra – shadow. Next door to Tuscany, this region cast shadows with its rolling hills and mountains. Here you will not only see the most lush greens and vibrant colors of flora, but this regions is home to castles, fortresses, and quaint hill towns. You can visit Gubbio which is dubbed as “one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Italy.” The city of Montone is known for being a peaceful hill town. Then you have Deruta; this city is ideal for those who love handmade ceramics.

If you participate in a study abroad Italy program you’ll have no shortage of fun and beautiful places to visit. From Rome to Venice, from the leaning tower to the Chiaravalle Abbey, you will build an abundance of memories to last a lifetime.

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Your college experience should not only teach you the skills you need when job-seeking, but it should enrich your knowledge of different cultures. Sure, taking courses on Italian Art and Architecture, Brazilian Cuisine and Customs, or The Social History of Africa is a great way to learn about various countries, but what about participating in a study abroad summer program? Summer is a time for adventure; it’s time to try new things. The following breaks down some great reasons why you should consider traveling abroad to enhance your college education during the summer months.

• You get to travel! Duh, right?! Think about it, though: so many people live their entire lives in one large city or one small town. They either don’t have the resources to travel or are uninterested in it. People who never travel miss out on growth opportunities. Plus, summer is the perfect time for traveling. People are generally in higher spirits, and your own college probably offers fewer classes. Why not take part in a program in another country?
• You can learn a new language! Is the foreign language requirement of your school weighing you down? Have you been avoiding taking that French or Spanish class? Well, maybe you would be more energized about learning a new language if you were able study it in its country of origin! Imagine speaking French in Paris while sitting in a happening café overlooking the Seine. In the summer, it stays light out very late in France, so there’s plenty of daylight left to socialize after you are through studying.
• You can meet new people. Everyone needs new friends, and everyone especially needs to network now that it is becoming more competitive than ever to land a job. During the summer, many cities organize huge festivals to commemorate national holidays. When you aren’t studying, you can get to know people on a more casual basis by attending fun events with them.
• You will expand your understanding of people’s viewpoints. People living in different countries possess different religious, moral, and social values. Communication varies from place to place. In some places, like Russia, it’s important to be very direct, while in others, like Japan, it’s important not to be too bold. Maybe you will learn that some people have different customs dependent upon the seasons. No matter where you are from originally, you will learn how to appreciate differences better by studying abroad.

If you have been thinking about traveling abroad to study, go in the summer. Just remember that different countries experience traditionally warm weather at different times of the year. For example, Australia’s winter is during June, July and August. It’s much warmer in December and January, which is the opposite of someone living in the United States. So, if you are looking to study somewhere warm, you might choose a country like Costa Rica that is tropical all year long—as long as the program their meets your needs. However, if summer is just a convenient time for you to travel, just choose a place that interests you and you will have a study abroad summer program to remember!

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