Study Abroad Bloggers

Love Skiing and Culture? Study Abroad in France!

Love to ski? A skier’s repertoire can’t possibly complete without a trip to the French Alps. Unequalled by any other region in the world for linked terrain, it appears one can ski forever in the French Alps!

Located in Western Europe, France is sandwiched between Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain, with Great Britain just across the English Channel. France is a hub of refinement. Drink the best wine in the world, see the most famous paintings ever made, eat the most sophisticated cuisine, watch cutting-edge films, relax on the most pristine beaches… France appears to have it all.

Favorite Study Abroad Locations for 2010

With the countdown fast approaching, it's time to decide: Where will you study abroad in 2010? First, you have to decide what you are really looking for. Intensive language study? Party atmosphere? Which language? Maybe it's time to try something new, say Portuguese, Chinese, or Japanese. If you are a newbie language-learner, Spanish is a great place to start. 

Spain will probably always top the list as one of our favorite places to study abroad. Cosmopolitan cities, amazing food, non-stop nightlife, warm hospitality, the list goes on and on! There is such a range of places where you can study in Spain, from the capital of Madrid, to the stunning architecture of Barcelona, to the golden city of Salamanca. 

Video of Learning Spanish in Tenerife Spain

Watch a video of a Spanish school in Tenerife, one of the seven Canary Islands, which are located off the coast of Africa. Beautiful black sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, and a wonderful climate all make for a great place to study Spanish (especially if you live in a cold winter climate!) This particular school is Don Quijote, click to see more YouTube videos from Don Quijote Schools.

Keep Learning Spanish or French After Study Abroad

After studying abroad, the best way to keep your new language skills is to continue to practice and learn. Of course, when you are no longer being immersed in a different culture and language, this can be difficult. A great way to keep up with your Spanish or French is Think Language.

Think Language is an online magazine and community for learning Spanish and French. Designed to increase fluency while learning about life and culture abroad, Think Spanish and Think French are comprised of ten articles each month focusing on grammar and fluency. Each article comes with an audio file that you can play on your iPod or save to a CD. Also, each month you receive lessons, quizzes, vocabulary flashcards and more. 

Student Diplomat Video Contest Deadline Dec 15

A great opportunity from NAFSA: Association of International Educators and Abroad View, the global magazine for students! Deadline in December 15th. The contest requires you submit a short video from 1-3 minutes long, about how your study abroad experience has helped to advance global understanding. The winner gets $300 and you get to be the next Student Diplomat. The NAFSA website has the complete contest rules and tells you how to submit your video.

 Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

Economic Breakdown of a Study Abroad Experience

Interesting and relevant article from The Fairfield Mirror:

December 2, 2009 By: Cynthia Palmieri
Peter Caty/The Mirror

It’s a typical week in Florence and Katie Clavin ‘11 has spent 60 euro ($88) on her food, 300 euro ($444) on a trip to Capri, and 30 euro ($44) per night at the local bars.

With the euro rising to 1.47 in comparison to the U.S. dollar, it seems study abroad has reached new economic heights.  “The money situation is ridiculous, you spend so much more,” said Clavin.

Now's the Time to Plan a Study Abroad Trip

With the end of 2009 almost here and 2010 knocking on the door, what better time than to start planning a study abroad trip for next year? Teens and college students looking to study abroad during the summer months do well to start planning now and applying soon, before popular programs and locations get booked up. If you are thinking of doing a semester or year abroad, it's best to start planning especially early to ensure the proper steps are taken. 

How Can I Increase My Spanish Vocabulary?

- Spanish Students Offer Advice
via spanish.about.com
Question: Are there any recommendations that anyone has for building vocabulary? I've tried many things, some things work and others do not work so well. Usually if I hear the word or phrase spoken it sticks better than if something I read from a book and tried to memorize. I've heard that using a word 10 or 20 times will make it stick (some say 10 and others say 20). But it's not always easy work a word into a conversation and I don't always have the chance to speak to someone in Spanish. I read books, look up words if I can't tell the meaning by the context. I watch Spanish programs, mainly the news and soaps. I watch soaps to try to get the gist of the way people talk in a conversation.

Get Guidebooks & Maps Before You Study Abroad

It’s a great idea to get guidebooks before you study abroad. This way, you can familiarize yourself with your new city and country before your trip. It also gives you something to read on that long plane ride and during inevitable airport delays! The best guidebooks are a wealth of great information, including not only places to see, where to stay, etc… but also important cultural tips that can be indispensible for preventing embarrassing mistakes while studying abroad. 

Study Abroad Location: Costa Rica

If you are going abroad to study Spanish, Costa Rica should be high on your list of places to research. Costa Rica's incredible natural diversity is sure to offer something for everyone. From breathtaking beaches to volcanoes, cloudforests, to a huge array of flora and fauna, Costa Rica is not to be missed. With language schools all over the country, be sure to check out popular locations such as Alajuela, Coronado, Monteverde, and Flamingo Beach. For those looking to do more than just study Spanish, you can also volunteer, do a college semester or year abroad, or even apply for an internship in Costa Rica. 

Contest for Two Free Study Abroad Weeks in Berlin

ESL has launched a contest, with the grand prize being two free weeks of study abroad in Berlin! It's easy to enter:

Participate in the big competition launched by ESL, the specialist in language studies abroad, and win language study trips and other prizes that will enable you to travel the world!

Each week, guess the city shown in the photo and grab a maximum of points. Fabulous prizes await you!

Learn Spanish in Salamanca Spain

Salamanca, Spain, is a beautiful city to study Spanish and live in. Watch this video from a Spanish school in this elegant, charming city. Click for more videos of this and other Spanish schools in Spain.