Study Abroad Bloggers

Study Abroad Research

If you've ever considered studying abroad for a summer or even a semester, now is the time to act on your whim. Finding an international study program that will suit your needs and educational requirements is definitely possible - if you know the right questions to ask and are willing to do a little research.

First, think about your reasons for wanting to pursue the opportunity to study abroad. Do you love to travel? Do you feel that an international study program will help you to enhance your knowledge in the field you are studying? Are you willing to learn another language, or are you in the process of doing so already? How long do you wish to stay? Do you want to spend a semester abroad studying Spanish in Barcelona or a year living and working in Rome, or even just a summer break learning some Chinese in Beijing? Knowing the answers to these questions is essential to effectively planning your international study program; knowing your objectives will also help you to get the most out of your educational experience, especially if you plan on going to school in another country.

Once you decide that studying abroad is definitely something that you want to look into, you should talk to your academic advisor about the programs that are available for your major. As with all academic programs, it helps to have your GPA intact; do your best to keep your grades up in order to prove to your professors that you are serious about your studies, whether local or in France. You should also ask your academic advisor about the study abroad programs affiliated with your college or university, and be sure to get all the literature you can on each program so that you can make an informed decision. Also, make sure that you can meet all the necessary requirements for the study abroad programs you're considering (i.e. exams, such as the PRAXIS or GREs, and language tests). Financial aid programs are also available for students who are participating in international study. Be sure to ask your professor about scholarships you may be eligible for. In addition to financial aid offered by your educational institution, you should also get your personal finances in order before considering studying abroad. Planning your academic travels as far in advance as possible can help you to become financially secure before you begin traveling. Try to work as many hours as you can (while still keeping up with your studies) and set up a savings account that is exclusively for your international study. Remember that you may want to splurge on a beautiful Prada bag while studying Italian in Milan or a fabulous Hermes necktie while learning French in Paris. Also, talk to your academic advisor about how to receive credit for your class work while participating in academic study.

When thinking about your financial limitations and opportunities during an international experience, be sure to review and debunk the following study abroad MYTHS:

• I can only receive academic credit for study abroad programs offered by my college or university - WRONG! The vast majority of US and Canadian universities will grant credit for transcripts from accredited foreign universities. Moreover, many study abroad programs issue transcripts from US accredited universities.
• The more expensive the program, the better it is - WRONG! There is little relation between a program's price and a program's quality. Often several different providers work with the exact same foreign university and prices vary considerably. Moreover, different providers include different services, excursions and extras.
I can't get financial aid for studying abroad - WRONG! Sometimes it takes a bit more work and research but financial aid is available for studying abroad.

When you choose a program that will be most beneficial to you make sure to keep a record of all the deadlines that are set for submitting the required materials. Be sure to mail everything at least a month in advance. This will ensure that your paperwork does not arrive late. In most cases, you'll need to send a copy of required test scores, transcripts, and a letter of interest, along with recommendations from your professors. If possible, make arrangements to have your test scores sent directly to the place you're applying to study internationally; this is much more convenient, especially if the program you have selected requires official copies of test scores.

You'll also need to apply for a passport and take care of any immunization required to leave the country. Passports should be applied for at least three months in advance. Also remember to check the visa requirements for the country you plan on studying in. Remember that different countries can require different paperwork, so if you are going to be studying French in Paris do not go by the deadlines of your roommate who will be studying Spanish in Barcelona - keep track of everything for your trip and your host country, and when in doubt, ask an advisor or call an embassy or check online. Schedule a visit to the doctor's office for a physical before leaving, and to obtain a copy of your medical records, so that you can carry your records with you overseas. You will also need to apply for international medical insurance if your plan does not cover you on your overseas semester. Nothing can ruin a beautiful experience studying Italian in Florence faster than a bad flu or a bad batch of pasta, and having adequate medical insurance will help guarantee that you spend less time in bed and more time studying languages and cultures! You can also apply for an international student card before leaving, so that you'll be eligible for student discounts, regardless of which country you study in or visit.

If there are information sessions scheduled for the international study program on your campus, do your best to attend them, or to at least get all the literature about the event from your academic advisor. Some informational interviews can also be conducted via email or over the phone, so if need be, schedule such meetings with an expert in the international program you're applying for. Lastly, remember to keep in touch with your academic advisor throughout the application process to ask about program changes and provide recommendations. And talk to language teachers! Many of them have been international study abroad students just like you, and their input on topics from what to wear to tour the Sistine Chapel during a summer abroad in Rome to what to pack before you leave for a year studying Spanish in South America can be invaluable!

Remember, the more prepared and organized you are before you leave for your overseas classes, semester, or program, the more relaxed and able to have fun you will be upon your arrival in your new, if temporary, home.

To get started, here are some links to study abroad organizations, language schools and study abroad directories:

Academic Programs International
Alliances Abroad
AmeriSpan Study Abroad
CdL Spanish School
Languages Abroad
Lingua Services
Links Abroad
Study Abroad Links

Travel Advice

In an ideal world, nothing bad would ever happen while traveling, like getting sick or losing a passport. Ultimately, somewhere along the way in all of our travels a "snafu", small or large, will likely occur. Nobody likes to prepare for the worst. Just as you would research points of interest like museums, restaurants, hotels, etc. of your particular travel destination, it is also best to know for example: where your home country's embassy/consulate is, how to seek healthcare abroad and what your primary health plan may or may not cover/reimburse for while abroad.

There are two good sources for up-to-date healthcare information prior to traveling and during your travels, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of State.

If you are ill-prepared (no pun intended) and do become sick while traveling or participating in an immersion program you can request help from the on-site language school, the hotel staff where you are staying, or even a consular officer in country (*Please note: a consular officer will usually only provide assistance if there is a serious illness or a severe accident to be dealt with.) Since you are not the first person to ever become sick while traveling, they will be familiar with a local clinic or hospital to refer you to, and in the case of the on-site school staff may even accompany you to make sure everything goes smoothly.

A good idea prior to traveling is to make two copies of your passport, one to leave at home with your family and/or friends, and one to take along with you on your travels. In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, having a photocopy of your passport in a couple of different known places will save you from more headaches. My advice is to be proactive and take care to secure your passport in a place to avoid theft or losing it upon arrival to your destination after you have cleared immigration/customs. When out and about, carry the photocopy, and lock your passport away in a hotel safe deposit box. If staying with a local family you can lock your passport in your suitcase and store it under your bed. In other words, only carry your passport when it is necessary, for example if you were to cash travelers checks, check into a hotel and so on.

For US citizens, if your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest US Embassy or consulate; for up-to-date and detailed information, please refer to The U.S. Department of State.

Here is a brief synopsis of the process; you will need to complete a new passport application and will be asked the following questions by a consular officer:

• Your name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Passport number (if available...will expedite process if you memorize it or have a copy)
• Date and place where passport was issued

You will also need to complete an affidavit explaining the circumstances under which your passport was lost or stolen (heck, even misplaced!). A police report may not be necessary, but a consular officer can request one if there is suspicion of fraud. After citizenship verification and proof of identity, a replacement passport will be issued.

Procedures to obtain and/or replace a passport will likely vary per country; please contact the appropriate branch of government in your home country for up-to-date information.

For any situation that may arise, it is best to be prepared and informed prior to traveling and, lastly, breathe, stay calm if any "snafu" occurs, and just think that tomorrow will be a better day.

Study Abroad Research

Deciding on the study abroad program that's right for you takes time, but it's definitely worth it in the end. To help you with that process we're offering a step-by-step guide to choosing the best study abroad program. Following these simple steps will help ensure that you have the best possible experience, whether you decide to study German in Austria or learn Hebrew in Israel.

Step 1: What Works For You?

Jot down your goals and constraints on paper. In order to find a program that matches your academic, financial and personal preferences, you need to clearly define those preferences. What is it that you want to accomplish? When can you go? What can you afford? While your ambition may be to study Portuguese in Lisbon, does it make more financial sense right now for you to learn Portugal in Brazil and try out that new knowledge while taking a semester abroad in Portugal next year?

Step 2: Where To Go?
Select a location BEFORE you select a program. We believe that atmosphere is the key ingredient in the overall learning recipe. You will learn more in an environment where you feel comfortable. Are you a city slicker, or do you prefer small towns? What do you like to do outside of class? Do you prefer a thriving nightlife or fewer distractions from your studies? Are you interested in indigenous cultures, or are European cultures more enticing? If you love the beach and water sports, you might want to try a program to learn French and surfing in Biarritz, France, but if you love museums and shopping, you might prefer to study French in Paris.

Step 3: Which Programs Meet Your Needs?

Research and compare program details. Not every international study program is right for every student. When evaluating different programs, we recommend that you answer the following questions:

• What are the deadlines, start dates and payment policies? What are the requirements? (language level, GPA, etc.)
• Are the elective courses taught in English or the local language?
• What is the student/teacher ratio?
• Where is the campus located? (near a city center, public transportation accessibility, etc.)
• What amenities are offered? (on-site cafeteria, computer lab, library)
• What are the housing options?
• What extracurricular activities are offered?
• What excursions are included?
• Are volunteer or internship opportunites available?
• What other services are included? (travel insurance, mobile phone service, etc.)
• What type of transcript is provided? (U.S. college or foreign university?)

The best tools for researching and comparing study abroad programs are on the Internet. We at Abroad Blogger want to be your one-stop source for any study abroad-related questions you may have.

Step 4: Who Puts It All Together?

Find the right study abroad provider. Independent organizations and private/state universities both provide study abroad programs at foreign institutions worldwide. In your research, you may find that the program you want is offered by several organizations. In that case, you should select the one with the best service and value and with whom you feel the most satisfied. Keep in mind that you will be studying far from home, and you will have a better time studying Spanish or learning French in a foreign land if you are confident with your agent. Here are some questions for you to ask when evaluating providers of study abroad programs:

• Are they dependable? (Ask for references, how many students they sent, years in business)
• Are your questions answered in friendly and timely manner? Are you satisfied with their responses?
• Do they demonstrate an understanding of the location and the finer details of the program? What do you get for your money?
• Do they provide extra services? (excursions, mobile phones, in-country transportation, extra activities, other lodging options, etc.)
• Are the payment and refund policies flexible? (credit cards payment, late registration, postponements, etc.)

To get started, here are some links to study abroad organizations, language schools and study abroad directories:

Academic Programs International
Alliances Abroad
AmeriSpan Study Abroad
CdL Spanish School
Languages Abroad
Lingua Services
Links Abroad
Study Abroad Links

Why Visit France?

The first thing one thinks of when hearing the word "France" is the Eiffel Tower. Indeed, the Eiffel Tower is a major reason that students want to go to France to study. First of all, France is very rich in history. The French Revolution in itself has created so many landmarks that a student studying European History would be thrilled to just visit those places. Nevertheless, France is not only for European History students. An international study abroad program looks out for more reasons than just the history of the country. What do students look at when choosing a country to study and live in? Well, of course, it is more fun to study in France in Paris or stay in Biarritz than to learn French in Idaho, but there are many reasons why international students choose France. We'll count down the reasons for visiting France, starting with number five.

Visit France - #5

Number five on our list would be that France in itself is inspiring. How so? Imagine yourself gazing up at the Eiffel Tower with your university books at sunset; the scene ahead would simply take your breath away. Adding to that would be the pride of being a student in this wonderful country that produced such a magnificent landmark. An international study program is designed to give students that satisfaction, the pride of being a student in France. Artistically inclined students would be awestruck to see Picasso's work firsthand. Seeing something you have only seen before as copies or in a book would be altogether a once in a lifetime experience. What about sipping coffee at the local bistro? In a place as rich in culture as France, that very action requires much confidence, which students will definitely gain while studying in France.

Visit France - #4

Fourth on our list would be that France is the perfect place for venturing out and exploring. An international study program is not only about studying; encouraging students to go on excursions to various parts of the country is very much part of the agenda. France has many places to visit. Students can go to the Alps to ski, take a cruise down the Rhine, or even visit the home of French kings in Fontainebleau. These trips are beneficial in many ways, academically and leisure-wise. Also, from France, it is possible to access major European cities like London, Madrid, Brussels and Milan. Students can take a trip over to these cities quickly and easily.

Visit France - #3

The third reason on our list is somewhat related to the fifth reason. Paris, the capital of France, is a world famous center of art, fashion, cuisine and culture. By participating in an internation study program, not only would a student benefit academically, he/she would also benefit in other ways. For example, France is the homeland of famous fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent. Students may have grown up hearing his name and wearing his label, but actually staying in the same country and experiencing his material firsthand is an altogether different story. Christian Dior also hails from France, as does Jean-Paul Gaultier. And why not grab a gift for someone back home (or yourself!) at the Louis Vuitton flagship store near your school in Paris? French cuisine is extremely rich too; it is sheer ecstasy to just taste French cuisine, let alone enjoy it day in and day out. Culture-wise, France's history speaks volumes about its culture.

Visit France - #2

Coming in at number two would be that France is an economic center. It is the second European economic power and the second biggest service exporter in the world. Many multinational companies operate in France and all over the world, and this opens up plenty of doors for students who go there to study. Some multinational companies include Airbus, L'Oreal, Danone, Renault and Carrefour. These five companies are in five completely different fields, which show the vast range of choices students have when they graduate.

Visit France - #1

The topmost reason would be that France provides quality education. It is also a safe country with secure transportation networks and racial harmony. Its universities are internationally recognized, and they provide a wide range of subjects for students to choose from. Students emerge from these education centers as mature adults ready to face the world.

Well, you've come to the end of our Top 5 Reasons to Visit France. Our conclusion: Going abroad on an international study program can provide you with a well-rounded way to better yourself by immersing yourself in a land and culture that is very different from your own. France is indeed an excellent choice for students planning to study abroad.

Finances

Credit / Check Cards - Make sure your ATM card has a Visa or MasterCard logo. If it doesn't, get a card that does from your bank or apply for a card from another bank. Those with good credit might want to consider a Signature Visa Card tied to the airline you are flying because this allows you to check in at the first class counter and pre-board. Those with little or no credit history can get a prepaid Visa card from Visa's website.

Check for ATMs before you leave - Both Visa and MasterCard list their ATMs worldwide online, but you can call as well. A nearby ATM will mean that you can reduce the amount of cash or travelers checks you were thinking of taking. If you are a customer at Bank of America, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank 24, Scotiabank and Westpac, you can avoid ATM access charges by banking with a member of the Global ATM Alliance. If an ATM is broken, you can get a cash advance on your credit card at a bank.

Bring enough cash for emergencies - Holidays, arriving after hours, expensive ground transportation, missed connections, lost luggage, broken ATM machines and arrival/exit costs are just a few reasons why you should NOT plan to arrive or depart with a few dollars and a credit card. Have enough cash to cover expenses.