Study Abroad Bloggers

Travel China

By Anne-Marie Dingemans When thinking about China, often images of its long, rich history filled with mysterious temples, the great wall and omnipotent emperors flash before one's eyes. The politically-inclined may remember Tianamen Square and the issues concerning Human Rights. Also, China currently receives a lot of attention thanks to its phenomenal economic growth of the last couple of years. However, China as a destination for nature-lovers may not be the first thing one thinks of, but when contemplating the idea, it's only logical that China, due to its sheer size has many surprises to offer those who are willing and able to explore different parts of the country. I enjoy being surprised, so I went on a little exploring trip (in the mind, not in the flesh, unfortunately!). China has a variety of climates within its borders. There are the mountainous areas (the Himalaya!), tropical lowlands in the South-East, arid Mongolian plains and lush, rolling plains in the center. China truly offers something interesting for all tastes and preferences. China fortunately does try to protect its national treasures. It has 187 National Parks and in addition also 243 National Nature Reserves, 627 National Forest Parks, 192 National Water Parks, 138 National Geoparks, 2 National Wetlands Parks, 10 National Urban Wetlands Parks, and 28 National Mineparks. And we're not even talking about Regionally protected areas! 4 of these areas are even classified as World Heritage sites. These are the Huanglong, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Wulingyuan and the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan. Of course distances are enormous and some areas are best visited at certain times of the year, but one can easily set up a trip that encompasses a great variety of scenery all within China, then throw some culture and history into it along the way, a day or so shopping in Beijing or Hong Kong, and there you have a pretty perfect holiday if you ask me. Happy Traveling!

What not to Do

...continuing from " What to do and not to do if you hate your host family".... By Elizabeth Gregory So we've looked at what to do. Let's take a look at what not to do. First of all, let me stress that all of these are general rules and may change or vary depending on what the actual circumstances are. These are listed in no particular order. Don't get upset. - As with anything in life, nothing is perfect. When you were planning your semester abroad you probably had visions of living in a utopia. After the newness of the place wore off, you may have been left with feelings of culture shock or feeling down. Problems with a host family may have compounded these feelings, but try not to get too upset. Things are fixable and usually are not as bad as you think they are. Don't try to force the issue - in other words, if you are not having any luck trying to figure out what's going on, and you are not getting any help from on-site staff, don't take it upon yourself to have things straightened out. If things really are that bad and you feel that they cannot be rectified, sometimes the best option is to switch families. (Note, that normally this is the last resort). Don't let this ruin your stay. - whether you wind up switching families, or staying on with the same one once problems have been solved, don't dwell on the bad. Move on and try and put the problems in the past. Your overall stay should not suffer because of a conflict or misunderstanding with a host family. I'm willing to bet that years from now, you may even be able to look back on the situation and laugh. OK, maybe not laugh, but at least you may have a good story or will be able to give some good advice to someone else.

What to Do

...continuing from " What to do and not to do if you hate your host family".... By Elizabeth Gregory So let's say you discover after a few days that a member of your host family "rubs you the wrong way." What should you do? I can tell you from past experience, that 9 times out of 10 this is a simple miscommunication that is easily solved. However, there is that fact of reality that not every single person in the world gets along with every other single person. So, what to do: * Make a note of what happened. (either a mental note, or write it down) Was it something they said that you're not sure if you translated the right way? Or was it a rule that was explained to you that you're thinking shouldn't be the case? For example, laundry service may be included and your host mother may be telling you that it is not included (once in a while, these types of things can happen). Main reason being that host families often work with more than one organization or have in the past, so it can be confusing when each organization has its own sets of guidelines and what to provide for the student as far as host families go. * Speak to a program administrator. If you have a series of events that have occurred, this is especially important. However, I cannot stress enough that you should get this cleared up immediately to avoid further confusion or problems. It is best to speak to them rather than confront the family. This is true for several reasons including: 1. you can do it in your own language 2. they may have to call the family to clarify any confusion (ie the laundry example, they may be a new family, etc). * Let it go. If it's a simple misunderstanding, it's best to forgive and forget. Next time, we'll discuss what not to do....

What to Do and Not to Do

...if you hate your host family. By Elizabeth Gregory Is this your first time studying abroad? Will you be staying with a host family? Are you asking yourself "what if I don't like them, or they don't like me? What if we get on each other's nerves? Can I really live with strangers?!?" Believe it or not, these kinds of thoughts are normal. I can tell you as someone who has stayed with host families in six different countries, some of these thoughts go through my mind every time. (Usually en route to their house!) In the end though, I always come to realize that when you have realistic expectations and have a plan in your head of what to do and not to do, things always seem to go smoother. Over the next few entries, I will share with you some important advice on what to do and what not to do when it comes to your host family experience and making it a wonderful experience you will treasure for many years to come. To Be continued...

The Choice

By Anne-Marie Dingemans Part 4 As always, it depends on the particulars of your personal circumstances. Important to know is that both are viable options. However, if your main goal is language learning, the language school will often turn out to be the most sensible investment. Before deciding on your study abroad program, please do comprehensive research on which options are available to you, what the benefits and the drawbacks are of each program, and most importantly, what's the best program for you. Dare to think outside the box!

The Language School Option

By Anne-Marie Dingemans Part 3 1. Many reputable language schools also have established relationships with US and European universities, which will issue credits which you can then transfer to your own school, or obtain direct approval from your Study Abroad office; 2. The focus is entirely on the language. Although current events, literature and music will be discussed, especially at the higher levels, the focus remains on language acquisition; 3. Tuition costs are very reasonable, as little as about $800/month for 4hrs/day classes AND room and board! (this is the program in Antigua, Guatemala from AmeriSpan) 4. Excursions can be arranged and paid for onsite, after school activities are plentiful and cheap, and there is always onsite staff available to help you with questions or problems. To be continued...

The University Option

By Anne-Marie Dingemans Part 2 1. When you're a college student, your school may have established relationships with foreign universities, making enrollment and more importantly, transferring credit, much easier. However, they may not offer your preferred location; 2. Apart from language classes you may have the option to take electives in the field of your interest, such as literature, business, history or art; 3. Tuition costs can be high; 4. Many study abroad programs include non-curricular extras in their program, such as excursions, after-school activities, American onsite staff, a cell phone, etc. Pleasant, but judge if you need them and if they’re worth the extra money.

Language School vs Foreign Univ. - Which to Choose?

By Anne-Marie Dingemans When you want to seriously improve your language skills, going to the country where it's spoken is often the most logical choice. When onsite, for your formal language tuition which is a very important part of the overall experience, you have the choice between a private language institute or enrolling in a local university. Although it may seem logical, especially for college students, to enroll at a university, it may not always be the optimum choice. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, which I will discuss at the following blog...

Language Immersion Programs and Academic Credit

By Beth Klemick - Part One One may earn academic credit for nearly every type of immersion program. If you plan to volunteer or intern abroad, you can earn academic credit for international work experiences and/or the language classes that you are usually required to take. For medical students it may be possible to have your institution to approve elective credit for a program like the AmeriSpan SALUD Medical Travel program. And even teachers may be able to receive continuing education or training units. The process of receiving academic credit can be relatively easy for some programs. For example, Academic Study Abroad programs, especially those offered through your own home university/program. In other cases, receiving credit for a language immersion program offered through an independent agency, like AmeriSpan, might take a little work. If you choose the latter approach, the best way to receive academic credit is to talk to faculty at your college/university/place of employment. Your institution may require additional information about the program prior to approval, as well as require you to submit a term paper or complete other requirements. In general, the organization that you wish to register with can provide a course syllabus, transcript, itinerary, and/or list some other colleges/universities/organizations that have granted credit for study at the same foreign institution.

Travel Abroad - Things You Must Have - part 4

By Elizabeth Gregory - Part 4 Clothing - It may sound silly, but check the weather where you are going. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing. By appropriate, I'm not only talking about weather related, but also culturally appropriate to the country where you are going. For easy packing, be sure you can mix and match outfits without bringing your entire closet. In addition, if you plan to be in various climates or gone over an extended period of time, the ability to layer is key. Empty smaller bag/suitcase (i.e. duffel bag or overnight bag). This is an item you must pack and be sure that it is empty. You will definitely need this if you are going away for a long time. You will accumulate a lot of things and may not have room in your luggage. In addition, this is a great thing to have for quick weekend getaways. Technology optional - Sure you may want to bring your digital camera, laptop, and cell phone, but you can still get along in most places without them. (In other words, pay phones and a calling card work and may be cheaper than a cell). Many student facilities at study abroad campuses have computers for student use on email. Weigh your options and do your research. Is it really worth brining your laptop when you may not have time to use it, it could get lost or stolen, or not work properly on a different current. Same with cell phones – do your research to insure that your phone will work if you choose to bring it and that it will not be outrageously expensive. Bringing technology is absolutely optional.