Then there is music. For many people, Spanish music is synonym to Flamenco, but in fact there are many different types and styles of local music. The Spanish modern music comprises modern Flamenco as well as pop, rock and hip-hop groups. If you like the Spanish nightlife, you'll quickly discover that for the most part of the evening you'll hear Spanish music in pubs and clubs.

Finally, if you really want to, there is of course the vast array of typical handicrafts specially made for tourists, such as the 'Torero-posters' which are posters for bullfights, where you can get your name printed as the main torero. Or T-shirts with the famous Jerez-bull on it (if you've been to Spain, you know him), ashtrays with 'playa and sol' and multi-colored candles that for some unknown reason are abound along the costas, etc. etc. etc…

Spanish wines are also very recommended as souvenirs. Spanish wine is excellent quality, comes in a wide variety of flavours and above all, is dirt-cheap! If you live outside of the European Union there are probably restrictions on the amount of wine you may import into your country, but luckily for the Europeans, there is free traffic of persons and goods :)… Which means that there are people who have taken 6 bottles of wine home in their backpack, wrapped in their snowboard socks (don't ask).

Further, you can get very nice ceramics in Spain, especially those regions that have been heavily influenced by the Mores. The tiles that you can find on the walls of typical houses, outdoor as well as indoors come in many different patterns and colors. Little tables inlayed with ceramics, decorative plates, vases and ornaments are readily available everywhere. But you can't mention Spanish ceramics without mentioning the famous Lladro art. The factory is located in Valencia but you can find the beautiful figurines in the big department store El Corte Ingles or dedicated stores in the main cities. They come with a guarantee for life but I'd still recommend to be very careful with them and take them in your hand luggage.

Part 3 - Continuing from "Spanish in Miami" - by Elizabeth Gregory

Because of the weather, bars and restaurants tend to be more open to the outdoors. Even the shops at Bayside consisted of an open air mall. There was live music (in Spanish) almost everywhere I went. Many people were up dancing and singing along. It made me sad to realize that I would have to come back home to an almost winter atmosphere where people rarely venture out in the cold unless they have to. Even though this time around I did not venture out to South Beach, I still had a great time and felt that I saw the city more the way the locals do. By hanging around the cafes, bars and live music in the evenings, I was able to get a taste of the local culture as opposed to the tourist resort culture that I had been accustomed to on prior visits to this city. There certainly was a lot of culture to be found everywhere I went.

Part 2 - Continuing from "Spanish in Miami" - by Elizabeth Gregory

I was surprised at how many Spanish speakers were all over the city. It was rare to walk down the street and not hear someone speaking Spanish. Even the homeless woman who asked me for money did so in English and Spanish. Nine times out of ten, someone would speak to you in Spanish first. I passed by a Spanish school in Little Havana. While there is not much to do in that area in terms of shopping or restaurants (aside from fast food), it is the perfect place to learn Spanish. Virtually every billboard is in Spanish and regardless of the time of day, people are always out an about providing a good opportunity to practice your Spanish listening and speaking skills if you wish. When I passed through the drive through at McDonalds for something to drink, the worker asked me in Spanish first. I was taken off guard, so he then asked me in English what I wanted. Later that night, I was down at the bayside shops and an Irish woman asked me why there were so many "Spaniards" living in Miami. I had to explain to her that many were from Cuba and other parts of Latin America, but I doubted that many if any were from Spain.

Part 1 - by Elizabeth Gregory

This past weekend, I attended a conference in downtown Miami. Although I had been to Miami before, I had only been as a tourist. This time, I was determined to get to know the city on a new level. First and foremost, let me talk about the nightmare I had trying to drive in the city. Miami is a sprawling city and distances are longer than they appear. What looks like a 5 minute drive winds up being 20 minutes easily (double that with traffic). On top of that, the city is largely under construction. No left turn, no u-turn, and no right turns at intersections makes it difficult to turn around if you find yourself on a road going the wrong way. To add to the confusion, there are numbered streets and numbered avenues. Luckily, they use the same rule as in New York (avenues go "the long way" and streets cut across the "short way").

Part 3 - Continuing from "Semester in Florence" - By Elizabeth Gregory

What is there to do in Florence? There are many festivals throughout the year. Some of the most famous are the Florence film festival (Festival Dei Popoli) and the International Handicrafts Fair. This website gives a good list of events and attractions: http://www.travelplan.it/florence_guide_events.htm

Perhaps the most appealing quality of Florence is the fact that it is neither too big nor too small. In addition, train travel throughout Italy is easy and safe. There is a good chance that you will have many free weekends to see other sites to really soak up the Italian culture while you are there.

There are many opportunities to spend a semester in Florence. Not all have US based transcripts, so be careful. Our friends at AmeriSpan offer a US Accredited program in Florence: http://www.amerispan.com/study_abroad/Italy/Florence/3603!

Part 2 - Continuing from "Semester in Florence" - By Elizabeth Gregory

Florence contains an exceptional artistic patrimony, glorious testimony to its secular civilization. Cimabue and Giotto, the fathers of Italian painting, lived here, along with Arnolfo and Andrea Pisano, reformists of architecture and sculpture; Brunelleschi, Donatello and Masaccio, founders of the Renaissance; Ghiberti and the Della Robbia; Filippo Lippi and l'Angelico; Botticelli and Paolo Uccello; the universal geniuses Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Their works, along with those of many generations of artists up to the masters of the present century, are gathered in the city's many museums. In Florence, thanks to Dante, the Italian language was born; with Petrarch and Boccaccio literary studies were affirmed; with Humanism the philosophy and values of classical civilization were revived; with Machiavelli modern political science was born; with Guicciardini, historical prose; and with Galileo, modern experimental science. Up to the time of Charlemagne, Florence was a university town. Today it includes many specialized institutes and is an international cultural center. Academies, art schools, scientific institutes and cultural centers all contribute to the city's intense activity.

Source: About Florence

by Elizabeth Gregory

Italy is well-known for its art, cuisine, and architecture. Although Italian is not a widely spoken language outside of Italy, students each year choose Italy as a destination for a semester abroad program. Students of a variety of majors from business to fashion design to art can learn a thing or two in addition to the Italian language while in Italy. My personal favorite city in Italy is Florence.

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, is considered the heartbeat of the country with its breathtaking architecture and sculpture, cultural events, and museums. The streets of Florence radiate the charm of Italian culture.

More to come...

Part 2 - Continuing from "Why Study Abroad" - by Elizabeth G

Here are some of the questions you may be asking as you make your decision about whether or not a semester abroad is right for you:

How long does it take to become fluent?
My standard answer to this is that everyone has their own definition of fluent, so I always try to get more specifics on what exactly they want to accomplish. A general basic example is that if you are an absolute beginner and go for one month with little/no English spoken you will be very conversational in the present tense (at the very least), will be able to understand most things, but will still not be able to say as much as you would like to.

From my own personal experience, I learned and improved my Spanish more in 4 months in Spain than I did from 6 years of classroom instruction here in the U.S.

What if I get homesick or hate where I am?
If this happens, chances are you're experiencing culture shock. For an in-depth look at this issue, read my article on culture shock found here:

Is this appropriate for my major or will I just be behind when I get back to campus?
This is something you should talk to your advisor about. You definitely don't want to risk getting behind. The biggest problem you may have is those pesky courses that are only offered once a year. Ultimately, this could determine which semester will be best for you to go. In addition, many study abroad programs offer elective courses applicable to a variety of majors.

Part 3 - Continuing from "Why Study Abroad" - by Elizabeth G

Now that you've thought about the pros and have been asking yourself some questions about going, you also must consider the cons. So, what are the three biggest drawbacks to studying abroad?

1. Potential problems with credit transfer if you choose a program that is independent from your university. Always speak with your advisor to make sure your credits will in fact transfer without any problems. This drawback is not always a problem.

2. Culture shock - especially if you've never been out of the country. Remember that culture shock is not permanent, so you need not let this be the sole reason for not going abroad. If you know that it may happen then you can prepare in advance.

3. Risk factors - With the way the world is today, you never know what can happen. However, if you are smart and do a little research before you go you can avoid the problem areas. A good suggestion is to talk to past participants and make sure they felt safe in the location.

Ultimately, it's your decision. Once you get out into the working world, you may never have the opportunity to spend a significant time overseas. Make sure you make the right choice.

Part 1 - by Elizabeth G

So you're on the fence about whether or not you should "waste time" away from your campus to embark on a semester abroad. You may be asking yourself, "what are the benefits?" or more importantly, "do the pros outweigh the cons?" For the sake of argument, let's assume that you have enough money in your budget to go anywhere you want for a semester.

We'll look at the pros and cons (from a general standpoint - keep in mind not all may apply to you). From my experience, these will be the most common reasons for going or not going. We'll also answer some most commonly asked questions. Let's look at the top 3 benefits of a semester abroad first:

1. Second Language Acquisition - Yes, you too can learn a second, third or fourth language or improve upon the skills you already have in that language.

2. Going somewhere new - seeing and doing new things many times is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. You will expand your horizons and grow as an individual on so many levels.

3. It will change your life! - Perhaps this is the most important benefit of studying abroad. There is a great article here that gives some fascinating statistics and good quotes from past participants

Source

Part 5 - Continuing from "University System in Europe" - by Anne-Marie D

It's baffling to me how the European Union plans to unify its university diploma's and levels of education- in Germany you need to follow 8 years of accelerated secondary education before even being admitted to University, and then after 4 years (most often longer) at a Fachhochschule you obtain a Bachelors degree, while in Spain you have only 2 years of dedicated university-preparatory education and in 2 years you can obtain a Doctorado. And then I'm not even starting about the Babylonian speech confusion that arises from 'Doctorados' having nothing to do with 'Doctorates' and the mysterious 'Firsts' actually referring to a sub-qualification of a Honours-degree which is only really a Bachelors degree just with a certain grade average. Oh how do I love 'diversity'...

Part 4 - Continuing from "University System in Europe" - by Anne-Marie D

To be accepted into the study of your dreams (or anyone for that matter) in Spain, you need to not only have a Bachiller but also take an entrance exam. You take 1 of 5 possible exams, each linked to certain fields of study. You will have prepared for these exams during your 2 year post-compulsory Bachillerato. The Bachillerato can be studied at the same institute as where secondary education is provided but there are also specialized Bachiller-preparation schools dedicated to just that.

University here prepares you for either 'Doctorado' titles, which you obtain after successfully completing a 2-3 year program, and you're 'Licenciado' when completing a program that takes 4-6 years.

Conclusions to follow...

Part 3 - Continuing from "University System in Europe" - by Anne-Marie D

In Germany, you need the 'Abitur' to be admitted to higher education. You achieve this diploma after taking examinations following a 3 year preparation course (soon to be 2 years in most Bundeslaender) to which you can only be admitted if you have the proper qualification. This in reality means that children as of grade 5 on have to be on the 'fast-track' to be able to pass Abitur and study at University.

Once the Abitur is passed, a student can apply to Universities, but also to Technische Hochschule and Fachhochschulen. 'Hochschule' are more practically oriented and always include an internship as part of the curriculum whereas universities are more theoretically oriented. After finishing your course, which can take from 4-6 years, you'll be awarded the 'Diplom' title.

Germany is trying to convert to the more international qualifications of 'Bachelor' and 'Master' but to make it easy J it depends where you study if the former Diplom will be a Bachelor (graduates from Fachhochschule) or a Master (graduates from Universities and Technische Hochschule) in the future.

More to follow...

Part 2 - Continuing from "University System in Europe" - by Anne-Marie D

British adolescents prepare for admission into University by taking 2 years of preparatory education after the compulsory schooling has ended (at age 16). This is called 'sixth form' and is finished by taking exams in select subjects, the GCE A-levels. Higher education in the UK can lead to a variety of degrees, but most students study courses at 'honours' level. Honours courses typically last for 3 years and lead to a Bachelors degree. They are called 'honours' courses but in reality you need to achieve a certain academic level to be awarded a 'first', 'second' or 'third'. Apparently you can also obtain a 'pass degree' if you do not achieve a high enough standard for an honours degree. So you see, in Britain one BA or BSc is not necessarily the same as the next.

The UK also knows Masters degrees, and these can be awarded either after taking a short (usually 1-2 years) course after having completed an honours degree, or after following an extended undergraduate program that last, typically, a year longer than honours degree programs.

At Doctorate level, the system is the same pretty much everywhere.

More to come....

by Anne-Marie D

I don't think I'm the only one who finds it very difficult to 'translate' my European university degree to an international setting. Words like 'Master' and 'Bachelor' are thrown about but usually mean very different things in different countries.

Now I thought there would be an end to this when European leaders convened in 1999 to speak about the different educational systems in Europe. Unfortunately, the result, the Bologna Process does not aim to harmonize national educational systems but rather provides tools to connect them. The European Diploma Supplement (DS) is one such tool. It aims to describe the qualification a student receives in a standard format that is easy to understand and compare. This is one step in the right direction but in the meanwhile, it seems that we'll have to deal with many different systems, levels and qualifications for a while longer. That's why I thought I'd give a bit of an overview for those of you who are looking to Study Abroad in Europe and a little confused regarding what 'First', 'Diplom' and 'Licenciado' mean.

To be continued..

continuing from "Culture Shock Understanding and Preventing It" - Part 3 - By Elizabeth Gregory

Where can you find help when you need it?

Before you go...
Ask your trip provider if they have any information to share related to culture shock. Many universities have information that students receive prior to departure. Agencies like AmeriSpan give out a list of tips to help ease cultural adjustment. If your organization does not offer this as part of the service, there is a lot of information that can be found on the web.

While you're there...
As mentioned before, the best cure for culture shock is to get out there and adapt! However, if you are feeling rather depressed, talk to someone. Most programs have a counselor or other on-site staff member who would be more than willing to talk to you. Other participants who are well traveled or may have been there longer are also a good resource.

When you come home...
Chances are that the re-entry phase of culture shock will not be as upsetting as when you were overseas. In my experience, it was more of an eye-opening experience. Again, talk to the organization that organized your trip. See if they have any tips, suggestions, or materials to share withy you if needed. Again, the internet is a great resource in this case.

continuing from "Culture Shock Understanding and Preventing It" - Part 2 - By Elizabeth Gregory

Recent studies have shown that there are distinct phases of culture shock, which virtually everyone who lives abroad goes through. Each phase has a number of characteristic features, one of which is usually predominant. These stages include:

Preliminary stage: This phase includes awareness of the host culture, preparation for the journey, farewell activities.

Initial euphoria: The initial euphoria phase begins with the arrival in the new country and ends when this excitement wears off.

Irritability: During the irritability phase you will be acclimating to your setting. This will produce frustration because of the difficulty in coping with the elementary aspects of everyday life when things still appear so foreign to you. Your focus will likely turn to the differences between the host culture and your home, and these differences can be troubling. Sometimes insignificant difficulties can seem like major problems. One typical reaction against culture shock is to associate mainly with other North Americans, but remember, you are going abroad to get to know the host country, its people, culture, and language. If you avoid contact with nationals of the host country, you cheat yourself and lengthen the process of adaptation.

Gradual adjustment: When you become more used to the new culture, you will slip into the gradual adjustment stage. You may not even be aware that this is happening. You will begin to orient yourself and to be able to interpret subtle cultural clues. The culture will become familiar to you.

Adaptation and biculturalism: Eventually you will develop the ability to function in the new culture. Your sense of "foreignness" diminishes significantly. And not only will you be more comfortable with the host culture, but you may also feel a part of it. Once abroad, you can take some steps to minimize emotional and physical ups and downs. Try to establish routines that incorporate both the difficult and enjoyable tasks of the day or week. Treat yourself to an occasional indulgence such as a USA magazine or newspaper, a favorite meal or beverage, or a long talk with other Americans experiencing the same challenges. Keep yourself healthy through regular exercise and eating habits. Accept invitations to activities that will allow you to see areas of the host culture outside the university and meet new people. Above all try to maintain your sense of humor.

Re-entry phase: The re-entry phase occurs when you return to your homeland. For some, this can be the most painful phase of all. You will be excited about sharing your experiences, and you will realize that you have changed, although you may not be able to explain how. One set of values has long been instilled in you, another you have acquired in the host country. Both may seem equally valid.

SOURCE: CIE

From my own personal experience, I can tell you that culture shock can be prevented or lessened by having realistic expectations about where you will be going and what you will be doing. Expectations can be kept in check by doing preliminary research about the place(s) where you will be visiting or staying. You may want to talk to someone who has already been there before. If this fails and you are really miserable in your new surroundings, don’t lock yourself up in your room, get out see things do things and talk to people. Feeling sorry for yourself will only make things worse. Get out there and make things happen!!

Next time we'll look at additional resources available before during and after your trip.

Understanding and Preventing It - Part 1 - By Elizabeth Gregory

We've all heard the term "culture shock," but how many of us have really taken an in-depth look at it? This article will attempt to familiarize you with what exactly culture shock is and how you can prevent it. Although you may not necessarily be able to avoid it altogether, it will make your study abroad trip that much easier if you are able to understand what it is and how to best adapt to your new surroundings.

What is culture shock?
According to Wikipedia culture shock is a term used to describe the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within an entirely different cultural or social environment, such as a different country or a different state than where they live (e.g. urban southern California vs. rural North Carolina).

So you can see that it is not limited to an overseas experience. Even college campuses realize that students may experience culture shock if they are away from home for the first time. This is especially true for international students coming to study in the Sates. The University of Richmond has a great section on their site about culture shock, how to best deal with it and its symptoms which include:

* Psychosomatic illnesses (i.e., headaches, back pain, digestive problems, insomnia)
* Inability to work well
* Feelings of anger toward members of this culture
* Profound homesickness
* Lack of desire to be with members of the new culture
* Glorification of the home culture
* Inability to handle even small problems

SOURCE: Richmond Edu.

Next time we'll look at the stages of culture shock and how best to prevent and cope with culture shock

Continued from "How to Finance your Study Abroad Adventure" - Part 3 - by Beth Klemick

It is important to not rule out other financial opportunities such as scholarships and loans. Recently while surfing the web I happened upon a loan company called My Rich Uncle. A fascinating company and interesting alternative as they go against the conventional beliefs of the student loan industry. Although the mission of the company is creative and different it is important to note that they are national student loan company offering federal and private loans to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. They may just be the next source to assist in financing your study abroad adventure.

Continued from "How to Finance your Study Abroad Adventure" - Part 2 - by Beth Klemick

Most study abroad programs where your home school will be issuing credit for your abroad experience is eligible for financial aid. Each home school requires something different from a foreign transcript to submitting a term paper. However, sometimes your study abroad office is reluctant to approve a study abroad program that isn't a school-sponsored program for credit for a variety of reasons. In these cases, you would want to choose a program where a US transcript is issued. Usually, the credit transfer approval process for US transcripts will be handled through your registrar's office.

The Higher Education Act permits schools to release Federal Financial Aid for payment towards a study abroad program if the student is receiving credit by their home university. This aid is not predicated on the foreign school or domestic study abroad organization being a Title IV institution. That means you can apply your Pell Grants, as well as, Stafford, PLUS & Perkins loans to study abroad programs offered independent organizations. However, state aid or aid granted by your institution is determined by each university. If your financial aid office is unsure how this process works, refer them to the chapter in IFAP's Student Financial Aid Handbook on Written Agreements (Chapter 7 in the 2003-2004 edition).

Generally, your financial aid office will send a written agreement, sometimes called a consortium agreement, to the study abroad organization to complete and return. This agreement specifies the enrollment period, credits to be received and estimated cost (including round-trip transportation, tuition, books, housing and other living costs).

More to follow...

How to Finance your Study Abroad Adventure - Part 1 - by Beth Klemick

If you thought choosing where to study abroad was a challenge in itself, thinking about avenues to be able afford/finance your study abroad adventure can be overwhelming too.

Don't fret, you are likely among the majority of students who do not have money saved in the bank to finance the full tuition to study abroad. The good news is these days many students have been able to apply their financial aid, apply for and receive scholarships and/or get a loan to assist with the payment of their program.

If you wish to apply any of the above mentioned means as a source of payment you will first need to spend the time researching. For example, you can find dozens of different organizations that will provide scholarships. You need to find the one that you qualify for that will also match your study abroad needs. The most common way of to finance a study abroad program is with financial aid from your home university.

To be continued...

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!

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.

Studying abroad is an exciting time in a student's life. You will meet new people, visit new places, and eat different foods, in addition to lots of other things. It may be the first time you've been away from home, away from your parents' supervision, which is definitely thrilling. Once you reach your destination, however, you may lose a bit of that enthusiasm. It becomes clear that you're all alone in an entirely new place, and that feeling is a bit overwhelming. Whether you plan to study in Brazil or another nearby country, or go across the world to study Italian in Florence, or go all the way to Taiwan to learn Chinese, 500 miles can feel more like a million miles; thousands of miles of ocean can feel infinite.

Don't fret! Expanding students' horizons is what studying abroad is all about! If you're looking for new experiences but worry about making friends, here are some helpful hints:


Attend Your School's Orientation
Your study abroad program, perhaps a French school in Paris, will most likely have an orientation of sorts for students, usually held about a week before school begins, and attending it is a great way to start making friends. These programs are meant to introduce the new students to their foreign environment. By attending, you will get to meet other new students, and you will be able to make friends before school even begins.

Orientation programs also allow you the time to sort out your class schedule before the local students return for the start of the new school year.


Learn the Language
What do you do if you're studying in a country that speaks a language you're not fluent in? Remember your reasons for choosing that country, and go with them! Knowing that you might not be able to communicate with the locals can be a motivator to work on your language skills before you depart. It's a great idea to take classes in the foreign language before you go abroad, so that you'll have a basic understanding of the local language upon arrival. After arrival, if you still feel that your communication skills are inadequate, keep taking classes that your school is offering to improve your language skills.

When looking to make friends, don't limit yourself to only students who speak your language. The purpose of a study abroad is to allow students to experience the culture and people of a country other than their own. Hanging out with students who also speak your language will definitely be easier, but meeting locals is a great way to practice what you've learned and to meet lots of great new people. You will definitely find that they are as interested in the country you came from as you are about theirs! Sure, keep practicing your new language with the people who speak your native language, but when will you ever have the opportunity to speak German in Berlin again?

Communicating with local students may be difficult at first, but you'll find that you've made friends that you will never forget with a little time and effort.


Be Friendly
No matter where you're studying, being friendly can open the door to lots of long-lasting friendships. By just smiling and saying hello, you're going to find that a casual conversation will ensue, which can lead to a close relationship.


Good luck!