A number of areas need to be covered with regard to TEFL jobs and teaching English abroad. Fortunately, most of these areas are covered during the job guidance and support sessions within the TEFL course and are a fundamental component of the course itself. Interview techniques are covered along with resume building. A variety of potential questions and answers are discussed in relation to interviews. Positives and negatives for TEFL in different countries are considered and discussed as well as salaries, working conditions and employment benefits. What to expect from your employer and what your employer will expect from you. Lastly and perhaps most importantly: where and how to locate TEFL jobs.

The internet has quickly become the main source for research into TEFL jobs and teaching English abroad. There are a plethora of forums, TEFL job databases and directories offering or advertising teaching positions in countries all over the world. Simply type ‘TEFL in Thailand’ into a search engine and you will receive thousands of results. Two of the most popular directories are ELT career portal and Dave’s ESL cafe which both list thousands of jobs. Dave’s ESL café also has many, many forums that cover most topics relating to teaching English abroad. Another good source for TEFL jobs is the classified ads in newspapers both in print and online.

The variety of teaching jobs continues to increase with TEFL jobs available in areas such as schools, colleges, universities, language centers, businesses and companies, hospitals, hotels and tourism generally. TEFL in Thailand for example, businesses, hotels and hospitals employ English language teachers to train their staff to communicate with customers from overseas. This has become big business in Thailand due to the generally lower costs of living and especially in terms of lower medical expenses. For those wishing to teach English abroad there really is a great variety of locations and teaching positions to choose from.

Salaries, conditions and benefits vary greatly from country to country. TEFL in Thailand for example, salaries range from $800 to $2000 USD per month depending on qualifications and experience. Salaries are high in Thailand where a typical salary for a Thai person is about $200 USD per month. Living costs in Thailand are low and salaries afford the opportunity to live well, save and travel. Employers in Thailand provide all working papers which are renewed every 12 months. Health insurance is arranged automatically through monthly contributions. Teachers will have on average 20 to 25 contact hrs per week with their students. Students in Thailand are respectful and are keen to learn.

Approximately 80% of TEFL graduates teach English abroad for between one and 3 years before returning home to pursue other forms of employment. This is not surprising as TEFL tends to be the spring board for travel and employment on a limited basis. Employers at home look favorably on applicants who have spent time overseas training, teaching English, gaining new skills and qualifications. Approximately 20% of TEFL graduates go on to gain advanced TEFL qualifications and continue with TEFL jobs. Advanced level qualifications include Diploma in TEFL and MA TEFL. With these advanced level qualifications the types of TEFL job options increases with positions such as Director of Studies, Teacher Trainer and Curriculum Developer become available.

Weather you choose teaching English abroad as career, a conduit for travel and experience or as a stepping stone to other things, you will have a wealth of choice in terms of location and type of TEFL job. Teaching English abroad will provide you with an unforgettable experience and also provide you with an opportunity to help in the lives of others through education.

Teach, Travel, Live and Work Abroad.

TEFL in Thailand and TEFL International provides TEFL courses and TEFL certification leading to TEFL Jobs and Teaching English Abroad. English teaching jobs are available in countries all over the world.

TEFL International: Where the world is your classroom.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luke_Fisher

Here are the top five reasons why you should travel abroad:

1. Exposure

The college experience is all about exposure to new things. In college, you are introduced to new perspectives, lifestyles and choices. Your exposure to these new ideas, identities and incidents will shape your own view of the world in ways you can’t completely calculate. If you have the opportunity to expose yourself to another country, you have to take it. Immerse yourself in this new cultural experience, and embrace difference.

2. Language development

There is no better way to learn a language than traveling abroad. When you travel abroad, you never turn off your language skills. You are forced to employee what you know on a daily basis. Your vocabulary, pronunciation and overall comfort-level can’t help but improve in such an environment. And unlike classroom learning, the language skills you will pick up while living abroad aren’t easily forgotten. Your language abilities are imprinted with practical functionality, so they tend to stick in your mind longer.

3. Add variety to your academic experience

Four years at the same institution can lag a bit. You have to mix it up when it comes to your academic development. Trying new things and taking classes outside of your comfort zone is always recommended. Physically removing yourself from your own country creates an interesting learning opportunity. You aren’t sidetracked by the typical distractions. You work hard and learn more, because it’s a more exciting and streamlined learning environment.

4. Networking

You always hear how college is all about networking. What’s cooler than having an international member in your network of associations? Imagine traveling back to the place where you studied abroad, after about ten years have passed. Wouldn’t it be nice to meet up with your local contact, who you’ve kept in touch with through the years. Friends in foreign places can come in handy in a variety of situations. Having a friend with a different perspective is a good idea, but having a friend based in another country is brilliant.

5. Travel while you learn

When you travel abroad, you get to travel! While in total school mode, you can still do fun touristy things like explore museums, architecture, places of historical interest and so on. Traveling abroad lets you play while you work, because as soon as you are out of class, you are in full discovery mode. Embrace every travel opportunity that comes your way, especially one where you are guaranteed to learn.

You owe it to yourself to travel abroad. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that’s available for a limited time only. Take full advantage of it while you still can.

Chris Stout is a feature writer for CareersandEducation.com. Review more of his work and read about using a Career Learning Center and explore his thoughts on Online Degree Programs and Online Colleges.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Stout

Study Abroad Programs have distinctive characteristics, like students, and thus it is important to find the right “match” between the student and the program. Your friend, or sister, or teacher may have participated in a program that was “absolutely great” for them, but may not be a good fit for you. Thus, a glowing recommendation from someone who went on a program is not necessarily the most appropriate approach to choosing a program.

o Understand your needs and characteristics before choosing a study abroad program
o Explore several options and compare program characteristics
o Choose a study abroad program that fits your needs and characteristics

Your Needs and Characteristics

Ask yourself these questions, and get a friend or family member to confer with you on these topics.

1. What type of courses do you need to take (major requirements, major electives, general education requirements or lower-division courses, electives)?
2. What academic topics do you need (and want) to study (only your major, or a mix of academic disciplines)?
3. Does your home institution approve experiential courses (ie, internships, field study, independent study, independent research, service-learning, touring)?
4. Can you take courses in another language / are you sufficiently fluent?
5. Do you have beginning or intermediate foreign language skills?
6. Does your home institution have requirements about the number of weeks and/or contact hours the courses must fulfill to transfer credit?
7. Would you feel comfortable living in a fast-paced, urban city where it is difficult to make friends and interact with locals living in a city?
8. Do you feel comfortable using public transportation (buses, taxis, trains)?
9. Would you prefer to live in a community where you can easily navigate your way, and meet local people?
10. Does the weather bother you? Have you experienced the type of climate common to the host country you are considering?
11. Are you a self-starter, outgoing, and self-motivated, experienced in exploring new/different situations?
12. Do you prefer functioning in a group with leaders and/or guides making decisions for you and being surrounded by others much like yourself?
13. Do you have any dietary, medical or mental health needs?
14. Do you want to become a “specialist” in one location (language and culture and history and current events) or do you want a comparative perspective of several different places and perspectives?
15. Have your friends or family ever called you “high maintenance”? Do you have a high level of attention to conveniences, personal appearance, the newest fads or specific activities?
16. Do you enjoy camping, hiking, backpacking, “roughing it”?
17. Do you have a good sense of how (and if) you will use alcohol in a mature setting? Have you ever been disruptive of others or put your well-being at risk with alcohol?
18. Have you ever traveled before? Outside the U.S.? If yes, how long and where?
19. How long have you ever been away from “home” before, away from family and friends?
20. What type of leisure activities do you enjoy? What do you do with your “free-time”?

Program Types

Direct enrollment – Explore colleges and universities in other countries, and directly enroll in a study abroad program that allows “transient” or “international” students.

Exchange – Utilize an established relationship through your school that exchanges students with another designated college or university.

Program provider – Participate in a program administered by an organization offering study abroad support services.

Faculty-led – Participate in a program administered by a U.S. college or university and taught by a U.S. professor.

Location

Country – Location, geography, language, population, economic/industrial development, cost of living, food, health and safety conditions, climate, ease of transportation, etc.

Language – Do you have beginner, intermediate, or advanced language skills in the host country primary language? What is the English language fluency of the local population?

Community / City size – Cosmopolitan city, Urban city, industrial city, suburban city, town, rural community

Host institution – Enrollment size, percentage of local students and international students, urban campus or enclosed campus, facilities available, teaching style, language of instruction, grading/assessment style, academic options, academic rigor, distance from housing,

Living conditions – Homestay, residence hall, apartment, house, hotel, with all Americans, with all locals, distance to shopping, entertainment, school, transportation, shared or not, cost of living, where will you eat meals?

Here are a few pros and cons of various study abroad programs

Direct Enrollment

Pros
- Authentic academic experience with locals.
- Immersion with local students
- Likely to be less expensive.

Cons
- Unfamiliar administrative bureaucracy, teaching style, support services.
- Unexpected costs.

Exchange

Pros
- Tuition cost will be the same as you pay on your home campus.
- Your campus has an established contact person at host institution.

Cons
- Unfamiliar administrative bureaucracy, teaching style, support services.
- Unexpected costs.

Program Provider

Pros
- Support services established for the needs of U.S. students.
- You get what you pay for.

Cons
- You pay extra for support services.
- Sometimes isolated/marginalized from host country people and culture.

Faculty-led

Pros
- Most of the time, accompanied by a professor you know and trust.
- Take classes that are familiar and similar to what you would take on your home campus.
- In a group of U.S. students, most often from your home school.

Cons
- Take classes that are familiar and similar to what you would take on your home campus.
- In a group of U.S. students, most often from your home school.
- Faculty not necessarily trained to provide full-service support and study abroad best practices and standards.

Country

Pros
- Someplace that excites you.
- A pleasant break from your “home”.

Cons
- Not what you expected.
- Do not like the weather, or food, or living conditions.
- Not comfortable with under-developed status, OR strategy for political or economic development.

Language

Pros
- Language was less of an obstacle than expected.
- I would like to learn a new language now.

Cons
- Language was a bigger obstacle than expected.
- I did not have the level of language skills I thought I had.

Community/City

Pros
- Love the different shops, restaurants, activities.
- Just the right size.
- Experienced new activities that I never knew I would like.
- Transportation was easy.
- Scenic and/or comfortable.

Cons
- Too big or too small for my enjoyment.
- It was hard to meet locals, or make friends with locals.
- Transportation was not adequate.
- City was ugly, dirty, noisy, boring…

Host Institution

Pros
- Love that it was much bigger or smaller than my home campus.
- Conducive to meeting local students and making friends
- Local professor and students were friendly, helpful and welcoming of foreign students.
- Courses were meaningful and challenging and motivated me to learn more.

Cons
- Hate that it was much bigger or smaller than my home campus.
- Not conducive to meeting locals or making friends.
- Local professors did not like or know how to deal with foreign students.
- Courses too easy or too hard.

Living Conditions

Pros
- Love my housing.
- Lived close to campus.
- Cost of living was less than the U.S.
- Conducive to meeting locals and making friends.
- I felt so comfortable because it was similar to what I am used to, OR because it was new and something I liked.
- Made it easy to focus on academics.

Cons
- Hate my housing.
- Lived too far from campus.
- Cost of living was so much more than the U.S.
- Not conducive to meeting locals and making friends.
- I felt so uncomfortable because it was something I could not adapt to.
- A huge distraction from my academics.

Study Abroad – Global Learning Semesters offers study abroad programs for American and Canadian students. Our study abroad programs include courses in Belize, Cyprus, UK, France, Spain, Europe, Mexico, Argentina, India & China.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Sandi_Smith

For instance, if a student seeks to learn abroad for aquatic biology, he or she will travel to a nation where practical training can be obtained. There are over 20 plus subjects an individual can study abroad, as well as over 50 countries a student can journey to. For example, a pupil from China who is interested in business can get into the Rochester Institute of Technology program in the US. Several programs offer various advantages such as college credit, scholarships, and internship to a plethora firms. People often confuse students who study abroad with foreign exchange students, but there is a huge distinction between the two.

Many academies prefer their enrollees to be involved with study abroad programs rather than student exchange programs because it is easier, since international programs are more flexible. A student exchange student on average does not earn credentials and is purely there for the experience and in order to gain knowledge about the foreign language and culture. For example, if a student in the US wanted to learn French, he or she would exchange with an attendee from France who seeks to learn English. Many students who are a part of study abroad programs do it during the summer or some type of school break. It is very popular to travel to Europa-based countries such as Germany, Sweden, Holland, England and France.

Of course the list is continuous, but most of these offer training, awards and grants. To find out more about study abroad programs in Europe, ask your nearby university for a database of study abroad programs or even better start your internet search at our no cost resource site. study abroad programs in Europe.

Get useful review info on colleges and universities in Europe and to learn why study abroad is good for you. Visit TuitionFreeColleges.Mtnhome.org – find out what study abroad programs can give you the overseas living experience of your dreams today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=B_Von_Ahlin

2. Travel. There is no easier time in your life to travel than when you are young, have the time, are willing to go the extra mile to save a few bucks and adventurous enough to check out the out of the way towns and festivals. If you are in Europe, head over to Munich for Okterberfest in the fall, check out hiking the Alps in October, before the ski crowds, high prices, and cold move in, go to the Greek Islands in May before the crowds roll in and when the weather is great or Southern Spain in the winter months. Investigate opportunities for cheap travel within your region. Check out RateYourStudyAbroad.com’s Helpful Links section for links to websites and resources for low cost airline, lodging, package travel, as well as travel blogs. Don’t forget that much of the world travels by train and bus, which can be both cost effective and one of the more interesting cultural experiences you will have. There is nothing quite like sitting on a 10 hour bus ride with a family and the family pet pig or catching a taking an overnight train to your destination and bundling up the cost of lodging and transportation all in one.

3. Student Discounts. Take advantage of student discounts if they are available in your study abroad country. Depending on the country you study in, student discounts can save you money at museums, tourist attractions, transportation, shopping outlets, and even the movie theater. Also, many hostels and other businesses have negotiated discounts for holders of the international student card or ISIC which you should take advantage of.

4. Communication Abroad. Figure out how you will be communicating with your loved ones and friends back in the United States, your new friends and the locals in your new home, as well as the local emergency number (it probably isn’t 911). For calling your friends and family in the United States, as well as others with an internet connection, VOIP options, including Skype and Vonage may be a great, cost effective option for you. You may have to invest in a microphone and speakers for your computer, if you don’t already have them, but these VOIP options are cheap, reliable, and you can call anywhere, as long as you are by your computer. As far as keeping in touch with your local friends, check into cell phone plans that are available. Some countries do not allow you to sign up for a monthly cell phone plan unless you have a local bank account, but most countries offer pay-as-you-go cell phone plans that can do the job for only slightly more than the cost of a monthly plan. Don’t forget to also check out the landline options while you are abroad, for calls made locally (from landline to landline as well as landline to cell) and internationally (from landline to landline as well as landline to cell). Sometimes landline rates can be quite reasonable.

5. American Food. If your idea of comfort food is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, chances are you should stock up on peanut butter before you leave the US. Most countries have either their own version of some American foods, or nothing at all. You may not realize until you are already abroad, but you will come up with food items you CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT and that you cannot find anywhere abroad. In my experience, living without a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup, brown sugar, real BBQ sauce, or even American ketchup made the one trip my mother made to come and visit that much more exciting because she brought these staple American items I had been missing so much.

6. Money. One thing you will notice after your first month of living abroad are the foreign transaction fees your credit card company charges on all purchases made in another currency as well as the transaction charge for most ATM withdrawals. Although the bank offers no service for these fees, which range from 2 to 3 percent of the charge, they can add up quickly. So if you are not planning to open up an account at a local bank, check to see if your American bank has any agreements set up with international banks and affiliates, to cut down on this expense. Capital One does not charge foreign transaction fees on credit card purchases, but does on ATM transactions. If your bank does not have any special arrangements with a foreign bank, another idea is to withdraw a large sum of cash each month and go through that as needed. Don’t forget that if your debit or credit card is lost or stolen, it can be difficult to replace quickly. Check out this article from the NYTimes Here to read more about credit cards while abroad.

7. Do Something Different. Many who go abroad are happy to spend time with other Americans, party until all hours of the night at different bars and dance clubs, and speak in English for the duration of the trip. However, I encourage you to do something out of your comfort zone, whether it is studying in the local language, living in a homestay with a local family, joining a local club or sports team, volunteering or finding an internship locally, or simply getting off the beaten path when you travel. Not only will you get a better flavor of the cultural nuances and how things work in the country you are living in, but you will be more resilient and gain a different view of the country you are in. Don’t forget that when you return to the United States, you and others will be most impressed and have the best memories of how you integrated into new environment.

8. If you Play a Sport, Get Involved. Although most Americans associate college sports with intense practice and competition schedules, the rest of the world does not think of college sports in that way. At most colleges, there are sports clubs and teams with more casual practice and competition schedules. Not only can you play a sport that you love, but you can meet other students and it is always a great study break. Depending on your skill level, you may also think of giving lessons in your sport, or volunteering your time coaching a youth team or league. If you do plan to play a sport overseas, don’t forget to bring your gear, as sports equipment can either be difficult to find or very expensive. Click Here for an article on one student’s experience with swimming while living in Paris, France.

9. Act Like a Local. You will always be an American, but it is worth reading up and respecting the history of the country and people you are living with. Take behavioral cues from locals, especially in regards to dressing more conservatively in churches and the local tolerance for public drinking. Know what is an appropriate tip when at a restaurant and for a cab ride.

10. Take Pictures. Studying abroad will provide memories that will last a lifetime, make sure you capture these moments to share with friends and family as well as to reminisce in later years. Using photo sharing websites like (ophoto.com, flickr.com, webshots.com, shutterfly.com, kodakgallery.com, etc.) may help you organize your photos, without taking up a lot of space on your hard drive. Many of these sites also allow you to create photo albums and photo books (check out Blurb.com for photo books, as well) that will allow you to create a hard copy version of your experience abroad.

Whitney is a contributor to the website http://rateyourstudyabroad.com/. She spent an amazing year studying abroad in Paris, where she was not only a student, but au paired for a family and swam on a local swim team. Currently, she is a freelance writer living in New York.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Whitney_Henderson

Choosing a Summer Study Abroad Program to Apply for

While most scholastic institutes offer a variety of summer study abroad programs, bear in mind that you can usually apply for a program outside of the school you might currently be attending and still have the option of financial aide covering you. Even if you are not attending any schools, a summer study abroad program is within your reach. Local colleges and universities usually have listings of any study abroad programs they have available and if the requirements for signing up for that program are not listed then you could always check with one of the attending counselors for further information.

Passports, Visas, and Medical Releases – Oh My! Passport rules have changed recently, at least for American citizens. As of January 23, 2007 the long expected new passport rules take effect today. US citizens traveling to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean will need to show valid passports in order to re-enter the country. So when you are busy planning a summer study abroad program, remember to secure one more thing: Your Passport! These new passport rules are required to secure the borders of the United States against terrorist acts. Recent statistics show that just about one quarter of Americans hold valid passports. This is because until now most US citizens could travel to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean without passports. Showing just a driver’s license or a birth certificate was sufficient. But with these new passport regulations all that changes, effective.

So if you are planning to spend a summer studying in any one of those countries, take steps to get your passport now. While a passport isn’t usually too hard to get, it can still take a fair amount of time so you should be applying for that before or around the same time as you’re applying for the summer study abroad program of your choice. A travel visa should usually be applied for around the same time as you are applying for the study abroad program for the simple fact that they can take quite some time to be processed properly and returned to you in good standing.

Before you head off on your trip you should also be sure to check if you need any medical release forms stating a clean bill of health and/or up to date vaccinations. For instance, if traveling to tropical South America you might be required to get a Yellow Fever vaccination before being allowed to travel. But don’t let the paperwork scare you away from a summer study abroad program. The opportunities available during such a program are virtually limitless and can provide a wealth of wonderful memories.

Accommodations

A majority of summer study abroad programs will have accommodations already planned out for you, but it’s usually wise to make sure beforehand so you know where you’ll be staying during the course of your program. If lodging is not provided and you will need to make your own arrangements for a place to stay, the internet can be a great help in locating an affordable hotel room or short term apartment. Language barriers can make for a slightly sticky situation when trying to set up lodging arrangements from a distance, but it’s not usually too difficult to get around them long enough to have a place available for when you get there so that you can make some more stable plans.

A lesser known choice in summer study abroad programs includes the option to learn while on an ocean voyage that stops at various countries. Such a program can be available to anyone, student or not, and help make clear your own culture by showing you the varying cultures of other locations. So no matter what your taste is, specific language to general world interdependence awareness, or your age, there’s bound to be a summer study abroad program for you.

You can find lots of study abroad and student travel destinations, tips, and articles at http://www.every1loves2travel.com and http://vacation.every1loves2travel.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_Berkel

First of all, let’s look at those perceived obstacles to study abroad in Cyprus.

1. Few Americans know much about Cyprus.

- so what? Let’s learn!

- most that do know about Cyprus, love it

- Cyprus is a modern, thriving EU (European Union) country and should be known by Americans

2. Because the first language in Cyprus is Greek, many American students and Study Abroad Advisors might incorrectly assume that unless students are fluent in Modern Greek language, they would not be able to study at a Cypriot institution of higher education.

- yes, the official language of Cyprus is Greek, but most of the population is multi-lingual and English is commonly spoken as a second language

- the University of Nicosia uses English as the official language (expect in the School of Education) of instruction and administration

- non-Greek speaking students can easily navigate the university, the community and travel throughout Cyprus in English only

3. There are very few colleges and universities in Cyprus

- until 2008, there was only one (1) university in Cyprus

- in 2008, four private colleges where awarded university-level status by the Ministry of Education

- The University of Nicosia was established over 25 years ago on the U.S. higher education structure and functions academically and administratively parallel to most U.S. universities.

4. Cypriot institutions have not promoted themselves to the American study abroad market.

- until 2004 when the University of Nicosia (formerly Intercollege) developed Global Learning Semesters as an organization to serve as the international marketing and U.S. student support for Intercollege, there was very little promotion of Cypriot higher education to the U.S. college student market

- Global Learning Semesters now supports hundreds of U.S. college students studying at the University of Nicosia annually.

5. Because Cyprus is a bi-communal society divided by a United Nations demilitarized zone, some people may think Cyprus is a dangerous location.

- Cyprus is a democratically stable nation, thriving member of the European Union, and has not experienced any violence related to the bi-communal status since 1974.

- An ideal learning laboratory for students, the bi-communal status of Cyprus is great place for students to learn about international relations, active UN negotiations, and ethnic/national divisions in a stable, non-violent society.

6. Because Cyprus is so close to the “Middle East” some people may think that it is an Arab nation and/or may have security issues related to “Middle Eastern” countries.

- situated in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a close ally, neighbor and friend of Greece

- Cyprus is considered a “Christian” nation with the majority of Cypriots observing Orthodox Christianity

- in geographic proximity, Cyprus is closer to Israel, Egypt and Turkey than it is to it’s Western European counterparts

- politically, economically, and internationally… Cyprus is a member of the European Union and thus functions as a thriving European society

- culturally, Cyprus has a long and diverse history of living in the cross-roads of European, Middle Eastern, and North African civilizations, and thus benefits from a culturally diverse perspective and exposes the average U.S. student to a Mediterranean cross-roads not seen in much of the common destinations Americans gather

Next, let’s look at some of the important factors any student should consider when choosing a relevant study abroad program.

1. What are the academic options available?

2. Can I earn academic credit that will add to my degree plan?

3. Do I meet the eligibility requirements of the program?

4. Will the cultural experience be relevant to my academic, personal and career goals?

5. Do the student support services meet my needs?

6. Can I afford it?

Academic Options in Cyprus

About UNic: The University of Nicosia is an independent, co-educational, equal opportunity tertiary education institution, combining the best elements in western education, quality standards and an international philosophy.

Located in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, an island which lies at the cross-roads of three continents, the University has quickly become a global education centre. International in philosophy, the University hosts students from all over the world, in a multicultural learning environment, promoting friendship, cooperation and understanding.

The University pursues excellence in education through high teaching standards, in a continually improving academic environment. Besides classroom instruction, the University offers students opportunities to become involved in a whole range of activities including student clubs, sports, public lectures and seminars.

The University is actively involved in European and local research projects as a partner and as a coordinating institution. Additionally, the University of Nicosia received approval for an Erasmus University Charter and is an official participant in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The University of Nicosia is also actively involved in the community with campaigns for various causes, including environmental protection. In recognition of this work the institution received the prestigious “Global 500″ award from the United Nations. Other examples of community service include campaigns for fighting world hunger and raising funds for worthy causes. In an ongoing project, professors help prison inmates acquire knowledge and skills in Computing, Art and Psychology.

Academic tradition encourages the majority of the world’s universities to adopt the name of the city which hosts them. Indeed, this occurs almost as a rule when the city in question happens to be the capital city. The University of Nicosia is proud of the ties and status which its name conveys. To this end, the University is committed to maintaining its position at the forefront of education, research and social service; in line with the enduring motto of the institution: “Excellence in Education”.

U.S. Study Abroad students can take courses in almost every academic department (except Education, as it is taught in Greek).

* School of Business

Accounting

Business Administration

Finance

Management

Marketing

Hospitality Management

Hotel and Tourism Management

Sports Management

* School of Humanities, Social Sciences & Law

Applied Multimedia

Architecture

Communications

Language and Literature

Graphic Communications

Interior Design

International Relations

Law

Psychology

Public Relations & Advertising

* School of Sciences

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

Electronic Engineering

Nursing

Academic credit

Study Abroad programs at the University of Nicosia are for-credit programs that are consistent with United States standards of university-level academic work.

Study Abroad is a large investment of time and money for most of you. Make sure that you take the right steps to earn academic credit at your home institution for your study abroad experience.

All of our instructional work is conducted by qualified faculty and the University of Nicosia is fully-accredited. Upon successful completion of your study abroad program, you will receive an official transcript directly from the University of Nicosia.

Though our programs distinguish themselves through their combination of travel and academics, we do not grant credit for academic or co-curricular travel. You will still be enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Nicosia.

It is important that you understand Transfer Credit Process at your home college/university to ensure that you can take the right steps to earn transfer credit.

Courses at the University of Nicosia function on semesters, contact hours, academic rigor, grading, and evaluation methods standard in most U.S. colleges and universities. The transcript is issued in English, thus there are no translation issues for the students’ home school.

Eligibility requirements

Because the University of Nicosia conducts all business and classroom instruction (expect in School of Education) in English, students do not need foreign language proficiency to study abroad in Cyprus. Likewise, because much of the population of Cyprus is fluent in English, it is easy to navigate Cyprus in English only.

Will the cultural experience be relevant to my academic, personal and career goals?

Nicosia (sounds like nik-oh-see ya), the capital of Cyprus is a modern European city. Those who have traveled to Europe previously will find Nicosia and most of Cyprus very familiar. Those who have not traveled to Europe will get a “scaled down” perspective of Europe as a very historical region of the world and also a modern and dynamically growing society.

U.S. students participating in a study abroad program at the University of Nicosia through Global Learning Semesters will attend classes with approximately 4,000 local Cypriot students and 1,000 international students. Students will live in apartments among the residential neighborhood surrounding the University campus in Nicosia.

Again, Cyprus is a small nation, not too overwhelming from U.S. students even from non-metropolitan communities, thus students do not need to be travel savvy to make the most of immersing themselves in the community.

Cyprus is a fascinatingly historical country and provides meaningful hands-on experiences for those interested in international relations, international business, history, management, economics, and other humanities and social sciences.

Student support services

U.S. students participating in a study abroad program at the University of Nicosia will experience premium student support services, designed for the characteristics of U.S. study abroad students and strategically provides the level of support necessary to make even the first time international traveler and the multi-country travel savvy student comfortable, yet challenged to develop intercultural competencies.

Global Learning Semesters provides comprehensive student support services, including pre-departure and on-site orientation, 24/7 local staff support, emergency response, strategic co-curricular field trips and activities, housing, academic and personal support. A member of NAFSA and the Forum on Education Abroad, Global Learning Semesters has become one of the premier study abroad program providers to U.S. college students.

Yes, Cyprus is an academically and culturally relevant location for U.S. college students to study abroad for the summer, semester or full-year

Study in UK – Global Learning Semesters offers study abroad programs for American and Canadian students in Europe. Our study abroad programs include courses in Belize, Cyprus, UK, France, Spain, Europe, Mexico, Argentina, India & China.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Sandi_Smith

Study Abroad Programs have distinctive characteristics, like students, and thus it is important to find the right “match” between the student and the program. Your friend, or sister, or teacher may have participated in a program that was “absolutely great” for them, but may not be a good fit for you. Thus, a glowing recommendation from someone who went on a program is not necessarily the most appropriate approach to choosing a program.

• Understand your needs and characteristics before choosing a study abroad program
• Explore several options and compare program characteristics
• Choose a study abroad program that fits your needs and characteristics

Your Needs and Characteristics

Ask yourself these questions, and get a friend or family member to confer with you on these topics.

1. What type of courses do you need to take (major requirements, major electives, general education requirements or lower-division courses, electives)?
2. What academic topics do you need (and want) to study (only your major, or a mix of academic disciplines)?
3. Does your home institution approve experiential courses (ie, internships, field study, independent study, independent research, service-learning, touring)?
4. Can you take courses in another language / are you sufficiently fluent?
5. Do you have beginning or intermediate foreign language skills?
6. Does your home institution have requirements about the number of weeks and/or contact hours the courses must fulfill to transfer credit?
7. Would you feel comfortable living in a fast-paced, urban city where it is difficult to make friends and interact with locals living in a city?
8. Do you feel comfortable using public transportation (buses, taxis, trains)?
9. Would you prefer to live in a community where you can easily navigate your way, and meet local people?
10. Does the weather bother you? Have you experienced the type of climate common to the host country you are considering?
11. Are you a self-starter, outgoing, and self-motivated, experienced in exploring new/different situations?
12. Do you prefer functioning in a group with leaders and/or guides making decisions for you and being surrounded by others much like yourself?
13. Do you have any dietary, medical or mental health needs?
14. Do you want to become a “specialist” in one location (language and culture and history and current events) or do you want a comparative perspective of several different places and perspectives?
15. Have your friends or family ever called you “high maintenance”? Do you have a high level of attention to conveniences, personal appearance, the newest fads or specific activities?
16. Do you enjoy camping, hiking, backpacking, “roughing it”?
17. Do you have a good sense of how (and if) you will use alcohol in a mature setting? Have you ever been disruptive of others or put your well-being at risk with alcohol?
18. Have you ever traveled before? Outside the U.S.? If yes, how long and where?
19. How long have you ever been away from “home” before, away from family and friends?
20. What type of leisure activities do you enjoy? What do you do with your “free-time”?

Program Types

Direct enrollment – Explore colleges and universities in other countries, and directly enroll in a study abroad program that allows “transient” or “international” students.

Exchange – Utilize an established relationship through your school that exchanges students with another designated college or university.

Program provider – Participate in a program administered by an organization offering study abroad support services.

Faculty-led – Participate in a program administered by a U.S. college or university and taught by a U.S. professor.

Location

Country – Location, geography, language, population, economic/industrial development, cost of living, food, health and safety conditions, climate, ease of transportation, etc.

Language – Do you have beginner, intermediate, or advanced language skills in the host country primary language? What is the English language fluency of the local population?

Community / City size – Cosmopolitan city, Urban city, industrial city, suburban city, town, rural community

Host institution – Enrollment size, percentage of local students and international students, urban campus or enclosed campus, facilities available, teaching style, language of instruction, grading/assessment style, academic options, academic rigor, distance from housing,

Living conditions – Homestay, residence hall, apartment, house, hotel, with all Americans, with all locals, distance to shopping, entertainment, school, transportation, shared or not, cost of living, where will you eat meals?

Here are a few pros and cons of various study abroad programs

Direct Enrollment

Pros
- Authentic academic experience with locals.
- Immersion with local students
- Likely to be less expensive.

Cons
- Unfamiliar administrative bureaucracy, teaching style, support services.
- Unexpected costs.

Exchange

Pros
- Tuition cost will be the same as you pay on your home campus.
- Your campus has an established contact person at host institution.

Cons
- Unfamiliar administrative bureaucracy, teaching style, support services.
- Unexpected costs.

Program Provider

Pros
- Support services established for the needs of U.S. students.
- You get what you pay for.

Cons
- You pay extra for support services.
- Sometimes isolated/marginalized from host country people and culture.

Faculty-led

Pros
- Most of the time, accompanied by a professor you know and trust.
- Take classes that are familiar and similar to what you would take on your home campus.
- In a group of U.S. students, most often from your home school.

Cons
- Take classes that are familiar and similar to what you would take on your home campus.
- In a group of U.S. students, most often from your home school.
- Faculty not necessarily trained to provide full-service support and study abroad best practices and standards.

Country

Pros
- Someplace that excites you.
- A pleasant break from your “home”.

Cons
- Not what you expected.
- Do not like the weather, or food, or living conditions.
- Not comfortable with under-developed status, OR strategy for political or economic development.

Language

Pros
- Language was less of an obstacle than expected.
- I would like to learn a new language now.

Cons
- Language was a bigger obstacle than expected.
- I did not have the level of language skills I thought I had.

Community/City

Pros
- Love the different shops, restaurants, activities.
- Just the right size.
- Experienced new activities that I never knew I would like.
- Transportation was easy.
- Scenic and/or comfortable.

Cons
- Too big or too small for my enjoyment.
- It was hard to meet locals, or make friends with locals.
- Transportation was not adequate.
- City was ugly, dirty, noisy, boring…

Host Institution

Pros
- Love that it was much bigger or smaller than my home campus.
- Conducive to meeting local students and making friends
- Local professor and students were friendly, helpful and welcoming of foreign students.
- Courses were meaningful and challenging and motivated me to learn more.

Cons
- Hate that it was much bigger or smaller than my home campus.
- Not conducive to meeting locals or making friends.
- Local professors did not like or know how to deal with foreign students.
- Courses too easy or too hard.

Living Conditions

Pros
- Love my housing.
- Lived close to campus.
- Cost of living was less than the U.S.
- Conducive to meeting locals and making friends.
- I felt so comfortable because it was similar to what I am used to, OR because it was new and something I liked.
- Made it easy to focus on academics.

Cons
- Hate my housing.
- Lived too far from campus.
- Cost of living was so much more than the U.S.
- Not conducive to meeting locals and making friends.
- I felt so uncomfortable because it was something I could not adapt to.
- A huge distraction from my academics.

Study Abroad – Global Learning Semesters offers study abroad programs for American and Canadian students. Our study abroad programs include courses in Belize, Cyprus, UK, France, Spain, Europe, Mexico, Argentina, India & China.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Sandi_Smith

There are many variables to consider when you want to study abroad. Sydney, Australia offers university study abroad programs that are appropriate for both graduate and undergraduate students. Although the school semester study abroad program is very popular, you could also choose to do an internship, a summer or winter break offering, or spend an entire year overseas or even do your entire degree program in Australia. Many people do begin their exploration of study abroad with a semester, and at the end of that experience you will have a better idea if this style of educational program works for you.

Applying for classes at an Australian university is similar to registering for classes in the United States or Canada. The good news is that the university work that you do in Australia will apply to your degree program that you are working toward at your home university in the United States or Canada.

There are many wonderful colleges and universities in Sydney, so you will have a selection of the best ones for your academic purposes when you do your school semester study abroad. You might choose the International College of Management if your college degree will be in business or any kind of management. Macquarie University offers an excellent university experience along with many multicultural exchanges. The University of Sydney is the oldest university in Australia, and offers a large campus and impressive international students program.

In addition to the quality academics that are available when you study abroad, Sydney, Australia also provides you with the chance to be exposed to a wonderful new culture. By living on the campus or nearby, you will have opportunities to meet new friends when dining or dancing. You will also have the chance to travel around the country, seeing the cultural heritage sites and other cultural events that make up the diversity of cultures that live in Australia. Natural beauty abounds in this lovely land, with its plethora of rain forests, beaches and deserts, and opportunities for hiking and other athletic pursuits are easily accommodated.

Making the choice of which college or university is right for you will depend on your degree program, and your preferences as to university size and the cultural experiences you wish to have during your school semester study abroad program.

Anne is director, student services and programs, for AustraLearn. Their study abroad Sydney Australia program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the school semester study abroad program.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Harvester