I chose South Africa because I was inspired by Nelson Mandela’s plight for freedom. After listening to his lecture at my university three years prior, the love he had for his country was contagious. If you study abroad, choose a country that has a history, culture, and people that interest you.
The entire time in Lesotho and South Africa I was thinking, “Why in the world didn’t I study abroad every year?” No matter what your major is, you can find a course that is applicable to either your major or your general interest. The course in South Africa was called “Exploring World Issues: South Africa and Lesotho.” We spent the majority of our twenty-two-day program in Lesotho. There are no words to describe the beautiful landscape and warmness of the people. And I earned three credits for a life-changing experience!

While abroad, we examined the post-apartheid access to many of South Africa’s major resources and its effects on Lesotho, including the economy, education, politics, health, and culture. We visited the University of Lesotho for a day. We stayed with host families that treated us as if we were members of their own family. We volunteered at a home for disabled youth. We painted the most magnificent mural to brighten the lives of those disadvantaged children that were all wheelchair-bound. We saw the king’s home, rode on ponies, fed chickens, played soccer with local children, danced with a nun, stayed in huts in the mountains, swam in a natural river, saw dinosaur footprints, and climbed to the top of mountains. My favorite moment in the day was coming home and having a conversation with my host mother about various world issues and gaining a new perspective on things. We sure can live in a bubble!

There is a chance you may get a little homesick, but you’ll be back in your home country in no time. Learn to be friends with your trip mates. That can make the trip so much more fun. Also, if you are studying a foreign language, this is a great opportunity to get real practical experience putting that language to use. You will meet new and interesting people, explore a whole new city and way of life, and most importantly, you will grow! You will see this country through your own distinct lens while contributing your personal, academic, and cultural diversity to this amazing experience. This may be the only time in your life that you can immerse yourself fully in a foreign lifestyle while participating in fun activities for such an extended period of time.

Many students are concerned about the cost of studying abroad, but sometimes it’s less expensive than a semester at your current college or university. Financial aid can usually be transferred to the program and many scholarships are also available. I paid for study abroad using two external scholarships I received. This covered the tuition, plane ticket, housing accommodations, some meals, excursions, and transportation.

Safety can also be a concern for some students, but you are with other students and experienced faculty and staff who are there to lead and supervise the group. The only time you may be in danger is if you are going out alone at night. This is a bad move. This is a whole new culture and things that are acceptable in one country may be unacceptable in others. In terms of your physical health, I received shots before my departure and was cautious of certain foods I ate while there. I always drank bottled or boiled water and ate cooked food.

Once your interest in studying abroad is peaked be sure to visit your study abroad office so that you know the appropriate deadlines for applications and scholarships.
I don’t know who said it first, but one of my favorite quotes is “Life is not about the breaths that we take but the moments that take our breath away.” This will definitely be an eye-opening experience. Who knew the world was so big?

Remember:

o There is no type of textbook learning that can come close to the learning you acquire through travel and hands-on experience.

o Your school may have a year, semester, summer term, winter term, or even a week abroad. Take advantage of at least one of these opportunities.

o If you study abroad, choose a country that has a history, culture, and people that interest you.

o You may get a little homesick, but you’ll be back in your home country in no time.

o If you are studying a foreign language, this is a great opportunity to get real practical experience.

o Studying abroad does not necessarily cost a great deal of money.

o Studying abroad is safe.

o Once your interest in studying abroad is peaked, be sure to visit your study abroad office so that you know the appropriate deadlines for applications and scholarships.

Sheryl attended the University of Maryland in College Park where she was admitted into the College Park Scholars International Studies Colloquium. She graduated with a B.S. degree in accounting in May 2005. She served as president for the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) chapter, as a resident assistant, and vice-president of membership for the Black Business Association (BBA). She received recognition by the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education during several semesters as well as the Minority Scholars 2004 Accounting Scholarship, National Association of Black Accountants DC Metro Chapter 2004 Scholarship, and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated 2004 Essay Scholarship. Sheryl also studied abroad in South Africa & Lesotho during the winter term of her senior year. Sheryl Walker is the author of “The Black Girl’s Guide To College Success” http://www.theblackgirlsguide.com

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A few of my friends can attest that a semester or year study abroad Singapore or Thailand program or other places outside the United States are easily available and affordable for undergraduate students enrolled in an US university. There are no other opportunities to earn college credit toward degree requirements as exciting as study abroad Bangkok. It combines your education with immersion in a distant land. It’s easy to see why study abroad Thailand is so appealing.

Don’t believe me? Ask a student who has completed a semester in a study abroad Korea program. They are the best evidence around to prove the value of it. They are also the best people to seek out as peer counselors during your advising process.

Study abroad South Korea is all about finding the program that fits you best. The semester should be carefully planned because of the wonderful opportunities available this study abroad Korea. As a student you need to define your goals so you can look for the features best meeting your goals and needs. The last thing you want to do is think of a study abroad as just a vacation or travel opportunity.

The features of a study abroad Thailand should suit your degree of personal comfort and independence. Every program is built around a particular location. This displays the importance of in-depth research when it is time to choose an interesting city to study in.

I prefer larger cities since they can offer more opportunities in the intellectual and social arenas, but smaller, more rural towns can offer a more intimate relationship with the culture and language. You are less likely to encounter English speakers in a smaller, more rural location and thus will be forced to expand your knowledge of the language and to become more attuned to the local culture. You’ll quickly discover that every destination offers a variety of positive attributes.

One of the main benefits related to a study abroad Singapore, Thailand, or Korea program is how quickly and better you will learn that foreign language. I don’t know any other way a student can become more fluent in a particular language. Your skills develop quicker and stronger thanks to the fact that he has no choice but to immerse yourself in the culture of a study abroad South Korea, Singapore, or Thailand program. You gain the ability to converse and read in the language. It’s a highly beneficial aspect to serve you the rest of your life.

Take every opportunity you have to spending a semester in a study abroad Korea program. You become a participant in the culture rather than an ordinary visitor or tourist.

Anne is a graduate student who spent time studying abroad majoring in international studies. Her study abroad Bangkok program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the study abroad Thailand and study abroad South Korea program.

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It makes perfect sense to study abroad in Singapore when you think about it. Where else would you get the opportunity to learn a new language and to understand what is going on around the world? Participating in a semester abroad Japan increases your job marketability as well as your cultural experiences.

However, finding a study abroad Malaysia program is not easy as you may think. Don’t choose something that’s not right for you. Here are some points to look for:

1. The chance to learn about and understand better a new culture – Learning the ins and outs of a different country’s culture through a semester abroad Japan helps you develop a better culturally understanding of the sensitivities of others.

2. Learn more about foreign politics – Understanding foreign politics is a skill that not too many people possess. It’s especially attractive for businesses that deal with foreign companies. If something needs to be done which requires an understanding of the politics of the foreign country in question, you’ll be able to do so very easily in part to your study abroad in Hong Kong.

3. Immersion is the best way to learn a foreign language – Spending a large amount of time with people of a different country during your study abroad in Singapore, makes it much easier to learn the language. This is especially true compared to studying in a classroom.

4. Become more patient and flexible- By a semester abroad Japan, you learn to be patient and flexible in your approach in your own various aspects of life. Having to face unfamiliar circumstances in a country not your own forces you to.

When you study abroad in Hong Kong, you gain so many more advantages over people in your job field, not to mention a better, all around person. A year abroad Japan transforms you from an ordinary student to one that is competitive, responsible and independent. That international exposure from study abroad Malaysia causes you to adapt seamlessly to different cultures. The modern day competitive business world will be a piece of cake compared to your life.

You can see why a study abroad Singapore influences a student’s all-around development, gaining an adaptive and progressive attitude.

Anne is a graduate student who spent time studying a year abroad japan majoring in international studies. Study abroad malaysia program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the study abroad in Singapore program.

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A study abroad South Korea program is a fun yet amazing experience. So many students dream of leaving the country, but a study abroad Asia program is your chance to just that. However, these programs are more than getting on an airplane and arriving.

Here are a few pieces of advice you should think about before signing up to study abroad Hong Kong:

Your visas, passports and official documentation – It doesn’t matter if you are part of a study abroad Asia program or signing up for a school-sponsored exchange program, you will need a valid passport as well as specific documents mandatory for certain countries. I recommend visiting the U.S. Department of State’s travel portal for a list of documents you’ll need in order to study abroad in Asia. It’s a good idea to apply as early as possible for a visa if you don’t have one already.

Currency exchange rate – It doesn’t matter where you are going to study abroad in Asia. You better know what type of cash you’ll need. Look up the exchange rate for that specific country and try to get a basic understand of what their currency is worth compared to the U.S. dollar.

Stay safe – Be sure to check out the U.S. Department of State’s list of travel warnings for Americans abroad. It provides information about potential threats to Americans overseas. True, you won’t need to worry to much when you study abroad in Hong Kong but you still don’t want to wander in or near an unsafe area. My rule of thumb is to avoid any political demonstrations while you study abroad in Asia, even if your inner activist aches.

Living arrangement – I know a study abroad Asia program takes up a lot of your free time with classes or a enjoying a fun night out on the town, but you’re still going to need somewhere to sleep at night. Some schools provide residence halls, but pay attention to their rules and restrictions. In some instances, you’ll be staying with a host family. Pick a dictionary and maybe learn a few of their some basic phrases and sayings before you study abroad South Korea.

Keep in touch with family – You’re going to want to stay in close contact with your family and friends during your time study abroad Korea and sometimes e-mail just doesn’t cut it. Talk to your school or search online for international cell phones and plans. Before you leave find out if your cellphone can be used overseas and what types of fees will be charged.

Anne is a graduate student who spent time study abroad korea majoring in international studies. Study abroad south Korea program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the study abroad in Hong Kong program.

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Spending a school semester abroad is when you, the student, pursue your education in a foreign country and transfer the credit back to your home university. The normal range of time for school study abroad Australia lasts from a couple of weeks, a spring semester abroad or full academic year, or even an entire degree. The reasons for a student to school study abroad Australia is as different as the students, but more often than not the overall theme of the reasons involves receiving a more hands-on educational experience on the subject matter.

With all of the different school semester study abroad programs available, it can sometimes be confusing and a difficult decision to narrow it down to simply one school or country. Here are some of the most common questions associated with a school semester abroad. Hopefully, some of my answers can clear up any lingering doubts you may have about this wonderful opportunity.

What is studying abroad?

The term study abroad or school semester abroad covers a wide range of educational opportunities in foreign countries from traditional classroom-based schools to internships, or independent research. Remember your goal is to study. While the idea is to have fun, your goal is to learn as part of academic curriculum during your spring semester abroad.

Where can I study abroad?

From Australia to New Zealand, there are a number of different school semester study abroad programs available with more being added every year. Before you pick a destination, do a little bit of homework and research on what types of programs can contribute the most to your future career goals.

Why should I study abroad?

A school semester abroad is a great experience in both your personal growth and your future. The world is shrinking daily thanks to the Internet and business. A spring semester abroad allows you to grow more comfortable and engaged within this increasingly small world. School study abroad Australia further allows you to understand international issues and problems and strengthen your own sense of independence and self-confidence.

When can I study abroad?

The majority of students I speak with choose to study abroad Sydney Australia during their junior year. However, that doesn’t mean you can only go then. You’ll find a there are plenty of opportunities for freshmen to graduate students to spend a spring semester abroad. Most of these programs last for a semester or year, but if that’s too long, there also programs which take place during the summer or winter break.

Anne is a graduate student who spent time a school semester study abroad majoring in international studies. Her school semester abroad led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the spring semester abroad.

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Spending time or studying time in New Zealand or another destination such as a program abroad in Sydney Australia can be one of the most enriching aspects of not only your college years but also your entire life. Not only do you earn academic credit, you broaden your cultural perspectives, gain some independence from what you know, experience a new culture, and live through stories you can tell for a lifetime. This is all possible from being abroad Sydney Australia or New Zealand.

Finding a program in college which takes you to New Zealand overseas isn’t too difficult. The majority of universities in the U.S. house a study abroad coordinator who can advise you about all of their different programs offered through their network of program providers. You will need to register for study abroad New Zealand through the school you attend in the U.S. This way credits and any other important details transfer seamlessly.

Spending time abroad in Sydney Australia or New Zealand is a dream of many students. Think of what a wonderful experience it would be to spend a summer in New Zealand overseas, far from home in such a wonderful place. I can’t imagine a more fun and exciting learning experience. You’ll have so many exciting stories and memories to tell. Here are some steps to get started:

Go online or visit study abroad office in your college. The majority of universities and schools have a set of minimum requirements you would need to meet before becoming eligible to study abroad in Sydney Australia or New Zealand.

Put together a budget for yourself. Think about what your expenses will be and calculate the cost of living in this new country. Look into the costs outlined by your program provider and determine how much aid and scholarships you currently have which will travel to pay for the program and how much you are expected to cover yourself during your time abroad Sydney Australia.

Fill out and complete the application, submit transcripts and other application materials for an abroad in Sydney Australia experience. You’ll probably have to write a personal statement to explain why you are interested in this particular region of the world. Your goal is to show everyone how much you desire to succeed in their abroad New Zealand program.

Research your options thoroughly. While it is an amazing opportunity, it is also quite an important one. There are hundreds of different programs throughout the world. Think about what experience would fit your best and which issues will help you narrow down your abroad choices.

Anne is a graduate student who spent time studying abroad majoring in international studies. Her study abroad in New Zealand program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the abroad Sydney Australia or abroad in Sydney Australia.

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A china study abroad program in one of their universities makes you as a student competitive, independent and responsible. Living in such an exotic environment gaining so much new international exposure creates an all around individual who is adaptive to different cultures. You can easily survive the pressures of a competitive world after graduation.

Now that I’ve possibly talked you into enrolling in a study abroad Hong Kong program, you better decide where about you would like to go and what you want to learn. While most of the popular destinations are in Europe, study abroad Asia programs are growing in popularity. Start there if you are looking to learn more about the world by experiencing a study abroad in Asia program.

Study abroad Asia offers many of the same benefits as traveling to Europe if not more. The best part is that it’s actually less expensive to do so in Asia. As most students live on a tight budget, study abroad China allows students to worry about learning instead of worrying how to pay for everyday items and food. It’s the perfect destination for student who is interested in learning about ancient history and art. The Chine study abroad program choice is a no-brainer, and will give you everything you could ever imagine.

Study abroad Hong Kong programs are perfect for any student, no matter what part of the world they may be from. It lets them to experience a different country while spending little to no money. Most schools cover many of the travel expenses and college courses under your tuition fees. The student is only responsible to pay a for travel expenses to the country you choose in the study abroad Asia program. However, you probably will have to spend some money for your room and board.

This China study abroad program is also available to any student. Studying abroad with an international study abroad Asia program provides a well-rounded chance to better you. Immerse yourself in a land and culture that is very different from your own. It is an excellent choice for students planning to study abroad.

Anne is a graduate student who spent time study abroad china majoring in international studies. A China study abroad program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the study abroad hong kong program.

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