o Study in Egypt for an entire semester abroad and be sure to visit the Valley of the Kings. If you’re a history buff or you just like to uncover hidden treasures, this valley is the perfect place to find mummies of ancient Egyptian pharaohs.

o Students that join a summer study program should visit the site of Abu Simbel, a famous archaeological site where two temples where carved into the side of the mountain during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Egypt.

Wherever you decide to study abroad in Egypt you’ll find amazing natural wonders and ancient artifacts, so don’t forget to take your camera and visit as many places as you can during your stay.

Egypt Study Abroad Programs

You can study the Arabic language, learn about the history of Egypt or meet other international study abroad students when you join a study abroad program at an accredited university in Egypt.

o The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies offers environmental teaching and research programs to students interested in environmental studies. Students can take classes such as Environmental Study, Environmental Law, Water Management and Sustainable Development.

o One of the most popular study abroad Egypt universities is located in the capital of Cairo. The American University in Cairo offers international students a variety of classes for their undergraduate degrees, including Accounting, Egyptology, Computer Engineering, Middle East Studies and more.

o Located in Assiut City, which is south of Cairo, is Assiut University. This higher education institution offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Art, Science and Technology. Not only does the university provide a library with over 4,000 reference books, but it also has an “Olympic Village” with an indoor arena and swimming compound.

Egyptian Transportation Options

Egypt is a bustling country that provides many different modes of transportation to its inhabitants and visitors:

o Egypt has over 5,000 miles of railroads, making the railway one of the most popular ways to travel within the country. Even though the Egyptian Railway is one of the oldest in all of Africa, passengers find it to be fast and convenient.

o The northern section of the Nile River flows through Egypt, so another popular mode of transportation is by ferry. You can choose to ride a high-speed ferry or a passenger ferry, both of which will take you within Egypt or to neighboring countries.

o Riding the bus is another way to get around Egypt, though it may not be the most enjoyable. Egyptian buses are often crowded and dirty, but there are more luxurious buses you can ride if you have the extra money.

o You can always hail a taxi in Egypt, which is never a problem because taxis are everywhere. Just make sure that you aren’t in a taxi with a broken meter and a driver who wants you to pay a high are.

o All of the major car rental agencies offer car rental services in Egypt, but you must be safe when you drive in the overcrowded and hazardous streets!

Make sure that whatever form of transportation that you choose to use will be safe.

Exchange Rates for Egyptian Currency

Egyptian currency is known as the pound, or gineih. It is divided into 100 qirsh.
Here’s what you need to know about the pound:

o Coins = 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 qirsh; 1 gineih
o Bills = 5, 10, 25 and 50 qirsh; 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 gineih

You can use an Egyptian currency converter like the one here to compare other amounts of U.S. dollars against the shilling.

Best Locations to Visit in Egypt

When you study abroad in Egypt there are literally hundreds of different amazing places that you can visit to get a feel of Egyptian culture:

o Located near Cairo along the Nile is the Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the oldest structures in the history of mankind. With its human head and lion-like body, the Sphinx is truly an amazing sight that continues to be a popular tourist attraction.

o One of the strangest and most intriguing places you can visit when you study abroad in Egypt is the ancient burial ground known as Saqqara, or Sakkara. Known as “The City of Dead,” this burial ground is not only the home to ancient tombs, but it’s also the site of the world’s oldest step pyramid.

o If you’re interested in taking a nice swim after a long day of classes then the Siwa Oasis, which is over 50 miles long, is the best place to visit.

o Students interested in getting in some shopping or enjoying local seafood can visit Aswan, the third largest city in Egypt. During the day you can visit local markets and watch sailboats along the Nile, and at night you can watch local musicians and dancers perform.

o The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is the best place to see over 120,000 Egyptian artifacts, most notably, the treasures of King Tutankhamen. With over 107 halls full of huge statues, mummies, papyrus scrolls and other Egyptian wonders, this is THE museum for Egyptian enthusiasts.

Trish Smith is a copywriter for Green Student U, Student Finance Domain and Study Abroad Domain, websites that are devoted to providing college students with helpful environmental, financial and study abroad advice.

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

In a more recent study of 119 employers conducted by the Career Center at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 59% of respondents said that Study Abroad or other international experience, other than an internship, would be very valuable or somewhat valuable in an individual’s career later on with their organization.

Study Abroad programs are becoming increasingly attractive as more and more college students seek meaningful ways to spend college breaks or explore true diversity of cultures. Additionally, as students return and share their positive experiences, others sign up to head overseas as well.

Two great resources for students considering studying overseas are StudyAbroad.com and Semester at Sea.

StudyAbroad.com is a comprehensive online source of information about educational opportunities for high school students, college students or graduate students wanting to study in other countries. It includes information on summer programs, internships, service learning programs and overseas volunteer opportunities. The information is easy to follow and is sorted by subject, country or city.

Semester at Sea, run by the Institute for Shipboard Education, gets academic sponsorship from the University of Virginia where students can apply for credit for the 2007 summer trip. This trip will have students traversing the Western coast of Central America and South America. Stops this summer will include Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Financial aid is available to help students cover the $8000+ cost of the just over 2 month journey onboard the floating university. The Fall 2007 trip is scheduled for stops in Japan, Thailand, China and India while Puerto Rico, Brazil, South Africa and Mauritius are on tap for the Spring 2008 journey.

No study abroad program is without risk and students and parents should do all the required due diligence to make sure these experiences do not end with less than positive results. Some general advice to be safe on a study abroad experience are as follows and include some tips from the University of Chicago’s Study Abroad program:

1. Be alert at all times. Remember you are in unfamiliar surroundings

2. Trust your instincts

3. Be cautious and protective with your cash

4. Observe political gatherings from a distance

5. Learn where the nearest police station, hospital and embassy is located

6. Stay sober and away from drugs and alcohol. This is not the time to lose focus

7. Be particularly alert while on public transportation and in public places

8. Be mindful of new friendships that develop too quickly

9. Make copies of all your important papers. Keep a set of copies with you as well as leave one at home.

10. Be inconspicuous and try to blend in as much as possible. Avoid being the noisy tourist

11. Check in often with home. Have somewhat of a routine so that folks at home will know if you are off schedule.

Marcia Robinson writes and trains on career, workplace and employment related issues. She is a Principal at The RayeMartin Group, a HR consulting firm in Philadelphia, that owns BullsEyeResumes, publishes the Norristown-At-Work monthly and maintains career advice blogs. Robinson has a BS in Human Resources Management and a Masters in Business Administration.

Bullseye Career Blogs

BullsEyeResumes.com [http://www.bullseyeresumes.com]

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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

Jet Lag

You may experience jet lag or traveler’s stress. Some helpful ways to counteract jet lag include: getting plenty of rest before your trip, eating healthy food, drinking plenty of fluids (particularly juices and water), getting some moderate exercise and wearing loose, comfortable clothing.

Culture Shock and Stress

Culture shock is a typical phenomenon that happens to most travelers who venture to a new culture and country to study abroad, for an extended period of time. There are many emotional effects of facing new values, habits, and lifestyles. You may experience confusing emotional highs and lows during your time abroad. You may also feel impatient, bewildered and depressed at times. These are all initial symptoms of culture shock, and may easily be overcome.

Be aware that a moderate amount of anxiety and stress is a natural part of intercultural transitions. A new language, exotic foods, registration, beginning classes, and even changes in the weather can affect your stress level. This stress is nothing to be afraid of and can easily be dealt with by having a positive attitude and taking good care of yourself emotionally and physically during your study abroad program.

Other Health Issues

AIDS and STDs

You are undoubtedly aware of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Your risk of infection depends almost entirely on your own behavior. You should take the same sexual health precautions abroad that you take in the United States during the entire course of your study abroad program.

Drugs

The use of illegal drugs is treated very seriously by local authorities in all countries and by all study abroad program sponsors irrespective of whether you choose a program to study in London or a program to study in Spain. If you are convicted on drug charges, you will almost certainly be charged with fines and face jail time. If you are arrested on drug charges, there is nothing the U.S. government, your school or the study abroad program sponsor can do with respect to the legal process.

Any student consuming or possessing illegal drugs while on a study abroad program will most likely be expelled from the program without a refund or credit transfer and there are bound to be additional sanctions back at the home university.

Alcohol

The use of alcohol for adults over the age of 18 is legal in all of our program host countries. That said, most students in other countries are taught from an early age to take a moderate and considered approach to alcohol. Heavy/binge drinking and drunkenness are far less common than in the United States, and considered immature and unacceptable behavior.

The negative social and physical effects of the use of alcohol are well documented. Use of alcohol may cause: blackouts, poisoning and overdose; physical and psychological dependence; damage to vital organs; inability to learn and remember information; and psychological problems including depression, psychosis and severe anxiety. Impaired judgment and coordination resulting from the use of alcohol and drugs is associated with acquaintance assault and rape; DUI/DWI arrests; hazing; falls, drowning and other injuries; contracting sexually-transmitted diseases including AIDS; and unwanted or unplanned sexual experiences and pregnancy.

You will be in unfamiliar settings and alcohol can lead to you to make poor and unsafe judgments. Your safest decision is not to drink alcoholic beverages.

If you choose to drink, follow sensible drinking habits, including:

o not drinking on an empty stomach

o not drinking if you are feeling tired or ill

o alternating alcohol drinks with non-alcoholic drinks like water or juice

o limiting yourself to 2-3 drinks in a night at most

o having a friend with you in case you have difficulties

o not drinking during periods when we are traveling vigorously

Do not under any circumstances drink and drive or accept a ride from anyone else that has been drinking!

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

- Length of program
- Geographic location
- Language of host country
- Academic standards and structure
- Academic curriculum choices
- Immersion in host culture
- Interactions with locals
- Housing
- Safety and emergency services
- Orientation services
- Utilization of host country resources
- On-site staff
- Cost

There are currently no “certified” or “accredited” study abroad programs per se. The Forum on Education Abroad is a professional organization authorized to establish “best practices” that will distinguish programs that operate on the highest standards? Familiarize yourself with these standards and ask program directors and/or providers how they measure up to best practices for responsible study abroad programs.

Just as there is not one ideal location for a study abroad experience, there is also not one ideal structure for a study abroad program. There is a time and a place for various types of structures in developing various student outcomes. If the priority of your institution is to promote and develop foreign language proficiency, then it goes without saying that you would not limit your students’ options to programs in the U.K., neither would you put much of your efforts into short-term faculty-led programs.

It is crucial to determine the appropriate methodology to produce the intended outcomes. There are valuable and consequential learning outcomes from a two-week international experience, however, a two-week experience cannot be considered an appropriate methodology for developing an adequate level of intercultural competency. Thus, the type of program should be appropriate for the intended outcomes.

Unfortunately, some institutions operating without explicit intended outcomes can look to the “number of study abroad enrollments/participants” as their measure of success. However, the “number of study abroad enrollments/participants” does not indicate the quality, relevance, or learning outcomes of the international experience. Even with the best of intentions, it is actually possible to generate learning outcomes that initiate and/or reinforce negative stereotypes and enhance discomfort of intercultural interactions if programs are not developed and facilitated appropriately.

As education abroad enters the arena of public scrutiny and administrative importance, institutions are being compared and ranked.

Unfortunately, to date, measures are limited to comparing mere headcounts. And thus, there is a threat that number crunchers will emphasize volume at the expense of quality. It may be necessary to remind someone that just as universities are not ranked by U.S. News and World Report by enrollments alone, similarly schools should not be ranked in international education by enrollments alone.

Quality of education is measured by relevant and measurable intended outcomes. Similar and appropriate measures of quality should be applied to education abroad.

About the Author:
Study Abroad Programs – 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

Your semester abroad can include visiting Sens%u014D-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple that features the Kaminarimon Gate, a massive entrance that is decorated with traditional paper lanterns and huge statues of Japanese gods.

If you travel for a summer abroad you can walk along the streets of Ginza, a popular Tokyo destination full of shopping, fine food and coffeehouses.

Whether you decide to study the ancient history of Japan or see how it has become an international icon for economic growth, your study abroad Japan experience will be unforgettable.

Study Abroad Programs in Japan

The Japanese have always been known for their dedication to educational excellence, so their study abroad programs demonstrate this while also combining hands-on activities in various academic locations.

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is home to the University of Tokyo. This university was the first-ever national university in Japan to offer a wide variety of courses to both graduates and undergraduates.

Known as one of the leading research universities in the world, it has three campus locations and has drawn over 2,500 international students each semester. It’s also home to the University Museum, which has over 6.4 million items that students can use for their research.

Travel to the third largest island in Japan, Ky%u016Bsh%u016B, and visit Nagasaki Prefecture, which is home to Nagasaki University. This University is known for its Institute of Tropical Medicine, but it also offers courses in Education, Dentistry, Engineering and Environmental Studies.

With three different campus locations and an International Student Center that offers Japanese lessons to visiting students, Nagasaki University is an academic and cultural meeting ground for students that study abroad.

There are still many other study abroad programs you can join in Tokyo, Nagasaki and other Japanese cities.

Your Japanese Travel Options

With over 30 million residents, Japan offers many different ways to travel between cities. The most reliable way to travel is to use the network of railway systems that run through the four largest islands of the country – Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku.

Most of these trains are operated by Japanese Railways, a global train travel system that also offers services as far away as New York and Paris. You can either get a regular train ticket for a one-way travel, or you can get a rail pass which allows you unlimited usage on any of the Japanese Railways trains in the world.

Buses are the second most popular mode of transportation in Japan. Not only are they cheaper than train tickets, but they also offer routes through every major city in Japan. But even though they are more accessible than trains, they may also be more confusing to use because few offer directions and maps in English. You can go to the website Japan-Guide and read its “How to Use a Bus” page to get directions on properly using the bus system.

Of course you can always rent a car or hail a taxi for your travels in Japan. To rent a car you will need an international driving permit, which needs to be obtained before you leave for your study abroad trip.

Once you have that, you can rent a car from a company like Mazda Rentacar or Nissan Rentacar. Taxis are usually very expensive, so they should only be used as a last resort. You can use them to get to different train and bus stops, but you should never use them to travel long distances.

Finally, bicycles are a great way to get around Japan. Known as jitensha, bikes are used to travel to work, school and most other locations. If you buy or rent a bike, you can use it to ride to a train station if necessary and park it at any of the designated bicycled parking areas located outside of the station. You may even find a garage that is dedicated solely to parking bikes.

No matter how you travel in Japan, always follow health and safety guidelines to ensure that you are safe and protected in a foreign country. Anything can happen while you’re traveling, so just be wise about where you go and how you get there.

Exchange Rates for Japanese Currency

Japanese currency is known as the yen, which literally means “circle.” You should always know the exchange rate between U.S. dollars and any foreign currency before you travel so you will be prepared to make purchases without any trouble.

Here’s what you need to know about the Yen:
# Coins = 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 Yen

# Bills = 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 Yen

You can use a Japanese currency converter like the one here to compare other amounts of U.S. dollars against Japanese Yen.

Study Abroad in Japan Isn’t Complete Without a Stop in Tokyo

You can’t leave from your study abroad Japan experience without stopping in Tokyo, the capital city known for its amazing attractions and historical perspectives.

For a more peaceful and relaxing experience, you can visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, which is home to over 2,800 plants and animals and features over 20 mountain peaks. If you prefer a more metropolitan feel you can visit Shinjuku, a bustling location full of skyscrapers, department stores, camera shops, restaurants and hotels.

Finally, if you’re into technological gadgets, computers or anime, you can visit Akihabara Electric Town. This major Japanese shopping area has just about anything electronic that you would want to buy.

From televisions, video cameras and kitchen appliances to computers, stereos and cell phones, you’ll be lost in wonder as you stroll through this fantasy shopping district.

Trish Smith is a copywriter for Green Student U, Student Finance Domain and Study Abroad Domain, websites that are devoted to providing college students with helpful environmental, financial and study abroad advice.

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

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

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

There are literally hundreds of different study abroad programs available right now. Some of them are focused on experiential learning and community service, and others are focused on simply studying in a foreign country. Some are for a semester, and some are for a year. Others are just short stints over spring break or the holidays in between semesters, too. Besides this, study abroad programs are available for just about every country in the world – at least the ones that are considered fairly safe for American college students to be in.

Before you apply for a study abroad program, look at it really hard to decide whether or not it would be a good program for you. If you want to really experience a new culture, you might want a program where you stay with a host family, but if you simply want to meet other students, you could choose to live in a dorm or with your fellow Americans while taking classes with students from another country. Each study abroad experience will be totally unique, and you need to decide which programs will best suit you before you fill out any applications.

You’ll also have to check out exactly how the study abroad program will fit your course requirements. If you don’t mind taking a semester off track and tacking an extra one onto your senior year, this won’t matter as much. If you’re determined to graduate in your four-year limit, on the other hand, you’ll want to look at the program credits with a discerning eye. If you have questions, you can always talk to your advisor, too. Sometimes a class that doesn’t seem like it will meet a certain requirement can be pushed into that slot if you talk to the people in the registrar’s office.

It’s tempting to totally forget the cost of a study abroad experience when you’re preparing for it. After all, you might think that your student loans will cover it. This isn’t always the case, though. If for nothing other than plane tickets and administrative costs, study abroad experiences are usually more expensive than stay-at-home semesters. You may not get enough government financial aid to cover the semester, which means taking out a private – and higher interest – student loan. Studying abroad may be one of the greatest experiences you can have, but it’s probably not worth paying for until you’re forty.

Even though you may think that spending three months away from both home and school will be a great idea, it can be pretty difficult. Most people who study abroad have such a great time that it flies by, but if you tend to pine for home and people you know, you may have trouble adjusting. This isn’t really a reason not to study abroad, since the experience can help relieve you of some of your homesickness, but it is something to consider. Before you decide to go, talk to other students who have been on study abroad programs to see how they communicated with home and dealt with homesickness; their advice can help give you some great ideas for your time away.

Crystal is the owner of GreekForMe – a licensed fraternity and sorority Greek merchandise store that features Alpha Kappa Alpha Merchandise.

In her free time, she volunteers at her kids’ school and also actively supports Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society.

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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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