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.

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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

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

- 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

Write a mission statement for study abroad that makes it a priority to integrate international education services into the foundation of the college/university mission. A study abroad office mission includes an academic enhancement role and student support services. It is essential to include with your mission statement, some measurable intended outcomes for study abroad. Your statements of intended outcomes will guide your policies and practice.

It is also important to understand that every institution invests dollars and staff in endeavors that support and enhance the institutional mission and outcomes. Just as we see different levels of support for campus housing on various campuses, we also see different levels of support for international education.

Study abroad has long been considered an elective or “luxury” experience and thus has not been tied to the core values (and therefore finances) of most institutions. The closer you correlate study abroad with institutional priorities, the more leverage you will have in gaining support for your endeavors.

An example of a campus mission statement that is easily identifiable with education abroad.

Mission Statement:

We educate students to put the liberal arts into action as citizens in a global society.

And they go on to describe their core values as:

Academic Excellence, Diversity, Equity, and Shared Governance, Education of the Entire Person, Adherence to Common Ethical and Moral Standards Community Service and Global Citizenship, Environmental Stewardship.

This makes it easy to integrate study abroad into the core values of the institution.

Another example of a university mission statement is:

Our mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of the diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world.

However, some university mission statements require a little more work to integrate international education into the core values. For example consider the following mission statement

Our mission is to discover, create, transmit, and apply knowledge to address the needs of individuals and society. This mission is accomplished through instruction, which communicates the knowledge and values and imparts the skills necessary for individuals to lead responsible, productive, and personally satisfying lives; through research, scholarship, and creative activities, which advance knowledge and enhance the educational process; and through public service, which contributes to the solution of societal problems and enriches the quality of life in the State.

And yet other university mission statements do not lend themselves easily to integrating international education as a core value.

Our mission as a multipurpose public institution is to develop educated persons of inquiring, creative, and disciplined intelligence to be competent in careers that are fulfilling and to be socially responsible contributors to society. This University strives, therefore, to graduate people on the bachelor’s and master’s level who have had sound education in the arts and sciences and relevant specialized training built upon that base.

A study abroad office mission statement can also come in many diverse forms and visions. The following mission statement is an example of a diverse vision:

The Office for Study Abroad promotes opportunities for global education to all eligible students in order for them to gain an understanding of other countries, regions, languages, and cultures through direct overseas experience.

Some universities have taken the approach of being very explicit about their connection to the institution’s core values:

In support of the University’s mission to “promote the process of lifelong learning from both global and integrative perspectives,” the Office for Study Abroad offers international education opportunities to students through the University’s overseas study centers, international exchange partners, and affiliated organizations. As an extension of the University’s academic program, we promote academic excellence and provide access to high quality international education programs in expanding geographic destinations to serve a diverse student population representing a wide array of academic disciplines. As educators, we facilitate the academic, personal, professional, and intercultural development of students through the programs and services we provide.

And one more example of a carefully crafted mission statement that not only integrates international education into the university core value, but also sets criteria and objectives for policy:

We are a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. Many hands – at home and abroad – make it so, and many benefit. Study abroad is one of the ways in which our students and others build and benefit from our University’s international engagement.

Our mission is to provide and facilitate a range of study and education opportunities abroad consonant in breadth and quality with on-campus curricula, offered for short or long duration according to curricular objectives and in consideration of students’ obligations, at a range of costs and with opportunities for scholarship or subvention such that study abroad opportunity is available to all students in good standing. Attention to students’ health, safety, and well-being abroad underlies all other considerations.

Our intention is that through study abroad we and our partners prepare students for global citizenship, guiding them to a greater understanding of world and domestic cultures and encouraging them to share that understanding with their hosts abroad and communities at home; that students gain or enhance area, linguistic, subject, and cultural knowledge and competence; that students contribute to their host communities; and that students emerge wiser and more engaged citizens

About the Author:
Study Abroad Europe – 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.

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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