High School Study Abroad Why?

 

There are many reasons why you should study abroad in high school. By living away from your parents in a foreign country on an exchange, you will gain independence and maturity. You will be immersed in another culture and learn a foreign language. Your study abroad experience will enhance your college applications and can even help you make a smooth transition from high school to college. You will also be more likely to study abroad again during college. Study abroad will benefit you for years to come, and will open many opportunities and career paths.

Related FAQs:

• Why should I study abroad?

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Why and How People Choose Meaningful Travel Abroad: the 2013 Go Overseas Survey Results

 

We were excited to learn that one of the top three resources for students looking at study abroad programs was online reviews. And for volunteers abroad, the fact that cultural immersion was the number two factor as far as motivation for volunteering, after making a difference, was right in line with what we had observed based on our site visitors. We're curious, though: which results did you find most interesting? Tell us in the comments. And if you find these insights valuable, don't forget to tell the world and share!

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How Study Abroad Makes Teens Less Awkward, More Confident

 

Your child is finally ready to leave the nest of the motherland and fly off on an adventure overseas. It's understandable to be a little anxious or concerned as your child prepares to spend an entire semester a whole continent (or two) away from you. You may even be second-guessing their choice to study abroad entirely - again, this is normal. But not all concerns are strictly confined to wondering if your kid even knows how to use an ATM with keys in a different alphabet.

There's a huge part of study abroad that takes place outside the classroom, and the experience is about far more than just taking notes in a different classroom. Like the first day of school, it can be nerve-wracking wondering if your kid will fit in with the others, be able to make friends and adjust to his or her new environment.

Fortunately, study abroad by definition goes a long way toward facilitating those processes. So put your mind at ease, justifiably concerned parents - here are just a few of the ways study abroad will encourage new skills, both social and not, and make your child far less awkward by the time the semester ends.

Over the course of studying abroad, your child will:

Be forced to make friends

Your teen will undoubtedly make new friends

Most of us don't study abroad with our entire dorm - in fact, it's likely that your child may only know one or two other people in the program, if at all.

This can be daunting for the introverts out there, but ultimately a positive thing, since it's hard to be shoved into the same space with a large group of people for an extended period of time without bonding with at least a few of them. Much of the fun of study abroad relies on shared experiences - exploring new neighborhoods, stumbling upon cool bars and restaurants, making the same embarrassing language mistakes, traveling together on weekends and, sometimes, going to class.

Going through a challenge together is one of the best ways to form strong friendships and emotions bonds (if it works for the Army, it can work for us), so it's pretty much a guarantee that by the end of the semester, your child will have a whole dorm's worth of new friends, and some great stories to go along with them.

Have to talk to strangers

One of the comfortable things about being at college is the way your entire life often seems perfectly contained inside that bubble - friends, classes, social life and often even work are within the same several-mile radius. Everyone knows the same nicknames for the buildings, the best night for dessert at the dining halls, and you can find out what's happening over the weekend just by reading the posters hanging around campus or taped to the ground.

This bubble is dramatically shattered during study abroad - whether the student is in a giant city or a small town, he or she will not longer be residing in an airtight space protected from the lives of others. They'll have to branch out of this bubble.

Whether it's getting directions to a landmark, figuring out how to use a confusing bus system or discovering the difference between five seemingly identical kinds of sliced meat, the answers to all questions will not be immediately available or obvious to your child, and they will certainly not be confined to interacting only with fellow students. If your child had problems starting conversations or talking to strangers before, it's almost guaranteed that those fears will be gone by the time the return flight rolls around.

Become more independent

Following up on the previous point, there can often be a lot of hand-holding that happens at universities, especially during freshman year. Though most study abroad programs offer extensive orientation, the hands let go significantly faster than they do at most US-based universities.

These universities expect students to be able to take charge of their own learning experiences and be responsible without daily reminders or a bookstore that knows exactly which copies students need before they even walk through the door.

This is partially because the nature of foreign universities is somewhat different - the vast majority, especially those in large cities, are what we think of as "commuter schools," with students living at home rather than on campus and simply arriving for classes. There's also, often, a less intuitive organizational system (if there's any system at all, which sometimes might not seem to be the case), and not everything is available online. This is to say that these universities expect students to be able to take charge of their own learning experiences and be responsible without daily reminders or a bookstore that knows exactly which copies students need before they even walk through the door.

It may take a few late assignments or relocated classrooms, but by the end of the semester, your student will be far more responsible and able to get things done without expecting help or guidance from others.

Build greater confidence

Your teen will become more confident

There's no better way to become confident than surviving five months of constantly feeling like an incompetent idiot. No, seriously - so much of study abroad involves being placed in situations where you have no context, no background and no idea what the appropriate or socially acceptable behavior is.

While this can be terrifying at first (and lead to some hilarious interactions), it's a foolproof way to increase confidence and faith in one's own ability. It's hard to see at the moment, but by the time your child returns from study abroad, he or she will have an amazing list of accomplishments and challenges met. Being able to say, "yeah, I did that, and I did it correctly" is a wonderful self-esteem boost, and that confidence will stay for years to come.

Acquire numerous valuable and useful life skills

Study abroad leads to all sorts of intangible benefits, it's true, but some of the skills gained are about as practical as it gets. It might be your child's first time washing laundry by hand, memorizing a confusing train schedule or budgeting savings to make sure they'll stretch until the end of vacation week.

For some students, it might be the first time they've lived somewhere meals aren't automatically provided - life without dining hall cards can be scary. Learning to function without the safety net of parents, friends and the university support system can be a steep learning curve at first, but it's also an important step in establishing independence and becoming a functional human being who is capable of washing underwear without ruining it.

All of the personality definition and confidence boosting is great, of course, but the practical life skills will serve your child for the rest of his or her life.

Become better communicators - in more than one language

Not all of us are born with perfect elocution skills, but we all learn to talk to each other somehow. However, all the communication strategies we know get turned on their head when we start to try to function in another language - from interpersonal relationships to hand gestures, everything is different.

All of the personality definition and confidence boosting is great, of course, but the practical life skills will serve your child for the rest of his or her life.

This can be frustrating at first, especially if you're starting from zero, but the challenge of trying to express oneself without knowing the vocabulary leads people to find increasingly creative and effective ways to get thoughts and ideas across. Soon enough, your child will be able to express him- or herself in more than one language, and will likely become a better communicator in English, too. Plus, going through the process of learning a second language tends to make people much more sympathetic and open to talking to English language learners once back in their home countries.

Have their ideas, norms and values challenged repeatedly, and emerge a more secure, self-assured person

Your teen will be challenged -- in a good way

So this is the catch-all summary of why study abroad is not just a great idea for academic reasons, but for personal ones as well. Building off of all the other reasons listed above, studying abroad is all about being forced outside of a bubble, challenging ourselves on a daily basis and discovering new skills, abilities and beliefs we never knew we had.

Putting ourselves in a different context can change our feelings about religion, culture, economics, art, friendship, poverty, conflict, feminism, discrimination and just about any other topic you can think of. But, equally importantly,it changes how we see ourselves. We go from average college students who get lost if we go three blocks from our houses without a GPS, to competent, capable individuals who can find our way cross-country, cook an entire three-course meal, make friends in a room full of strangers and distinguish between Malbec and Shiraz. We gain faith in our own abilities and learn which things are most important to us - the difference between things that are innate and those that are culturally imposed.

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High school and college years are all about developing and seeking out a more comfortable identity. While there's no shortcut through this process, studying abroad is one way to accelerate the valuable growth and development that comes from finding our way through a challenging experience, one mistake or accomplishment at a time. Study abroad won't automatically give your child a set of impeccable social skills, but it will go a long way toward helping him or her come out of that shell and face the world head-on.

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How To Perfect Your Australian Accent

 

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for American students to study abroad and companies like Capa andAIFS offer programs that make it easy to do so. Obviously, you'll have to do this during college, usually after your Freshman year. Most students tend to study abroad during their junior year and with the strong alliance that exist between Australia and the USA, you could easily receive the proper visas to spend a semester, even an entire school year studying down under.

Perks: Some of the highlights of studying abroad in Australia are the fact that their summer is our winter, the country has a diverse eco-system and several Australian cities are rated amongst the most liveable in the world.

If it's the environment that interests you, try SFS Study Abroad Program in the tropical rainforest. Those interested in politics can study at the University of Canberra, Australia's capital city. Last but not least, those who want to spend their system near a beach with great surf can study with the Education Abroad Network at the University of Newcastle. These are just a few ways to spend your study abroad experience in Oz.

Must-know phrases: "Uni" (University), "Reckon" (use when offering an opinion in class) and "Wag" (skip school, which you shouldn't be doing).

Suggested study abroad programs in Australia:

• Capa International Education


• AIFS


• SFS Summer Study Abroad


• University of Canberra


• Education Abroad Network


• More study abroad programs...

Work Holiday Visa

Australia's working holiday scheme is pretty sweet as

Spending time in Australia is not limited to those in college. In fact, the country gives youth from dozens of countries (including the U.S!) the opportunity to live and work in Australia for one year with no strings attached. Those 18-30 years old are eligible to apply for a work holiday visa and do not require sponsorship from a specific company nor a secondary degree, so when you go is up to you.

But a university degree always makes candidates more appealing for various jobs no matter what country they are applying in. Simply apply online, arrive in the country and experience the country's work force for yourself.

Perks: Home to "The Best Job in the World", Australia has some pretty breathtaking places to work. Under this visa you could work as a divemaster on the Great Barrier Reef, a barista in the coffee-crazed city of Melbourne or even on a cattle ranch in the outback. The possibilities are endless and a lot will be completely new to US citizens. Further, the Aussie dollar is stronger than the American at the moment and minimum wage in Australia is $16.88, making it an ideal place to save up lots of money to travel more.

Must-know phrases: "Yakka" (work), "Knock off" (end work) and "Arvo" (afternoon).

Suggested work away in Australia resources:

• Australian JobSearch


• Gumtree


• Greenheart Travel


• Working Abroad Projects

Volunteer Abroad

Good on ya for deciding to volunteer!

Just as Australia's nature makes it a great place to study abroad, it also makes it a great place to volunteer. Australia has several programs that allow volunteers to contribute to the conservation of the country and work with animals.

There is no bad time to volunteer, so whether you have two weeks at summer or you want to take a few months sabbatical from work, Australia has plenty of options available to volunteers.

Perks: Home to the world's oldest rainforest and largest living organism, if you are passionate about nature and preservation, this is the place to invest your time with programs like Pacific Discovery and Global Vision International. If it's animals you care about, you could help rehabilitate endangered animals in Northern Australia.

Must-know phrases: "Aussie salute" (brushing away flies with your hand), "Mozzies" (mosquitos) and "Good on ya" (well done, which you'll hear often if you volunteer in Australia).

Suggested volunteer abroad programs in Australia:

• Pacific Discovery


• Conservation Volunteers


• ISV


• First Abroad


• Travellers Worldwide


• More volunteer abroad programs...

Intern Abroad

Your Australian internship is sure to be sweet as

Similar to working abroad, interning in Australia will allow you to see what a day in the life of an Aussie worker is like. Since internships are often now required for completion of a college degree, this will give you an excuse to spend three months or more in this no-worries atmosphere.

Perks: Australia has a very strong work-hard, play-hard ethic. You'll learn a lot in whatever area of work you intern in down under and you'll have the opportunity to follow that up with a lot of partying. While some places in the USA are just the same, you might not be old enough to partake in the after-work activities, unlike Australia where the drinking age is 18 years old.

Must-know phrases: "Flat White and Americana" (basic white and black espresso-based drinks - since interns are also known as coffee-runners you should know that in Australia a plain old cup of coffee doesn't exist), "No worries" (repeat this every time you're asked to do something for the boss) and "Sweet as" (meaning good, Australians like to add "as" to the end of things).

Suggested intern abroad programs in Australia:

• Australian Internships


• Global Experiences


• Professional Pathways Australia


• GlobaLinks Learning Abroad


• Alliance Abroad Group


• More internship programs...

High School

Gain independence by doing high school in Australia.

You might want to start your Aussie education even sooner in life, in which case you should look for opportunities to study in Australia for a year in High School as a foreign exchange student. Visiting this young might actually give you a life-long Aussie accent, but you should know - they don't even refer to this period of schooling the same down under.

Perks: The all-around perk of studying abroad in high school is that you'll be in a situation where you are completely surrounded by foreign people. Unlike studying abroad in college, you most-likely won't be visiting Australia with a group of fellow American students, which frees you up to make some real Aussie friends and maybe even family.

Most FES's live with a host family. Who knows, maybe your's will have a home right by the beach. Some fun possibilities about going to high school in Australia: joining the surf club, taking a ferry to school and eating meat pies for lunch.

Must-know phrases: "Chalkie" (school teacher) and "Schoolies' Week" (end of year celebration, which you won't want to miss).

Suggested high school programs in Australia:

• Rustic Pathways


• Nacel International


• Bold Earth Teen Adventures


• People to People


• Travel For Teens


• More high school programs...

Gap Year

So, pack your thongs, grab a goon, and get goin'!

Even if you can't find a way to stay in the country long-term and perfect your accent, you can pick up a few phrases while visiting Australia on a gap year of travel. People from all over the world visit the country on gap year, but they're primarily from the UK, Netherlands and Canada - so you may also find yourself saying "ay" and referring to fries as chips by the end of your stay.

Perks: Australia is a wonderland for travellers. The country is proud of its tourism industry and set up well for visitors. The country is easy to navigate and locals are very welcoming. Whether you hop from one surf town to the next on the east coast or totally lose yourself in the wild, wild west, this country will give you a gap year experience you'll never forget.

Must-know phrases: "Goon" (boxed wine, a staple amongst backpackers on the trail in Oz), "Yank" (how Australians refer to Americans) and "Thongs" (flip flops, so don't blush if an Aussie you meet on the beach says he or she likes your thongs).

Suggested gap year programs in Australia:

• Surf Camp Australia


• Visitoz


• Smaller Earth


• Real Gap


• Ultimate Travel


• More gap year programs...

Ready to Start Speakin' Like an Aussie?

Six very different ways that will have you speaking like an Aussie in no time. Hopefully these phrases have given you a head start to your adventure down under, whatever way it may be. If you ever get caught up just shorten your words and add a "y" or the word "as" to the end of it. Thanks for the chinwag, now I need to go make some brekkie and play my Didgeridoo.

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Pet Peeves: Americans Trying to Make their Study Abroad in Europe like America

 

She's wearing a skirt that barely covers her and holds her heels in her hand as she stomps into the bar. Flat-footed and zigzagging, she stumbles up to the counter and slams both hands down, pushes her very exposed chest out and proceeds to slur to the bartender that he "like really needs to turn the game on right now because it's the finals and do you have an iPhone charger because mine is dead" in English. Without a please or thank you. With her arm outstretched and her cracked iPhone 5 in the bartender's face, I bury my head in my hands in embarrassment.

It's three-thirty in the morning and we are in the center of Florence, Italy. The historic structure of the Duomo sits silently only mere feet away from the front door to the bar, but this chick just rolled in like she's at her best friends flat. Ladies and gentleman of the lovely country of the USA, I beg of you, please, when you are not in the States, it is truly OK to be proud to be American, and I am usually too, but lately, you're making me feel the need to apologize for us instead.

When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.

Clifton Fadiman

Traveling is to learn about the world. It is to show you that the world is this gigantic sphere of people that are all incredibly different and live in extraordinary places, but yet we are all so much the same. Remember this, travel is for the landscape, yes, but it is also and more importantly for the people that call it home. Perhaps they speak in different languages and may not have the same respect for, let's say, PB&J, as we do, but they are still men and women with families and dreams. Travel is learning about differences and similarities and discovering that the world that we have in our head may be completely different than the actuality. Maybe the differences aren't that different.

Since living in Europe and watching many semesters of study abroad pass through, I feel that many are forgetting this idea and simply want a different beach or mountain as a backdrop to their American life. Here are a few pet peeves that I have to point out. Please, when you get on the plane, remember these and avoid them like the plague:

Become a chameleon and blend with the colors of the culture

Does your dress pass the test?

Girls who study abroad may attempt to look "Euro" for instance, but few manage to get it right in the short time they're abroad. Knee high flat leather boots, jeans or leggings, and a brightly colored jacket - complete with a Longchamp or an across-the-chest leather bag. Ladies, you aren't fooling anyone.

Take a look at what the locals are wearing and try and find some deals. Even ask if you can, where they purchased their stylish clothes or shoes. In Italy, for instance, trade out those knee high boots for some ankle-high studded ones instead. Feeling really daring, grab a pair of wedged sneakers or bring your favorite pair of Converse. They are completely in style with skinny jeans and an over-sized sweater in the winter months.

Guys -- you aren't out of the line of fire either. Baggier jeans, work boots or sneakers, sweatshirts, a no-style haircut or a baseball cap. You're a target. I understand that most can't afford to buy a completely new wardrobe while you're here, but a simple purchase of a few items like the local in-style footwear and jacket will have you blend in.

A little skinny in your jeans won't kill you! Try on some tighter jeans and maybe a fitted T if you can swing it! And no, guys wearing scarves are not "gay" they are for sure getting more looks from the ladies than you are in your salmon-pink shorts that you are so adamant on wearing.

Benefits of this? Less pick pocketing, more international style, and more respect from the locals. Depending on where you are, foreigners tend to be more fashion forward in a conservative way. They are stylish without showing skin. Dressing the part also allows you to try and speak the language more - while many will be less apt to assume you are American and begin taking your order in English. You will be able to fit into the culture better, if you look the part first.

Suggested Programs for Studying Fashion in Europe

• API at Lorenzo de Medici in Florence


• Year / Semester in Italy with SACI


• Global Experiences Internships in Paris, France


• NYC-London Courses: Central Saint Martins & Parsons

If you can walk the walk but can't talk the talk, you're in trouble

Parla italiano? If you're traveling, you should at least know key words in the native language.

If you are going to travel, especially to study abroad, and have decided that you're not going to learn the language, there's already a problem. If you deem it too difficult, I understand that one -- I, for instance, will never succeed fluency in Swiss-German -- but you need to still try. In the world of technology, you can translate anything in a matter of seconds through the multitude of apps. Excuses are invalid.

The next time I hear "ugh they don't even know a word of English" coming out of an American's mouth when outside the boundaries of the United States, I will shove a translation dictionary into their open mouth. Just because someone does not know English in a country where English is not an official language, does not mean they are subhuman. Do not speak poorly in front of them. You are in their country. I'm sure they do not like that they have to press their own language on the ATM's either.

Take a language class. Even if it isn't necessary for your major. You'll only benefit from it. Simple things like how to order politely will get you places, and it'll set you apart from other Americans. Respect will be given -- not because you can roll your r's perfectly or you can make that lisp sound in Spanish, but because you are attempting to understand their culture. You'd be surprised how much differently you're treated if you try and learn the language a bit!

Suggested Programs for Studying Languages in Europe

• See all Study French Abroad Programs


• See all Study German Abroad Programs


• See all Study Spanish Abroad Programs


• See all Study Italian Abroad Programs

You won't find an authentic burrito in most of Europe. Stop it.

When in Europe, eat as the Europeans do.

One of the biggest complaints I have heard from Americans abroad is that other countries don't have the same food as we do. Well, yes, that is correct. If you cannot function without your daily dose of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, extremely large coffee from a drive through, Doritos, Mac and Cheese, or Bud Light, traveling abroad is not the path for you. At home, we're gifted to have almost every possible type of food because of the multitude of heritages. On any given night you can have Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, German, etc. But that is because of how our country was formed! From a mix of cultures! This isn't the case in most places you'll go. Of course, everyone needs that Mac and Cheese box for a homesick emergency, but don't spend your days at McDonalds or in the specialty stores looking for food that's like "home."

If you cannot function without your daily dose of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, extremely large coffee from a drive through, Doritos, Mac and Cheese, or Bud Light, traveling abroad is not the path for you. At home, we're gifted to have almost every possible type of food.

Instead of complaining that the restaurant you're eating at in Austria doesn't have your favorite snack of cheesy chicken fingers after a night of drinking, stop, smell the wurstel and try out some of the dishes that the locals eat instead. You may even gain a new favorite you can brag about when you get home. Find new recipes with ingredients readily available and go for it.

You're in your host country to learn about its culture, and embracing their foods and the culture surrounding it is all part of your education abroad. Whether you're studying in Italy and learning how to properly conquer that deceptively buffet-looking Aperitivo, or eating your way through Spain -- at your new, later dinner time, of course -- focus less on the American food you're missing out on, and more on all the delicious foods and drinks just waiting to be discovered!

Suggested Programs for Studying Culinary Arts in Europe

• API & UF: Commodities to Cafes in Paris


• Study Abroad at Apicius in Florence, Italy


• CIEE Summer - Mediterranean Food Culture


• French & Cooking in the south of France

Only one at the bar with a 5th drink in your hand? Put it down.

Don't overestimate your drinking capabilities or try to drink as much as you can. This is neither the time nor the place.

Don't go to the American bars. Observe the crowd - if there's beer pong, get out and use your newly honed language skills to find where the locals go to socialize. If you do find a "local scene", you can use your new fashion to fit in, and maybe even find someone to practice your vocabulary with. Believe me, this will cure your homesickness more than an American bar because "American" is not the picture you may see in your head as you read this.

Some cities with a large population of American students are starting to cater to us with Americanized drink specials, music, and décor - and English speaking bartenders. These places may be great for the occasional moment when you just need a night to have a sing-along to Wagon Wheel and drink a Bud heavy, but if you head to these places every night, you won't meet new people, won't understand the culture, and won't learn the language. Plus - these places are goldmines for promoters, salesmen, and creepy (yes! This is where they are actually creepy) guys looking for "easy" Americans. This place may look like home, but it will give you the opposite of the experience you want.

You should not expect to have your college basketball game playing on a flatscreen in the middle of the city you're studying in. If this is available, be lucky because I haven't noticed many people playing cricket games in the States, nor do I see the English getting upset if they aren't playing them! If you do get a chance to watch your game, perfect! But if the bar isn't showing it, please don't get upset with the staff. They are not in the US and have no interest in showing a sport they barely know about. Instead, learn the sports played in the country you're in - watch the soccer games and learn the rules of cricket. Go to a game if there's a stadium close by! Gain knowledge and maybe even a new sport to play.

Side note: Stop talking about how drunk you are. If you are, enjoy it and keep it to yourself. Foreigners are less inclined to have "blackout nights" and drinking too much for anyone is never a good look. Try to relax a bit and get a nice buzz on instead. Again, be a chameleon, watch the locals at the new bar you just found and learn new ways to have fun!

P.P.S. Vomiting over a thousands-of-years-old buildings and streets is a faux pas in every culture.

If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.

James Michener

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5 Places to Study Abroad in the UK Besides London

 

The United Kingdom continues to be the most popular destination for US students to study abroad year after year (35,000 in 2012) and it's clear to see why.

Their drinking age of 18 years means no lack of partying in university. Universities in the country rank just as high as in the USA for academics on a world scale. Plus, there is no language barrier for US citizens to overcome, just a sexy accent, which may make study abroad in the UK even more attractive for some.

Of all the university-packed cities in this great country to choose from, London is by far the most popular, but it's not the only city to study abroad in the UK and it may not be the best for you. If there is one thing US tourists crossing the pond are guilty of after a visit, it's claiming that they know the UK after only visiting London.

The UK is not just London.

London is a fantastic place to study abroad, but the price of living and business of the city may have you looking for other options. Made up of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, every corner of the country offers a completely different culture, history, accent, and learning experience for foreign students. These five places to study abroad in the UK other than London will help you understand what the rest of the country has to offer its visiting students.

1. Leeds, England: Party With the Brits

Party it up in the UK's favorite college town

Mention Leeds to any British 20-something and they'll rave about the college town's nightlife and incredible drink deals. Whether it's Oporto's club scene or the laid back vibe and beer deals at places like North Bar that appeal to you - Leeds has no shortage of places for the UK Uni student to party.

All in all, Leeds is what American's would call a college town.

Though Leeds has everything a college student could want at their fingertips, students will find it easy to explore the rest of the UK and Europe from here as well. The Northern city has an international airport as well as train and bus stations in town. To keep all the parents of study abroad students happy, University of Leeds ranks highly for academia as well. According to The Guardian's University Guide, "In the QS World University Rankings 2012, Leeds came 17th out of the UK universities."

All in all, Leeds is what American's would call a college town. University students make up a large portion of the population here and come from all over the UK and the rest of the world. So if you want to really feel what it's like to be a British Uni student and be won over by more than just Hugh Grant accents (Northern accents are the best!), then Leeds is your study abroad destination in the UK.

Ready to go? Here's our top program pick:

• Program: API Study Abroad Program at the University of Leeds


• Program Fees: $16,650 (Fall 2014)


• Required GPA: 3.0


• See more programs for studying abroad in England.

2. St. Andrews, Scotland: Rub Elbows with Royals

Enjoy the Ivy League lifestyle in Scotland

This famous Scottish School is known best in recent times as the place where Prince William met Kate Middleton. A royal meets a commoner. They fall in love, have a fairy tale wedding and a princess is made. It's the stuff of childhood dreams.

Yes, this is a university chosen by royalty as well as big names in politics, entertainment, literature and more, so your parents should have no problem approving a semester abroad here. It's clear to see why so many prominent Brits choose St. Andrews as their university too. Home to the world's oldest and most sought after golf course, the University of St. Andrews differs from normal campuses as it's built into the stunning Scottish town.

University of St. Andrews is one study abroad experience that you can boast about on your resume and will tell stories about to people for the rest of your life.

Located on the North Sea, you'll be attending university in a location people only dream of visiting one day. The history of this town and university only add to its beauty. Founded in 1413, University of St. Andrews is the oldest in Scotland and third oldest in the English-speaking world.

Like any Ivy League School in the USA, University of St. Andrews is one study abroad experience that you can boast about on your resume and will tell stories about to people for the rest of your life. For Scottish scenery, a prestigious University experience and the hope of meeting a prince or princess, University of St. Andrews is an epic London alternative. Oh, and did we mention men in kilts? Hubba, hubba!

Ready to go? Here's our top program pick:

• Program: USAC - Study Abroad at University of St. Andrews in Scotland


• Program Fees: $11,980 (Fall 2014)


• Required GPA: 3.2 (3.0-3.2 considered with strong references)


• See more programs for studying abroad in Scotland.

3. Oxford, England: Get Your Nerd On.

Harry Potter fans will undoubtedly recognize this Oxford landmark

University of St. Andrews may have been Prince William's pick for academia, but when it comes to the very best universities in the UK for education, history and prestige, nothing quite compares to Oxford and Cambridge. The two top-tier universities have been competing for everything from academia to rowing for centuries and while Cambridge did rate higher for the former in 2013, Oxford beats them out on our list for one reason: Harry Potter film locations.

For history lovers and those who want a semester abroad in an idyllic English setting, it doesn't get more perfect than University of Oxford.

Yes, Harry Potter was filmed at Oxford and when one thinks of Hogwarts there really is no place that compares to it in real life quite like University of Oxford. On top of Christ Church's dining hall and more of Oxford campus making it on screen, the school has been an inspiration to other great works of fiction including the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll attended University of Oxford as well as 26 Prime Ministers, 50 Nobel Prize Winners, 120 Olympic Medal Winners and many more.

For history lovers and those who want a semester abroad in an idyllic English setting, it doesn't get more perfect than University of Oxford which dates back to the 13th century. Feel inspired like Carroll, mingle with world leaders like President Bill Clinton (he was a Rhodes Scholar here), but please don't get into as much mischief as Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Ready to go? Here's our top program pick:

• Program: CSA Study Abroad Program at the University of Oxford


• Program Fees: $5,895-11,295 (2-4 weeks Summer 2014)


• Required GPA: Not Required


• See more programs for studying abroad in Oxford.

4. Swansea, Wales: Study Abroad on the Beach

France, Italy, and Spain aren't the only study abroad countries with great beaches...

Of all the coastal countries in Europe, you wouldn't thinking of the UK for having the continent's top beaches.

You would be wrong.

Rhossili Bay in Swansea, South Wales was rated as Europe's third best beach and the UK's first in a 2013 Tripadvisor poll. This popular Welsh beach location is renowned for its unspoiled sands, colorful coastal hills and serene waters. Basically a dream location for study abroad students who either love the laid back beach life and/or are interested in marine studies.

Here you'll get to know Welsh culture and maybe even learn a few words in the native tongue.

Swansea University is located right on the beach overlooking Swansea Bay and the town is also home to Swansea Metropolitan University and Gower College, making it a popular destination for university life in Britain. Here you'll get to know Welsh culture and maybe even learn a few words in the native tongue. Furthermore, the price of living in Wales is tremendously lower than that of London.

Ready to go? Here's our top program pick:

• Program: GlobaLinks - Study Abroad at Swansea University in Wales


• Program Fees: $14,095 (Fall 2014)


• Required GPA: 2.8


• See more programs for studying abroad in Wales.

5. Belfast, Ireland: Get Outdoors

Explore the beautiful countryside outside Belfast, Ireland

With the vast and beautiful British countryside in mind, we reach our peak with this last study abroad alternative to London.

In fact, you may already have caught a glimpse. In 2011 a little series premiered on HBO called Game of Thrones. This fantasy drama might be the most-talked about show, ever, on social media for things like their reckless killing off of popular characters, Red Wedding and the epic scenery.

Where can you go to visit Castle Black, Winterfell and more?

Northern Ireland of course and Belfast is your gateway to it all, but also rich with culture and a turmoultous history.

Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland and while the city went through a lot of turmoil in the 20th Century, it's a popular place to visit and live in the UK once again.

Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland and while the city went through a lot of turmoil in the 20th Century, IRA bombings, "Bloody Sunday" and more, its resilience and alternative culture have made it a popular place to visit and live in the UK once again. Whether going on a black taxi tour or visiting the site where the Titanic was built, Belfast is a place where some of the world's most well-known historical happenings, good or bad, come to life, and Queen's University is the perfect place to learn about them all, before seeing where they took place for yourself.

Beyond history and incredible scenery, you'll be able to dive deeper into the culture of Northern Ireland and you'll spend far less on living expenses than you would in London. You might even bump into John Snow - that is if they don't kill him off in the next season.

Ready to go? Here's our top program pick:

• Program: ISA in Belfast, Northern Ireland


• Program Fees: $16,975 (Fall 2014)


• Required GPA: 3.0


• See more programs for studying abroad in Belfast

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It's clear to see why so many American college students flock to London for their study abroad experience. British culture and a booming city life pull people into the UK and London is the country's most popular entrance point, but it's not the only great place to study abroad in the UK. If you had been considering London before, you may just find the options mentioned above more suited to your personality and needs...

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Dealing with Post Study Abroad Depression

 

Amanda looks at the time at the top of her computer screen. 2:52 AM

She has a twenty page report on gender studies in modern media due in just five hours and eight minutes, ten pages of which are located somewhere on her computer screen beneath endless windows filled with tabs all about a very different subject: travel.

Amanda only just returned home from her semester abroad in Spain, which turned into a three month summer backpacking trip through Europe, two months ago. Now, sitting in her very common American dorm room, she starts to imagine what she'd be doing right now if she was still in Seville. She catches herself, searches for the report she should be focusing on and gives it about ten minutes of attention before returning to the internet to look for a way tolive, travel, intern, study, or really do anything possible abroad again.

Post Study Abroad Depression is a very real problem amongst students returning to their homeland, and like any other disorder or illness, people at risk should be aware of the effects and know how to treat or even prevent it from happening in the first place.

This is a scene that is oh too common in modern day universities across America -- a "first-world problem", for sure, but without a doubt a real one. As study abroad programs rise in popularity and more and more US students spend semesters abroad, we're starting to see and understand the effects of reverse culture shock better. It comes in the form of losing focus on the present and your studies, not wanting to mingle with peers and more.

Post Study Abroad Depression (PSAD) is a very real problem amongst students returning to their homeland, and like any other disorder or illness, people at risk should be aware of the effects and know how to treat or even prevent it from happening in the first place.

Definition

What is post study abroad depression? Learning what these are may help you better understand how you're feeling.

Many things can spark depression in life, whether it be the loss of a loved one or an abrupt change, such as moving from one culture to another. Study abroad students feel some amount of culture shock no matter where they spend their semester abroad. Things are unfamiliar and that can be scary. You need to learn a different way of living from day to day. But because it's a new land and you're fully aware it's going to be different from your own, you're more prepared for those differences and often excited to experience them - otherwise why would you choose to travel in the first place?

You lived life for six months to a year one way and became accustomed to it, even if you know what life is like at home - you may not be fully prepared to convert back to it.

Unfortunately, what first time long-term travelers abroad, which most study abroad students are, fail to realize is that they might experience that same shock in reverse upon their return home. You lived life for six months to a year one way and became accustomed to it, even if you know what life is like at home - you may not be fully prepared to convert back to it. Plus the thrill of adventure that comes with travel feels completely lost upon returning home. This change might feel like a step back. PSAD will come in many different forms depending on the person.

Symptoms

Identifying the symptoms is one of the first steps to recovery. Watch out for these signs

It's not easy to admit that you are depressed and it's especially hard when you've just come back from experiencing something that only a lucky few have the money and support to do. But no matter how big or small a problem is - it is a problem and you shouldn't to ignore it but should try to resolve it. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you may have PSAD.

• Spending unusual amounts of time searching for opportunities to move or travel abroad long term.


• Talking constantly about your time abroad.


• Comparing everything to your travels or the foreign country where you studied abroad.


• Criticizing the way things are done and home and others for being "close-minded."


• Loss of attention towards things you used to enjoy, like going to coffee shops with friends, sports and more.


• Not wanting to get to know new people at home or be involved in non-work or school activities.


• Rapid weight gain or loss.


• Fear to leave your house, because you don't feel like you fit in anymore.


• Feelings of withdrawal from all things study abroad.


• Feeling "stuck" or worried that you'll never have the chance to travel abroad again.

Treatment

After seeing that you have PSAD, treating your symptoms is crucial. These are just some treatment options you can use to beat PSAD.

Once you recognize that you are actually dealing with PSAD, getting better becomes easier. Really, the best way to treat your PSAD is to face the symptoms head on. If you are spending a lot of time looking into travel or opportunities abroad, be proactive and actually make that happen. Create a travel goal and start saving towards it or applying for it. Whether it be studying abroad again or applying for a teaching position abroad for after you graduate - start taking the baby steps to achieving that goal rather than just frantically looking at "ways out".

Remember that characteristics of one culture to the next are not better or worse, just different, and that includes your own. Be open to what is happening at home with your friends and your own life. The people around you will want to hear about your experience abroad and just because they don't know something about a place you've traveled to doesn't make them close-minded, just the perfect candidate to learn something new. Put extra effort in being involved in your studies, work, and extracurricular activities. Try something new, go out, mingle and engage in conversations with new people as well as with old friends.

Once you recognize that you are actually dealing with PSAD, getting better becomes easier...If you are spending a lot of time looking into travel or opportunities abroad, be proactive and actually make that happen.

If you are really struggling with the motivation to do everything mentioned above, seek advice from a school counselor, teacher, family member or even a stranger who you know has studied abroad in the past. Chances are that there are people who have traveled like you in international clubs on campus, which is a great introduction to meeting people in the same position now or who have been in the past. No matter what, remember that there is always someone out there who will listen to you and try to help.

It will be hard in the beginning, because, to be blunt, you're not in the place you want to be. But this effort will pay off in the end. You'll remember the things you loved about life at home in the first place and maybe even form relationships, a routine and/or hobbies incorporating your life abroad into your life at home. And of course, there's always the option of studying abroad a second time, even if it's just a month-long summer study abroad program or two weeks on your spring break, it might be just the thing you need to help you get over your post study abroad blues (and a few bonus credits in the process!)

Prevention

Talking to friends (both from abroad and at home) is one of the best prevention options for PSAD.

Of course the best form of treatment for any problem is to prevent it in the first place. You may not have heard about reverse culture shock or PSAD before, but you have now. If you are returning home from studying abroad try the following to help prevent PSAD:

• Decide on your next travel goal or ambition, like an internship or teaching position abroad, before you even return home and start to look practically into how to make it a reality.


• Become involved in travel or international groups on campus.


• Keep in touch with study abroad friends and anyone you met while you were abroad.


• Focus on getting healthy through your diet and exercise. This will give you an activity to throw yourself into and also make you more ready to take on any issues that arise with coming home.


• Talk to your friends and family about PSAD. Explain that you might have some problems with reverse culture shock and acclimating to life at home and that you need their support to get through it.


• Change things at home to adjust to the new you. Travel changes people. You may discover something about yourself or how you want to live your life while studying abroad. Do whatever you have to at home to go along with this realization, whether that be something as big as changing your major or as small as riding a bike from place to place instead of driving.


• Share your experience in fun ways. People don't really want to listen to you go on and on for hours, days on end about your travels, but they do want to learn about what you were doing abroad. So show them by cooking a meal or putting on a party that is common in the country you were living in.

The Take Home Message

It's never easy coming home after spending time abroad. Study abroad is an extremely special experience that people are lucky to have just once in their lives. But just because you had to come home, doesn't mean you won't be on the road again one day. If you loved your time abroad so much, you'll find ways to get there again. The most important thing to realize after your first big trip abroad is that, unlike PSAD, the travel bug has no cure. Enjoy your time in your own country with the people you know best and love the most, because you'll be off on the road again in no time.

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Should I Study or Intern Abroad in Summer 2014?

 

There's a whole big world out there! Seriously, go check! You back? Was I right? Good!

Of course, there are different ways to get out and see the world. Beyond simply your different means of conveyance (plains, trains, and automo-cars), there are different aspirations and institutions that can take you abroad, like say, studying, or interning, or one of the many other forms of meaningful travel we at Go Overseas love to talk about. But today, the focus of this little chit-chat is a question that troubles (or should trouble!) many students: should I study abroad or intern abroad this summer?

As always, we've got your back, and we're going to walk you through the process of choosing the best route for you! Let's get into it.

Lots of School Left? Go Study Abroad, Young (Wo)Man!

College is a long, strange journey, full of interesting people and terrible cafeteria food. The person you were as a freshman can be very different from the person you will be as a senior. That's why it is so important to ask: do I need credits or experience?

Studying abroad - besides being the best way to explore the world - can be a wonderfully unexpected two-fer; you get to go globetrotting and you'll receive credit for it too! And while colleges are there to help you land a great career after graduation, it's important to not overlook what happens before graduation. You've already invested so much money in your degree; make sure you get it finished before you move on to the next chapter.

Studying abroad -- you get to go globetrotting and you'll receive credit for it too!

Some internships will have partnerships with your university and will offer credit, but these are rare, and the credit will probably be meager. A well-picked summer study abroad, however, can offer you a full semester's worth of credit -- or at least a couple of classes worth. This means you can have your international experience while staying on track academically, and possibly even getting ahead. I mean really, who wants to pay for an extra semester of college?

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8 Must Snap Photo-Ops While Studying Abroad in Italy

 

Italy is known for picturesque landscapes, stunning architecture and one-of-a-kind views that are a photographers dream come true. While the best pictures usually aren't planned, there are a few places you'll want to make sure to add to your must-see list -- especially if you're on a mission to Instagram your way through Italy's most iconic destinations.

As you plan your adventures, be sure to check out these places to capture the most photogenic parts of Italy. Taking photos is a great way to slow down and take in your surroundings, plus they make a meaningful (and cheap) souvenir that won't end up in a junk drawer one day. If getting quality pictures is hard with all the people or you're in a time crunch, try getting up early to get all your photos done before the rest of the city wakes up. You'll have fewer people in your shots, better lighting, and a plenty of time to explore and capture photos of otherwise crowded places.

While you're sure to discover unique and beautiful things to photograph, this list will get you started so you don't miss out on some iconic photo ops, whether you're studying abroad or just passing through.

Written by Olivia Salmonese.

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How to Study Abroad in Your Own Backyard

 

You've eaten sushi so many times, it's practically like you've been to Tokyo. All of your Spanish comes from Pitbull songs - and that's really all the vocabulary you're ever going to need. You've watched most of the 2010 World Cup, which taught you pretty much everything there is to know about South Africa. So why bother studying abroad, when you can get the same experience closer to home?

Okay, so these might not exactly be the best examples (I'm not sure we should be learning anything from Pitbull, for starters), but it's not impossible to create something that resembles a study abroad experience without necessarily jetting around the world. It might not be the same as standing atop the Great Wall or wandering the halls of the Louvre, but with some persistence and a little creativity, you can DIY studying abroad into a great, valuable, and almost certainly less expensive learning experience.

We know the "abroad" part of studying abroad can be a challenge for many people, for a number of valid reasons: financial constraints, keeping scholarships, health concerns, jobs, family obligations - pick your reason. It may seem unfair when everyone else is waving their plane tickets around and Instagramming an endless stream of Belgian beers and Moroccan street food, but staying put doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to a semester of being home schooled, or picking up all your cross-cultural knowledge from the Travel Channel. Yes, it might be a bit difficult to recreate a Tuscan countryside in your room, but there are a number of places, events, and organizations that can help you get more than just a taste of another culture, improve your language skills, and might even lead to travel opportunities in the future.

Here are a few ideas for how to study abroad without leaving your zip code:

Seek out cultural institutes and organizations

Get involved with a cultural center

Plenty of countries, particularly those in Europe, have official international institutes that promote their language and culture abroad. These organizations can be a fantastic way to tap into cultural experiences thatgo far beyond simple language classes -- and the best part is, it comes straight from the source! Some major players on the global scene include the Alliance Francaise (France), Goethe-Institut (Germany),British Council (United Kingdom), Instituto Cervantes (Spain), Instituto Camoes (Portugal) and the awesomely-named Dante Alighieri Society (Italy).

These organizations have offices and cultural centers in various cities and countries across the world (many of the U.S.-based ones seem to be concentrated in Boston, New York, or Seattle, so you're in luck if you're near one of those cities) and some, like the Instituto Cervantes, offer a wide range of online courses and information in addition to their regular programming. Though these institutes are some of the largest, there are also many similar organizations for countries with slightly less widespread languages -- they might require a bit more research to find, but rest assured, they're out there.

Fill your cultural calendar

Learning about another culture is about so much more than simple language and geography, and you'll only glimpse a small slice of life abroad if you don't open yourself to less traditionally academic events. For most people, studying isn't actually the most important part of study abroad (gasp!), so don't fill your domestic version with only textbooks and quizzes. Think about the aspects of your own culture that interest you most (theater, movies, dance, food, television, urban design or whatever else you find appealing) and look for the counterpart from the region or country that interests you.

All work and no play is no way to study abroad, so make sure you're making learning fun!

Art in any form is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in diverse expressions of a place, people, or culture, and it provides an important counterbalance to straightforward studying. Keep an eye on international dance groups coming through town; seek out speakers from your area of interest; peruse concert listings; become best friends with your local independent movie theater and watch for international film festivals; track down a restaurant that serves food from France, Spain, or wherever you're trying to learn about; assign your own reading lists of authors from a particular country; or do some combination of all of the above. Remember: all work and no play is no way to study abroad, so make sure you're making learning fun!

Join a club

Attend international dance festivals

This might be a case of showing my Boston roots, but local universities -- your own or others -- are a stellar resource when it comes to cultural events. If there's a decent-sized university nearby, there are almost definitely student groups representing the country or region that interests you. Some groups are more active than others, but such groups will often host speakers, performers, debates, or other events, and many such events are open to the public.

Of course, you don't want to just go barging into a meeting full of people who have never met you, or seem like a drop-in cultural tourist, so be careful to ensure that you're going into a space where you're welcome, rather than intrusive. A good way to do this is to start with large events -- dance shows, performances, barbecues, fundraisers and so on -- and talk to people once you're there. Make some friends, sign up for emails and find out how you can get involved in activities that will connect you to the group and its cultural events.

Find a language exchange -- or host your own

I'll trade my language for yours. This is an ever-popular resource for expats attempting to learn a language and make new friends in their new city, but there's no reason why you can't do it at home. If there's a large population representing your country of interest where you live, chances are there's already some kind of program in place (Meetup is a great place to start looking). If not, you may have to go it alone, but there's no reason to let that discourage you.

People, especially those new to a place, are often looking to make friends, and if there's free language practice involved, even better! See if you can find someone from your study "abroad" location who might be willing to do a language exchange with you, meeting once a week and spending 45 minutes speaking in English and another 45 speaking in Arabic, for example. There's no reason it has to only be conversation, either. You can make it into a cultural exchange too by going to movies, cooking a dinner together, or anything else that might help deepen your understanding.

Having this depth of knowledge and familiarity with another culture will only make it that much more rewarding if and when you do travel to that country someday

Again, universities and cultural centers can be a great resource for finding conversation partners, but Couchsurfing(through their "meetups" section) and other similar sites are often a gold mine for such activities as well. Though it's less of a permanent arrangement, chatting with visitors can be a dependable option, as they are more likely to have a flexible schedule and be open to spending a few hours over coffee or sightseeing. In addition to practicing your language skills, interacting with a visitor from a country that interests you is a great way to get more insight into the real culture and people of that place. Plus, if you end up being friends, you'll have a free place to stay in the future when you do get on that plane!

Find open courses online.

It seems like everyone's jumping on the digital learning bandwagon these days, especially with the growing popularity of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs for short). While there's plenty of ongoing debate about the merits and drawbacks of giant online courses, there's something to be said for accessing world-class educational offerings in places you might otherwise never be able to go. The top-flight US universities tend to get most of the press, but there are a number of courses from highly respected international universities offered through sites like Coursera andNovoEd. Whether you want to study Italian Renaissance architecture or brush up on your knowledge of Scandinavian film, you can make it happen, as long as you have reliable Internet and time to do the reading!

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How to Rock Post-Study Abroad Reverse Culture Shock

 

Much has been written about the woes of "reverse culture shock," something that has become a more well-known phenomenon as of late -- it's like the culture shock of living in a new country, but less cool and fun because you're actually back home in your regular ol' home country. Many a study abroad returnee has lamented over how annoying the American accent is or how obnoxious, unhappy, self-centered, uncultured, overworked -- insert adjective here -- people are back at home.

On the flip side, there's ice in your water, unlimited free soda refills, hot showers, cold air conditioning, and all the comfort foods you desperately missed while abroad. And sometimes even those wonderful conveniences can be a bit overwhelming. But there are some positives to this stage of re-entry, so take a deep breath and pay close attention to all your reverse culture shock observations, because they can actually be of great use to you!

Share your experiences with others

If you just come home and shove your international experiences in the back drawer of your mind, how can you learn from them? Sharing your experiences abroad and observations with others will often help you sort through them yourself and gain an understanding of all that you did learn -- and are still learning!

Sharing your experiences may lead others to decide to go abroad themselves, and you never know what kind of incredible domino effect you might begin! It may also help you find others who feel similar to the way you do about some of these "culture shock" aspects, and finding like-minded friends will help make your transition easier and help you stick with the changes in yourself and your lifestyle that you want to keep.

Ways to Share Your Experience

• Volunteer (or work) at your study abroad office. Often there are peer mentor positions at the study abroad office, where you can meet with prospective students, give them some little insight from your own experience, and help point them in the right direction before they speak with an advisor.


• Volunteer at study abroad fairs and events. In a similar vein, most universities have various international education-focused events throughout the year, and they're usually on the lookout for study abroad alumni to speak about their experiences -- whether it's formally in a speech or panel, or manning a table.


• Become a program ambassador. Did you love the program you went abroad with? Contact them about becoming a campus ambassador. You'll have the chance to represent your program at various events and fairs on campus, and who knows... maybe it will lead to something more!


• Give back by working with international students. If your university has a lot of international students, they probably also have a lot of ways for local students to get involved. It could be something as simple as showing them around campus on their first days, or something as extensive as meeting every week for conversations to help them with their English.


• Start a club! You know you're probably not the only person who came home and experienced some reverse culture shock. Why not seek out some of your fellow study abroad returnees and start some kind of study abroad returnee/alumni club. Meet regularly to share your photos, stories, and experiences with each other, to talk about how you're readjusting to life at home, to try new things like eating at ethnic restaurants, visiting museums, or going to local cultural events. Perhaps even reach out to other students on campus to talk about the benefits of international experience, or just to hold fun cultural events of your own!

Embrace a different outlook

Make space for your new habits in your "old" life!

Did being abroad make you realize your priorities were all screwed up? Did living with a host family make you wish you were closer with your own family? Did living out of a suitcase make you realize how little you really need to be happy? Did the more relaxed work culture in your host country make you realize that you wanted a different lifestyle than the typical 9-5 American dream?

Reflect on these new things you learned about yourself and your outlook on life and don't lose them. It is so easy to come home and fall back into the trap of your old life and the same old routines, but don't let that happen. Part of the reason you went abroad was likely to create change in yourself and your life, so embrace that!

Keep those new good habits

Don't stop using those reusable grocery bags just because the supermarket doesn't charge your for plastic ones anymore. Don't stop walking everywhere just because now you can drive. Seek out local fresh food markets and shop like you did abroad, even if your local mega-mart might be more convenient.

Chances are while abroad you picked up a lot of habits that were actually better and healthier -- both for you and our planet! So don't give up and fall into lazy convenience just because you're back home and you can. Let your experience help make you a permanently new you.

Use what you've learned to gain direction

Take a look at all the things that have struck you -- good and bad -- as you readjust to "real life" life back home. Do some things stand out to you as being especially significant? Going abroad often shows you where your passions lie, but sometimes it's not totally clear until you return home. Did coming home make you realize the true issues that others around the globe face -- perhaps something related to poverty, the environment, or education -- that really got to you?

Going abroad often shows you where your passions lie, but sometimes it's not totally clear until you return home. [http://ow.ly/y6igj @gooverseas">tweet this]

This may be just the nudge you need to understand what you should be pursuing with your life. This may mean a huge change in direction, or a small switch in focus, but reflecting on your thoughts and feelings and listening to your gut is hugely important in turning this aspect of your reverse culture shock into something positive moving forward.

Put it all together and admire your progress!

Writing can help you enormously when dealing with reverse culture shock.

Take some time to sit with your thoughts and write down all your observations -- on the above three topics and anything else you might have noticed in picking apart your so-called "reverse culture shock." Better yet, journal about this every day or couple of days for a few weeks. Then go back and read.

You'll be able to see your progress and analyze what these shocks to your system actually mean. After some time you will be able to see how all these things that annoyed, irked, shocked or overwhelmed you are actually helping to shape you into a new, better version of yourself. Coming home is still part of the process, and you've worked so hard at documenting your time abroad, why would you stop now?

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Pat yourself on the back and embrace this difficult re-entry stage. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and challenging yourself to make the best of this time will most certainly lead you to a better you and a better future!

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What Your Advisor DIDN'T Tell You About Studying Abroad in Spain

 

If you're considering studying abroad in Spain, chances are you've already talked it over with a professor or an advisor at your university's study abroad office. But for those of you who think they are already well-prepared, you may be surprised to learn about what your study abroad advisor may have neglected to mention about studying abroad in Spain. Need those gaps filled in? Well, you're in luck -- here are 5 things your study abroad advisor likely didn't mention about your upcoming aventura espanola.

1. Spanish Climate and Landscape is Diverse

Contrary to popular belief, Spain is not the land of eternal sunshine, constant heat, and endless sunbathing at the beach. For a small country, the Spanish landscape varies greatly depending on the region, as does the climate. The north of Spain, also nicknamed "Green Spain" faces the Atlantic Ocean and has what is called a temperate oceanic climate--cool summers and cold winters. This area of Spain also experiences the most rainfall and is home to lush, green mountains and forests.

Not your typical image of Spain

The rest of Spain is characterized by a parched, arid landscape. The Mediterranean climate (Andalucia, Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia) features hot, dry summers and mild winters. It might not get below freezing temperatures often at night during the winter in southern Spain, but it can get quite cold. If you plan to study abroad in any of these regions during the fall/winter months, don't forget to pack layers to stay warm because it can get quite chilly.

The rest of inland Spain (Castile-La Mancha, Castile and Leon, Aragon, Madrid) has a continental climate, which means very hot summers and fairly cold winters, with rainfall usually occurring during the fall and spring months. Spain is also made up of several mountain ranges, such as the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Sistema Central, and the Sierra Morena to name just a few.

Translation: Spain has something to offer for everyone. Don't like the blazing sun or the sweltering heat? The north of Spain might be an ideal destination for you to consider due to the cooler weather. If you prefer forests and green wilderness to the beach, even better!

For those who can't live without the beach, any region located along the Mediterranean is a good bet, especially the section of coast dubbed the Costa del Sol in Andalusia. Not a fan of living out in the country? If you are a city slicker, you may want to consider studying abroad in Madrid or Barcelona, the two largest cities in Spain (and the two that have the biggest sibling rivalry, of course!) With such endless location possibilities, you are bound to find a place to study in Spain that meets all of your criteria.

Which Study Abroad Program is Right for You?

• Want cool summers? Try USAC's program in Bilbao.


• Prefer mild Mediterranean breezes and sunshine? Try UVA's program in Valencia.


• Need more seasonal variation? Try API's program in Madrid.

2. Spanish is Not The Only Official Language Spoken in Spain

Discover Spain's diverse cultures

Spanish is still the sole official language recognized at the national level, so you don't need to worry about learning two separate languages while studying in Spain. However, Spain has several official regional languages, including a handful of languages that are recognized by the Spanish government but have no official status (mostly because there aren't enough native speakers and they are dying out).

Catalan is an official language in the regions of Catalonia, Valencia (where it is called Valencian), and the Balearic Islands. Should you choose to study in Barcelona or Valencia, it is highly likely you will hear people speaking Catalan around you. Most residents in these regions can speak, read, and write in both Catalan and Spanish, and many children attend schools in which Catalan is the default language of instruction. However, most programs, such as CIS's summer abroad in Barcelona, focus on learning Spanish -- not Catalan -- but do give you the opportunity to learn more about Catalan culture through cooking classes and history lessons.

In Galicia, the official regional language is called Gallego, a language that is very close to Portuguese. Gallego is usually taught in schools alongside Spanish and most native Galicians can understand and speak the language.

The third official regional language is spoken in the Basque Country and is appropriately named Basque. This language presents a bit of a conundrum since it is not a Romance language unlike Catalan and Gallego -- nobody is very sure of its origins. This may explain why out of all the official regional languages, Basque has the lowest amount of fluent speakers since its structure is so radically different from the Spanish language. However, if you're looking for a challenge, try taking a course at University of Salamanca -- which is known for its language programs and rankedone of Spain's best universities for international students.

3. The Loss of Personal Space and The Infamous "Spanish Stare"

One of the main differences students often find hard to adjust to is the lack of personal space. Spaniards tend to stand closer together when having a conversation with another person. Don't be taken aback if all of a sudden your new Spanish friend reaches out and touches you in the middle of the conversation--this is often done to emphasize a specific point or to redirect your attention to the conversation.

Be sure to visit Plaza Mayor in Salamanca.

The lack of personal space also applies to when you are out and about walking down the street or on public transportation. What would be constituted as rude behavior in the United States however is perfectly acceptable in Spain: fighting your way in and out of the bus/metro, not getting out of the way to let passengers on or off, walking along the sidewalk and brushing up against fellow pedestrians (and doing all of the above without apologizing).

Another characteristic of Spanish social norms that may surprise you is something I have dubbed the "Spanish stare." I remember my first few weeks living in Madrid, I was under the impression that everyone was staring at me everywhere I went.

As it turns out, the Spanish love to openly stare at each other; it's almost an art form. And everybody does it -- young, old, male, female. So if you feel like the whole world is watching you in Spain, you're not wrong, it's just something that happens. But they are also staring at everybody else so you'll be in good company!

4. Spain Has a Peculiar Interpretation of Customer Service

In the United States, we strive for what we interpret to be good customer service--we aim to please the consumer and we will often bend over backwards to satisfy customers. If you decide to study in Spain, you need to cast aside the "the customer is always right" mantra.

Get ready for a more lax attitude

Spanish atencion al cliente is not based on this principle and it may be difficult, but try not to dwell on how much more "efficient" you think the US is in this department. Waiters are not customarily tipped in Spain and salespeople do not usually work on commission, so do not expect employees to be falling over themselves trying to satisfy your every need.

In a restaurant after serving you your food, your waiter or waitress will probably not come back to check up on you or ask you if you want the check. You will most likely have to flag him or her down (or even physically go hunt him or her down) to get his or her attention when it comes time to pay. If you need help in a store, be prepared to speak up and to be aggressive about what you want.

The key to customer service in Spain is endless patience and perseverance, two qualities that will come in handy when dealing with bureaucratic issues (such as applying for a visa). Be prepared to wait in long lines and receive conflicting answers to your questions, but definitely don't let it keep you from trying these MUST try foods and drinks while studying abroad in Spain. It may feel like Spanish customer service is against you, but relax--it's like this for everyone including native Spaniards!

5. Don't Just Take Spanish Courses -- Get an Intercambio

Sometimes you just don't know the vocabulary to say what you want to get across or you just have an off language day where you can't seem to remember anything you've learned. It happens to the best of us! We all struggle in the beginning when learning a new language.

This isn't Spain... it's Mallorca!

First off, even if you are a total beginner, try to communicate in Spanish first before asking "Habla ingles?" Even a small attempt at speaking Spanish will go a long way and natives will appreciate the effort you are making at learning their language.

Depending on where you are studying abroad in Spain, you may be able to use some English phrases to "get by" and even study in Spain in English. But, c'mon, that's not why you're studying abroad in Spain, right!? Furthermore, Spain is notorious for being "linguistically challenged" when it comes to English, so don't be surprised if you are just met with a blank stare (not the same as the Spanish stare).

So get out there, and learn the language. And don't just take Spanish language courses through your university or a language school -- find an intercambio, also known as a language partner. There are plenty of Spaniards out there who want to practice their English so finding an intercambio is a lot easier than it seems. Most study abroad programs have intercambio exchange programs, so that would be the best place to start your search.

There are also plenty of websites online like Loquo and Lingo Bongo which feature intercambio ads that you can browse through. Many bars in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona host intercambio meet-ups, which are a terrific way to practice your Spanish and meet new people.

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