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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How To Make Lifelong Friends During Your Semester/Year Abroad

 

In most cases, if you have grown up in one place your entire life, you made friends because of where you lived and the schools that you went to. Even in college, your dorm mates were the ones that you roamed around campus with. You braved frat parties, sketchy beer, and even sketchier potential dates. This was how you made friends. You most likely joined a club or two or even became best buddies with someone in your class during those all-nighters at the library. Maybe you went out of your comfort zone and hung out with a couple of people from a different state, maybe even a different country.

This will all change when you go overseas for your semester or year of study abroad. Don't panic though, we've got a handy guide for not just making friends, but for making a lifelong circle of friends. Not to get your hopes up or anything...

Don't be Afraid of Differences

Here's the deal: for the first time in your life, you will be surrounded by people who are not like you, living with a foreign roommate, and maybe even immersing yourself in a new, foreign language. The people around you likely won't share your upbringing, background, cultural references, or language. Even if you go with other people from your school, they might be from a completely different clique that you would have never been ordinarily exposed to.

Pretty soon, you will stop caring so much about how you don't fit in and wonder how you ever got along without this new group of friends.

As scary as that sounds, this is perfectly okay -- ideal, even! The whole point of study abroad is being introduced to people and cultures that you have never had the opportunity to experience. Just lose yourself in the euphoria and excitement of your adventure. Try new foods and activities. You might just discover new interests and hobbies that you didn't even know existed!

So, don't be afraid of befriending someone you may not have otherwise been friends with at home, and choose to see your different tastes in music, hobbies, etc. not as a negative, but a chance to learn something new. By embracing differences and getting out of your comfort zone (and, hey, you already proved that by choosing to study abroad!), who knows what kind of people you'll bond with!

Meet Locals

Don't be afraid of cultural differences -- embrace them!

We know it's easy to bond with others on your study abroad trip, but don't discount making friends with locals. Get out there, participate in a language exchange program, frequent the same bars/cafes/restaurants, and have fun with the fact that talking to strangers isn't considered as weird in some places than it is in your home country. Go to at least one dinner where you are the only foreigner and try out the local language/food/humor, and have fun!

It may seem daunting at first to be surrounded by people from a different culture -- your jokes are different, your cultural references are different, your comfort foods are different -- but it's worth it in the end to get over this hump. So, don't let your nerves or your discomfort deter youand never be afraid of looking foolish. Power through the lack of commonality and just give it a try. You will begin to hone your adaptability and pretty soon, you will find yourself giggling through a jumble of languages to tell a single joke that will have everyone in stitches. The ability to laugh at yourself is something you should cultivate and pretty soon, you will stop caring so much about how you don't fit in and wonder how you ever got along without this new group of friends.

Study Abroad with A Program Provider

We're all about making friends with locals, but there's no denying that you'll form a special bond with the other people you study abroad with -- especially if you go with a small or non-traditional program provider like Carpe Diem orSemester at Sea. These program providers will send you and your fellow study abroaders traveling through new territories, meeting new challenges together, and -- naturally -- building lifelong friendships.

In fact, this might even be a big draw for some students to choose these programs over the more traditional direct exchange with another university where you're more or less left to fend for yourself. Not to say that you won't make lifelong friends with your new dormmates during your semester at Oxford, but roughing it in Kenya with a group of new friends will take it to a whole other level

Learn Something New

If you are in a place where you already speak the language, then there is a whole host of other clubs and activities that you can join which will introduce you to new people. Cooking, photography, writing, poetry, and music are all fun options for getting you out into the local community.

Your host school will likely sponsor lots of events and you can also probably find some groups on your own. You might want to also consider going with someone from your program on one of these activities so that you feel more comfortable.

Bond Over A Weekend Getaway

"Hey... remember that one time...?"

So, you've met some new, cool folks, and things are going pretty well -- why not further the bond by planning a weekend getaway for your new group of friends. If no one else has offered up any ideas, make your own plans and invite others along. Ask local friends for some tips and they might just agree to play tour guide. Share hotel rooms, hostels, and tents, and definitely have at least one adventure via public transportation. Do at least one thing that scares you both or that you have never done before.

I promise you that nothing will be able to take away the memory of sitting between two toilets for eight hours on a miserable train ride with a pair of bosom buddies. It will never get old to reminisce about that time you all got food poisoning and fought through that misery -- together. Years later, you will nostalgically look back at photos of the night you spent camping under the stars in the Sahara, having the adventure of your life. These new friends will have seen you at your best and your worst and they will love you for who you are.

Get Involved With Something You're Passionate About

With all the newness going on, it might feel good to just participate in something you already love and bond with others on this already established, shared interest. So, get involved with a volunteer project or sports group. You can find opportunities through your host school, program provider, or ask others for recommendations for activities that you excel in. It will feel great to meet people who share your interests and passions. Plus you already know at least one thing you have in common and can use this to break the ice!

Cheers to those lifelong friends and may the path to your best friendship not be littered by too many broken bones.

Final Thoughts

Travel has a way of bonding people together -- and traveling by studying abroad is definitely no exception for creating lifelong friendships. After all, there's nothing quite like relying on another human being for your survival and your sanity; someone who will comfort you when your flight gets delayed for the third day in a row; someone who will hold your hair back when that local street food did not sit well; someone who, when you are back home in your "regular" world, you can call up at any time of day and cry about how homesick you are for your home abroad. No matter how many years pass, every reunion will feel like you only just saw each other the day before. Cheers to those lifelong friends and may the path to your best friendship not be littered by too many broken bones.

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Study Abroad Programs That Will Make You (Almost) Fluent

 

Fun Fact that isn't fun at all: according to Ethnologue, there are currently about 7,105 living languages in the world today with one language dying out every fourteen days. WHAT?!

For many who have been versed in only one language in their lives since they were young, learning a completely new one is extremely taxing. However, in a world that is growing smaller and smaller with advances in technology, plus with travel and study abroad growing every year, learning a new language is easier than it has been in the past and will only benefit you for your future. For relationships, you'll be able to make more friends around the world and help people out that have immigrated to your home.

In a world that is growing smaller and smaller... learning a new language is easier than it has been in the past and will only benefit you for your future.

For your resume, adding fluency in another language (regardless of what it is! But Pig Latin or Klingon are better left unnoted...) shows motivation and worldly appreciation. Plus, if it is a widespread language, it may put you in the running to take a job abroad, work with international customers, or be in completely new jobs and opportunities like something in translation or in a satellite office of an international company. At Go Overseas, that's always a plus.

Lastly but not leastly, learning another language allows each individual to step out of their comfort zone and their country and culture. Speaking to people of different languages allows you to discover the world as a person -- and that first time you have a conversation completely in another language trumps any trophy or award you received in high school or college. So, now that we have you geared up and excited about learning a new language, here are some language programs that will make you (almost) fluent:

A Program that Implements the Language Pledge

One of the most significant ways programs are producing fluency is with the Language Pledge. Becoming more popular in the recent years, attending a program with a language pledge is not the easiest -- CET's academic programs in Arabic, Italian, Chinese and more, for example -- but will get you thinking and speaking in your new language in no time.

The language pledge is a contract students sign at the beginning of their course stating that they agree to only communicate in the language of study. No English allowed! Though there are different variations of this pledge, the main concept is a complete immersion. If the students break the contract by speaking English during their time in the program, they will be expelled without return of their tuition. If that isn't motivation to get fluent I don't know what is!

Off-the-Beaten-Path Programs

Study away from the tourists

Another way to gain a sense of fluency is to select a program that is not in a large or popular city. For example: instead of Florence, Italy, where most vendors know English because of the great amounts of tourism there, try to select a program that is outside of the tourist tracksomewhere in Sicily or Umbria or on a boat in the mediterranean.

This way, even if you are allowed to speak English and may have English speaking roommates, once you step outside the classroom doors, no one will know English in the rural town, and you will be forced to use your Italian in daily tasks and errands! To find more out-of-the-norm places to study, check out our list of unique study abroad destinations for 2014.

Programs with Host Families or Native-Speaking Roommates

Probably one of the most widespread ways programs are allowing language fluency (or close to it) is constructing a program in which the students live with a local family in their house (a host family), or that settle the students into apartments to live with native-speaking, local students.

This way, even outside of the classroom, the language is still being developed. When you have a House Mom or family to go back to, your meals won't be your college norm (which definitely is sitting in your desk chair with a bowl of ramen while you watch cat videos or Beyonce's new music video on youtube) but will more often than not be seated around a large table where you will need to speak the language you are learning. The more practice the better, and if you are hearing the language at home as well as at school, your mind will suck up more information.

Many programs, Greenheart Travel and Adelante for example, offer this option. If it is not written out on the information you receive, ask about being placed with a host family. Sometimes if you are truly interested in the language aspect of studying abroad, the program will accommodate you.

Programs That Give You a Conversation Partner

Don't have time to dedicate an entire semester just to language? There are still ways that you can make it to fluency if you dedicate your time and mind to it. When searching for a study abroad program, see if they offer conversation partners as part of their extra curricular activities or even email and see if this could be set up.

Speaking with a person that is at the same level of language learning as you really makes it less intimidating

A conversation partner is a native speaker of the language that is also trying to learn English. The school will set up a meeting between the two of you to simply talk -- about day to day events and conversation. Though you may have history classes to fill those Gen. Ed. requirements, having a conversation partner truly breaks the boundaries of the "nervousness" that comes with actually speaking your new language. Programs like ISA in Florence, Italy have been known to set up these exchanges when requested.

This is a perfect way to still get those hours of language in if you're nervous about living with a host family, or just want to make another friend. Plus, speaking with a person that is at the same level of language learning as you really makes it less intimidating; plus you'll find it so much easier to make mistakes and learn from them -- because they are learning too!

Study Abroad, But Study As a Local!

Take all your classes in a new language

If you have already gotten the hang of your new language down to where you think your fluency would allow you to understand classes completely in that language, you can check out programs that will allow you to completely immerse yourself in a local high school or college.

High school programs like CIEE's Italy course will have you staying with a host family, and going to school like all other italians your age -- in a normal high school with classes taught in Italian (*psst* Thinking of doing that? Here's 5 things to know before you do high school in Italy.) Though you will have an additional language course to help your fluency for the first few weeks, your new friends and family will be the bulk of your language learning teachers!

If you're past the high school age, you still have the opportunity to work with a program like this through a process called direct enrollment; in which you actually apply to a school abroad! Benefits of this? You still will be with students in the country you're living in -- perhaps with roommates or maybe a host family depending on the program and what it offers. The best part? Many times it is even less expensive than going to college in the US!

Extracurriculars Are Still Pretty Marvelous

With any of the options above, if you want to go out there and get the most of your abroad language use, take time after class to do other things you love -- in the new language you're learning. Ask your program if they have sports teams, clubs, or art classes that you can enroll in with your peers.

These activities will get your mind working in your new language outside of the classroom and in some other topic that is really important (and fun) for you! Every hour of speaking and listening to your language counts. Plus, these are just more experiences that enrich your overall experience, regardless of the language factor!

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Fun Fact that is actually fun? Regardless of where you roam or what program you choose, you will learn the language if you dedicate yourself to learning it. If you take a language pledge through a school, or set your own, it will still work. If you take time out of your day to study and actually speak (even if it's in the shower! There are more things to do than sing in there!) you will begin to see improvements. Commit. Be dedicated, and soon those words that used to be gibberish, will be essentials to telling new stories to new friends, in your new country that now feels like home.

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6 Ways to Organize Independent Housing When Studying Abroad

You've chosen a study abroad program, you've booked your tickets, and you're just starting to get incredibly excited about spending a semester or year abroad. Now that two of the major decisions are out of the way, you turn to tackling the third: housing. If you're going through a third-party provider, chances are you already have housing figured out for you. But if you're enrolling directly to a university or have opted to independently find housing, your house hunt has just begun!

This is a pretty big consideration, so we're certain you've already given it some thought and how where you live may help you achieve your goals of studying abroad. For example, you may have already decided that the on-campus dorm life is not for you and that you want to try something different. You might want to really improve your language skills byliving with a local roommate or homestay family. You might even want a taste of freedom after going from your parents house to a dorm room in college, and you are ready to be out on your own. Whatever your preferences, use the following tips as a jumping off point for planning independent housing while abroad.

1. Use Your Program to Find a Roommate

If you don't want to live in student housing on campus (or, your campus -- like University of Malta -- doesn't even have student housing) but want to get an apartment on the cheap, get a roommate! And who better to rope in to being your roommate than someone else from your program?

Having a roommate from your own school can allow you to explore the new city with someone who is experiencing everything for the first time too.

Not only are they guaranteed to be in the same boat as you (re: they need a home too!), and help you save a few bucks by splitting the cost of an apartment, having a roommate from your own school / program can allow you to explore the new city with someone who is experiencing everything for the first time too. Who knows, you might evenmake a lifelong friend! Plus, it will be great to get back from your study abroad adventure and be able to reminisce with your new roomie!

2. Organize a Homestay

Living with a host family can be a wonderful experience!

This is a great option to choose if you are looking to challenge yourself to really learn a foreign language. Even if your host family speaks a little English, it will ensure that you're immersed in a foreign language at all times, and force you to never, ever take a break from practicing. You'll also get a unique insight to your host culture by witnessing and participating in day-to-day family life... not to mention, a real taste of the food from tasty home cooking if you're lucky!

To organize a homestay, first start by asking your advisor/contact at the university you are studying abroad at (not your home university) or your program provider. They will usually have a list of families who have volunteered to take in a foreign exchange student and can match you up. Be advised that you will be living in local accommodations, so, depending on what country or city you are in, you may need to get used to not having all of the amenities that you had at home.

If that's a bust and they are unable to help you get matched with a homestay family -- don't give up just yet! There are plenty of ways to find a homestay family on your own -- like Homestay Booking.

3. Use Craigslist or Other Similar Sites

Although definitely still most popular within the United States, Craigslist does have an international section of their site that can help you find a local roommate, sublet, or apartment. Depending on where you're studying abroad, there's almost definitely a local version of Craigslist (like Gumtree in the UK and Tealit in Taiwain) or online classifieds through a local newspaper that will list apartment shares and roommate wanted ads.

Of course, use good judgement and be wary of scams. Never give a downpayment for an apartment until you have seen it in person or met the person. Remember that it's OK to land in your new country and camp out at a hostel for a couple of days so you can make sure the place you found online is legit and everything it seems to be.

Really feel like getting creative and finding a budget-friendly house? Consider house sitting while you're abroad -- especially if your program is less than three months long, this could be an ideal situation. Great places to start areTrusted Housesitters and Mind My House.

4. Get on Mailing Lists and Forums

Do you want to meet new people?

Another way to find off-campus housing is to request access to your host university's student mailing lists. They might be able to put you on a general mailing list that reaches the student body as a whole. If so, send a mass e-mail out asking if anyone is looking for a roommate or if they have any advice for a good place to live.

Likewise, try joining an expat forum. While you are just studying abroad for a semester or two, expats will have gone through the whole process themselves and can likely either give you guidance or directly put you in touch with someone who wants to rent their apartment or is looking for a roommate

5. Use Social Media

Alternatively, go to your host university's Facebook page or group and try asking about housing there. If you don't get any bites there, try also posting a message on your study abroad program's Facebook group, asking alumni about how they managed independent housing while overseas.

Basically, use your social media networking-savviness to get in contact with someone you know has studied abroad or lived in this location before you (either through blogs, expat forums, Couchsurfing -- whatever you may have stumbled on during your research phase!) and pick their brains for tips. Social media can be a powerful tool -- utilize it!

6. Find a Real Estate Agent

Finding housing means having to navigate a foreign culture, often a foreign language, and has all sorts of rules and regulations you can't even begin to imagine. Given that, it might be a good idea to enlist the help of a real estate agent. These wonderful individuals can make your moving experience pleasant and calm instead of panicked and frantic. They will find a place that suits you and meets your requirements, including rent price, and they might even help you hook up internet, cable, etc.

Real estate agents can also guide you through the process of paperwork and all of the other logistical hassles that come with rentals. A good real estate agent is worth their weight in gold, so make sure to scope out reviews of agencies online and do not hesitate to again ask the housing department for guidance.

Do keep in mind that using a real estate agent is definitely not the most budget friendly option for students. There will be an agent fee for setting you up with an apartment, and likely only worth it if you will be there for a full academic year or longer. If you plan to study abroad for a summer or just one semester, test out a few more budget friendly options before finding an agent.

Final Thoughts

You really will want to make the most of your study abroad experience and getting away from dorms is a great way to do this. Immerse yourself more fully into the culture and embrace all the adventures that will come by living like a local. Get out of the university bubble and really see what life is like outside of school. Good luck and happy hunting!

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The Future of Distance Learning: Why 77% of Universities Already Offer Online Courses

The Pew Research Center recently released “The Future of Higher Education,” a report in which educators and tech experts shared their opinions on the twenty-first century university. Online education was one of the most contentious topics, and respondents’ views of it ranged from optimistic to downright disparaging.

Despite this controversy, over three-fourths reported that their schools have already implemented internet-based courses – and that doesn’t even include exclusively online universities. As the cost of the formal, four-year college experience continues to rise, it seems that most institutions will have little choice but to expand their online offerings. Distance learning is still a mixed bag, however, and some traditionalists even believe it’ll be the death knell for widespread, high quality education.

Cost and Value

For most people, the greatest benefit of an online education isn’t physical accessibility, but cost. Online credits tend to be cheaper: even when they’re offered at brick-and-mortar universities, students can avoid costly commutes and exorbitant room and board fees.

Peter J. McCann, a senior engineer at Futurewei Technologies, asserted that, “The cost/benefit ratio of today’s university education is grossly out of balance. A four-year degree can cost upwards of a quarter of a million dollars and often leaves graduates without the skills needed to compete in the job market.” Adams State professor Ed Lyell likewise said, “since higher education is funded by student choice – with money following the student – it is likely that both private and public universities will expand their use of technology and diminish their dependence on everything based on ‘seat time.’”

McCann and several others also noted that “open” universities like the Khan Academy and MIT’s Open Courseware are already offering free or low-cost access to critical knowledge and skills. One respondent even claimed that,“If traditional universities don’t move in this direction, they will find themselves facing daunting, start-up competitors who will deliver educational value at lower prices for students coming from a contracting middle class.” Online credentials currently lack the market value of traditional degrees, but that may change if tuition costs continue to rise out of the average American’s reach.

Another advantage to online learning is that it frees up that costly “seat time” for more productive purposes. UC Berekely professor Marti Hearst said “The idea of having students watch video lecture and/or read the material at home and then work on problems or case studies together in the classroom with other students is a powerful model.” Mike Newton-Ward, a social marketing consultant for the North Carolina Division of Public Health, agreed, noting that “While class members like the convenience of studying when and where they want through technology, there is still a strong desire to be able to meet in person.” Overall, the “hybrid” classroom may be the best way for in-person schools to raise value and retain enrollment.

Potential Problems

For most respondents, the biggest drawback to online education was the reduction or total lack of face time. Brian Harvey, a lecturer at UC Berkeley, acknowledged that, “It’s been a long time since people needed to come to a university to find knowledge,” but asserted that “What students find at a university is each other – a culture of learning.” Another expert bemoaned the fact that “non-verbal communication cannot be conveyed using online media, and the efficacy/efficiency of offline groups is still too much higher than online groups.”

Additionally, many educators believe that such impersonality and inefficiency will ultimately lead to greater nationwide inequality. University of Tampere professor Tapio Varis even said that, “Traditional face-to-face higher education will become a privilege of a few.” Others claimed that“only the children of the very wealthy will be able to afford a [traditional] college education,” and that “residential college will only be for the top two to five percent of students who are either intellectually or financially superior.”

Finally, a few experts were most concerned about the cultural implications of online education. An anonymous respondent commented that universities have traditionally been “about making the transition to adulthood and independence,” and that certain rites of passage must take place “in the real world.” Microsoft researcher Jonathan Grudin similarly said “Universities were a place some of us could start over, and without it I do not see how to guarantee a perpetuation of adolescence.”

Looking Forward

Despite these concerns, online education still has a bright future. Tools like high-speed internet and Live HD video will only become more readily available over the next decade, and new conferencing technologies will allow for face time between physically-separated students and teachers. “Even the smell and feel of being face-to-face might be something possible to achieve by distance,” commented Tan Tin Wee, a researcher at the National University of Singapore.

And even if it is impossible to completely replace the in-person college experience, quality interactions can still take place online. Adams State professor Ed Lyell has been taught internet courses for over a decade, and his “interaction with students is often much more involved and significant with the online students than with the classroom students who avoid interaction.” In-person or not, quality education will continue to depend on passionate teachers and eager students.

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What is the Future of Distance Learning?

What advancements and changes can we expect for online education?

Distance learning is not simply a contemporary trend that will fade away. When considering the future of distance learning, it is important to look at many of the trends related to learning that are already influencing current trends and planning.



The amount of knowledge and information that must be taught to tomorrow's leaders is expanding at a tremendous rate. The high school graduating class of 2008 will be exposed to more new information in one year than their grandparents were in a lifetime. Memorizing facts will have a much lower value, while utilizing information for analysis and decision making will be a critical skill for educational and professional advancement.

 

Continuous learning will be essential.

The typical worker will have many distinct careers in his or her lifetime. Each of these career paths or changes will require the attainment and practice of new knowledge, skills, and competencies. Lifelong learning will be something any individual must do to remain competitive.

 

Students will be expected to have an ability to conduct research, analyze data, adapt to changes, etc. In this way, distance learning provides a more resourceful solution for the student and working population. Its flexibility, accessibility, and program diversity better meets the immediate educational needs of individuals, making learning more meaningful, effective, and practical.

 

International study will not be as dependent on travel.

The world is shrinking rapidly. The Internet has brought the world together in ways that nobody could have expected. You can now attend a college halfway around the world with classmates living in any country. International education will likely gain in popularity and enrollment as demand from students increases. Travel costs, bureaucracy, and cultural barriers will impact international study less and less.

 

Distance learning will impact the operations of traditional schools.

Universities and colleges will likely begin to collaborate with one another in an effort to diversify their offerings to meet the ever growing need for higher education while staying competitive in the global market.

 

Private companies will not be excluded from the changes affecting higher education. People will telecommute to their jobs as their employers will be increasingly forced to compete on a global, rather than local, scale.

 

Technical familiarity will have increasing value.

The skills that distance learning will impart upon students will continue to increase in demand — skills such as an ability to learn, to adapt quickly, to communicate across a neutral medium, to analyze data, to utilize technology, an ability to conduct research, and, of course, the ability to work independently without compromising productivity.

 

Colleges, universities, and schools of the future will utilize technologies far more advanced than those of today. (Consider the complexity of today's technology, some of which would have been inconceivable only thirty years ago.) Learning to use the new technology will be essential to navigating modern life and advancing professionally.

 

Ways distance learning will have to evolve.

In order to meet the needs of the changing world noted above, future learning must be:

• Time flexible


• Independent of geography (lacking geographical barriers)


• Competitive cost/value


• Learner-centered with less emphasis on lecture-style classes


• High-technology, incorporating new media and computer applications as part of instructor presentations and course work


• Culturally diverse


• Adaptable to the needs of the global marketplace


• Growth oriented from the perspective of the individual and organization


• Contemporary material that is relevant to the times

What distance learning institutions will have to do.

Organizations that deliver distance learning will need to consider these issues and more:

• Realize what market and demographic groups they serve


• Be responsive to adult learner needs


• Prove their value to adult learners, such as quality, relevance in material, convenience, etc.


• Take direction from business organizations, and in response, anticipate and adapt to their needs


• Streamline the instruction process


• Look for partnerships with other complementary organizations


• Find creative ways to certify learning credentials


• Be prepared to compete globally with a variety of learning providers


• Stay abreast of relevant issues in education


• Understand that the paradigm of thinking in education has changed over the last fifty years and will continue to change in the future

Likely changes that will happen.

As a result of all of those factors, we may see some of the following predictions come true in the next decade:

 

Companies and organizations will compete directly with colleges and K-12 schools, as has already begun to happen with charter schools or schools and training websites.

• Partnerships and mergers between learning institutions, publishers, technology companies, and learning providers will consolidate the marketplace


• A greater percentage of learning (formal and informal) will take place online


• The role of the instructor will be broken down into multiple specialized positions: curriculum design, content delivery, classroom facilitator, learner support, etc.


• Demand for top instructors will grow in both the education market and in business


• Fewer students will get the traditional on-campus degree and most will get at least a portion of their formal education online and off-campus


• Adult students will become more commonplace and schools will more readily facilitate these learners


• Cultural diversity will become increasingly more integrated into formal education

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