It’s exhausting searching and scouring the internet for the right information when it comes to helping your student prepare for college. But what if you could use ONLY ONE RESOURCE and find everything you ever wanted to know about college prep? Wouldn’t that be amazing?
Here it is. I’ve done the research, examined the links and their resources, and compiled a list of 100+ college prep resources for you. (If you know of others, please leave them in the comments and I will add them to the list!)
Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city and home to many of the country’s most famous attractions. Its location in southeastern Australia means that it has a subtropical climate, which provides perfect conditions for exploring the city’s expansive network of parks and beaches.
Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with diverse cultures, lifestyles, and people. The city is also home to more than 300,000 international students at many universities. This article will teach you various factors to consider while choosing accommodation in Melbourne.
Touring Europe could be part of your student’s education. You might consider sending your student on one of these trips during spring break or the summer before college. It might also be a good way to decide where your student might study abroad in college.
If you’re looking for the best way to explore all of Europe without spending a fortune, you need to book a student tour. Tours can be expensive, but they can also be very informative. Here are some tips on how to book the perfect student tour.
Students of all ages around the world are currently facing a truly peculiar bump in the academic road. At what seems to be the pinnacle of the global COVID-19 pandemic, academic institutions are making large changes to their curriculums. Whether it be by moving to an online-administered program, cancelling events or classes, or shutting down entirely; students across the globe are coping with the changes of their school’s transitions during the pandemic.
Study abroaders of all ages are facing the ramifications as well. What does the pandemic exactly mean for study abroad students? In the past month here between in Italy and Spain, I’ve witnessed students being sent, both willingly and unwillingly, back to their home countries, students being sent to other countries to carry out the remainder of their study abroad where the virus has not yet reached, and students who choose to stay in these countries despite the situation. I myself identify as an international student and professional abroad, studying and working in Italy and Spain. I chose to stay, in spite of the pandemic. It is my hope to share with students and parents alike the effect that COVID-19 is currently transmitting onto the study abroad community, from here in Southern Europe.
To begin, we must remember that study abroad programs in both high school and college vary in style, teaching methods, topics, location, etc. Different students are facing extensively different situations as a result of the virus.
Institutions and programs with study abroad and/or international students in attendance are adapting massively diverse approaches as to continuing the education and safety of these students in particular. In Italy and Spain, study abroaders are generally being given the option as to whether or not they want to return home or stay in these countries. Schools and universities have been closed entirely for safety measures, and most (including my own!) have moved to providing online lectures and activities for their students.
While boarders have closed in several countries, nationals of these countries (including the USA) are able to return home from their study abroad programs if required/chosen.
This means that study abroad students are indeed able to reenter their home country, regardless of the closed boarders. Self-quarantine, aka Staying home, is generally requested or required at this time when returning home from abroad. Some European countries are taking precautions such as providing quarantine institutions to groups of nationals who have returned from abroad, for a span of 14 days before they are reintegrated into their family homes. Ultimately, what this means is that study abroaders are indeed able to return home at this point, if they so choose or are required to do so.
For those of us students who have chosen to stay in Europe during this period, life is continuing as normally as possible.
Instead of leaving the house and going to school, we set up at our desks at home with a laptop, ready for class. Instead of having a coffee all together after the lecture, we step out onto the balcony to see if any neighbors are in sight for a well-distanced chat. Perhaps the most difficult reality we face during this time is that the experience we study abroaders had envisioned is not going to be entirely brought to life at this time.
With that said, the community of international students and professionals is always unified, even more so in times of crisis. I’ve seen internet campaigns of support, tutors and teachers offering free language classes online so that we may continue to practice despite the consequences, and new forums for questions and concerns so that the international community may help each other. It’s not only extremely helpful, but also very uplifting.
Finally, we keep spirits high by knowing that study abroad can and will continue as usual once the pandemic has passed.
As the world changes, we must adapt with it. Study abroad professionals and academic leaders on this side of the ocean have already worked incredibly hard and quickly to make sure that students are safe, well-informed, and able to continue their education to the best of their ability. There are still, and will be, more opportunities to study abroad both in here in Southern Europe and beyond as we move forward in time.
For high school students who are looking to join us this summer with Abbey Road Programs, here’s some cool news:
Social Media Ambassador Scholarships are Abbey Road’s most popular Student Ambassador award. Designed to promote study abroad and cross-cultural awareness through student stories and images, scholarship recipients are asked to share their summer experiences with their peers by posting pictures, videos and blogs on their social media accounts. Outstanding contributors are profiled and their work is showcased on the Abbey Road website. We award 3-5 Social Media Ambassador Scholarships per summer program.
Today’s guest post is by Shannon O’Brien, European Coordinator at Abbey Road Programs.
Shannon is an American expat whose career in Europe began with a study abroad experience in Spain when she was in high school. She is still active in the study abroad community in Italy and Spain, and works as European Coordinator for Abbey Road Programs, assisting other students in pursuing international educations.
Studying abroad is an excellent way for students of all ages to enhance their foreign language skills, level of independence, and ability to think critically. These aspects fall within the heaps of knowledge and personality traits that are developed while embarking on a study abroad experience, unique to every student. Particularly for those individuals who have a certain interest in languages, international affairs, history or art, studying abroad is always a good idea for both personal growth and for the resume.
The term study abroadis generally associated with college students. It is very popular at this day in age for college students, regardless of their major, to spend at least a semester outside of the US, if not more. Less common are those students who choose to embark on an international academic experience when they are still in high school. This is the case for numerous reasons, starting with the fact that opportunities to do so are less frequent and less discussed; though the powerful impact of such experiences on a younger mind is incredibly valuable. In this article, I will share why study abroad experiences during youth and adolescence are critical for young students, both on paper and in person.
I make this claim as both a former study abroad student and a recruiter. My high school study abroad experience opened me up to a world of invaluable relationships, heightened cultural awareness, and fluency in a foreign language. As our world gets smaller and smaller, these aspects become more useful to us as students, professionals, and people.
On paper – What value does study abroad in high school add to a resumee?
1. International experiences set you apart.
In a world where test scores and athletic achievements are seemingly the most common ways a high school student can excel on paper, international academic experiences provide a curveball opportunity for standing out. It’s especially valuable for students who may not be interested in pursuing a future of college sports or strictly academic vigor, and want to contribute something more diverse to their profiles. Since study abroad experiences are more exclusive to college students or graduates, their presence on a high school student’s resumee is highly unique and telling of the student’s probable personality characteristics. Which brings me to our next point…
2. Studying abroad at a young age shows initiative and ambition.
There’s a difference between the inferences made about a student who studied abroad in college versus in high school. As a former student recruiter, when I came across a profile of a student who had embarked on an academic experience abroad before starting college, I always wanted to know more. Due to its less prevalent nature, making the decision to study abroad before college shows a unique level of initiative and self-driven ambition in a young student. Taking the initiative to travel at length and put oneself out of their comfort zone to pursue a curiosity allows someone to infer that they are dealing with a notably brave, flexible, and self-starting person. Especially at a young age, when taking advantage of an opportunity to go abroad often entails application forms, collaboration and convincing of the parents, and time away from home, the experience is much more reflective of these strong personality traits.
3. Fluency in a foreign language stands out.
This is not only because our world is getting smaller and therefore naturally, the more languages you know, the more value you may serve. Studying a foreign language is time consuming. It puts the student in embarrassing and confusing situations. It forces you to let your guard down and laugh at yourself. We can even put aside the valuable display of ambition and drive that study abroad creates; learning a foreign language takes it a step further. It shows wit, perseverance, and the ability to think critically about oneself. People are left impressed when a young person explains to them that, no, the reasonI speak Spanish isn’t because I learned it at home. I studied it and went abroad to perfect it, and now I’m fluent. It’s a wow factor.
In person – What valuable impact does study abroad in high school have on a young mind?
1. Being abroad heightens our sense of self-awareness and critical thinking.
The ability to exhibit elevated self-awareness and think critically about oneself are hard to come by even in adulthood. By partaking in the experience of studying abroad, young people get a kickstart to growing in these crucial aspects of knowledge and emotional intelligence. Studying abroad in high school made me reconsider the way I think; it prompted questions about myself in relationship to my own culture and upbringing. Suddenly, my 17-year-old brain was actively exploring parts of my psyche, like why I was so afraid of failure, or why the Spaniards are not disgusted by jealousy whereas Americans are. These are thoughts that inhibit us to become more considerate, self-correcting people both in adolescence and adulthood.
2. We are more impressionable when we are young.
Young brains are highly impressionable when it comes to both knowledge and mindset. The fact that we absorb more information with less effort at a young age is a given; it’s why a five-year-old can learn a new language just by listening to it, whereas a 35-year-old must put in seemingly endless amounts of effort to reach the same fluency level. In youth and adolescence, it is easier for our brains to grasp foreign concepts like languages and diverse ways of thinking. That’s why the younger we are exposed to them and forced to make sense of them, the better they stick. I’m talking about languages, yes, but also the ability to keep an open mind. By facing foreign concepts when we are young – for example, eating dinner in Spain at 10pm instead of 6pm back home in Massachusetts – we train ourselves to be open to adaptability and to maintain a flexible outlook.
3. Authentic exploration is more precious at a young age.
International experiences that take place in that special time between childhood and adulthood are invaluable. In this phase of our lives, it is more likely that the experience abroad will be less centered around finding bars where other Americans hang out, and more about discovering oneself and the culture around us through meaningful friendships, letting our guards down, and getting to feel more independent. At this age, an authentic experience is longer lasting in the impressions it has on us. Even in the age of social media and connectivity, it allows a deeper connection with the place we visit and the people we meet. That value is continuous into our college application process, during college, and beyond.
Today’s guest post is by Shannon O’Brien, European Coordinator atAbbey Road Programs
Author bio: Shannon is an American expat whose career in Europe began with a study abroad experience in Spain when she was in high shcool. She is still active in the study abroad community in Italy and Spain, and works as European Coordinator for Abbey Road Programs, assisting other students in pursuing international educations.
Going to college can be daunting enough, but when you are moving to an entirely new country to study, it can be even more overwhelming. Nevertheless, this is an experience to be excited about… the chance to meet new people, explore a new place and embrace a new culture!
In fact, it is an opportunity a greater number of students are taking advantage of. Students are actually the fastest growing expat group, and this is a trend that is only set to continue. Statistics show that approximately 4.3 million students are currently enrolled in a college or university that is outside of their home country.
Are you going to be one of these numbers? If so, there are several things you need to take into consideration before your big move. So, let’s take a look at this studying abroad checklist:
Healthcare
One of the important things you need to consider is healthcare. You may be blessed with a good public health system in your home country, yet this does not mean that the country you are moving to will have a high standard of care. And, even if they do, you may not have access to it. This is why it is so important to take out an international health insurance policy before moving abroad. You will receive access to the best treatments and care with global medical insurance. Of course, do your research carefully to make sure the policy covers everything you need and is available for the country you are moving to. Even though something is labeled as ‘worldwide’ there could be some exceptions.
Visa
Depending on where you are going to study, it is likely that you will require a student visa to be allowed in the country legally for the full duration of your university or college course. Fortunately, there are a lot of universities that will help you with this process if you are applying for an undergraduate degree. Yet this is not always the case. So contact the nearest embassy of the country you wish to study in to find out more. There are various things you will need in order to be granted a student visa, such as valid passport, a return ticket for your journey home once your studies have concluded, proof of funds and a university letter of approval.
University Preparation
You need to do some preparation in terms of the university itself and the course you are going to study. What textbooks and materials do you need? What style of essay writing is used there? If you are unfamiliar with the style, you can easily find tips for writing college essays online. You should also find out about the facilities at the university, how you apply to stay on campus, and any other important pieces of information that can assist you and help you to feel more comfortable. There are often Facebook groups and other social media platforms that are used to connect new students, so it is worth looking into these.
Finances
Last but not least, you should consider your finances carefully. How are you going to carry your money? You definitely shouldn’t keep it in cash. But, local banks will charge you a fee every time you draw money out in your new location. Consider opening a student account in your home country or new location, if possible. You should be able to find bank accounts suited to your unique situation. Student overdrafts with no interest are often available. You do need to be mindful, though, as you will be charged interest once you are no longer a student. You can also make savings by acquiring an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This can be used all over the world.
As you can see, there is a lot that needs to be considered if you are planning on moving to another country to study. While this may seem daunting, there is no need to panic. The more prepared you are, the easier everything will be. So it is always better to do as much research as soon as possible. You can also make sure you do not have too many tasks to do once you get there by sorting out your reading materials, health insurance, bank account and such like in advance, if possible.
Education, as a sector, has brought down the walls of geographical confinement that marred the industry as well as the growth of students and academics in general. However, now is the time to consider foreign education, because it opens up the world for you to enjoy the best educational infrastructure and career opportunities. That said, your planning for foreign education must be accompanied with due diligence on the course to choose, the universities to apply to, the finances involved, the timelines involved, and a whole lot more. Let’s tell you more about the five things you need to check as you get on with the phase of making preparations for foreign education.
The three most important considerations for any foreign education decision are – the timing, the course and university, and the costs.
Understanding Timings and Planning accordingly
Firstly, determine which semester suits you the most ; for instance, weigh the opportunity of working for a few months and earning something before joining a foreign course, or joining early and budgeting additional 4-5 months for job search after course completion. Note that most foreign institutions have students-intake in either the spring session or the autumn session. Institutes invite applications up until 4 to 5 months of session commencement. Also, the joining date is generally close to two months prior to the beginning of session.
Identifying The Most Suitable Courses and Universities
Secondly, shortlist the courses that align well with your skills, interests, and aspirations. Once done, check which universities that offer the best Bachelor degree programs in Law, for instance, Business, Information Technology etc. in the course, and the course structures.
Questions to be answered are:
How good are employment opportunities relevant to the course?
In which region is the industry concentrated?
What’s the duration of the course?
How relevant will the degree be in your home country?
What is the research and employment specialization of the university you’re considering?
The Critical Question of Expenses
Thirdly, plan and prepare a budget for the expenses that will be involved in your foreign education. Note that apart from course fees, you need to plan for expenses related to lodging and living (check if the university offers on-campus lodging), travel expenses (some courses necessitate International or domestic travel, so check if that’s sponsored or not), and course material (some universities don’t include course material costs in course fees).
Scholarships and part time jobs are highly relied upon by foreign students, because these help them reduce the load of hefty expenses. Teaching assistance programs, internships, and small project with stipends – all are significant financial aids for students in nations like USA and UK. Apart from these, students can explore options such as freelancing and paid online surveys etc. to earn a decent income stream and keep finances under check.
Language Exams, Certificates, and Forms
Most foreign universities follow standards and norms to enable students to apply and enroll without problems. However, you need to be aware of aspects such as English (or any other language) exams you need to undertake to be able to apply for a course. TOEFL and IELTS are among the most commonly accepted English language tests. Apart from these, you’d do well to understand other specific concern and requirements from the university, in terms of forms such as medical history, police verification, and net worth certificate. Procuring these forms is time consuming, so plan well in advance.
Scholarships
We briefly mentioned scholarships, now is the time to explain them. International students can apply for and seek scholarships from the institution, the government, and private institutions that offer scholarships and fee waiver programs. Among globally renowned scholarships are The British Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright Fellowships and Rhodes Scholarships. Students can significantly reduce the costs of foreign education by targeting scholarships, although this needs due diligence, academic brilliance, and the ability to research and find information.
We’ve tried to cover five of the most important factors that you need to understand and plan around to make your foreign education decision a success. Be smart, be aware, work hard, and you will make it through and enjoy great success riding on a coveted educational degree from a sought after foreign institution.
Not all study abroad programs are alike. Some are for a semester while in college. Others are during the summer months. And still others offer study abroad for a year or more. With so many program types and destinations, it can be difficult to decide which program best fits your student’s needs.
Here are five things your student should consider when choosing a study abroad program:
Is study abroad right for your student?
Study abroad offers an opportunity to travel, explore other cultures, and gain experiences that can enhance your future career. But studying abroad is not necessarily a good fit for every student. Studying abroad is a unique and adventurous opportunity but can also be challenging for a student who isn’t comfortable being far away from home and away from their support system.
Where and when would your student like to study abroad?
There are so many destinations to choose from and so many options available. Do the research. Study the countries. Ask yourself questions about the length of study and whether or not you want to be in an english-speaking country. Follow student bloggers who are studying abroad and ask questions about the countries they are living in.
What programs best fit your student’s needs?
Once you decide when and where you want to study, it’s time to decide on a program. StudyAbroad.com offers an interactive tool to help you pick the right program that best suits your interests and needs.
What types of programs are offered through your college?
Colleges typically offer study abroad programs to their students. Discuss with the program director the courses you will be taking abroad and how the study will affect your degree plan. Full year, semester and summer programs are typically available. Determine which program will compliment your degree focus and which program will provide you with not only the cultural experience but academic benefit.
How much will the program cost?
Many colleges allow students to apply their current financial aid package toward their study abroad programs. There are, however, additional costs involved: travel to the country of study and travel to other countries while abroad, daily living expenses, and of course any entertainment and souvenirs.
Studying abroad is worth exploring. Not only does it offer your student a wonderful cultural experience, it prepares them to work in a global community. This is a valued aspect of their final resume as employers are looking for attributes that set the applicant apart from others.
Wednesday’s child may be full of woe but Wednesday’s Parent can substitute action for anxiety. Each Wednesday Wendy and I will provide parent tips to get and keep your student on the college track. It’s never too late or too early to start!
The bonus is on the fourth Wednesday of each month when Wendy and I will host Twitter chat #CampusChat at 9pm ET/6pm PT. We will feature an expert on a topic of interest for parents of the college-bound.
Wednesday’s Parent will give twice the info and double the blog posts on critical parenting issues by clicking on the link at the end of the article from parentingforcollege to pocsmom.com and vice versa.
Work for students studying abroad in Australia can be easy or hard to find. Most international students get jobs after spending some time learning English a bit better. Students, who already know how to speak English well, obviously have more opportunities. There are cases where in three weeks the person is already employed, but other cases can reach 8 months of waiting, and there are even those who have never gotten any work.
The three most frequently asked questions about work for students in Australia are:
Will I get a job easily?
How much will I be paid?
Can I keep this work while studying abroad?
There is no simple answer. Everything depends on many factors. One thing is certain; it is very hard for someone to get a part time job as a student and save a lot of money to take back to their country. Only immigrants get full time jobs. The math is simple: the hours students are allowed to work are 20 hours a week, and the average fee is 15 AUSD, this can make a total of 350 AUSD. However, if you account for all the expenses it means it is impossible. As you can see, the permission of the Government of Australia to allow students to work 20 hours a week is for financed studies, as it does not provide enough to survive financially depending on other resources.
Many people coming to study in Australia have the illusion that they will earn more money than this. This can happen, but usually only for a few people. The numbers are real and students must be prepared for this reality.
The most common jobs for international students are in the tourism and hospitality industry such as restaurants and hotels. Working hours for qualified students are the same as hours of study, or work hours are the same as those of courses. This is the reason why many engineers, systems analysts etc., work as cleaners or waiters. The most common jobs offered in the hospitality sector are: dishwasher, kitchen help, waiters and general cleaning. There are some opportunities in shops such as a seller and Pizza delivery but you may need your own vehicle. Of course you can get other work, but these are the easiest to find. For those students eager to work on farms during school holidays, there are magazines with lists of places in every state of Australia.
The procedure for obtaining the Working Visa is, after starting the course in Australia; go to DIMIA (Department of Immigration) in your city, have with you a school letter attesting to your enrolment and attendance over the passport and you get the seal that allows you to work 20 hours a week.
Many college students jump at the chance to study abroad. For some, doing a semester abroad in a foreign country is as traditional a college experience as living in dorms or making long-life friends. While there are many exciting cultural and social benefits to studying abroad, there are also a few potential drawbacks. If you’re a student or parent looking into study abroad programs, here are some things to consider before planning the trip:
photo courtesy of Merrimack College
The Advantages to Studying Abroad
The main attraction to studying abroad is getting to visit another country. For many young adults, study abroad programs offer them their first chance to travel internationally. Experiencing another culture first hand is a fantastic educational opportunity, which serves to advance a young student’s intellect and widen their perspective.
Studying abroad gives students the chance to learn outside of the confines of lecture halls or limitations of textbooks. Getting to immerse yourself in something you’ve only previously read or heard about adds a deeper dimension to your understanding of it. When a theater major watches a Shakespeare play at the historic Globe Theatre in London or a fine art student looks up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, they are experiencing something that will have a major influence on their craft.
For those looking to sharpen their foreign language skills or better comprehend world history, studying abroad can be a great asset to their education. Whether it’s studying Spanish in a Latin American country or learning about China’s industrialization in Beijing, studying abroad can have a profound effect on their knowledge.
In addition to sightseeing and receiving an enhanced educational experience, students who do a semester or yearlong study abroad program can gain vital social skills. The challenges of interacting with a different cultural group and meeting new people on a daily basis has the potential to make students more adept at public speaking and networking, as well as making them more tolerant of others.
photo courtesy of Merrimack College
The Disadvantages to Studying Abroad
Despite all its positive potential, studying abroad comes with potential problems, too. Some study abroad arrangements work more like vacations than they do as learning programs. If a program lacks strong leadership from its educators/professors or doesn’t enforce a study schedule, then students are likely to fall behind on their scholarly work or indulge in non-educational activities.
While it’s beneficial for students to experience unconventional educational experiences, young students still require discipline and direction. Outside of their college environment and routine, students may take advantage of their new freedom and foreign setting in ways that are detrimental. Some students spend too much time sightseeing or fraternizing with others in their program rather than trying to learn new concepts. Instead of spending a semester expanding their intellect, students may just act as if they are on an extended break.
Besides falling behind on their studies due to excessive partying, many students studying abroad run the risk of becoming victims of crime or even breaking the law themselves. Like tourists, students visiting foreign countries are easy targets for criminals looking to steal money or abuse others. It’s hard to guarantee a safe housing situation when signing up for a study abroad program. Regardless of the program, students who are ignorant about a country’s customs or laws may get themselves into trouble with law enforcement or the locals.
The overall educational quality and advantages of studying abroad depend on both the individual student and the structure of the program. An immature or disrespectful student is likely to lose out on the intellectual and cultural potential of a good study abroad program, just as a bad program is likely to fail an eager and hardworking student. Either way, it’s up to every individual college student to consider what they want out of their time abroad and to find the right program for themselves. Talking to former study abroad students and to an academic advisor are good places to start when planning for studying abroad.
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Javaher Nooryani is a writer and editor based in Denver, CO. She has a BA in American Literature & Culture from UCLA and a Masters in English & American Literature from NYU. As a former private tutor and college prep advisor, Javaher is passionate about higher education and is happy to share her knowledge onCollegeFocus, a website that helps students deal with the challenges of college.
Going to college can be daunting enough, but when you are moving to an entirely new country to study, it can be even more overwhelming. Nevertheless, this is an experience to be excited about… the chance to meet new people, explore a new place and embrace a new culture!
