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Guest Posts, study abroad

Consider Studying or Volunteering Abroad This Summer

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studying abroadFor many teens, it can be tempting to spend summers off from school hanging out with friends, sleeping in well past noon, and doing a whole lot of, well, nothing. And while it’s true that some downtime for your growing kids is absolutely necessary – two and a half months of doing nothing but lounging around is maybe not the healthiest option.

Encouraging your teens to get out and have some worthy, productive summer experiences is super important – for you, and for them. This is especially true if your teen is hoping to go to college, and possibly even win a scholarship or two. After all, what’s going to look better to a college admissions board – months of sitting around at home, or a worthwhile volunteer abroad program?

There are many different summer activities out there for high school students, but one of the best, and most beneficial, is the option of studying or volunteering abroad. High school study abroad has been on the rise for a few years now, and there are many reasons why:

1) Foreign language proficiency is an incredibly important skill to have in today’s world. And because younger students learn faster than college-aged students, your teen is more than likely going to be able to soak up another language pretty fast – giving him or her one awesomely marketable skill for the future.

2) Study abroad looks wonderful on college applications and resumes. Because it’s possible to earn college credit or community service hours while abroad, your child’s abroad experience will signal to college admissions counselors that he or she takes academics seriously. In addition, study abroad really helps imbue students with vital global leadership skills and a more balanced, worldly perspective – talk about a great resume-booster!

3) While abroad, your teen will receive a much richer education than a normal classroom would provide. Study abroad programs offer a chance to learn about a country’s language, history, and culture – while living in that country! This kind of in-depth, culturally-enriching education will be invaluable to your teen.

4) Gain good contacts and networking prospects for the future. You never know who you’ll meet when you seize an opportunity like the chance to study or volunteer abroad. Other than gaining good skills for a future job (it’s not that far off!), it’s entirely probable that your child could make some worthy connections for the future – and possibly even score a potential summer internship or employment opportunity.

5) Studying abroad is an amazing experience. Your teen will undoubtedly achieve new levels of maturity, focus, and tolerance while abroad – being immersed in a foreign culture just has a way of doing that to you. And, of course, study abroad is a wonderfully fun experience!

Just as an added bonus: high school study abroad doesn’t have to be expensive! Many programs offer scholarships, financial aid, or fundraising guides. So, start encouraging your teen to get out in the world and have a life-changing abroad experience!

 

mom approved tips, study abroad

Mom-Approved Tips: The Pros and Cons of Study Abroad

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study abroadAccording to the latest “Open Doors” survey of international conducted annually by the Institute of International Education., the number of international students at U.S. universities increased 7.2 percent in 2012-13 to an all-time high of 819,644. The number of Americans studying abroad grew to 283,332 in 2011-12, representing a 3.4 percent increase over the previous year.

Inside Higher Education recently discussed a new program called Generation Study Abroad:

More than 150 U.S. colleges have pledged to increase their study abroad participation rates as part of a new national initiative, Generation Study Abroad, being spearheaded by the Institute of International Education. The initiative has the exceedingly ambitious aim of doubling American study abroad enrollment, to about 600,000, by the end of the decade. According to IIE data, just under 10 percent of American undergraduates currently study abroad during the course of their degrees.

Should you encourage your student to study abroad? The easiest way to decide is to weigh the pros and cons.

Pros

Cultural Experience

Any study abroad student will have a unique cultural experience. This is something they can’t have if they remain in the states. Becoming immersed in a foreign culture offers them a new perspective on life and enhances their view of the world.

Enhances the degree

When students study abroad, they will study subjects that might not be taught in their college or university. These courses are often unique to the country they are studying in. It’s also an opportunity to study with students from another country.

Broadens their employment eligibility

Students can add significant value to their resumes simply by studying abroad. In the competitive market of entry-level jobs, most resumes look more or less the same. The interest in multiculturalism that studying abroad suggests can make your student’s resume stand out from the pack. It also shows the ability to adapt to a new environment and take on new and challenging situations – all green flags for potential employers.

Encourages independence

More than attending college away from home, attending college in a foreign country helps students learn to survive on their own and mature in the process. Studying abroad teaches them how to manage time, money and other resources in a way that nothing else can. A child who studies abroad doesn’t just take classes in another country. They learn about a whole new way of life and that better prepares them for “the adult world” once they return home.

Opportunities to travel

It’s a great way to see the world. College is the perfect time for a young person to get out and see the world by experiencing different kinds of cultures including food, music and architecture. It will create lasting memories for the rest of their lives.

Cons

Cost

Study aboard can be costly. Most colleges offer the programs as part of the regular tuition, room and board but it won’t include travel or day to day expenses. Colleges, however, describe plans such as increasing fund-raising for study abroad scholarships, introducing a study abroad scholarship tied to student fee income, and promoting the Gilman Scholarship Program, which supports study abroad for Pell Grant recipients. With these added initiative, the cost might not be prohibitive.

Language Barrier

Some students might be afraid of the language barrier, studying abroad at schools that often teach in the native language. On the positive side, living and participating in the culture will help them learn the language more quickly.

Delays graduation timeline

It’s not uncommon for study abroad programs to delay graduation by a semester or more. It’s important to investigate the course offerings before making the decision to study abroad during the school year. If the credits are not a part of your degree plan you will have to take courses after returning home to make up for the time you lost while abroad. One way to avoid this is to attend during a summer program.

Mom-Approved Tip

For most students, study abroad is a positive experience. And with the college’s help, it can be affordable. Many students who study abroad gain a world view unlike any of the students who opted out of the programs. My daughter and many of her friends participated in a study abroad program offered by her college. The program was coordinated with the degree plan and she was able to stay on track for graduation in four years. She considers it to be one of the most beneficial aspects of her liberal arts education. Since then, she has become a world traveler and enjoys experiencing other cultures. If you can swing it, encourage your student to explore the study abroad program. Weighing the pros and cons, the pros win!

 

Guest Posts, how to

How to take a working holiday abroad

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  • As the economic crisis continues to affect countries across the world, the option to work abroad is becoming increasingly popular amongst young people
  • Education, work and sports are the most sought after activities by temporary foreign workers

working holiday abroadAs a result of the economic crisis, one of the words that we have incorporated into our language is ‘emigration’. Tens of thousands of young people have already crossed the border in search of a better future, from neighboring countries to even as far as the Asian market.

In this case, one of things that is influencing those deciding to work abroad more and more is the Work and Travel Program (PVT in Spanish or French) or the Working Holiday Visa, which allows those under 35 to work and holiday at the same time in a foreign country for between 6 and 12 months.

Also called the Holiday-Work Visa (VVT in Spanish) or the Working Holiday Program, it is the result of mutual agreements that seek to encourage young people to travel to all parts of the world, with the possibility of finding part time work to finance their stay there. Australia, Canada and New Zealand are considered the best destinations by those embarking on such an adventure.

Working while on holiday or during the summer

There are two categories within the Holiday and Work Program. The first of these provides the opportunity for students to work during the summer months. This is designed for younger students who want to take advantage of their summer break and experience working abroad, with a maximum period of 3 months. For this option it is essential that the student is enrolled in post-secondary education or at a training centre and carries the requested travel insurance.

working abroadThe other option concerns working while holidaying, designed for travellers who want to sightsee, get to the know the culture and work at the same time. The maximum duration is 12 months. This is the option that is becoming increasingly more popular amongst Spaniards, as it offers a clear solution to the problem of unemployment that is affecting many countries, with the added attraction of possibly learning a new language.

Beatriz Valiente, in charge of customers relations at AVI International, highlights “the significant increase in the number of calls and contact we have received regarding our Working Holiday insurance for 2012, especially insurance for general covers”. Other issues of particular interest for applicants are that this visa has “the option of integrating sports and leisure  or manual work into the insurance, and that it includes the possibility to visit neighbouring countries, which it does include, but only for a maximum of two weeks.”

And what destinations do people choose? There are dozens of countries that you can travel to with a Working Holiday visa. China and Taiwan are recent additions, although they are not yet in high demand. “100% of those Spanish people insured have chosen Canada to carry out their Working Holiday”, Beatriz Valiente points out, “while the majority of French insured go to Australia, followed by New Zealand and then Canada. Very few opt to travel and work in other countries such as such as Argentina, South Korea, Japan or Singapore and the new destination: Hong Kong.”

5 pieces of advice for the Working Holiday Visa

When it comes to applying for a Working Holiday visa, often there are limitations attached to the criteria that the applicant must meet, which in many cases are restrictive:

  • It is essential to be between 18 and 35 years old, with both these ages included.
  • For some destinations it is necessary to carry with you a large sum of money as costs can escalate at the beginning of your stay.
  • One of the key requirements is that your medical insurance covers you for the entire duration of your stay. When it comes to confirming it, Beatriz Valiente adds that this criterion is “absolutely essential for the Working Holiday visa to be accepted.”
  • It is important to know what limitations exist when it comes to studying and working. In the case of New Zealand and Canada, the Working Holiday visa only allows you to study for a period of 6 months, and to work for up to 1 year. As for Australia, a certain level of accredited English is also required. Your country of origin can also play a part in what countries you can travel to.
  • Analysing the possible destinations and their economic and unemployment rates, with the aim of choosing a country that offers the best employment opportunities.

Therefore it is important to know in detail the necessary requirements and characteristics for each country, so that you can plan in advance on how to make the most of your trip and have the best experience possible. Looking ahead, it is one of the options being considered more and more: “I believe that it is a product that will work really well in the next few years; many Spaniards leaving the country in search of work, prices are economical and conditions are very good”, concludes our contact at AVI International.

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Today’s post is from AVI International, a leading provider of travel insurance for tourists and those who holiday abroad.

 

 

study abroad

Study Abroad? Do your research!

 

study abroadThe experience of travel is immeasurable. Whether your college student dreams of backpacking through Europe after graduation or wants to study abroad, immersion in another country and culture provides unparalleled rewards. Exploring cultures and discovering diverse ways of life can equip a young person with esteemed life skills and unique perspectives.

Study Abroad Interest & Direction

If your son or daughter wants to study abroad through the university, he or she should meet with the college’s study abroad advisor or academic advisor. A school advisor is qualified and equipped to help interested students understand various the policies. The student’s major will be taken into account so that a study abroad program can enhance a specific academic plan. Ohio University, for example, hosts a study abroad fair where students can learn about traveling opportunities. On OU’s website, students can visit the Education Abroad page to request an online application form, check out walk-in advising, gather info about orientation and link to its studying abroad Facebook page.

Continue reading Study Abroad? Do your research! →

study abroad

5 Things to consider when choosing a study abroad program

 

study abroadNot 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:

1. Is study abroad right for you?

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.

2. Where and when would you 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.

Continue reading 5 Things to consider when choosing a study abroad program →

college guidance, college planning, study abroad

The benefits of getting your university education abroad

 

study abroadStudying abroad offers a wide range of benefits for university students on both an academic and personal level. The cultural experience alone is worth getting an education abroad, not to mention accruing a number of professional skills that would be more difficult to hone in your home country. The following offers a few of the many advantages you can obtain from attending an international school and getting your university education abroad.

Continue reading The benefits of getting your university education abroad →

study abroad

Top 5 Safety Tips for Studying Abroad

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study abroadPerhaps the best thing about sending your kids to college is that they are granted so many opportunities to expand their minds, meet new people, and increase their personal marketability. Academically speaking, college prepares young adults for the working world, and socially it can provide them with a vast network of connections to call upon later in life. Further, the time your kids spend in college will no doubt be transformative, helping them to figure out who they are, what they want, and what they believe in. And if they’re lucky, part of that experience will involve traveling to another country as a member of a study abroad program. However, sending your kids off to a foreign land, while exciting, can also be a bit terrifying. After all, they’re young and inexperienced in the ways of the world and anything could happen. So here are just a few safety tips you’ll probably want to impart before your kids head off for a few months of studying abroad.

  1. Plan ahead. There are all kinds of things students must accomplish in preparation for participating in a study abroad program. Aside from taking language lessons and filling out all the application paperwork, they’ll also need to get necessary immunizations and arrange for a passport, both of which could take up to six weeks. They may also need to apply for a student Visa, a work Visa (depending on how long they intend to stay and whether or not they need a job), and an international driver’s permit. In short, a lot of planning goes into spending a semester abroad, and they need to give themselves enough time to get all of their ducks in a row. This will help to ensure that they have everything they need when they travel and that they have no trouble reaching their destination and returning home afterwards.
  2. Learn the laws. It’s important to understand the laws of any country you’re in, and just because students are young doesn’t mean it’s okay to be unprepared in this regard. The local authorities certainly won’t cut visiting students any slack (just look at what happened to Amanda Knox). So take the time to go over pertinent laws with your kids prior to travel and stress that common sense is a must.
  3. Use the buddy system. The nice thing about a study abroad program is that your students will either be housed with a local family or in dorms with other international students. This should help to keep them out of trouble to some degree. But make sure they understand that there are predators looking to take advantage of them because they are so obviously out of place. For this reason it’s wise to have a buddy around at all times.
  4. Verify Insurance. Since medical insurance coverage may not extend to other countries, it’s a good idea to extend your policy or get additional travel coverage for your students. This will ensure that should they need to see a doctor or get a prescription their costs will be covered.
  5. Understand the culture. A lot of social interactions are going to be something of a trial by fire, whether your students are studying history in Italy or preparing for ESL jobs in China. Other cultures have different traditions and standards of behavior. While your students will have to learn some of it on the fly, it couldn’t hurt to take some time to look online for cultural norms in order to avoid inadvertently insulting the natives. For example, Italians may offer warm greetings such as hugs and kisses and they may take offense when recipients pull away. In China it is considered rude to leave any food uneaten, even a few grains of rice in the bottom of the bowl. When students understand such basic cultural differences they are less likely to commit a social gaffe that could result in conflict.

Every college student should take advantage of their college’s study abroad program. The studying abroad experience will undoubtedly change their lives personally, academically, and professionally.

 

parenting, study abroad

5 Reasons to allow your college-bound kid to study abroad

images-2Whenever it’s time for a child to go to college, it can already be hard on the parents. After all, it’s been 17 years (give or take a few months) of them living at home and relying on their mom and dad for their daily needs. So, when it’s time for your son or daughter to graduate from high school and they bring up the fact that they’ve been thinking about not only going away for school but studying abroad, it’s understandable why you might be hesitant to go along with the program.

However, there are actually benefits that come with a student making this kind of commitment and so if your child does present you with this option, we have provided you with five reasons why you definitely should consider letting your student study abroad:

  1. It’s a great way to see the world. As adults, we know how easy the demands of everyday life can keep us from doing some of the things that are on our own wish lists. College is the perfect time for a young person to get out and see the world by experiencing different kinds of cultures including food, music and architecture. It will create lasting memories for the rest of their lives.
  2. It’s an easier way to learn another language. Without question, it is professionally beneficial to be bilingual and one of the easiest ways to learn a second language is not by sitting in a classroom but being in a city where it is spoken fluently.
  3. It can actually enhance your degree. When a student goes overseas to study for a semester or two, there’s a pretty good chance that they will be able to take courses there that are not afforded to them in the States. This means that they may be able to earn a few more credits. Also, it helps to make their academic resume that much more attractive when it comes time to seek out internships and a full-time job.
  4. It gives broadens their employment eligibility. There are several studies that indicate that only about 5 percent of Americans ever go to another country to study on a college level. That said, with the job market in the States still as unstable as it is, studying abroad expands your child’s ability to be able to land a job following graduation. Being in another country is a way for them to not only make new friends and meet new professors, but to also make international connections; ones that they may be able to use for years to come.
  5. It matures them. Say that your child is enrolled at Ohio University, they are living on campus and it’s a couple of hours away from your house. Just by spending time in a different environment, they are going to grow up and mature in many ways. But when they are in another country, thousands of miles away, it forces them to have to mature at an exponential rate because they have to learn how to be independent in so many ways. Studying abroad teaches them how to manage time, money and other resources in a way that nothing else can. A child who studies abroad doesn’t just take classes in another country. They learn about a whole new way of life and that better prepares them for “the adult world” once they return home.
I completely recommend study abroad programs. If your student is interested, allow them to pursue this path while in college.
study abroad, Uncategorized

Why You Should Encourage Your Teen to Study Abroad

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Students who study abroad will often tell you that their experience living in another country changed their lives. Being one of those students myself, I believe them.

Studying abroad has a tremendous number of benefits – both personal and academic. The exposure to a different way of life often serves as a catalyst for students to discover what they are passionate about. It can also immerse them in a foreign language, enhance their resumes, and prepare them to live in a world that is increasingly multicultural.

On a personal level, studying abroad is a great way for students to learn how to adjust to new environments, make new friends and experience a country’s culture firsthand.

If your child is interested in studying abroad, encourage them! As scary as it may be to send them off to another country, the benefits of living and studying in another country are well worth it.

Studying abroad can help your teen:

1. Get a Job

Students can add significant value to their resumes simply by studying abroad. In the competitive market of entry-level jobs, most resumes look more or less the same. The interest in multiculturalism that studying abroad suggests can make your teen’s resume stand out from the pack. It also shows your teen’s ability to adapt to a new environment and take on new and challenging situations – all green flags for potential employers.

2. Learn Another Language

Particularly for students who want to master another language, studying abroad is a great opportunity. Sitting in a classroom and listening to a lecture is one thing, but being immersed in a culture that speaks that language is completely different. Having to learn how to read street signs, ask for certain products in supermarkets, and make small talk with new friends certainly ups the ante for language learning.

3. Meet New People

Studying abroad will undeniably expose your teen to many new people and help open his or her mind to the unfamiliar. Getting comfortable with meeting new people has both professional and personal benefits. It will not only come in handy when meeting new classmates and coworkers, but also help him or her to have a more inclusive and diverse group of friends.

4. Get Inspired

Many students go abroad having only a vague idea (or even no idea whatsoever!) of what career they would like to pursue. Studying abroad can change that. Students often are inspired by something they encounter abroad, like a community project building schools or a behind-the-scenes look at a theatre performance. Sometimes, they simply fall in love with the thrill of traveling. These inspirations can move your teen to pursue a specific career.

Studying abroad is unlike anything else in providing students with a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether your teen spends a semester living in an ancient European city, a year helping to build housing in Africa, or a summer sailing the world, studying abroad will expose him or her to a unique and previously unexplored world.

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Today’s guest blog post is from Polina at University Language Services (@CampusCommons). ULS  specializes in helping students make the most of their college experience with step-by-step guides on how to choose a school, apply to college, and succeed on campus. ULS also offers college scholarships and information for students who want to study abroad. In addition, ULS has provided the translation of academic transcripts, diplomas and personal documents in more than 150 languages since 1983. Connect with ULS on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.