Study Abroad

Learning new cultures is my favorite thing to do. I interact well with others an
d enjoy networking with new people. I have found that my ability to meet new peo
ple is a trait that makes every visit I have taken to different countries an enj
oyable visit. I wish to participate in this program because it has always been a
goal of mine to study abroad. By participating in this program I hope to learn
another culture, make international contacts, and gain valuable international bu
siness skills.
Within this program I assume that I will experience different points of views fr
om the American professors who will be teaching. Along with these different poin
ts of views, the Italian culture and interacting with other American students wi
ll be experiences I could not otherwise have.
International
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business is becoming increasingly more important, and although I have received g
reat education while in college, I am eager to participate in this program becau
se the first-hand experiences I will have cannot be equaled here in America. As
a sixth grader I participated in Children's International Summer Villages in Fin
land. While in Finland I stayed with a host family for a week and lived in a sch
ool with forty different delegates representing ten separate countries. It truly
was the best time of my life. In addition to my visit to Finland I have visited
Jamaica four times and also have traveled to the Caribbean Islands and Mexico.
I am confident that I will succeed as a student, as an American representative,
and as a tourist in this program because of my many travels abroad and strong de
sire to succeed.
Pros and Cons of studying abroad
Taking a course of study in a foreign country is becoming more and more popular.
The experience is valued by students and potential employers. However, there ar
e positive and negative points to be taken into account.
Pros
* In many cases grants are available to cover some or all of the tuition and
/or living costs during the period abroad (enquire at your home institution).
* Acquiring advanced language skills can be personally enriching and an asse
t for your future.
* Experiencing another educational system can be instructive and insightful.

* You may make friends from all over the world.

* An opportunity to get to know and travel around a country in a way that is
not possible on a holiday or short visit.
Cons
* Travel and living costs may be considerably higher than a comparable perio
d at your home institution, even if you are receiving a grant to cover some of t
he costs.
* The amount which you learn may be less if learning in a foreign language a
nd your academic performance in that language may be limited.
* You may find the type of teaching unproductive; especially if you are goin
g from an environment with lots of teacher/student contact to one with lectures
and large classes.
 * You may find it difficult to adapt to a different social environment.

Pros and Cons of studying abroad

Taking a course of study in a foreign country is becoming more and more popular.
The experience is valued by students and potential employers. However, there ar
e positive and negative points to be taken into account.
Pros
* In many cases grants are available to cover some or all of the tuition and
/or living costs during the period abroad (enquire at your home institution).
* Acquiring advanced language skills can be personally enriching and an asse
t for your future.
* Experiencing another educational system can be instructive and insightful.
* You may make friends from all over the world.
* An opportunity to get to know and travel around a country in a way that is
not possible on a holiday or short visit.
Cons
* Travel and living costs may be considerably higher than a comparable perio
d at your home institution, even if you are receiving a grant to cover some of t
he costs.
* The amount which you learn may be less if learning in a foreign language a
nd your academic performance in that language may be limited.
* You may find the type of teaching unproductive; especially if you are goin
g from an environment with lots of teacher/student contact to one with lectures
and large classes.
* You may find it difficult to adapt to a different social environment.
4.Contacts-
If you enjoy meeting new people and talking with them, study abroad may be the m
ost exciting way to do it. At one hostel, I met Brandon Wilson, author of Yak Bu
tter Blues. He had just finished walking from France to Jerusalem for peace. We
talked about politics and world affairs for at least three hours over beers that
night at the hostel. Another night I was doing my homework in the conference ce
nter where our dorms were located, and a man from Jordan approached me. He saw I
was studying for my Human Rights class and suggested that I come work at his hu
man rights organization in Amman, Jordan. He said they would even help me learn
Arabic. On top of all this, I had stellar faculty with whom I keep in contact.
5. An Expanded Worldview-
The whole world does not live according to the same values. In Geneva, you canno
t buy groceries on a Sunday, or after 7 p.m. on weeknights for that matter. The
Swiss people value family time over the convenience and profit of 24-7 stores. I
nstead of being frustrated by the inconvenience of adjusting to different ways,
international students learn to understand the cultural values that created thos
e differences. The experience helps you develop an understanding from both point
s of view - you will understand other countries better and learn to question Ame
rica's position, but in many ways your love for the USA will deepen.

CONS
1. Cost-
These programs can be expensive, but with careful planning and a consortium arra
ngement where scholarships hold, costs will be nearer to a Stevens semester. I s
pent a significant amount of my savings from co-op. Nevertheless, looking back o
n my experiences, I would not even think about trading them for money back in my
account.
2. Strain on Friends, Family and Relationships-
Keeping in touch requires some time and effort. Mom and Dad usually want to know
all the details, and Skype (voice over IP) is a great way to stay in touch, pro
vided the reception is clear. The best part of Skype is the video feed, and the
investment is worth while in a quality webcam.
As far as significant others, I will admit I am not qualified to make any genera
lizations regarding long-distance relationships. I can only share the experience
s of people in my program. One of the girls had been happily married for a year.
Unable to go together, she and her husband decided that her semester abroad was
important enough justify the four-month sacrifice. Relationships are hard, but
survivors come out strong. Even in new relationships, when both parties cared eq
ually, their relationship survived the semester with few issues. Couples have to
realize that their interaction will be limited to telephone, letters and pixels
on a computer screen. Both people have to be good communicators who make an eff
ort to read and write thoughtfully, as words take on a new importance. The time
difference can complicate schedules, especially if one person works. Most likely
, someone will be sacrificing time and sleep. Holding out through a study abroad
requires trust, support, patience, understanding and a greater degree of selfle
ssness than a face-to-face relationship.
Despite the obvious fact that a long-distance relationship is a challenge, coupl
es should go into the experience looking forward to looking back. By that I mean
there can be good memories made that are unique to the situation. Two positive
people with a strong connection will turn the separation into an opportunity for
creativity, finding ways to grow closer despite the physical distance.
3. Health-
Travel, study and staying up to keep in touch with home can wear you out. You wi
ll probably get overtired, groggy and fall sick when you come back.
(What a small price to pay.)

Are You Ready to Study Abroad? - Pablo Barrios, Stock Xchange

Are You Ready to Study Abroad? - Pablo Barrios, Stock Xchange
Eager to leave your home base and attend a university in another country? Here a
re some advantages and disadvantages of international study abroad programs.
Want to challenge yourself to a life changing learning experience? Consider the
possibility of studying abroad.
Students can choose from a huge variety of year long, semester long, and summer
study abroad programs in colleges and universities all over the world. Internati
onal study can be an overwhelming experience, at least at first, but many studen
ts find that the rewards are worth the effort.
Is study abroad a good option for you? Here are some advantages to consider, and
some drawbacks to keep in mind.
ADVANTAGES TO STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
* Learn about another culture. Living in a different country for awhile will
teach you way more than you can learn in any book about that culture.
* Master another language. When you suddenly find yourself immersed in a wor
ld where everyone speaks another language, you may be scared out of your mind. B
ut this wears off, and before you know it you'll be fluent.
* A crash course in independence. When you study abroad, there's no going ho
me to Mom and Dad when you're lonely or need to do your laundry. You're on your
own. Scary as this may be, the experience of having to rely on yourself will ser
ve you well.
* Meet amazing people. Tired of running into the same people on campus all t
he time? Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to meet people from all over
the world. It's also a great way to build interpersonal skills, as you'll be in
a situation where you need to befriend and interact with strangers who are quite
different than you.
* An amazing opportunity to travel. If you study abroad, you'll probably hav
e the opportunity to visit neighboring cities and countries.
* New course opportunities. Your new school undoubtedly has courses that you
r old school does not. In addition, courses will offer a different cultural pers
pective on subjects you've been studying back home.
* Great résumé material. Employers and graduate school committees will take note
of an international study experience. Studying abroad helps students become mor
e mature, resilient, and interpersonally adept, and all of these qualities are p
riceless in the workplace.
* Technology makes communication back home easier. Sure, you'll be homesick.
But with email, IM, and reasonably cheap international cell phone minutes, stud
y abroad has become an easier transition away from home than it used to be.
* Learn about yourself and your own culture. When you stand outside of your
culture for a change, you get new perspectives on it and your role within it. Yo
u become a fish out of water with the unique opportunity to look back into your
tank.
DRAWBACKS TO STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
* Culture shock. Prepare to feel overwhelmed, both when you submerge yoursel
f in another culture and when you return to your own. The surprisingly difficult
experience of coming back is called re-entry shock. The experience of shifting
cultures can make you more resilient, but is more difficult for some people than
others. Be realistic with yourself; if you don't think you're ready for this ki
nd of experience, maybe it's not for you.
* Academic transfer issues. Study abroad credits may not transfer to your sc
hool or to your major. Potentially, study abroad can slow down your progress tow
ards graduation. Before you make a commitment to study abroad, sit down with a q
ualified advisor and figure out what problems you might encounter. Before you le
ave, find out which credits will transfer and which ones will not. And it's impo
rtant to make sure that studying abroad doesn't make it harder to graduate in fo
ur years.
* Academic challenges. Consider the difficulties you may face learning to st
udy in a completely different environment, especially if your classes are in ano
ther language. If you're not a strong student to begin with, study abroad may no
t be a good idea.
* Money. Can you afford to study abroad? In some cases, study abroad isn't m
uch more expensive than your own tuition and may be covered by financial aid. Th
is isn't always the case, though. If money is a concern, do some investigating.
Study abroad scholarships are available.
* Separation from family and friends. Independence is a good thing, but so i
s maintaining connections with your loved ones. If there are special circumstanc
es at home, like a loved one who is terminally ill, maybe this isn't the time fo
r you to leave.
* Separation from romantic partners. An extended leave can put quite a strai
n on a relationship.
* Interruption of activities. If you are a college athlete or heavily involv
ed in a student or community organization, studying abroad may cause you to make
some choices about your commitment level.
* Discrimination issues. If you are thinking of studying in a culture where
people of your demographic group are discriminated against or treated unfavorabl
y, do your homework to find out if studying there will be a good idea. Factors l
ike gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation may matter.
Remember, your school has resources to help you make an educated decision about
whether you should study abroad and about what programs would most benefit you.
Contact the International Study Office (or similarly named program) on your camp
us and investigate your options. Best of luck!

Introduction
* Apr. 21st, 2009 at 5:38 PM

Hello, dear participants and guests!

We are glad to see you here and before we start our discussion, you should learn
our rules:
* Don t use bad or abusive language;
* Don t offend each other if you don t agree with any opinions, try to show your
s;
* Respect another opinion;
* Feel free to ask each other any questions within the bounds of our discuss
ion;
* If you can t understand anything, don t be shy to ask questions to any of us;
Our discussion will be for three weeks, so you should check new entries during t
his time.
So now, let s introduce each other in few words.

My name is Olesya and I will be a guide through all our discussion. Another guid
e s name is Julia and she is going to join us later.
I teach English at Vladivostok State University of Economics and Service. Our un
iversity is located in the capital of Primorsky region in Far East of Russia.
I d like to know some information about you.
ATTENTION: We are very obliged if you register before the discussion. Otherwise,
you should write your name in subject line every time you post here. Thanks.
??????? ?? ???? ?????????? ??????? ????? ???????????????? ? ?????? ????? ????? ?
???????? ???? ?????????. ???????.
* 12 comments
* Leave a comment
* Add to Memories
* Share this!
* Link
Study abroad
* Apr. 20th, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Study abroad - is the act of a student pursuing educational opportunities in a f
oreign country. Typically, classes taken while studying abroad award credits tra
nsferable to higher education institutions in the home country; however, student
s may pursue these opportunities at any age and may not require college credit.
Students studying abroad may live in a dormitory or apartment with other student
s or with a "host family".
Some students choose to study abroad in order to learn a language from native sp
eakers.
It could be as simple as students choosing to study abroad due to a feeling of w
anderlust. For many, college is the ideal time to travel, because they do not ha
ve full adult responsibilities yet, and they can take advantage of the option of
studying in a different country. In this sense, many see one's early twenties a
s formative years in one's life, and being immersed in the unfamiliar society an
d culture of another country can prove rewarding to young adults.
Another popular reason to study abroad is the desire of many to gain an understa
nding of the world around them.
Many students study abroad in an effort to expand their opportunities beyond tho
se their home university offers. Strategically, study abroad offers many excitin
g benefits from high school students hoping to get into a prestigious university
, to college learners pursuing reputable post graduate schools or professions. I
t may lead to scholarships, grants, and job opportunities to leading institution
s or employment. Recent surveys in the Nordic countries did however show that st
udying abroad can heavily damage the career in the years afterward because a sta
y in foreign countries often result in exams that are rendered unusable in the s
uperior education systems in these countries.

(From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Study_abroad)

Now first questions to you:

1. Would you like to study abroad? Why?

2. If you want to study there, what country would you choose? Give your reaso
ns.
3. Have you had an experience of studying abroad? If yes, where was it?
* 62 comments
* Leave a comment
* Add to Memories
* Share this!
* Link
Let's continue
* Apr. 14th, 2009 at 11:08 PM

Upon their return to their countries, students often say their study abroad expe
rience changed their lives. And the reasons why are as many and as varied as the
people that go.
Studying abroad prepares students to live and work in our increasingly multi-cul
tural world. It stimulates academic discipline, as students learn to function in
a different system. It encourages independence, and enhances future job prospec
ts.
Studying in another country affords many rare opportunities, including language
immersion and the chance to experience a country's vibrant history, art and cult
ure. Students will find that textbooks can't do justice to viewing a historical
structure firsthand. In fact, some students say they learn as much out of class
as in it!
Also, employers in our global economy seek the skills polished by overseas engag
ement. Teamwork, innovation and flexibility are honed abroad. This is an adventu
re that helps students develop their self-confidence and adaptability. Learning
how to maneuver in a new city, with different customs and language, requires pat
ience and creativity. (http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/623)

Read an article The Lasting Benefits of Study Abroad by Lauren Anne Underhill.

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/studyabroadmagazine/2007Spring/las
ting_benefits_of_study_abroad.shtml

* What feelings do you have after reading?

* Are you ready to leave your home and relatives, your friends and your city
for several years in order to get education in foreign country? Why?
* What do you think of cultural shock for the first time being abroad?
* 17 comments
* Leave a comment
* Add to Memories
* Share this!
* Link
Conclusion
* Apr. 13th, 2009 at 12:25 AM

So, we are going to close our talks.

In conclusion I can say that almost all agreed that if they had a chance to stud
y abroad they would take advantage of it. What is the reason? There are a lot of
them, not only one.
Some students want to learn foreign languages, others - to know new culture and
people, or to get life experience.
In spite of the fact that we have close relations with our families and friends
and we are bound with them by feelings, many participants told they could leave
them for some years of education. I think it's common for young people because t
hey are much more mobile than grown-ups.
I really appreciate and thank all who took part in our discussion. I hope you li
ked it. And in the future we can gather again to discuss other interesting topic
s.
I wish your dreams and undertaking come true!
Thanks a lot!
See you.

If you ve thought about studying abroad as a college student you ve probably kept in
mind all the positive and negative aspects. Studying abroad is a huge step in
a college students life and if you re considering it for the future you want to ma
ke sure you don t regret going and don t regret not going. To make things a little
easier and to keep all that s involved with studying abroad in mind, check out the
pros and cons of studying abroad below.
Pros
* The best way a person can learn a foreign language.
* An amazing journey that very few people get the opportunity for.
* Great to do while you re young (it is harder to visit a country when you re ma
rried and have children).
* A great way to learn the culture
* Best way to get a feel for the atmosphere.
* An excuse to get way from home and explore the world.
* Best way to get out and see what the other side of the world has to offer.
* Great way to make even more friends.
* A possibility to have new pen pals (great for keeping you up on the latest
news).
* Will look great on your resume for the future.
* You will have an amazing story to tell your friends and family.
* A life time experience with many memories, pictures and souvenirs to bring
back.
Cons
* You may get homesick.
* You may find that you don t want to study the language/culture after all.
* May have to quit a job that you love or have been working for a long time.
* Far away from your family and friends.
* You may have different rules with the family that you re living with.
* May have a family that you don t get along with as well as you d thought.
* You will put a pause on school (you may not graduate as early as you wante
d/expected).
As you can see there are many advantages and disadvantages when it comes to stud
ying abroad. Although I think we all know that the advantages highly out way th
e disadvantages. This is a great way to learn, explore the world and get out of
your comfort zone a little. Consider these ideas and see where they take you.

Study Abroad Programs Offer Oppertunity to Travel - Extreme Imaging

Study Abroad Programs Offer Oppertunity to Travel - Extreme Imaging
Studying in a foreign country is not as simple as it seems, there are hidden iss
ues such as academic credits and financial problems to consider.
For many students, the idea of studying in a foreign country is appealing. Exper
iencing different cultures, meeting interesting people, or simply a change from
the ordinary are all aspects of studying abroad which are advertised. But what a
bout the downsides? Before embarking on a study abroad program, here are some is
sues to consider.
Experience Abroad and Employers
In today s global economy many employers are seeking job applicants who are aware
of other cultures and have experience living in foreign countries. Studying abro
ad is a wonderful way to make contacts in other countries and to understand how
foreign economies and politics are different from your own. Even people who do n
ot wish to go into business directly dealing with the country they studied in wi
ll benefit from the experience of living in a foreign country and dealing with a
ll of the challenges of doing so.
Financial Issues of Living Abroad
Compared to colleges and universities in the United States, many of the universi
ties abroad have considerably lower tuition costs. There are hidden costs, howev
er, such as currency exchange and travel expenses. Depending on the currency exc
hange at the moment, students may find themselves with a lot more money than exp
ected, or a lot less and this changes daily. Students living abroad would have t
o be able to deal with these fluctuations in funding.
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The further away from home the chosen university is, the more expensive it will
be to travel there. This could mean not going home as often, or preparing to spe
nd more on travel. It is also more difficult for foreign students to receive sch
olarships, although there are some available. These costs must all be weighed ag
ainst the initial saving in tuition fees and your financial situation.
Dealing With Foreign Culture
The best way to experience and understand a foreign culture is to live in it. Th
is is one of the best aspects of studying abroad, and one that will stay with so
meone forever. While abroad there are many opportunities to travel, particularly
in Europe. This is both a great opportunity and an added expense.
Homesickness can be more prevalent in students who study in foreign countries, a
s there are fewer similarities and comforts of home. Someone who suffers from ho
mesickness and still wants to study abroad should consider going for a shorter p
eriod of time. Other ways to battle homesickness might include socializing with
people from one's home country, particularly on national holidays such as Thanks
giving, and trying to get involved in sports groups and clubs.
Read on
* How to Succeed Academically During Study Abroad
* Top Five Reasons to Study Abroad
* The Merits of an Overseas Study Experience
Academic Issues of Spending Time Abroad
The issue of credits is usually discussed by any collage or university which has
a study abroad program. It is important to make sure that the work done abroad
will count towards the student's degree once they return to your home country. T
his is best discussed with someone at your collage or university, such as an adv
isor.
The student must also make sure that they will be able to keep up with the acade
mics that are missed while they are abroad. The courses that are available at a
foreign university might be just as difficult, however the student might miss im
portant information and lessons which will put them behind on their work. The be
st way to avoid this is to keep in contact with professors from home while study
ing abroad.
Full Time or Part Time Study?
There are many ways in which one can study abroad. The most popular are the Juni
or Year Abroad and Junior Semester Abroad programs. These are perfect for studen
ts wanting a taste of another country without having to leave their old life beh
ind for too long. This is particularly true for the Junior Semester Abroad. For
someone looking for more, and who is willing to get their visa and go without lo
oking back, then consider studying at a foreign university for your entire degre
e. This is becoming a more popular option, as foreign universities offer excelle
nt education at a lower tuition cost. It s not for the homesick, but it makes for
a wonderful adventure.
Studying abroad can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it is importan
t to do as much research as possible in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. If
you have a particular program in mind remember to apply early to avoid disappoin
tment.

Studying abroad sounds like an international adventure. You get to see new citie
s, meet foreign people and discover the world. While studying abroad is certainl
y fun, it might not be the best choice for you. If you re thinking about studying
abroad, weigh out the pros and cons before you hop on a plane.
Studying abroad cons to consider:
· Expenses. If you choose to study abroad, you can rack up the bills. There are so
many things that need to be paid for besides a program fee, plane ticket, and a
n apartment. Local exchange rates, extra travel expenses, food, etc.
· Home sickness. Being away from home for so long can be trying on a student. Bein
g in college is different because one isn t usually that far from home. But being
in a whole new country can be terrifying for so long, especially if you re not goi
ng with friends.
· Missing out Leaving your home university can be hard to deal with. Not being inv
olved in any organizations and not embracing opportunities offered at your unive
rsity behind could be difficult.
· Tough classes. Studying might be more difficult in another country if it is not
being taught how you re used to. It could even be taught in another language!

Deciding to study abroad or not can be a big decision. While many people will te
ll you it will be the best decision of your life, others will tell you all the r
eservations they have against it.
Considering studying abroad? Here are some pros:
· Once in a lifetime opportunity. If you think about it, what other time than you
r college years do you have to leave everything behind and for 4 months travel i
n Europe while completing your educational requirements? The answer is never.
· Independence boost. While you re abroad, you are in ultimate survival mode. You l
earn to be independent quickly. Your parents aren t just a drive or cheap phone ca
ll away. You will learn more about yourself then you ever thought possible.
· Total immersion. Studying abroad is different than any other traveling experien
ce you can have. Most of the time people go on tours through Europe and have a p
lanned schedule every day. Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to explore
on your own and be totally immersed in a new culture.
· You ll gain experience. Imagine seeing Studied abroad in _________ Spring 2011 on an
applicant s résumé. Study abroad experience gives you an edge on the competition when
you enter the job market.