How to Arrange Your Own Study Abroad Program (4/5)
audrey
29 April, 2009 18:02
This is the fourth article of a series of 5, explaining how to arrange your own study abroad program.
First article: Decide Where to Go
Second article: Determine When to Go
Third article: Language Problems and Programs
How to Pay for It
The main obstacle to study abroad for many people is the cost.
However, there are ways of getting around this. For instance, if you
are an American college or graduate student and receive financial aid,
you can almost always apply your financial aid from your present
institution to the study abroad program you choose. European students
should investigate the Erasmus
program. In any case, you will need to contact the financial aid office
at your school and make the necessary arrangements. This may require a
few extra steps and a somewhat longer period of time, so don't put this
task off until the last minute.
It is less likely that you will be able to arrange financial aid
directly with the host institution, but not impossible. Some programs
do offer scholarships; however, these scholarships are almost always
very competitive. The best advice is to prepare as good an application
as possible, but don't count on scholarships from the host institution
for all or even most of your funding. Volunteer programs may provide a
small stipend or free room and board in exchange for your
participation. If you are studying at the graduate school level, you
might also consider grants or fellowships such as the Fulbright,
although the competition for these grants is also very competitive. In
addition, deadlines for grants and scholarships often fall a year in
advance, and two years in advance is not out of the question. (More)
How to Arrange Your Own Study Abroad Program (3/5)
audrey
22 April, 2009 18:09
This is the third article of a series of 5, explaining how to arrange your own study abroad program.
First article: Decide Where to Go
Second article: Determine When to Go
Language Problems and Programs
Even if you are attending a study abroad program conducted in your
native language or in a language you speak fluently, you will
undoubtedly have to navigate your way around unfamiliar surroundings,
if only to get back and forth to class. Also, unless you are fluent in
the language of your host country (which may or may not be the same
language as your program), even familiar tasks such as mailing a letter
can become challenging. This is especially true if you stay for a
longer period of time and live "off campus."
Most study abroad programs will have multilingual staff and
instructors. Don't be afraid to ask them how to negotiate such
practicalities as train schedules, mobile phone refill cards and
grocery shopping, either before you leave or on site. Once you arrive,
depending on where you travel, it may even be safe to obtain
assistance, especially directions, from people on the street, although
it is always wise to keep your wits about you whenever you are in
unfamiliar territory. If you speak English, again, you will find
yourself at a definite advantage. Many people worldwide speak at least
some English. (More)
HSBC: Protecting your wealth in turbulent times
easyexpat
21 April, 2009 22:36
Article sponsored by HSBC
A seminar for foreign nationals in the UK
Investment strategies for volatile times
There are few certainties wherever you look in today's volatile global economy, but HSBC believe that this is the time when you need to think positively about the future.
HSBC invite you to a seminar on "Protecting your wealth in turbulent times". (More)
How to Arrange Your Own Study Abroad Program (2/5)
audrey
15 April, 2009 18:16
This is the second article of a series of 5, explaining how to arrange your own study abroad program.
First article: Decide Where to Go
Determine When to Go
If you are arranging your own study abroad program, scheduling is an
important consideration. Especially if you are working, your work
schedule will be a major factor in deciding when you can go and how
long you can stay. While workers in many countries enjoy holidays of
several weeks or longer, the standard vacation in America is no more
than two weeks and often as short as one week. While it is possible to
plan a study abroad program for such a brief period of time, it will
require even more planning than a longer program. (More)
How to Arrange Your Own Study Abroad Program (1/5)
audrey
08 April, 2009 18:18
This is the first article of a series of 5, explaining how to arrange your own study abroad program.
Decide Where to Go
Study abroad is a valuable experience for a number of reasons.
International experience is almost universally expected for anyone
pursuing a career in international affairs, either before leaving
school, or soon afterward. Even if you plan to stay put in your own
country, international experience such as study abroad can demonstrate
that you can work well in a multicultural environment, which is
increasingly important as globalization becomes the norm.
Of course, many colleges and universities, and even some secondary
schools sponsor study abroad programs, which often take care of all the
practical aspects, such as accommodations, visas, etc for students.
They also usually arrange financial aid. That's very handy. But if you
can't or don't want to work through the program at a school or
university, you can arrange your own study abroad program, including
financing. All you need is sufficient lead time to plan (and perhaps
save money) and the determination to go. And a computer with Internet
access. (More)
Festivals in Europe this April
siddlobo
05 April, 2009 11:41
The days are getting longer, the snow is melting, spring is in the
air and the celebrations have begun. Here’s a roundup of the top
festivals happening across Europe this April.
First day of Summer, Iceland
16th April
After spending over six months in darkness, it’s hardly surprising that
there are huge celebrations on the first day of summer in Iceland. The
festivities include street parties, parades, live music, dances and
nonstop entertainment.
http://www.worldeventsguide.com/event/1938/Iceland/First-Day-of-Summer.html
Foire du Trone, Paris, France
Date to be confirmed
The Foire du Trone is one of the largest country fairs in France and
attracts over five million visitors each year. It has become one of the
biggest fairs in the French calendar. It combines a modern day
amusement park with charming entertainment from the past. Expect
acrobats, jugglers, fire eaters and roller coasters at this fun packed,
family oriented fair. (More)
Prevention rather than cure – reap the well-being advantage
easyexpat
02 April, 2009 10:58
Article sponsored by William Russell
By Rosanna Turner, Marketing Manager, William Russell Limited
We all want to make the best of our health, but sometimes work pressures or the expatriate lifestyle can conspire against making the right decisions all the time. Most of us like a drink, eat the wrong foods, or take a taxi rather than walk and nobody likes to be lectured about their diet, smoking or drinking habits. Fortunately by combining regular medical health screening with sensible lifestyle choices it’s relatively straightforward to live a healthy life without adopting a completely monastic lifestyle.
The benefits of healthy living are clear. People who are fit and well suffer less stress and benefit from improved mental and physical performance. A healthy lifestyle can also help you to live longer, suffer fewer illnesses and avoid preventable diseases. (More)
