Featured Destination: GERMANY

Germany's landscape appeals to students everywhere

For those looking to go beyond the borders of their own countries, Germany is one with much to offer, including:

A landscape packed with interesting topography.

Castles, abbeys and architecturally rich houses, churches and small villages.

Nature, art, shopping, sport and the cosmopolitan flair of Europe's biggest cities.

Some of the world's greatest opportunities in higher learning and education.

It's these and other attractions that bring some 250,000 foreign students each year (up from 150,000 about 10 years ago) to this globally revered federal republic. Here, the trade, technical schools and universities are among some of the most coveted. Those who come to study in this heart of Europe thus find the opportunity to:

Choose from some 375 institutions and a broad menu of degree programs and majors.

Benefit from excellence in research and teaching.

Gain from the experience of both the practical and theoretical aspects of learning.

There's no denying that Germany is a leader in drawing the brightest of the 1.8 million students who choose to travel the world to further their education.

A Unified Germany Boasts a Long and Rich History

Two of Germany's most famous sons, the great poets Goethe and Schiller, once lamented on its history by saying, "Germany? But where is it? I cannot find that country."

That's because, up until 1971, Germany was made up of several hundred kingdoms and principalities, independent cities and towns. Such division into parts remained true for Germany even into the 20th century, when the nation was divided into "East" and "West Germany" following the Second World War. The two halves were reunited in 1990.

The process of finding answers to Goethe and Schiller's questions about the shape of Germany's government and its peaceful coexistence is what defines its history-and many of the political, economic and cultural elements that exist today.

Now, fully unified, the Federal Republic of Germany is made up of 16 individual states, separated by their own constitutions and joined under one great umbrella. A democracy with a liberal-market economy and the freedom of religion and press, this cohesive Germany remains:

The largest economic and political influence in Europe and the third largest in the world.

One of the global market's greatest exporters (for example, aircraft, telecommunications, household goods, etc.), with the United States as its second greatest trading partner.

An industrial powerhouse, famous for its technology, research, environmental engineering, and, yes, cars (Mercedes, for instance).

The Diversity of City Life Across the Provinces

It's also one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, as more than 7 million foreigners live and work here-with 3.4 million in the capital city of Berlin alone.

They know what tourists and visitors come to learn: This country that sits in the center of Europe (between Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland) is not just a triad of mountain ranges, uplands and low-land plains or a mere bridge to beyond the four corners of its borders.

It's a special place with a deep history and a kaleidoscope of allure.

Places of Interest

When you come to study in "this land of a thousand possibilities," you'll get to work hard and play hard. That's because its checkered and divided history has resulted in an architectural, cultural and artistic treasure trove.

Remnants of the past are scattered like confetti from Frankfurt, the city known for its business and finance, to Munich, known for its Olympic Stadium, world-class music and exotic collection of brews.

Some other highlights involve:

The capital city of Berlin--a top travel destination--offers a unique combination of history, night life and historical remnants.

The legendary River Rhine, with its castles, cathedrals, vineyards and wine festivals, has inspired artists throughout time. It's also lined with scenic hiking trails, fireworks and even car racing, infamous to the city of Hockenheim.

The oldest city in the country, Trier, boasts a French influence that remains from the old days in its collection of romantic river valleys.

No matter what brings you to this desired homeland, Germany is a place that not only honors its traditions, but the people who've created them. Like the beer vendor at Oktoberfest. And students like Jackson and Marty.

Perhaps you can be one of them too.

Featured Study Abroad Program in Germany

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the German national agency for the support of international academic cooperation. DAAD offers programs and funding for students, faculty, researchers and others in higher education providing financial support to over 55,000 individuals per year. DAAD also represents the German higher education system abroad, promoting Germany as an academic and research destination, and establishes ties among institutions around the world.

DAAD New York, which is one of 14 international branch offices, was founded in 1971 to support academic exchange between the U.S., Canada and Germany. DAAD New York maintains three major missions: to act as a bridge between U.S., Canadian and German universities, higher education professionals and students by providing information and assistance; to administer fellowships and other programs for students and scholars in the U.S. and Canada; and to contribute to Germany's public diplomacy by promoting Germany's academic, scientific, and cultural achievements in the U.S. and Canada.

Featured Destination: ENGLAND

England has existed at the center of the Western world for more than a thousand years. One would be hard pressed, in fact, to find a nation in the western world whose influence has been greater or more wide-ranging than that island in the North Atlantic. From Shakespeare to Dickens to Woolf, from Henry VIII to Di, and from the sprawling metropolis of London to the colonies it ruled over on the other side of the world, England has changed the world in ways few, if any, other countries ever have.

"England is named after the Angles, one of a number of Germanic tribes believed to have originated in Angeln in Northern Germany, who settled in England in the 5th and 6th centuries. This is also the origin of its Latin name Anglia". (www.en.wikipedia.org)

The history of the island of Great Britain, however, goes back much farther: there is evidence that people lived there as far back as 50,000 years ago. In fact, it was even a part of the Roman Empire following the first incursions into its territory, "first with Julius Caesar's raid in 55 BC, and then the Emperor Claudius' conquest in the following century. The whole southern part of the island - roughly corresponding to modern day England and Wales - became a prosperous part of the Roman Empire. It was finally abandoned early in the 5th century when a weakening Empire pulled back its legions to defend borders on the Continent". (www.en.wikipedia.org)

Around the 8th Century, things began to calm down a bit, and the England we all know and love began to take shape. "Egbert, King of Wessex (d. 839) is often regarded as the first king of all the English, although the title "King of England" was first adopted, two generations later, by Alfred the Great (ruled 871-899)". (www.en.wikipedia.org)

Perhaps the greatest international legacy of Great Britain's power is that that has been left by its Colonial period. British influence and rule extended around the world, encompassing such disparate and diverse lands as Kenya, India, Hong Kong, Cyprus, New Zealand, and what we now call The United States of America. (http://flagspot.net)

The phrase that used to be widely applied to the British Colonial endeavor-"The sun never sets on the British Empire"-was based wholly in fact. Of course, this is no longer the case, and the problems that have been left behind in the wake of colonialism are still with us today in some parts of the world, but the fact remains that the influence of the British is difficult, if not impossible, to overestimate. And as for colonialism's influence on England itself, it is still being felt today: London has become a melting pot similar in many ways to the New York City in the early 1900's: People from all over the world, especially former British colonies, are now flocking to London to make their way either professionally or educationally.

Culturally, England is both familiar and exotic when seen through American eyes. Much of our own culture is based on the English model, though there is no getting around the fact that our two countries are separated by thousands of miles. In this sense, then, England is the perfect place to enroll in college: It is familiar enough to remain approachable, but exotic enough to provide a college experience that is eye-opening and educational in ways that a domestic education could never be.

From London to Manchester and from Essex to Norwich, the variety of universities in England is truly staggering. And the educational institutions attended by foreign students run the gamut from small technical colleges which prepare students for specialized careers to world-renowned institutions of higher learning like Oxford and Cambridge. In that sense, then, the possibilities are limitless when it comes to attending college in England. And no matter what your specific goals are, you will be a better-educated person in every sense of the term. England is the perfect springboard, no matter what you hope to accomplish.

Featured Destination: ENGLAND

England has existed at the center of the Western world for more than a thousand years. One would be hard pressed, in fact, to find a nation in the western world whose influence has been greater or more wide-ranging than that island in the North Atlantic. From Shakespeare to Dickens to Woolf, from Henry VIII to Di, and from the sprawling metropolis of London to the colonies it ruled over on the other side of the world, England has changed the world in ways few, if any, other countries ever have.

"England is named after the Angles, one of a number of Germanic tribes believed to have originated in Angeln in Northern Germany, who settled in England in the 5th and 6th centuries. This is also the origin of its Latin name Anglia". (www.en.wikipedia.org)

The history of the island of Great Britain, however, goes back much farther: there is evidence that people lived there as far back as 50,000 years ago. In fact, it was even a part of the Roman Empire following the first incursions into its territory, "first with Julius Caesar's raid in 55 BC, and then the Emperor Claudius' conquest in the following century. The whole southern part of the island - roughly corresponding to modern day England and Wales - became a prosperous part of the Roman Empire. It was finally abandoned early in the 5th century when a weakening Empire pulled back its legions to defend borders on the Continent". (www.en.wikipedia.org)

Around the 8th Century, things began to calm down a bit, and the England we all know and love began to take shape. "Egbert, King of Wessex (d. 839) is often regarded as the first king of all the English, although the title "King of England" was first adopted, two generations later, by Alfred the Great (ruled 871-899)". (www.en.wikipedia.org)

Perhaps the greatest international legacy of Great Britain's power is that that has been left by its Colonial period. British influence and rule extended around the world, encompassing such disparate and diverse lands as Kenya, India, Hong Kong, Cyprus, New Zealand, and what we now call The United States of America. (http://flagspot.net)

The phrase that used to be widely applied to the British Colonial endeavor-"The sun never sets on the British Empire"-was based wholly in fact. Of course, this is no longer the case, and the problems that have been left behind in the wake of colonialism are still with us today in some parts of the world, but the fact remains that the influence of the British is difficult, if not impossible, to overestimate. And as for colonialism's influence on England itself, it is still being felt today: London has become a melting pot similar in many ways to the New York City in the early 1900's: People from all over the world, especially former British colonies, are now flocking to London to make their way either professionally or educationally.

Culturally, England is both familiar and exotic when seen through American eyes. Much of our own culture is based on the English model, though there is no getting around the fact that our two countries are separated by thousands of miles. In this sense, then, England is the perfect place to enroll in college: It is familiar enough to remain approachable, but exotic enough to provide a college experience that is eye-opening and educational in ways that a domestic education could never be.

From London to Manchester and from Essex to Norwich, the variety of universities in England is truly staggering. And the educational institutions attended by foreign students run the gamut from small technical colleges which prepare students for specialized careers to world-renowned institutions of higher learning like Oxford and Cambridge. In that sense, then, the possibilities are limitless when it comes to attending college in England. And no matter what your specific goals are, you will be a better-educated person in every sense of the term. England is the perfect springboard, no matter what you hope to accomplish.

Australia: A Great Destination for Study Abroad

Semester Abroad Programs in Australia

When people think of Australia, they often think of eucalyptus trees, sharks and the late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin. But do you realize that it is challenging America for the most popular country in the world to study as an international student? Do you realize that, in addition to an education system, it's a world-class tourist destination because it's just so...cool?

You do realize that? And yet you haven't decided to study abroad there yet? Then I guess you better keep reading.

The Details of Australia

Australia is the only continent that's also a country, and is blessed with landscapes that jump from glamorous beach to gaping city to sprawling desert.

Although it is the smallest continent in the world, Australians think big -- big coral reefs, big adventure and big hearts. Those who study in Australia will see the cuddly koala, experience the vibrant nightlife of Sydney and Melbourne, and enjoy a laid-back, relaxed lifestyle, not to mention receive an advanced education thanks to Australia's campaign to attract some of the best professors in the world.

The "Lucky" Country

Australia is known as the "lucky" country because of its rich deposits of silver, zinc and zircon, and because it is home to 10 percent of the world's gold. Students who study in Australia will feel fortunate as well. The idea of visiting world-famous reefs and seeing animals and plants that only exist in Australia, in the same place where you can lounge on a gorgeous beach and ride a jet ski, in the same place where you can attend lectures by some of the most respected professors in higher education, is beyond alluring. There is, after all, a reason why Australian colleges and universities host more than 100,000 students from more than 180 countries each year. In addition to outdoor activities, Australia is known for its respected research in science, business and industry, and the most popular fields of study include the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering and medicine. And even though Australia may be known for its outback, or bush, or just plain old countryside (however you want to refer to it), the destination is considered a technological leader, with a prevalence of state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories.

But you may not even need all those details to convince you. Think emotionally. It even makes sense when your only consideration is your heart.

Can you imagine if you're an anthropology student, and you actually get the chance to study Aborigines, who have lived in Australia for more than 20,000 years and yet are still around today (not the same exact person, obviously, unless the Fountain of Youth exists in Australia)? Can you imagine architecture students getting to observe the Sydney Opera House firsthand? How can an ecology major or future vet not take an opportunity to hang with Australia's unique animal and plant population?

People, studying abroad in Australia just makes sense. It has a great education system, but is also a super-popular tourist destination because it's just so awesome. You can't go wrong!

Natural Wonders

Australia's strongest feature is by far the diversity of its amazing landscape. Students studying environmental science, ecology or biology will find a little piece of heaven in Australia. While the cities are slices of modern metropolitan life, the countryside, or bush, is the heart of Australia.

More than 90 percent of Australia is covered with vegetation, and 85 percent of Australian plants are exclusive to the country, which makes it a haven for natural sciences students. The Daintree Rainforest is a prime example of Australia's biological and ecological wealth, with more than 450 species of birds, plus butterflies and those famous Australian marsupials. You may catch a glimpse of a kangaroo, but if you want to see a Tasmanian Devil, the largest carnivorous marsupial, you'd better stay up late, as they are nocturnal. Other places to check out include:

The fantastically named Wallaman, Wollomombi and Ellenborough waterfalls;

Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island-don't forget to visit the Great Sandy National Park;

Uluru, made of sandstone, is the biggest monolith on earth;

Fantastic skiing can be had in the Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps.

Australia, thanks to its abundance of natural resources, is known to be a leader in outdoor education programs. Perhaps one of the most impressive natural attractions in the beach-blessed country is the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef. Go there, and you can swim with loggerhead turtles, humpback whales and dolphins.

In Australia, Everything's Going to be Apples!

Apples? Well, that means "Everything's going to be great!" Aussies tend to be optimistic, fun-loving people, and students who study in Australia are bound to make tons of "mates," or friends. And never underestimate the country's passion for sports. Whether it's playing cricket or rugby, scuba diving or surfing, Aussies are always down for adventure.

For people who prefer culture and pretty faces, the film and music industries in Australia are similar to that of America, and Australia has loaned quite a few famous names to the Hollywood roll call. Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts are all actors that hail from the Land Down Under. As for music, Australia has given us INXS, the Bee Gees and AC/DC, to name a few. Perhaps in spite of that information, music studies programs in Australia are increasing in popularity and availability, and music students will marvel at the aboriginal "didgeridoo," a long, wooden flute that may be the world's oldest musical instrument.

A stay in Australia would not be complete without a sampling of its cuisine, which is as diverse as its people. Whether you throw some shrimp on the barby (does anyone really talk like that?) or sink your teeth into a Vegemite sandwich, Australian food is not to be missed. Vegemite is a black, yeast-based spread that is slathered on bread. Aussies also like their "amber nectar" (beer), as well as their sweets.

No matter what you study in Australia, you are bound to fall in love with the Aussie way of life. There is much fun to be had in the country, as well as much to learn. So search through this directory to find the right program for you.

Still haven't made up your mind? Then mate, you're on your own.

China: A Great Destination for Study Abroad

No, You've Never Tasted Real Chinese Food! Study Abroad in China

It's true-the Kung Pao chicken you order from your local take-out restaurant isn't genuinely Chinese-we Americanized it long ago. But treating yourself to great authentic Chinese food is just one reason to study abroad in China. China is a country whose history dates back thousands of years, and just as the country pioneered many amazing things in ancient times, China is back in a big way these days.

The fourth-largest country in the world, China has been experiencing a huge economic boom in the past few years, and it won't be letting up on its path to becoming the next global superpower. Study abroad programs in China will introduce students to this far-off land of stunning ancient history and important economic present. It shouldn't be much of a Kung Pao surprising that China study abroad programs attract tens of thousands of international students each year.

All the Right Ingredients

Higher education in China has played a huge role in the country's economic boom, and Chinese universities consistently seek out the best students. Those who study abroad in China will discover that the country has three-semester school years, with semesters lasting 20 weeks. No matter what you have your heart set on studying, a study abroad program in the massive area of China will have what you need.

Of course, many students study abroad in China to learn the Chinese language, which is the most widely spoken in the world. (Not such a shock when you consider the country's population of more than 1.3 billion - that's about 25 percent of the world's population!) But there are tons of other things you can study abroad in China, some of which have been major strengths in the country since ancient times, from engineering to agriculture to mathematics:

The Chinese developed cast iron way before anyone else-in the 4th century!;

Wonder why crops are grown in rows? The Chinese figured out long ago that planting crops that way help them grow more quickly;

Chu Shih Chieh published Precious Mirror of the Four Elements, making China a pioneer in mathematics as early as 1303.

Since they have always been clever and have an amazingly rich culture, the Chinese have given the world several important inventions. The four "great" inventions of China are paper, the compass, gunpowder and printing. But they're also credited with inventing the wheel and, more importantly to a couple of guys by the names of Ben and Jerry-ice cream.

The Chinese came up with the oldest calendar in the world, which they based on the cycles of the moon. Students studying abroad in China will also realize that the home of calligraphy's literature dates back to 1,000 BC-it was no Harry Potter, but impressive nonetheless. And by the way, if you liked Kill Bill, you can thank China's Shaolin monks for inventing Kung Fu.

Plenty of Options on the Menu

Study abroad programs in China are about a lot more than learning the language. Students with a focus on a variety of study fields will find study abroad in China fascinating on many levels. If you're interested in history or city planning, check out the Hutongs in the capital city of Beijing. There, just outside the famous Forbidden City, or Palace Museum, you'll find an ancient metropolis that used some very interesting planning methods. We'll leave it up to you to discover what that means.

If architecture's your thing, a study abroad program in China will simply amaze you, from the ancient architecture to the 21st century architectural creations in the city of Shanghai. Plus:

Take a look at the world-famous Temple of Heaven in Beijing, which was built in 1420 by the Ming Dynasty and is situated in the middle of a 660-acre park;

Shanghai has its share of modern architectural wonders, but you must see the Bund waterfront's Peace Hotel and the Ming Dynasty Yu Yuan Gardens' pavilions and zigzag bridge;

Lhasa, located in Tibet, boasts one of the world's most impressive feats of architecture-the Potala Palace, which was built without using even one nail!

Yeah, China's architectural gifts date back centuries, to when they established the "five structural elements," but there's much more to learn about than the buildings in the country. For you theology students, China provides an interesting mix of atheism, Taoism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity. And if you're an archeology student, you'll absolutely love a study abroad program in China because:

The city of Xian is home to the awesome Museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, which houses some of the most famous archaeological sites on earth;

You can tour the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and check out the Dazu rock carvings in the town of Chongqing;

Dashanpu, in the Sichuan Province, is where more than 1,000 dinosaur fossils have been found, including the bones of what's believed to be the missing link between birds and dinosaurs!

Since China has been around for so long, it's never lacking in relics of the past. However, zoology majors can live very much in the present if they study abroad in China. The city of Chengdu, famous for its food, is also home to the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center. You'll see Pandas and many other species running free in an environment created just for them, in the image of their natural habitats. How sweet.

Some Fun on the Side

When you study abroad in China, it won't be all about the books. You'll find quite a bit to keep you busy in this enormous country-see the Great Wall of China (which can also be seen from space), the famous Silk Road that's been around since the second century AD, as well as tons of great Chinese art scattered in temples and monasteries. China is extremely mountainous, which makes for some great outdoor adventure. You won't want to miss Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world, located in Tibet.

If you study abroad in Beijing, you'll become very familiar with the world's largest meeting place, Tiananmen Square. You can also try your hand at bartering and haggling over prices at street markets and vending stations. Go ahead and try and talk them down-it's customary in China.

And when not haggling in one of the two most spoken languages in the world, you'll find something to do pretty much anywhere you roam:

Visit the Old Town of Shanghai, where you can kick it in the Garden of the Purple Clouds of Autumn, get a bite to eat and shop at the local bazaar;

Learn the art of calligraphy-you'll write a single word in several beautiful and different styles;

Take a cruise on the Yangtze River and check out the Xiling, Wu and Qutang Gorges, or sun yourself on the sand at Beihai Silver Beach or the Asian Dragon Bay.

Speaking of dragons, you'll see them all over China-in the art, architecture, literature, music and more. Dragons are a major symbol of China and have been for who knows how long, and they figure heavily into folk tales and legends that are still told today. While you won't see any live dragons, study abroad in China can still get your heartbeat racing:

If you can handle a little pain, why not get tattooed in China? Tattoo, or "Wen Shen," is an ancient Chinese practice, but that may not sway your parents once you get home and they see it!;

Explore the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve or the Yungang Caves (if you dare!);

Catch the amazing Chinese acrobats when they perform in Beijing-they'll have you on the edge of your seat.

Chinese cuisine may give you a thrill-if not for the taste, then perhaps for some of the ingredients. It's not unusual at all in China to pop a couple of silkworms or black beetles in your mouth as a snack. Snake is also a major delicacy. Roast boa or snakeskin with roasted peppers, anyone? But, of course, you will find some food you're more familiar with; just mind your manners at the table and get the hang of those chopsticks!

As you can see, studying abroad in China will engage all of your senses and maybe even get you to eat bugs! But more importantly, you'll discover and connect with a culture that will challenge you as much as it pleases. And you'll have some friendly natives around who are used to helping out foreigners. All in all, Kung Pao chicken included, China has quite the full plate.

Study abroad myths & misconceptions

Study abroad myths & misconceptions

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Misinformation and outright falsehoods keep many students from even considering studying abroad each year. Too many students mistakenly believe that there is no place in their academic plan or major for time abroad or that study abroad is just a luxury that they can neither afford nor benefit from. Au contraire! Below are some of the most common myths students believe about studying abroad and, more importantly, the facts that debunk them.

Myth #1: I have to study in an English-speaking country because I don't know any foreign languages.

This is a common misconception. There are many study abroad programs that require no prior foreign language instruction and will provide you with intensive language classes at the beginning of your stay abroad. Other programs require just one semester of a language before you depart for a given country. It's true that the more language background you have before you leave, the more immersed you can become once you arrive. However, you shouldn't let lack of skills in a language stop you from studying in a particular country. Study abroad programs in English-speaking countries are far more competitive than those in countries where other native languages dominate. This is in part because so many students share the common misconception that their monolingualism restricts their choices to English-speaking countries.

Myth #2: I'll have to extend my studies or won't graduate on time if I take time out to go abroad.

The fact is that you can typically earn college credits while studying abroad, both toward fulfilling general education requirements as well as toward your major. In fact, study abroad can give your language skills such a boost that adding a minor or even a second major in a language may require very few, if any, additional courses after you return to your home campus. In addition to year-long programs, many universities offer semester-long or summer programs. And if it so happens that you must delay graduation for a few months to fit in studying abroad, what you will gain from the experience far outweighs what you think you'd be sacrificing.

Myth #3: I don't have enough money to study abroad.

Studying abroad often costs the same or even less than spending the same time at your home campus. Especially if you study in a country that has a lower cost of living than at home, your day-to-day living expenses may be far lower than those you are accustomed to. In addition, if you qualify for financial aid, you can still receive this aid while studying in an credit-earning study abroad program. Because your personal contribution is assumed to be less while abroad (since it's not expected you will be able to work while out of the country), you may even qualify for more aid for your study abroad year. For the same reason, students who have never qualified for financial aid may do so for the first time when they decide to study abroad.

Myth #4: I can always travel later once I have a job and am earning money. That is just as good.

Easier said than done. Once you are locked into a job and responsibilities, it's very difficult to get away for any length of time. You may have a difficult time getting the time off from work and you probably won't be able to afford unpaid vacation time because you will have locked yourself into long-term financial responsibilities: a car, rent payments or a mortgage, credit cards, and family responsibilities, for example. In addition, traveling as a tourist is a much different experience than living as an integrated part of a foreign culture. The two experiences are incomparably different. As a tourist, you will typically be seen as an outsider. When you live in a foreign culture and participate in its day-to-day life, you become an immersed and daily participant in the culture.

Myth #5: Only language majors study abroad.

Study abroad programs are open to students of all majors, and in fact, more social sciences, business, humanities, and arts majors study abroad than foreign language majors. You certainly could add a language major to your studies as a result of your study abroad units, but you will also very likely be able to earn units for other majors as well as to fulfill general education requirements at your university.

Myth #6: Study abroad is not for everyone.

No matter what your major, gender, ethnic background, or interests, studying in a foreign country can benefit you personally, academically, and professionally. There are a myriad of programs available around the world. There are sure to be several that suit your needs and interests.

Myth #7: Study abroad is a luxury.

Some students (and their parents) believe that studying abroad is not really studying. Quite the contrary! It's true that the academic setting will probably be different than what you are used to, but that doesn't make it any less valuable. In addition to the formal instruction you receive, numerous learning experiences will happen outside the classroom - experiences you would never get at your home college or university. The entire experience abroad will change your life as well as enhance your resume and employment potential. In fact, international experience is increasingly important for those seeking a job in an global economy that relies on good relations and the ability to communicate with diverse peoples around the world.

If you talk to anybody who has ever studied abroad, they will likely tell you that any worries or concerns they had before they departed melted away once they arrived in their host country. They will confirm to you that their experience was well worth any extra expense or time it may have taken and that the benefits they have experienced as a result are more numerous and lasting than they ever could have imagined.

Choosing a study abroad program

Choosing a study abroad program

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Choosing a study abroad program is easier -- and harder -- than ever. With 1000s of programs to choose from, every student is sure to find something that fits his or her needs. But with such unlimited options, how does one go about finding the right program? Here are some common questions that arise as you are thinking about embarking on a study abroad journey.

How do I choose a program?

If you are already enrolled at a college or university, the best place to begin is at your campus study abroad office. Find out which programs your school offers and what requirements and prerequisites are in place. Choosing a program either run by or formally recognized by your institution is the best guarantee for receiving academic credit for your experience abroad.

In order to choose a program that ideally suits you, you will first need to define the goals you would like to achieve through the experience. For example, would you like to learn a language? If so, then you should not choose a program in which the courses are taught in your native language or in which you spend most of your time with people from your own country. Are you looking for an opportunity to travel? Then finding a program in a fairly central location with good public transportation and ample time off to travel is an important feature for you.

You should also explore how program offerings apply toward your degree or to your education as a whole. Does the program relate to your major (if you already have one). Can you take courses that will apply toward major or general education requirements? Does the program give you the opportunity to take courses you might not otherwise have the opportunity to take at home? Are there extracurricular offerings -- organized field trips or pre-program intensive language immersion courses, for example-- that can enhance the experience?

Finally, depending on your degree of personal independence and comfort with the idea of going abroad, you may prefer a program that has a strong orientation component and an on-site support network for international students, if not just for students from your particular school.

If you are not a currently enrolled student, then browse our study abroad resources for links to searchable databases of study abroad programs and related books and articles.

Where should I study abroad?

Deciding where to study is just as important as choosing a study abroad program, and it depends on very personal factors. Different factors are important to different people. If closely integrating the experience with your degree is important to you, then you should consider a location that offers courses in your major and has natural affinities to your major that will afford you experiences in your field of interest outside the classrrom, too. If there is a language that especially interests you for either personal or professional reasons, that can help narrow down the choice of countries. Or perhaps you just want to get to know your (German, Irish, Chinese, ...) cultural heritage.

The majority of U.S. students choose to study in a European country -- in part because those programs are so well-established. (See the top 10 destinations for U.S. students.) But there are great advantages to taking the path less traveled. Developing nations are playing an increasing role in the global economy and an extended stay in one can really pop out on a resume. However, any study abroad experience is a plus in your search for employment.

Also remember that while large cities offer numerous social and intellectual opportunities, they are also more cosmopolitan. Your extracurricular options may seem more limited in a smaller town, but it's there that you will gain more of an appreciation of traditional ways of life and make connections with the natives.

 

When should I study abroad?

Though students have traditionally studied abroad during their junior year, it is increasingly possible to go abroad at just about any time during your studies. When you go is also dependent upon personal factors. If you need to be on campus later in your studies to take hard-core advanced courses in your major, for example, then it may be most convenient for you to go abroad in your sophomore year. If you intend to become fluent in a language while abroad, then it is important to have enough language instruction before you leave to provide a springboard for that development. If you don't yet have a major and it is early in your studies, going abroad is a great way to discover new interests.

Considering your own personal situation and the goals you want to achieve can help you determine the best time to go.

 

How long should I study abroad?

Studies show unequivocally that the longer your stay, the more personal, academic, and professional benefits you will reap from the experience. An academic year or a semester abroad allow the kind of cultural immersion that have the deepest impact in terms of personal growth, academic value, and career preparation. However, if timing or financial issues prevent a longer study abroad period, then a shorter-term program is certainly better than not participating at all. Summer programs exist in varied lengths and will not interfere with the schedule of the traditional academic year.

Make sure you explore all of your options, however, before you rule out a semester or year abroad. Financial aid may be available, and you may find that you can take courses while abroad that will help you make academic progress toward your degree. Don't let false assumptions mislead you!

What features of a program are important to look for?

While the answer to this question will largely depend on your goals, we can tell you which features typically create the most rewarding experiences with the longest-lasting benefits:

• The program is at least a semester in length.

• There is a well-developed pre-departure orientation and in-country support to help you adjust to living and studying abroad.

• The program gives you the opportunity to interact extensively with natives both in and outside of school. Housing with a host family can be ideal.

• There is ample support for language development (if applicable). If you are in a non-English- speaking country, a good program will provide you with intensive corollary language instruction before and during your stay.

• Instruction in other courses is in the native language, and not in English (if applicable).

• There is ample opportunity to participate in field trips and other cultural activities outside the classroom.

• Good programs allow you know without a doubt before you leave whether and for which courses you will be able to transfer academic credits to your home instution.

• Good programs provide opportunites to contact former and current participants to allow you to ask questions and get first-hand answers.

Visit your campus study abroad office and ask if you can talk to some students who have recently returned from stays abroad. These students have a wealth of information, informed opinions, and experience-based advice. Take advantage!

Study abroad by destination

Study abroad by destination

Several countries in Europe remain top destinations for students choosing to study abroad. Over 60% of students participate in programs in European countries. Latin American countries are the destination of about 15% of U.S. study abroad students each year. While only 7% of students opt to study in Asia, those numbers are on the rise.

In the 2003/04 academic year, China, Cuba, New Zealand, South Africa, Russia, and also Italy experienced double-digit gains in percentages of students choosing to study there over the previous year.

Country		# of students in 2003/04	% of total students abroad in 2003/04
1. United Kingdom		32,237	16.8%
2. Italy		21,922	11.5%
3. Spain		20,080	10.5%
4. France		13,718	7.2%
5. Australia		11,418	6%
6. Mexico		9,293	4.9%
7. Germany		5,985	3.1%
8. Ireland		5,198	2.7%
9. China		4,737	2.5%
10. Costa Rica		4,510	2.4%
Total # of U.S. students abroad in top 10 countries:		129,098 out of 191,321	67.6% of total U.S. students abroad

Study abroad statistics

Facts & figures on U.S. students abroad and international students in the U.S.

U.S. Students studying abroad

• In 2003/04, about 191,000 American students studied abroad in foreign countries. Ten years ago, approximately 76,000 took part in such programs abroad. That represents a 250% increase in study abroad participation over the last decade.

• Several students study in English-speaking countries, with the UK (32,000 students) and Australia (11,500 students) landing in the top 10 study abroad destinations. Italy and Spain and Italy are nearly tied at spots #2 and #3, each with about 60% of the students that study in the United Kingdom each year.

• Around 40% of students go abroad during their junior year. That means that 60% go abroad at some other time during their studies.

• More women study abroad than men. About 65% of participants each year are female, 35% male.

• The majority of study abroad participants choose to study abroad for one semester (38%) or during a summer term (37%). Only 6% of those studying abroad go for a whole academic year, down from 14% ten years ago. While a decade ago only about 2% of students participated in study abroad programs that lasted less than 8 weeks, today those who choose a program of less than 2 months in duration amount to about 9% of participants.

• Only 7.5% of students studying abroad are foreign language majors. A greater number of students have majors in social sciences, business fields, humanities, and arts.

Why study abroad?

10 reasons why you should study in a foreign country

Have you considered studying abroad, but are not sure whether it's worth your time? If you ask anybody who has studied abroad, he or she will most certainly tell you that it is a life-changing experience and one of the most rewarding things he or she has ever done. Perhaps you're not certain what benefits you can reap from an extended stay in a foreign country. Here are 10 very excellent reasons why you should take the plunge:

1. Study abroad is the optimal way to learn a language. There is no better and more effective way to learn a language than to be immersed in a culture that speaks the language you are learning. You're surrounded by the language on a daily basis and are seeing and hearing it in the proper cultural context. Language learning happens most quickly under these circumstances. [Read why you should learn a language.]

2. Study abroad provides the opportunity to travel. Weekends and academic breaks allow you to venture out and explore your surroundings - both your immediate and more distant surroundings. Since studying abroad often puts you on a completely different continent, you are much closer to places you might otherwise not have had the opportunity to visit. Some more structured study abroad programs even have field trips planned in or around the curriculum.

3. Study abroad allows you get to know another culture first-hand. Cultural differences are more than just differences in language, food, appearances, and personal habits. A person's culture reflects very deep perceptions, beliefs, and values that influence his or her way of life and the way that s/he views the world. Students who experience cultural differences personally can come to truly understand where other cultures are coming from.

4. Study abroad will help you develop skills and give you experiences a classroom setting will never provide. Being immersed in an entirely new cultural setting is scary at first, but it's also exciting. It's an opportunity to discover new strengths and abilities, conquer new challenges, and solve new problems. You will encounter situations that are wholly unfamiliar to you and will learn to adapt and respond in effective ways.

5. Study abroad affords you the opportunity to make friends around the world. While abroad, you will meet not only natives to the culture in which you are studying, but also other international students who are as far from home as yourself.

6. Study abroad helps you to learn about yourself. Students who study abroad return home with new ideas and perspectives about themselves and their own culture. The experience abroad often challenges them to reconsider their own beliefs and values. The experience may perhaps strengthen those values or it may cause students to alter or abandon them and embrace new concepts and perceptions. The encounter with other cultures enables students to see their own culture through new eyes.

7. Study abroad expands your worldview. In comparison with citizens of most other countries, Americans tend to be uninformed about the world beyond the nation's boundaries. Students who study abroad return home with an informed and much less biased perspective toward other cultures and peoples.

8. Study abroad gives you the opportunity to break out of your academic routine. Study abroad is likely to be much unlike what you are used to doing as a student. You may become familiar with an entirely new academic system and you will have the chance to take courses not offered on your home campus. It's also a great opportunity to break out the monotony of the routine you follow semester after semester.

9. Study abroad enhances employment opportunities. Did you know that only 4% of U.S. undergraduates ever study abroad? Yet, the world continues to become more globalized, American countries are increasingly investing dollars abroad, and companies from countries around the world continue to invest in the international market. Through an employer's seyes, a student who has studied abroad is self-motivated, independent, willing to embrace challenges, and able to cope with diverse problems and situations. Your experience living and studying in a foreign country, negotiating another culture, and acquiring another language will all set you apart from the majority of other job applicants. [Read about careers in foreign languages.]

10. Study abroad can enhance the value of your degree. While abroad, you can take courses you would never have had the opportunity to take on your home campus. In addition, study abroad gives your language skills such a boost that it is normally quite easy to add a minor in a language or even a second major without having to take many more additional courses after the return to your home campus.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad is the act of a student pursuing educational opportunities in another country.

Typically, classes taken while studying abroad award credits transferable to higher education institutions in the home country. Length of study can range from one week, usually during a domestic break, to an academic year, encompassing a couple academic terms.

Some students choose to study abroad in order to learn a language from native speakers. Others may take classes in their academic major in a place that allows them to expand their hands-on experience (e.g. someone who’s studying marine biology studying abroad in Jamaica or a student of sustainable development living and studying in a remote village in Senegal). Still other students may study abroad in order to explore topics within the framework of a different educational system (e.g. a student of English who goes to the United States to study American literature).

This is new age. Everyone talk about globalization. And for globalization everyone have to know about all things about all over the world.  We are in 21 century. So modern science and technology made this world really narrow.