Advice from Study Abroad Alumni

Throughout your academic career you interact with people who had experiences studying abroad. They tell you about their adventures overseas, the ethnic cuisines they sampled, the beautiful architecture of foreign cities they saw, and the interesting locals they befriended. When they talk there is a certain expression on their faces, one of joyful remembrance and of confidence. They seem so…

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Embassy or Consulate?

An ambassador is an honest man sent abroad to lie for his country. ~ Henry Wotton, Sr. Both embassy and consulate represent their governments and are exclusively located in foreign countries. Embassies speak for their national governments in foreign countries, and consulates provide diplomatic services to individuals and businesses, such as visas and trade, but both work together in various ways.…

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Money Abroad 101

Yesterday is a canceled check; tomorrow is a promissory note; today is the only cash you have – so spend it wisely. ~ Kay Lyon Bring some money with you for incidental expenses when you arrive (buses, taxis, phone calls, etc.). Exchange it at the airport, or outside of the airport for a better rate. You may want to have…

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Study Abroad and Emergencies

One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency. ~Arnold H. Glasgow Register with the US Embassy either shortly before or after you arrive in country. This will help you and your family in the event of a personal or national emergency. The Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) of the Bureau…

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Getting Medical Assistance while Abroad

Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died. ~Erma Bombeck Doctors in other countries do not undergo the same type of education that they do in the US. Therefore, it is important to think about whom you might want to see for minor and major medical assistance. Make a list of recommended physicians and hospitals before you leave,…

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Unspoken Rules in Study Abroad

“What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say” —Ralph Waldo Emerson Before you go abroad, it is important to know the unspoken rules within the customs and culture. Most of the time, we don’t think twice about what we’re doing, let alone how it might be offensive. If you knew that direct eye contact was…

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