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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Last Minute Study Abroad Checklist

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going. ~Jim Rohn Just when you thought you got everything ready for the big trip, there was something you forgot or missed. So, here is a last minute checklist of things that you might want to go over before you depart. __ Wear comfortable clothing for your trip. Dress…

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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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Empowerment and Study Abroad

Empowerment is a people-centered approach to education which increases the spiritual, social, and economic strength of individuals and communities. Nations are using it to make a difference in people’s lives, and international educators are using it to help students impact the world around them. One way to define Empowerment within International Education is… The Latin root for Education is “Educere” meaning “to…

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