Your How-to-Guide on Printing and Binding a Thesis

Picture this. You have been successful in creating your Bachelor’s thesis, research paper or any other final paper and spent a lot of time researching and writing. Just when you are about to submit it, you realize it needs to pass through printing and binding.

The questions any student is likely to ask when it comes to printing and binding a thesis are as follows:
“How should I print and bind my thesis?”

“Where should the printing and binding take place?”

Given that many students have not gone through the printing or binding process for their research paper before, it may be challenging to choose the right configurations. Here, we present to you all the information you need to know, telling you what to focus on when printing and binding your dissertation.

For tips on what you need to factor in, keep reading.

What you need to Watch out for when Printing your Thesis

Students tend to have the same questions when it comes to the printing process of a thesis:
– Color or white/black?
– Which paper is right?
– How should I get a fair deal when printing my thesis?

That is why we take the trouble to give you advice on how to print your thesis.

Considerations when Printing your Research Paper Tip
Color Printing: You only have two options when printing your research paper, including color or white/black. Note that printing in color can be costly. When the printing of your thesis is colored, it is likely to have pizazz. However, understand that having too much color in it may negatively impact the seriousness of your paper.
Paper: The printing shop you approach may most likely suggest 80 g/m² paper. Understand that this measurement is thin and could make your paper weak. This will cause the print on the reverse side to shine through. Be sure to get all the right details first, steering clear that the type of paper used could also affect your final mark. If your paper is 100 g/m², the quality of your thesis improves immediately. This is why some providers use 100 g/m² of their paperweight as the default.
Price: Several factors determine the printing price. That includes the color printing, the weight of the paper and the actual printing. Begin by comparing the prices offered by different providers. For instance, if you would like a color-printed paper, pick the service provider who does not demand a surcharge. You can also look for further benefits, like free shipping.

What you Must Watch out for When Binding your thesis

One of the questions a lot of students have about this step is “how”. That’s because most of them are unaware of the type of bind needed for a research paper. Understand that it all depends on the type of final paper. For instance, your thesis will require a lot more work and extensive research, while a regular term paper does not take as much time to write.

What differs between the two is the weighting. The regular term paper embodies just a small part of your overall grade while the final thesis, including the Bachelor’s and the Master’s thesis, takes the largest portion.

It means that if the final research paper is major, and you want to be sure about your dissertation, it would be very wrong to pick a simple binding, like spiral binding, as your ultimate choice. The best option, in this case, would be leather book binding because it is sturdier and more suitable for the final paper.

You need to first understand that there is a large binding selection available. Here, we shall discuss each of them to help you understand better.

Tip!
A lot of universities and post-secondary institutions have specific requirements for binding. Before printing or binding your thesis, find out if the institution has any guidelines.

That is why we would like to guide you through on the best type of binding to use, which will be entirely dependent on the final paper type being submitted.

Leather book Binding

The highest quality binding any thesis can go through is leather book binding. It comes with a leather-look solid cover, which makes a thesis appear chic and stylish. You can choose between a bookmark, corner protectors or customized embossing. Either of them should make your paper look more sophisticated.

 

 

Recommendation: The following are some of the final papers perfect with leather binding

• Dissertation
• Research paper
• Master’s thesis
• Bachelor’s thesis


Thermal Binding

Thermal binding happens to be the most versatile among all bindings. Its front cover is transparent, causing the title of your research paper to be brought to the forefront instantly. More so, it also comes with a leather-look at the back of the cover, in the color of your choice.

 

 

Recommendation: Generally, minor research projects are best presented in thermal. If you will also need print-outs of the final paper, this type of binding is perfect.

Softcover

Are you looking to make your paper more attractive and standout? If so, softcover will be the ideal choice. This type allows you to design your cover however way you desire. It enables you to use different logos, fonts, wild designs and pictures of choice. When you choose this type of binding, you can let your creativity flow in any direction. Given that it is a research paper, you want to keep it less cluttered and completely professional.

Recommendation: Use Softcover for any thesis. Note, however, this type limits you to a specific number of pages. For a comprehensive dissertation, it may not be an ideal choice.

Spiral binding

This is the simplest form of binding. It is closely similar to thermal, given that its back cover has a leather-look and also comes with a transparent front cover. The difference is that spiral binding is not glued. Here, your paper is held with spirals. Note that spiral comes in two types: metal and plastic.

 

 

 

Recommendation: For small projects, spiral is the perfect choice. It is not considered right for major papers such as research papers or dissertations.

Overview of Bindings

Below is a table for all bindings, designed to offer you an overview to help you decide on the best one for your thesis or the final paper.

  Research paper Bachelor’s thesis Master’s thesis Term paper Dissertation
Leather book binding
The most elegant and sophisticated way to bind is leather. For a major final paper such as Bachelor’s thesis, Master’s thesis or an essay, it is the perfect choice. We do not recommend leather for smaller final papers.
Thermal binding
Of all the types used to bind, thermal is the most versatile. It is the best for final papers. If you are also looking for several print-outs, it is the sleekest and most cost-effective choice.
Softcover
Because Softcover allows you to design your cover any way you wish, it is the best for creative study programs. Understand, however, that it has a limit to the number of pages you can bind, meaning it is not always the absolute choice for final papers. For a dissertation, you will have to look for another option.
Spiral binding
If you are looking for the perfect binding choice for smaller projects, spiral is your go-to solution. It can also be used in final papers such as the term papers or the research project. However, if yours is more substantial in length, think around another option.

Printing and Binding your Thesis: but where?

When it comes to printing and binding your thesis, you can choose between your local copy shop or an online service provider. We recommend beginning by looking for an online printing provider. Doing so allows you to make your orders from your comfort zone and saves you valuable time, plus, they usually have good offers. Understand, however, you are exposed to winning and losing on the online platform.

How do you benefit?

• Free shipping
• 3D preview
• Look-inside-function to browse through your thesis
• Affordable prices and high-quality paper

In our research, BachelorPrint stood out. We found the service providers to be the go-to authorities in printing and are perfect if you also need to bind. It is an online printing service for students known to offer high-quality bindings. Because they offer free express shipping, you can be sure to get your thesis soon after printing and once it has been bound.

Ensuring nothing Goes Wrong in your Thesis Printing

Because writing and printing a thesis is a major investment, the tips provided here should ensure that everything goes smoothly. Where you will have your paper printed and bound is all up to you; whether you choose to go to an online printing service or identify an actual copy shop. However, if what you need is a high-quality work and a stress-free process, then BachelorPrint is what you need.

Good luck with your thesis!

Unique Ways to Learn While Studying Abroad

The many advantages of studying abroad are well-known to most people. It is an ideal way to travel and explore a new country and simultaneously study their culture from within. Going abroad for a semester or two allows students to gain independence, while it also challenges them to improve their interpersonal and communication skills. Lastly, it is an escape, from the mundane routine of college life back home, that many a time leads to people discovering new talents and career possibilities.

However, living and studying abroad can, at times, be a little too overburdening for students. With so much to do and see, in addition to visiting one of many countries known for their study abroad programs, students miss out on what matters the most; enjoying a once in a lifetime experience. So, here are ways through which students can continue to learn and still have fun while studying in a different nation.

Stay with a Local

A lot many universities have residential options on campus. These dorms are great for when you want to live with people your age and interact with students from across the world. Still, when studying in a different country, opting to live with a local host has far more benefits. Not only do you get an inside view of how residents live but also get to experience regional food, festivals, and traditions intimately. Best of all, staying with a local also doubles up as the perfect way to practice your language skills.

Visit a Casino

Since gambling and casinos are still not legal in all countries, it is worth going into one if you get a chance while living abroad. Now, it is extremely essential to gamble responsibly and stick with only the best casino destinations in the region to avoid any issues. It is equally vital that besides playing the games, you also use this time to watch how the locals behave and act in this rather complex environment. Typically, you will meet people in classrooms or homes, but when in a place like a casino, you can really study their mannerisms for a better understanding of the local ethos.

Join Local Activity Groups

No matter your location, there are always activity groups to join for indulging in favorite pastimes. Books, sewing, hiking, photography, music; there are typically a variety of options available if you look for them. Not only are these groups often welcoming to outsiders, but they are also another brilliant excuse to get introduced into the local community. You can always make new friends at these groups and get the low down on the hidden gems of the city, which others might miss out.

Be Friendly

A slightly extrovert experiment that can lead to surprising discoveries is being frank enough to strike up a conversation with strangers. If you are wandering around the town and a local helps you with directions or a recommendation, ask them out for a cup of coffee as a goodwill gesture. You’ll find that by doing this, you can create lifelong friendships and also might have someone local to help you should a need arise. Taking the initiative to mingle with residents when overseas can go a long way, as it lets you make the most of your study abroad experience.

 

Pursuing a Postgraduate Degree Online Can be Fun

You don’t usually associate a postgraduate degree with something fun. In your mind, it entails sacrifices and changes in your schedule. You also start to think about what you need to study, and you already feel like giving up.

Before you become too pessimistic about the idea of studying online, you need to understand that it’s not the same as your experience back when you were in college. You won’t learn in a traditional classroom setting. You won’t have an angry teacher in front of you all the time. The experience is way different than what you used to have. You might even have fun while studying.

You will learn a lot of new things

When you’ve been working in your field for a long time, it feels like you already forgot what you learned back then. It also feels like you don’t get new knowledge even if you practice your profession. When you pursue an online degree, you will feel surprised with every information you get. The courses are relevant and understandable. Even when you decide to pursue an online healthcare data analytics certificate while working in the medical field, there are lots of new ideas that you can get.

You’re doing homework again

You can’t believe that after several years, you’re back to doing homework. It brings back a lot of memories when you were in college. You also have to study for tests. If your life seems to be the same each day given your work schedule, it might change this time. The break in your regular routine makes things a lot more exciting.

You feel smarter

Some professionals feel like after working with the same job description for several years, they become stagnated. They don’t learn anything new. Once you begin your online studies, you feel smart again. you learn things that you don’t get at work, but can be applicable to your job. When your colleagues ask for help, you can respond to them based on the information obtained while studying online.

You interact with more people

Even if you’re only studying online and not in an actual classroom, it feels the same in a way. You get to talk to your teacher through chats, emails and other platforms. There are instances when you have a discussion board with your classmates around. There’s always a chance to interact with many people outside work, and it expands your network. You will like you’re hanging out with the smart kids at school, and you belong to the group.

You can learn when you’re ready

The best part about online studies is that you can learn whenever you’re ready. It’s not like in a traditional classroom where you have to be present even when you’re not in the mood to study. It’s the reason why you feel like sleeping in class. You also don’t see the value of what you’re doing. When you can choose your time to study, you can absorb the lesson even more and you feel excited to learn.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/rH8O0FHFpfw

 

 

Image credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/rH8O0FHFpfw

 

Spanish dialects around the world while Studying Abroad

So you want to study abroad to grow your Spanish skillset? Learning the second most spoken language in the world will be great for your future career, building deeper relationships, and is an extremely marketable skill. There are at least twenty countries in the world where Spanish is an official language. If you can’t visit them all, how do you choose just one? Hopefully, this blog will help you decide which one is best for you! I have studied abroad as a student, and have participated in site visits as an employee of a Spanish immersion-focused study abroad program Sol Education Abroad (SOL). At SOL, a question I often get asked is how the Spanish accents vary. In this blog I will focus on dialect and the main reasons why I have loved my time in each of the Spanish-speaking locations I have been to.

”Buenos Aires is full of public parks with art installations everywhere, like this giant bench!”

My study abroad experience took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer of 2015. When deciding which country to study abroad in, my study abroad advisor told me that Buenos Aires would be a perfect fit to build my Spanish skills. “If you can understand the Argentinian accent, you can understand any Spanish accent!”

I quickly found out she was right! Porteños, or people from Buenos Aires, have a unique accent that took some getting used to. I learned about three main differences that set porteños apart. The first difference was that instead of pronouncing double l’s like in “calle” (street) with a “ya” sound, they pronounce it with a “sh” sound. Secondly, I noticed that “vos” is used instead of “tu.” Along with this, “vos” has its own unique conjugation that I had to learn. Instead of “tu entiendes,” porteños would say “vos entendés.”

“A lovely sunset off the coast”

It was a challenge at first to adapt to these new rules, but it forced me to work harder at my comprehension skills. Interestingly, the pronunciation particularities are really only prevalent in Buenos Aires. If you travel to other parts of Argentina, you will hear a more neutral Spanish spoken. My time in Buenos Aires will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the first time I traveled by myself, and my first time riding in a subway!

For my next trip, I traveled to Costa Rica for two weeks in the summer of 2017. Luckily, the Spanish spoken in Costa Rica is extremely neutral. Some people even describe it as not having an accent at all. This makes it very easy to understand, and because of that, it is an excellent destination for first-time travelers or students who are starting to learn Spanish. I also found that everyone I encountered – host families, waiters, tour guides, and store owners – were all very patient with me and were helpful if I happened to say something incorrectly.

“The view from out host family’s house, which was amazing to wake up to”

A major reason why I love Costa Rica and think it is a perfect location for students is that it is well-suited for weekend travel. Costa Rica is quite small and has such a variety of ecosystems to discover. The bus system is simple, and if you travel with a study abroad program, your directors will usually help you book your own excursion!

“My co-worker and I at Manuel Antonio National Park!”

Next on my list was Spain! I traveled to Spain in April of 2019. First, I spent a weekend in Madrid, then two weeks in Granada.

“Enjoying the sunset in the Albaicin neighborhood in Granada”

I had always been warned about the Spanish accent and the “Spanish lisp” but had no problem understanding it. I learned that the lisp is used to differentiate the pronunciation between an “s” and “c” or “z” (which are pronounced with a “th” sound). The Spaniard accent definitely has a different rhythm than the Latin American Spanish I was used to; however, I always felt like I was able to understand everyone, so don’t be steered away from this enchanting country!

One of my favorite things about Spain, and Granada specifically, is the “tapa” culture. Tapas are a small snack that is brought out with each drink order. In Granada, these were always free, unlike the rest of Spain. If you plan it right, you can have a free “dinner” while exploring some of the best restaurants and bars that Granada has to offer!

“The tapa that came with my glass of wine – caracoles! (snails).”

My most recent trip has been to Oaxaca, Mexico. I have been living in Oaxaca for the past four months and am loving my time here! I have discovered that Spanish in Mexico is relatively neutral. There are slightly different accents depending on which part of the country you are in, much like the United States, but they have not been difficult to understand.

The Santo Domingo church in the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico

One tricky thing is that Mexicans are notorious for having a lot of slang terms. It can take a while to pick up on all of them, but you’ll certainly fit in once you do! Out of all of the Spanish-speaking countries that I have been to so far, Mexico has the most slang words. I’m learning that there is probably so much slang because Mexicans like to have fun, even with their language!

Enjoying a hike through Hierve El Agua, a petrified waterfall just outside of Oaxaca

You can’t go wrong with whichever Spanish-speaking country you chose to study in! Any study abroad experience will help you advance your comprehension, speaking skills, and world-view tremendously.

The best suggestions that I can give are to stay with a host family and speak Spanish to as many people as possible. Living with a host family is where you will get the majority of your exposure to the Spanish language and immersion in the local culture. You are able to speak Spanish without judgment and your family is always happy to help you with any doubts or questions. I also encourage you to meet as many locals as possible. Speaking with locals will do wonders for your Spanish conversation skills. Hopefully, you will have the chance to travel to numerous Spanish-speaking countries and become a master of this beautiful language!

Author:

Monica Guajardo with SOL Education Abroad

Managing Your Money During Your Stay Overseas

Studying abroad costs around $13,000 in fees on average, but there are many other costs to take into account. If you move to a renowned city like London or Paris, then you can expect to pay more for accommodation, food and activities. You can save cash by moving to a country with low living costs, but you still have to be good at managing your money. When dealing with a foreign currency, it can be hard to gauge how much something costs, causing you to overspend. Luckily, there are a few simple habits you can implement to ensure you don’t run out of money during an amazing year spent studying overseas.

Research Your Destination Country

In order to budget effectively, you will need to become familiar with the price of essentials in your destination. You can find specific advice for different countries online; this review of XE Money Transfer, for example, offers particular advice for New Zealand. Being a relatively expensive country, it is important for students located in New Zealand to set their budget accordingly, while for other countries you might be able to set a less strict budget.

Convert All Your Purchases

Download a currency converter app so that you can see the exact price of everything you buy. The average person overspends when abroad, and it is very rare that someone stays within budget. This is especially true where the value of the currency is significantly lower than your own. When guessing, people tend to estimate a price to be lower than it really is, so use a currency converter to ensure accuracy. 

Furthermore, some items that are familiar in your home country may be vastly more expensive abroad, even if general living costs are lower. When you convert the price, you’ll find better deals on locally sourced products.

Explore The Options For Free Fun

Studying abroad is a time to really enjoy yourself, but this doesn’t necessarily involve spending money. If your budget is tight, think about entertainment options which don’t cost a penny. For instance, many museums in the UK are free, while other countries will have plenty of nature you can explore. This could end up being a more fulfilling and memorable experience than that things you pay for.

Studying abroad is an amazing experience, so don’t ruin it by landing in financial problems. Do your research beforehand, keep a close eye on currency conversion rates, and explore free entertainment options. With these three tips, you will find it easier to properly manage your finances while studying overseas.

Abroad101 Fall 2019 News for Education Abroad Advisors

Thank you for taking a few minutes to catch up with Abroad101, the study abroad review website.  Around this time 13 years ago, the founder of Abroad101 started on his study abroad experience. Like so many, his story is a powerful tribute to the impact of Education Abroad experience, and like so many, that experience unlocks something that nobody could have predicted at the time.  

Today a company carries on the founding vision of providing students a platform on which to share their story. As an advisor, you call it a program evaluation, a parent considers it as review and the student will hopefully think of it as a capstone. Abroad101 is a company that does just one thing, deliver a platform to advance study abroad. At Abroad101, we have found a way to do this free of charge for the users, drawing support from program providers and host universities in the form of advertising and sponsorship. Here are some ways in which you can support us and the greater study abroad community:

Have You Seen Your Students’ Study Abroad Reviews Lately?

Each day Abroad101.com receives dozens of program evaluations from students that have been invited by either their home university, their provider or their host institution. We publish each review as a complete web page and tally them in listings by program, provider and host institution and also in portals for each home school. As of today, 37,608 student reviews are active on Abroad101 making it the largest source of study abroad stories. Visit the site, enter your school name in the search box in the top menu bar and see what your students have to say!

Moms & Dads Use Abroad101

The target audience for Abroad101 is American college students looking for a semester, summer or short-term abroad. We list third-party, exchanges and faculty-led programs. Parents of prospective study abroad students are a big portion of our traffic. Based on Google Analytics data, we estimate that 20-25% of the visitors to Abroad101 are parents, searching on the keyword “reviews” and trying to learn more about the options their children are considering. 

As an advisor, you will find that your recommendations are validated when prospective students and parents read reviews. Providers will often use reviews in their discussion with students and parents as they find a well-informed student makes for a more successful student. Reading reviews will help parents become more comfortable with study abroad and to help them set expectations on what lies ahead. We hope you’ll mention Abroad101 Reviews in your parent communication and you could also add a link of your Abroad101  “Homepage” on your own website to better prepare all. ( https://www.studyabroad101.com/university_widget )

How to Get Students to Write Reviews?

So often we hear that it is hard to get students to do anything, let alone spend 20-30 minutes on a review. This is especially true when students feel that the activity has no benefit for them.  However, they are inclined to share their stories if the exercise gives them a chance to tell their story, and that is exactly what they do on social media for hours a day! Think of a review as social media for study abroad and a place for students to showcase their story and the process allows them to talk about themselves.

If the student believes the review is good for them, they will generally participate.  That takes some groundwork before they go abroad and as they prepare to return. One idea to get more engagement is to incorporate a review in your re-entry programming and use the review process as a step toward preparing the students to share their experience with others. Just like career counselors who tell students to prepare a good resume for a job search, we hope that study abroad advisors will help their students prepare for their return home by guiding them to submitting a thorough and candid review.

Using Abroad101 as Free Program Review Software

A number of schools already use Abroad101 as their official program evaluation software as it was designed to draw an insightful student expose of their time abroad. These evaluations are great for future advising and orientations and great for the returning students. The service is offered free to American colleges and universities, supported by advertising from program providers and foreign universities. The software offers:

  • Capability to approve/disapprove reviews
  • Invite Tool to improve participation
  • Graphs and Reports to tally student responses
  • Manage an approved programs list
  • Option to list faculty-led programs or select in-house programs
  • Compare your results against others
  • Add custom questions to the standard review (can be kept private for internal use) 

The Abroad101 team is happy to answer any of your questions by email or phone. We also welcome the opportunity to walk you, and members of your staff though the system with an online demo of the back-end features of Abroad101 to see if our free program evaluation tool is right for you. The demo will show how you can see reports, compare your results with other institutions, set pre-approved/recommended programs and add custom questions to the standard Abroad101 review. Abroad101 also has promotional material for you to share with your students, so please let us know how we can help you.

Happy Fall!

Looking for a career after your travels?

Discover 4 ways to start your career in online marketing

All good things must come to an end and that includes your adventures abroad. Whether you’ve been working in Australia for several months, or you’ve been soaking up the local culture in Thailand with friends, there comes a time in every traveller’s life when they have to come back to reality.

The first thing travelers need when they get back home is money. From selling products door to door or collecting money for charities – be wary of any homes with a no soliciting sign outside with these jobs – there are plenty of simple job opportunities that will certainly help boost their finances. But what some travelers look for after months on the road is a new challenge, something to really sink their teeth into, and if this sounds like you, then maybe you should consider a career in online marketing. Read on for 4 ways you can kickstart your new career.

Get to grips with the latest trends

To get ahead in digital marketing, you need to have your finger on the pulse. Digital marketing is always changing and everything you know can change within a couple of weeks. If digital marketing is for you then you need to come to grips with the latest trends and anything that’s up and coming. Keep in the loop by attending seminars and online classes. Keeping one step ahead is always the best approach.

Network, network, network!

In this fast paced, often cutthroat business you need to stand apart and be remembered. Networking will help you build on your career and help you to reach the places you want to go. Connections are everything, so work on building a list of experts you can count on to help with training, ideas, creativity and other aspects that will help you excel.

Create an online presence you can be proud of

A strong online presence is crucial for anyone hoping to land their dream job, regardless of the sector they want to make it in. The first thing any prospective employer is going to do is scour the social media pages of their potential employees, if they don’t like your online image or they cannot find you then they’ll simply place you in the “no” pile and move onto the next applicant. Create a portfolio of the work you’re proud of, link this to your social media pages, create a blog from scratch and fill it with your ideas and your achievements. If you think you have what it takes, then declare yourself.

Focus on analytics

Understanding how well or how poorly a website has performed will be revealed in its analytics. Therefore it’s imperative that you get to grips with them. This well help you focus on what aspects of campaigns need to be improved and what has worked well this time around. There are plenty of online tutorials and information pieces you can find online to help get you started.

Get experience

If you have to do unpaid work – do it! Even if it’s just for a couple of hours a week. Having experience on your resumé will help you stand apart from other candidates.

 

Starting university? Check out these 5 top tips

Have you spent most of your summer preparing for University? It can be a rollercoaster of emotions, excitement, anticipation, fear, frustration and of course worry. It can also feel like you have a huge amount of organizing to get through and so many things to get sorted before you leave. It can be a little daunting, which is why we’ve come up with 5 simple tips that will  make your transition to University much easier.
Good luck!

Get your study essentials sorted
Don’t leave this until the last minute. You’ll undoubtedly have a reading list as long as your arm, so don’t wait to get hold of the textbooks you need. A laptop with all the relevant software is also essential, not only for studying but also for keeping in touch with family and friends back home. When you’re writing essays or dissertations, tutors or examiners will make sure it hasn’t been plagiarized, so it’s also a good idea to invest in software such as a downloadable plagiarism checker and even a proofreading and editing service.

Learn to do things!
For many, heading to Uni means leaving the nest for the very first time and getting their first taste of freedom. It also means that they’re thrown in at the deep end and struggle with the most basic of things, which can have a real negative impact on their Uni experience. To avoid falling into this category, make sure you find the time to learn how to do things for yourself. From doing your own laundry, learning a few basic (healthy) recipes so you’re not simply relying on takeaway and microwaved meals. It’s also a good idea to master the art of making a phone call to the Drs or the dentist…! Something which we all avoid doing!

Get to know your flatmates
Sharing accommodation is pretty terrifying. You’re bound to feel nervous and want to make a good impression. Try not to overthink it too much, take a deep breath and introduce yourself. Remember that everyone is in the same boat…even the person who seems overly confident; they’re probably missing home and just as hopeful to make friends as you are.

Get familiar with your new home
By this I mean your University campus, lecture halls, sports facilities and of course where the Dr/surgery is, bus routes, student friendly bars, supermarkets etc. This kind of knowledge will certainly come in handy when you and your friends are heading home after a night out or when you run out of milk!

Reach out
Feeling homesick or worrying that you’ve made the wrong choice is completely normal. More
students than you think will be feeling exactly the same. But remember, having these feelings
doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for Uni life. Speak to your housemates about your worries, or chat to someone from home. And remember that the Student Union and your tutors are there to help you, so reach out if you’re struggling.

What You Should Know Before Studying In Australia

Photo by Liam Pozz

Over half a million foreign students from more than 190 countries made their way to Australia in 2018, SBS News reports. Australia is popular with foreign students for its robust education, stunning and varied landscape, cultural landmarks, and hospitality. Learning about the various different aspects of studying in Australia will leave you much better prepared for the application process and eventual move. 

You’ll need health insurance

International students in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The services covered by OSHC vary depending on the insurer and type of plan. A basic plan covers doctor visits, ambulance costs, and select hospital treatments and medications. You may also want to purchase private health insurance, which lets you access public and private treatment, choose doctors and hospitals, and avoid long wait times. To find a good deal, it’s worth getting a health insurance quote from Qantas. Qantas insurance covers private healthcare, while letting you collect points to purchase flight tickets, upgrades, and more. This’ll come in handy on vacations and flights home.

You’ll be able to work

If you want to earn some extra cash to help fund your stay in Australia, you’re in luck. International students with a valid student visa are permitted to work twenty hours a week during the school semester. You’re free to work as much as you want during vacation. However, even though you can arrive in the country ninety days before your course starts, you won’t be able to work until after your course begins. Work required as part of your course isn’t included in the 20-hours-per-week limit. Retail, hospitality, and administration are popular jobs for international students and the Australian minimum wage is very generous — $18.93 an hour. 

You’ll have access to scholarships 

The Australian government spends over $200 million each year on international scholarships. That means you’ll have access to a number of funds which can help make your international experience as affordable as possible. For example, the Destination Australia Program offers over 1000 scholarships of upto $15,000 per student each year to both international and domestic students. You should contact your university to find out what funding options are available to you and how to apply. 

Understandably, moving to Australia seems a daunting feat. However, it’s absolutely worth the challenge. After completing all the applications and arriving in Australia, you’ll be so glad you made the move.

Tips on Finding What Type of Study Abroad Program is Right for You

Types of Study Abroad Programs

Tips on finding what type of Study Abroad Program is right for you.

For American college students the term “study abroad” is a general term that has multiple meanings, the most common being an academic program with ties to the student’s college or university. Study abroad allows a student to live in a foreign country in an apartment, homestay or even on the campus of a foreign university. There are also study abroad programs for high school students and college graduates, some offer resume building work or volunteer experience. Before you make any commitments, you’ll want to understand the definitions of study abroad and consider costs versus benefits of each option.

Study abroad viewed by many incoming Freshman is an essential component to a full college experience. Study abroad seems simple enough: just pick a place to go, find a program to take you there, apply, send your money and you’re all set. When you get into the details it is a lot more complex, because for most students study abroad is not part of the standard curriculum at a college, it is an option. If you take a program through an outside entity, the rules state that credit hours earned outside the student’s home university aren’t treated the same as normal credit hours, so those credits need to be transferred to your academic record. The process is filled with technicalities that will seem a little daunting at first but it is completely worthwhile. When you read the study abroad reviews https://www.studyabroad101.com/programs and hear about all the amazing discoveries and experiences, you’ll understand why so many students say study abroad was the “greatest four months of my life.”  Later in life, many students will tell you that their education abroad experience had the greatest impact on them during their entire time at college.

Education Abroad during Semester Breaks

Some degree programs sequence their courses tightly making a semester away very difficult. For those students universities and program providers continue to introduce creative ways to work education abroad into the college experience. One way is to study abroad when students are normally on a break where the student doesn’t have to disrupt their progress toward their degree and can graduate on time. These off-season programs include:

  • January Sessions or J-Term are 3 or 4 week mini-semesters at the start of the year designed to squeeze a single course into the end of your Christmas break
  • May or Maymester is a single course over a 3 or 4 week mini-semester that follows Spring finals and finished before the usual summer sessions
  • Summer Sessions – 4 to 10 week programs that can offer one to three academic courses, sometimes broken into two sessions (Summer 1 and Summer 2)
  • International Summer Schools https://www.studyabroad101.com/countries/international-summer-schools – Programs at foreign universities, in English for students from all over the world

Semester Exchange Programs versus Education Abroad Providers

If you can study abroad during a normal academic term, many college/universities have recommended alternatives that are exchange partnerships or ties with study abroad provider companies. An endorsed exchange program provides pre-selected courses at a foreign university designed to provide academic credit hours at the student’s home university through transfer credit. Exchange programs allow to stay on your current funding plan, pay to your home university and you pay only for airfare and expenses. Scholarships may be available to help cover these added costs, or they can be packaged into that semester’s financial aid. Check with your study abroad advisor or Financial Aid Office for details.

The education abroad field has a number of third-party study abroad providers who run study abroad programs as their business. They understand what is involved in a successful study away experience and provide overseas staff, amenities and support. Some programs have the classroom component at pre-selected foreign universities where exchange students and provider students may sit side by side. Those provider companies offer a host of extra services and support services and can really help students navigate the complexities of an education abroad experience. For students willing the take the challenge, exchange programs may provide a more affordable option. In Exchange Programs, the study abroad student will be treated like an international student and will likely find themselves in a mix of students from other countries as well as those from the host country. Here is a list of foreign universities that host American students.  Click to view and you’ll see a tab for direct enroll and exchange next to a tab for provider programs. Click and read the reviews to learn more about the pros and cons of each option.

Boost your GPA, Stay on Track with Faculty-Led Programs

Transfer credits are pass/fail. If you want to impact your GPA or earn credit for required courses, you might want to explore programs run by your university. Often these are called faculty-led programs because as the title suggests, faculty-led programs are led by a professor from the home university who is an expert in the course topic and the program immerses students into a deep, hand-on study of the subject. Faculty-led programs are generally groups of students from the home university and the programs often include organized travel, multiple destinations and tours often overseen by the same third-party providers who run semester programs. Faculty-led programs will offer home university credit and are often offered off-season on semester breaks.

Study Abroad Doesn’t Have to be Expensive:

“The cost varies depending on the type and location of the program, the length of the stay, and whether the program is administered through a university or an outside organization. A program can be significantly less expensive, more, or about the same. Study abroad can be affordable. Many colleges and universities are committed to maintaining cost parity; a semester abroad should cost exactly the same as one on the home campus, at least as far as tuition and board.” From – https://www.huffpost.com/entry/busting-the-top-10-study-abroad_b_4175861

Get Approval Before You Go

Before you (the student) commit to any study abroad program, we suggest you speak with your academic advisor, the education abroad office and your Financial Aid office on campus. Know before you go and get all the necessary pre-approvals and forms filed. Study Abroad is filled with red-tape, forms to complete and permissions to get. Consider your transfer credit options, financial aid and degree progression considerations. Ask lots of questions so that you fully understand your options. There’s a program for everyone, once you understand what type of program interests you and how that affect you, we suggest you use the read the reviews to better compare and understand the possibilities.