COVID-19 Relief Funds for Study Abroad Providers and Stranded Students

The field of study abroad is up against what seems like an endless list of challenges and some host organizations may go out of business over lack of enrollment due to COVID-19. Some are offering virtual study abroad alternatives, but not everyone is in a position to go online, and without students, some of these institutions may fail without help. We noticed a couple of fundraising initiatives to help these providers stay solvent or to help stranded students. If you are in a position to help, please donate. Here are campaigns we recently found:

Dagbe Cultural Institute & Arts Centre, Ghana – COVID-19 Relief Fund
https://www.gofundme.com/f/dagbe-covid19-relief-fund

Youth for Understanding Emergency Fund
https://www.yfuusa.org/emergency

If you know of additional urgent fundraising efforts tied to the pandemic, please send an email with the fundraising link to: fundraiser@abroad101.com

Be Creator, Not Imitator: How to Avoid Plagiarism in Your Works

How to write an academic paper and avoid plagiarism? It’s all about giving credit where credit’s due.

With easy access to thousands of sources, thoughts and theories, original thinking is more valuable than ever. It’s also the only way to succeed. Offering your perspective on what’s already out there is what makes you unique. Sure, it sounds good, but how to write an academic paper and not plagiarize at all? We feel your pain – it’s hard to produce something original when it seems like literally everything has already been discovered, researched and described. Don’t worry, with our help, you’ll find out how to write an essay or paper while avoiding plagiarism.

Ideally, any written academic assignment should be based on thorough research, source analysis and your own expertise. For students, referring to someone else’s findings is often a way to cut corners. There’s a thin line between using one’s research to ground your opinion or draw conclusions and unintentionally plagiarizing someone else’s work. It’s critical to understand what plagiarism is, especially unintentional, and how to avoid it when crafting your works.

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Avoiding plagiarism is not only about creating original content but also about giving credit where credit is due. Most cases of unintentional plagiarism have their roots in an improper citation or use of references. We won’t talk about situations when plagiarism is intentional because a) all of us know it’s wrong, and b) academic institutions use AI-based plagiarism checkers, which reveal all types of plagiarism and cheating, even advanced ones. Instead, let’s focus on how to write an original academic paper with accurately formatted citations.

Citation Rules: Tricky But Manageable
The first rule, check which formatting style guide you should follow in your paper or essay. Whether it’s MLA, APA or Harvard format, stick to one style and remain consistent throughout your entire essay.

Second, remember that statements, statistics and research data must be backed up by corresponding references. Also, if you use an in-text citation, be sure to include it in the Works Cited list at the end of your paper and vice versa.

However, don’t go overboard with citing: if a paragraph refers to one source several times, wait until it ends and then add the reference.

Now, the most essential part.

What Should Be Cited to Avoid Plagiarism?

When writing an essay, every time you summarize, refer to or quote any words or ideas of other authors, use in-text citation. This concerns not only printed copies and websites but also social media, video, images, etc. Plagiarism is not about copying only but also about using another author’s ideas without acknowledging the source. And plagiarism checker will show a positive result if you fail to cite the resource or do it incorrectly.
Be sure to include the author, the date of the article and its title, and the website name. Depending on the type of source you’re referencing, you may also be required to add an issue date, the page number, the time of posting or other information. For instance, if you quote a blog post, the following pattern is appropriate:

The author’s nickname [real name]. “Posting Title.” Name of the website. Version number. Name of institution/organization affiliated with the site (sponsor or publisher). The medium of publication. The date of access.

For more details, carefully study your institution’s formatting style guide and follow it explicitly. You can also use this handy cheat sheet.

If you want to convey the author’s idea in your own words, read the source several times until you grasp the essence, and then put it down as you understand it. Imagine you must explain what you’ve just read to a friend. One piece of advice: do not keep the source in front of your eyes when paraphrasing. Otherwise, you might unintentionally copy the phrases from the text word for word. By the way, the following is not considered plagiarism and doesn’t have to be cited:

● historical overviews from various sources
● your own findings – that’s what your academic paper is about, right?
● things that are considered common knowledge

While it’s up to you how to write your academic paper, these standard rules of crediting should be followed. If you are unsure whether you took everything into account, use a plagiarism checker for students – it will show you where you tripped, and you’ll have enough time to correct any slips.

College Study Abroad Goes Online – for Now

New Stopgap Programs Keep Students’ Dreams Alive, Abroad101 now features Virtual Summer Study Abroad Programs

Press Release:

NEW YORK (PRWEB) April 13, 2020

College-level study abroad programs continue to innovate and rise to the challenges of today’s rapidly changing world. With “study at home” directives coming from their colleges, students now have new options to see the world in the form of “Virtual Study Abroad” and “Virtual Internship” programs. The first of these stopgap options are rolling out for the upcoming summer break and are helping students cope with home study. “New programs like these are a sign of hope for students stuck at home. With the online options, students can explore a global immersion while they wait for travel restrictions to lift. While never as good as the real thing, virtual study abroad can be a cultural bridge until they can be there in person,” says Phil Kollitsis, Managing Director of Abroad101.

Abroad101 has compiled a list of these virtual education abroad programs in response to growing interest and has added four new programs just this week. While nobody in the field sees this as a permanent shift, an online immersion should prove to be the second-best alternative. One example of virtual study abroad comes from Arcadia University, who was one of the first study abroad providers to announce an online education abroad program for the summer called Virtual Europe. Dr. Andrew Law, Academic Dean, The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University explained that the program’s goal is to “take engaged local learning into the virtual space. The courses will all employ, to the degree possible, engagement with local realities in order to bring the course material alive for the students, asking them to navigate difference in the same ways that we have them do so when they are in-country, just virtually. Virtual Europe has created online learning opportunities that embody the pedagogy of context-informed learning that is at the heart of the Arcadia Abroad’s educational mission, vision and lived values.”

“Study Abroad is not Dead” says Abroad101’s Kollitsis. “Program managers, providers and host universities worked tirelessly to assure the safe return of students this semester and that same passion and dedication is reflected in the creation of suitable alternatives for the upcoming summer session. While we all long to venture back out again, we can take temporary comfort in exploring the world, online, guided by renowned faculty and facilitated by reliable providers, the hallmark of credit bearing college study abroad.”

Another advocate for study abroad is Missy Gluckmann, founder of Melibee Global and the International Education Career Academy. She said, “Study abroad isn’t going away. It will change and we will adapt – opening up new roles for technology and cross-cultural learning for those who are inspired to connect people across cultures and disciplines. As an international education career coach, I remind them that our resiliency is not about whether we “sink or swim” but rather how we approach and navigate through change. Our field is changing, no doubt. I expect that when we look back in the rearview mirror, we’ll be grateful for a new path that was unexpectedly forged despite the painful times we are experiencing today.”

About Abroad101
Founded in 2007, Abroad101 is the first and largest study abroad review website and program evaluation software. This innovative platform serves past and future students, parents and advisors through its market-leading online evaluation tool. Under the direction of their academic advisors or program providers, students complete thorough online evaluations hosted by Abroad101 with both quantitative and qualitative responses. Excerpts from those evaluations get published for the public in the form of Study Abroad Reviews.

About Arcadia Abroad
Arcadia has been a leader in study abroad for over 75 years and in 2009, its existing Center for Education Abroad was elevated to College status, thereby creating The College of Global Studies. It is the first College of its kind dedicated to the delivery and development of education abroad. Nearly 3,000 students from over 300 colleges and universities participate in Arcadia University’s programs abroad each year.

About Melibee Global
Melibee Global books talented culture and food speakers at colleges, companies, and conferences and offers innovative professional development to those who care about culture, travel, and diversity. Melibee created and trains at the International Education Career Academy, the first program of its kind to formally train those interested in international education as a career path to craft effective applications for stellar jobs in the field of International Education.

There Will Be a Day When We Study Abroad Again

Across the globe, college students are spending their days in an awkward shift from campus to online. For some students, a fully online education is a door opener and a powerful way to experience the benefits of a university. For most of the world’s students, however, this immersion happens on campus, in classes and being physically put in the learning environment. Nowhere is that immersion more impactful that in study abroad!

While the world struggles with the effects of the pandemic, we at Abroad101 are holding on, believing in the power of the human spirit and how it is manifested in study abroad. We believe in the power of personal interactions, in the wonders and strengths of our cultural differences and the ongoing quest for knowledge that embodies the human spirit. We celebrate the wonder of discovery when travel and education come together, which is the motivation behind Abroad101, providing students and their universities a platform to share these stories and the triumphs they tell. We believe the world is a better place when we all prosper, and we look forward to the days when travel and personal contact becomes normal again.

Until that time, Abroad101 is keeping things going. We encourage you to escape today’s normal and think about what is possible in the future by reading and sharing study abroad reviews and exploring the world through the eyes of former students. We welcome the former students who have not yet submitted their stories and add your study abroad review to the more than 40,000 reviews on Abroad101, adding yet another testimonial that will guide and perhaps motivate future students.

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Look Good and Look After your Eyes when Traveling and Working Abroad

When was the last time you had your eyes tested? Or gave your eye health a seconds thought? Most optometrists recommend eye checkups every 1-2 years depending on your requirements. So, if you’re planning on heading abroad to travel or to work then you need to take your eye health seriously.

Its easy for things like eye tests and vision check-ups to take a back seat when we’re on the other side of the world, however keeping on top of your eye health and looking after your vision will ensure that your trip abroad won’t be cut short by eye-pressure issues, changes in your glasses prescription or even glaucoma and cataracts. Discover more information about looking after your eyes when traveling and working abroad below.

The Importance of Glasses
Wearing contact lenses is fine, however, it’s important to give your eyes a break from time to time and wear a good pair of glasses. If your job abroad involves lots of staring at a screen or going through important paperwork, then a high-quality pair of reading glasses is crucial to protect your eyes from strain. Having an additional pair of glasses is also a good idea, in case you damage your contact lenses, or you lose your other pair of glasses. No one wants to be stranded abroad and not be able to see properly!

These days, glasses aren’t just great for protecting your eyes and helping you see properly, they’re also great fashion accessories that can complement your look and style.

Protect your Eyes from the Sun
When we think of sun protection it’s normal to think of sun cream, sun hats and drinking plenty of water but when you’re traveling and working abroad protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses to keep your eyes safe from damaging UV rays, sunglasses are ideal if you’re working outdoors in the sun for long periods.

Don’t worry, you can still get UV ray protection with elegant and statement sunglasses, so if you’re feeling a little fashion conscious then you’re sure to find something to match your style.

Stay Protected in the Water
Working at a water park? Or spending some time in the pool on your day off? Chlorine and saltwater can play havoc with your eyes, leaving them dry and irritated. Always remember to wear goggles when engaging in work or play at the waterside.

How Learning A New Language Can Make You A Better Entrepreneur

Some of the most successful business owners in the world are multilingual, including, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Michael Bloomberg, Entrepreneur reports. This is no coincidence: learning a second language equips budding entrepreneurs with a host of skills essential for business success. We live in a globalized world, and language skills are vital for networking and building a solid client or customer base that spans multiple geographical locations. Moreover, they also help you to develop strong active listening and problem solving skills, enabling you to thrive in even the most high-pressured business situations.

Improve active listening and problem solving skills

Learning a language involves maintaining focus for long periods of time, closely watching and listening, and replying deliberately (even if you make mistakes). In turn, this develops and strengthens your ability to actively listen. This skill is crucial for forming strong business relationships and boosting productivity. Additionally, learning a language is essentially an “exercise in cognitive problem solving,” a study in Massachusetts found. It also increases cognitive flexibility and higher order thinking skills, which further strengthens your ability to solve problems in other areas. Effectively solving problems and making business decisions are crucial skills for any entrepreneur.

Support your employees

In addition to impressing clients and customers, learning a second language also helps support your employees. By being able to form strong relationships and make effective business decisions, you’ll boost overall morale and confidence in the workplace. Your employees will therefore be happier and more loyal to your organization as a whole. It’s important to provide your employees with as much support as possible to retain their loyalty and succeed commercially. Investing in workers’ comp insurance is another great way to do this. Unfortunately, a worker is injured on the job once every seven seconds. When accident strikes, workers’ comp insurance protects you as the employer from legal repercussions, as well as protecting your employees financially from potentially devastating wage losses and medical expenses, Cerity Insurance advises.

Build a bigger client base

Roughly 20% of the worldwide population speak English — and most of those aren’t even native English speakers. Being able to speak at least a second language opens you up to a plethora of communication and networking opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. You’ll have the skills to communicate with potential foreign business partners all over the world, whether in-person or online. Additionally, if you want to set up your business in a foreign country, knowing the local language is essential. Certain requirements like paperwork may not be in English, for example. You’ll also appear more professional, trustworthy and respectful to the natives when you communicate your brand message in their language.

Language skills have multiple benefits for budding entrepreneurs, whether you’ll be working in your home country or abroad. They provide you with the confidence and knowledge required to understand all your markets. Not only is learning a second language fun and rewarding; you’ll find it also empowers you with skills and attributes needed for commercial success.

An Important Study Regarding the Impact of Intercultural Educational Exchange Programs

A recent publication reports on the impact of educational exchange and study abroad programs conducted by the Federation of The Experiment in International Living. The work, by Dr. Alvino E. Fantini, Professor Emeritus, SIT Graduate Institute, titled: Intercultural Communicative Competence in Educational Exchange: A Multinational Perspective (Routledge, 2019), is based on two extensive research projects that explored the nature of intercultural communicative competence (ICC), its development during intercultural exchange (summer, short term, and semester programs), and the impact of such experiences on the lives of both students and hosts up to 20 years later.

Conducted in eight countries — Brazil, Ecuador, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States — the research involved over 2,000 students plus over 200 host families, exploring the significance of exchange experiences in transforming people’s lives. Based on both quantitative statistics and qualitative narratives, the study also identified program components that most promote intercultural development, highlighting host family home stays and host language proficiency as most significant.

This important contribution to the intercultural communication literature, bases its multinational perspective on an extensive literary search in six languages spanning 50 years in order to identify ICC’s multiple components, to develop comprehensive assessment tools, and to assess ICC development and its impact on exchange participants.

For further information, click on the following link: https://www.routledge.com/Intercultural-Communicative-Competence-in-Educational-Exchange-A-Multinational/Fantini/p/book/9780815369677

Assessment instruments in multiple languages used in this research can be obtained on this website (click on “Instruments”): https://alvinoefantiniphd.godaddysites.com/.

New Years Eve Traditions Around the World

While the New Year’s Eve parties, dancing and fireworks are known and participated in around the world, you might be surprised at a few of the lesser known customs. Studying abroad in another country is a great way to find new holiday routines and if you happen to be visiting in one of the following countries be sure to keep your eyes open for a few fascinating traditions.

Eating Grapes in Spain

What could watching fireworks, a clock striking midnight and eating grapes have in common? If you are in Spain it means you are celebrating New Year’s Eve. Friends and families eagerly await New Year’s Eve to share in the music, fun and excitement of country wide parties. It’s a great time to be together and experience the hope for the coming new year. At midnight on December 31st the tradition of eating grapes begins. You have 12 grapes to eat one by one, one for every time the clock bell rings. Everyone joins in and if successful, it is thought, you will have good luck through the coming year.

If Spain sounds fun to you, perhaps try a study abroad program in Madrid. Abroad101.com has over 150 programs in that city alone.

https://www.studyabroad101.com/cities/spain/madrid

Casting Tin in Finland

Similar to Spain and wishing for good fortune is the Finnish tradition of trying to guess your future and good fortune by casting tin.

Small horseshoes, which are symbols of good fortune on their own, are sold throughout Finland around New Year’s Eve. As everyone is shopping for random party items and food for the festivities you will notice the horseshoes are available to buy.

 

After the fireworks the usual custom is to give everyone you are with a small tin horseshoe. The horseshoe is melted in a pan and then quickly poured into a bucket of cold water. The shape that forms in the cold water is said to predict your future and hopefully good fortune. Just hope for no broken pieces. That, unfortunately, would mean bad luck.

Find a study abroad program in Finland https://www.studyabroad101.com/countries/finland

 

 

Brazilian Goddess and Colored Underwear

Get ready to wear white on New Year’s Eve in Rio. You not only will be surrounded by white outfits but will notice that everyone also is wearing colorful underwear. The luck you want to attract for the new year will be determined by the color of your underwear. Would you like to have money and luck? Wear yellow. Go with pink if you are looking for love and purple for inspiration. For good health a nice green will do. There are more color choices of course and when midnight strikes and everyone runs into the sea you’ll understand why picking a nice outfit and colorful underwear is so important.

The offerings for the sea

On New Years day, in Rio de Janeiro, people wear white to celebrate the Festa de Iemanjá where they run into the ocean and try to jump over seven waves. Many people also will light candles on the beach and throw flowers into the water. All of this is to honor the Brazilian godess lemanja, who it is said to have control over the water.

Study Abroad programs in Rio de Janeiro https://www.studyabroad101.com/cities/brazil/rio-de-janeiro

 

Ecuador Dummy Burning

Have you ever wanted to just leave all the bad things that happened the year before behind you? In Ecuador they celebrate New Year’s Eve by literally burning up the bad memories. It’s an unusual tradition which involves making dummies , called “Año Viejos”, of famous people or characters that represent bad memories and burning them at midnight. There is a great variety in what the dummies look like. Some are small and homemade, others are cartoon characters and some are giant dummies that are part of competitions. A list of people that have treated you badly are sometimes put inside the dummy and then when everything is burnt at midnight you can start the new year with a clean slate.

Find a Study Abroad program in Ecuador https://www.studyabroad101.com/countries/ecuador

Breaking plates in Denmark

The New Year’s Eve tradition in Denmark of throwing plates at the doors of your friends and family is pretty unusual. In the weeks leading up to New Year’s people will start to stockpile old plates. When the clock strikes midnight get your throwing arm ready. This is not looked at as vandalism but as a way to wish good luck for the coming year. If you wake up New Year’s day and have a large pile of broken dishes all over your step, you must have a lot of friends and will have much luck in the coming year!

Find study abroad programs in Denmark https://www.studyabroad101.com/countries/denmark

Wherever and however you celebrate New Year’s Eve have a wonderful time!

 

5 best places to study abroad in 2020

In the United States, there are enough higher education institutions that can provide the highest quality education. At the same time, many young people are interested in receiving education abroad. This will allow them to get acquainted with another culture, see the world and break away from their parents, completely plunging into an independent life.

Therefore, often, before choosing a specific place, it is worth taking care to choose for yourself best credit cards for students, which will support the development of financial independence far from home. Also discover card for college students when you decide exactly what you want and will study abroad so that you can understand how you will meet your needs if you do not have enough cash.

Among many options, Europe remains one of the most popular study regions abroad among young Americans and students from around the world. However, Europe is a rather large and diverse region of the world, where each country has its own advantages and features, so it is often difficult to decide exactly where to go to study. If you are worried that you have never used credit cards and have never taken a loan before, then credit cards for college students with no credit history will be your answer that will reduce your anxiety. Here we have selected 5 best places to study abroad in 2020, the most interesting and popular options among American students.

  1. Paris, France

Paris is one of the most attractive and popular cities in the world. It is so diverse that it can sometimes be overwhelming with its contrasts. It is beautiful and it would seem well-known, in Greater Paris there are many foreigners of various affluence, as well as thousands of students and tourists from all over the world. You can also learn French, which many find very romantic.

It has beautiful architecture, many legendary places, people of art and more. Here you will always find what to do and what to see in your free time. Here you will also need one of the best credit cards for students with no credit, if you have never used loans before.

  1. London, UK

For American students, as well as for students from other English-speaking countries, London becomes the choice of the month of study abroad in half of all cases. However, Great Britain in general, and London in particular, is not limited to English-speaking tourists and students, it is a modern Babylon, where you can meet people of any nationality and culture.

It is also attractive to wealthy people and students from all over the world.

Here you will find some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, capable of providing training in many specialties, as well as plenty of entertainment for every taste. Here you have to try very hard to get bored.

At the same time, London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so good credit cards for college students will be more relevant than ever.

  1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is known for its canals, bicycles and free views on different manifestations of life and different people. Here everyone can feel comfortable, regardless of their appearance, tastes and preferences. This city attracts students and tourists from all over the world due to its liberalism, club nightlife, coffee shops and the red light district. Credit cards for college students here will be necessary in order to be able to try different entertainments presented in the capital of the Netherlands and attend many events.

However, in addition to noisy entertainment, there are plenty of cozy parks, cafes and promenades that are conducive to a quiet pastime and leisurely walks. Here you can feel at ease in any setting, especially if you have one of the best chase credit card for students with you. Many education courses are often taught in English, which in Amsterdam is second only to Dutch in terms of distribution.

  1. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague in the historical center looks almost like a fabulous city. Medieval tiled roofs with spiers fascinate and attract millions of tourists every year, as well as thousands of students to study. Best credit cards for college students with no credit will not let you stay away from Prague’s entertainment and tourist destinations.

One of the oldest universities in Europe – Charles University is able to provide a high level of quality education received here. There are no problems with the English language in Prague, many people speak it here.

In addition to studying, there is always something to do. Many cultural events and festivals are chilled here every year. Nightclubs are fully operational and are a very popular pastime. The prices here are lower than for example in London or Amsterdam, so even credit cards for college students with no income will be sufficient financial support for a full student life.

  1. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is not only the largest city in Germany and its capital. This city is rich not only economically and historically. It is very diverse and can sometimes seem a little crazy. There are many bright unusual people, many different unusual cultural events and flash mobs. Take one of the best credit cards for college students with no credit history with you if you do not already have a loan, but be sure to take a walk in Berlin. It is a very diverse city, both architecturally and culturally.

Here, students from different countries will see various manifestations of life on the positive side and will be able to choose for themselves something close and suitable. There are many high-ranking universities that provide education in many specialties. In addition, the famous German craving for order is an additional guarantee of quality education.

Choose best cards for college students to study abroad today

Credit cards for college students with no credit can help students just starting their independent life away from home build their credit and learn how to handle their money correctly. A high credit score, as well as a good credit history give you significant benefits in life.

On the other hand, best debit card for college students can also help young students figure out how to manage their personal finances, and also help not to create the big debt that can be formed on credit cards for students with bad credit or credit card for students with no income.

Oceania Study Abroad Programs

Oceania is an area of the world that spans the South Pacific Ocean and includes several countries and territories. This includes Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia Islands.

Students have written so many positive comments in their reviews, which explains why this destination is a very popular study abroad choice.

An unforgettable semester in Suva” – A 4 1/2 star Fiji review which includes comments such as: “So much personal growth! Go with an open mind and absorb the world around you. I learned much more about culture, the world, and myself in the last 5 months than I have in my entire life. Be willing to listen and ask questions.” or “I was able to make friends with some Fijians as well as Indo-Fijians. I would highly recommend integrating yourself as much as possible and talking with locals in class. They can be a bit shy but don’t be discouraged by that. Whenever you’re out and about in Fiji, people will make you feel like family. Also, this program includes a village stay, which was one of my favorite parts. I felt so at home and like I was experiencing the real Fiji- not just the beaches like everyone thinks!”

Students also have helpful tips about their stay. This review of a program in New Zealand had these words of advice for incoming scholars.

“New Zealand has a very different set up for gradings as there are only a few assignments which are weighted heavily, but the professors are incredibly accommodating.” Also, “We get more for our US dollar in NZ so that was always a relief when looking at the bank account.”

Abroad101.com has nearly 500 programs listed in just this part of the world. Learn more about the study abroad options available to you, read student reviews, and submit an inquiry all from our main site. There are so many options available you are sure to find the perfect program for you.