How Parents Can Solve the Study Abroad Funding Gap

College comes with a wide variety of experiences, some of which can be categorized as once-in-a-lifetime. One of the most highly prized—and highly regarded—experiences for a college student is studying abroad. With a semester spent studying overseas, a student can gain valuable skills, excellent resume points, among other benefits. For a parent, study abroad is starting to sound like a must-have for their kids in college.

There’s just one problem; a study abroad program can be astronomically expensive. Combined with college’s already exorbitant costs, the idea suddenly seems a lot more like a fantasy than an achievable goal. There are ways, however, that you can help close that funding gap, with a little creativity and effort.

The Financial Problem with Study Abroad

If you have a child in college, then you already know about the staggering cost of higher education. Even with federal financial aid, most students end up taking out student loans to bridge the gap; in fact, about three-quarters of college students have loans at graduation, trying to cover a piece of the $25,000 price tag on a four-year education.

As a parent who’s on the hook for the cost of college, you might feel that covering a semester abroad is a bit much.

Once your student has received his or her financial aid package at the beginning of the school year, it’s not easy to get that amount extended or raised, which makes it hard to turn to federal student aid to pay for a study abroad trip.

Because of semester start dates and the need to set up these trips early, the funding deadlines often end up falling inconveniently at awkward times of the year as well. January—right after the holiday season—and May, right before the summer, are typical deadlines.

The timing can be incredibly difficult for parents who want to be able to help their student get that abroad experience but also can’t necessarily come up with the money at those specific times of the year.

There is hope, however. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can help fund that overseas trip.

Closing the Funding Gap

If you’re the parent of a college student, then you’re already feeling the crunch of an expensive education. There has to be a way to help your student study overseas without overtaxing your already-hurting wallet, right? Yes, there is! There are actually a number of options to consider.

Study Abroad Scholarship Funding

There are many scholarships specifically meant to fund overseas study. There are plenty of listings of such scholarships that can be found online. Some are merit-based and set aside for top academic students; others are meant for students looking to go to a particular country, or pursuing a certain course of study. Each scholarship has its own criteria, and most of them are competitive. It’s best to start pursuing them early.

With scholarships, the money doesn’t require repayment, making them ideal sources of funding. However, in some cases, your student may need to sign an employment contract with the providing organization – this is a specific drawback to keep an eye out for.

Grants from Third-Party Organizations

Much like scholarships, grants don’t need to be paid back, and they’re offered by various philanthropic organizations and non-profits. Like a scholarship, a grant award is a competitive offer. In many cases they require an essay or other submission package, and the student may be required to follow through on certain promises like reporting back to the group about the study abroad experience.  NAFSA, the Association of International Education is a good place to start.  NAFSA List of Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants.

Student Loans for Study Abroad

It’s not the best option, but taking out an additional student loan to cover the cost of a study abroad trip is possible. It can help defray the expenses while still putting the responsibility for that cost on the student instead of your own wallet. Of course, keep in mind that the student loan would need to be repaid with interest. As mentioned, it’s tough to get more federal financial aid in the middle or end of the school year, but some students and parents may be able to find funding in the private sector with banks and lenders. However, remember to weigh the risks and benefits of taking on debt. You can get a wealth of experience from study abroad, but is it worth paying interest?

Find a Job for Your Kid

The idea of “working your way through college” doesn’t really work as well as it used to; the constantly climbing costs of education make it nearly impossible to simply rely on a job to pay for school. A job can, however, help cover the cost of an overseas trip, leading to less money you’ll have to contribute as a parent. Conversely, a part-time job could help your child pay for miscellaneous expenses or even rent. This could free up money elsewhere to support a study abroad trip.

Find a Cheaper Trip

If all else fails, you could always advise your student to choose a less expensive trip. Going to a different country, for a shorter duration, or with different living arrangements can often drop the cost to a more manageable amount.  Think of the entire cost, including the cost of travel and cost of living as well as the cost of the program.  Cost is considered on some study abroad review websites, look for comments on cost.  On Abroad101, programs have a compiled star-rating for cost and tips for saving money, search for affordable study abroad programs on Abroad101

Conclusion

Sending your student abroad for study can be prohibitively expensive—but it doesn’t need to be. Take the time to do some research, and you’ll find that a semester abroad, with all of its once-in-a-lifetime experiences, is well within your student’s reach.

 

By guest author Andrew Rombach, a Content Associate from LendEDU – a consumer education website and financial product marketplace. Andrew learned plenty about financial aid from his own experiences with student loan debt in college. Now he covers a range of personal finance topics in general.

How to Best Use Technology While Abroad

Taking the Tube around London or strolling past the Eiffel Tower on the way to class in the morning might be dreams of study abroad students the world over, but the logistics of the situation never seem to work out quite as well as they were planned. Despite having the best ideas, rolling with a group of new international friends, or having weeks to prepare, nobody is immune to the difficulties that come with being in a foreign place. Flying into the wrong airport? Not understanding the buses? Can’t find the place you’re looking for? This is where it pays to be living in the 21st century.

We’ve all grown up hearing our parents rant at us for always being caught up in our devices, being addicted to the internet, and forgetting how to interact with each other, but is this really all a bad thing? Maybe there’s a silver lining to the rain cloud that is our obsession with connectivity: the fact that we have the powerful tools to become pro travelers all in our pockets.

Smartphones are just that, smart! They can be smart at least. With your mother’s voice in the back of your head saying “always on that phone..” combined with the great things that ride-sharing apps, internet maps, and translators bring, where do you find the happy medium between starting at your shiny screen and exploring abroad like you should?

The distinction between a “tool” and a “toy” here is the most important. Apps on your phone can be used as both. For example, when you’re trapped at your little cousin’s recorder concert, Facebook is a toy for an escape. When you’re enjoying a glass of wine in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, Facebook Messenger is a tool to let your friends know that you got a table for them! The difference lies in the time allocated to using technology. When reaching for your phone, opening up an app, or connecting to wifi, do it for a purpose, not out of instinct. Humans rule because we have the conscious ability to overcome instincts, don’t give that power away to the little box in your pocket! You only have so much time to live the foreign experiences happening all around you, and I promise the internet will still be there when it’s over (or we’ve got bigger problems).

Before going abroad, start practicing this mindset. Slowly weaning yourself away from the “toy” aspects of technology. This can be done by simply being conscious about why you are opening something, looking at something, or watching something, then working your way up to identifying and eliminating the ones you’re not enjoying. Gotta start somewhere!

Before we leave you, check out some of our favorite apps for when technology should be used while traveling abroad:

Google Maps: You need a map. You might think you know Venice like the back of your hand, but this is a must. Also, you can now download maps to use offline!

Rayka: This new platform is the ultimate study abroad app for students. Instead of using TripAdvisor or Yelp, Rayka shows you the favorite places of past students who studied there: specifically made by students, for students. That way, you can see the best recommendations from people just like you.

Google Translate: If you’re abroad in a country that speaks a different language and your skills just aren’t quite up to par, this is a brilliant app. It requires data, so make sure you’re connected, but it quickly and accurately translates anything you’d like to any language you could think of.

Duolingo: This fun, addictive little game is great for those who are planning to study abroad and want to learn some of the local language. The interface does a great job of encouraging users to learn more, and they have most major language offered for free!

Regardless of what platform you use or don’t use, be sure to make the most of your semester abroad by using technology as a tool rather than using it to distract yourself from the incredible experiences around you. We promise you that it will be the best semester of your life!

Guest post by www.rayka-app.com

I Went To Study Abroad For 1 Semester And Stayed For More Than 4 Years!

By Lewi Blake – MoveYourLifeAbroad.com

Studying abroad changed my life.

In 2011 I took a GAP year to Bordeaux, France so that I could learn how to speak French, travel around Europe and experience a new culture. This was one of the best decisions I ever made because the 1 semester I was meant to study abroad for turned into 4 years.

Studying French In Bordeaux

I attended the University of Bordeaux III where I studied a French language course. This course gave me the ability to speak French fluently in less than 6 months. From that, I was able to take the B2 DELF exam (this is the diploma required to attend University in France). Originally only meaning to stay in Bordeaux for 1 semester, I decided to stay for a full year because I was having such a great time.

Studying during the day, working at a bar in the evenings and traveling to neighboring countries on the weekend was the norm. I was really able to discover parts of the world that I hadn’t even dreamed of visiting before. I was even lucky enough to go snowboarding in the French Alps for a week.

After my amazing year in Bordeaux came to an end it was time to go home. The only problem was that I wasn’t ready to leave yet. After a little research, I looked into studying a University Degree in France.

Funnily enough, all that was really required for me to study a University Degree in Paris was the B2 DELF diploma that I had completed 6 months prior.

University In Paris

In 2012 I started my Bachelor of Business Administration degree at the Paris Business College. Living in Paris was quite different to living in Bordeaux. The people were different, the weather was a lot colder and everywhere I looked was covered in rich culture and history. It felt like living in a completely new country. I was spending a lot more time with French people as the majority of students at the University were French. This enabled me to experience what the French culture was like first hand and really cement my French speaking abilities.

Everyday on the way to University I would ride past the Eiffel Tower on my bicycle and wonder if I was dreaming. I was living in the “city of love” and I was loving it!

The Paris Business College offered me many opportunities to study abroad while I was there. I decided to study abroad for a semester in London and a semester at the International University of Monaco.

Living The High Life In Monaco

Moving to Monaco completely blew my mind. I was living in one of the most expensive and glamorous places on Earth.

As you can probably guess, as a student that worked part-time in a bar and writing articles online, I wasn’t able to afford to live in Monaco. Instead I lived in Nice which was only 30 minutes away. My day-to-day life in Monaco involved riding my motorbike along the French Riviera to University every morning, relaxing on the beach with friends in the afternoon and working part-time at a crazy bar in the evenings.

To say life was great would be an understatement.

I settled in so well that I ended up staying in Monaco and finished my degree over the next 2 years.

Conclusion

  • Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to study in 3 different countries and live abroad for more than 4 years.
  • And you know what, more than 6 years have passed since I first studied abroad and I’m still living overseas to this day.
  • I’m not in France anymore but I’m living in South America. After learning Spanish in Guatemala for a few months I’ve moved to Ecuador where I’m currently residing.
  • Not too bad when you think about how much the course of my life changed from one decision that I made when I was 18 years old.
  • That is the power of studying abroad!

About The Author

Lewi is the founder of MoveYourLifeAbroad.com. For the past 6 years, he has been traveling and working his way around the world. He is extremely passionate about travel and loves sharing his knowledge with others because he believes everyone should have the opportunity to live abroad. In his spare time, he enjoys having a few cheeky beers with friends and riding his bicycle around town.

Clearing Local Communication Gap through Interpreting Services

One of the most pleasurable things in life is traveling abroad. You’ll enjoy a brief respite if you’re on vacation. If traveling on business, you can seal deals, meet colleagues face to face and form closer bonds and increase your business network. Sometimes, the only hindrance to the full enjoyment of your international travel is when the locals do not speak your language. In this case, it’s advantageous to use professional interpreting services to facilitate communication.

Interpreting services are not only for business people who are in foreign soil. The service is useful for other situations – when interviewing potential local employees, when having a personal meeting, like meeting a foreign sweetheart for the first time, and other instances when using the local language is needed for complete understanding.

Advantages of using an international interpreter

Traveling enriches your mind as you discover new cultures and learn other languages through interaction with locals. It also helps you to discover new things about yourself.

When your need for better communication is beyond casual conversation, using an experienced human interpreter is to your advantage. You’re assured that the language barrier will prevent cultural and social misunderstandings. The communication can flow freely as an interpreter helps you to have verbal explanations instantaneously.

An international interpreter has the appropriate cultural knowledge and knows all the nuances of the local language, as well as practical information about local traditions. This firsthand information is difficult to obtain from books, and will give you the assurance that you follow local norms, at the same time that you are getting your message across.

Escort interpreter

A more appropriate term to use instead of international interpreter is escort interpreter. Booking an escort interpreter while overseas removes any apprehension you may have about the difference in culture and language. For business people, you’ll have someone with you who can interpret everything that’s being said in the local language into your own language and vice versa.

The escort interpreter can be like a temporary assistant. He or she can help you navigate around the strange city and depending on your requirements, can accompany you in all your meetings. Escort interpreters can be your cultural liaisons as well.

Although escort interpreting is more informal that other forms of interpreting work, you should still look for someone who is a native speaker and is fluent in both languages. Choose one who has a vast knowledge of both cultures and a good knowledge of the location. Find someone who exhibits professionalism and has the right personality that is compatible with yours. Select an interpreter you feel comfortable with and who’s trustworthy.

Where to find international interpreters

If it is definite that you will need interpreting services when you reach your destination, for example you are giving a presentation or conducting a business conference, check with your country’s interpretation service provider. The company may have international interpreters on call that you can book ahead of your planned trip.

Booking an interpreting arrangement prior to your trip will ensure that one of the most important factors in the success of your trip is already in place. If the need for an interpreter is sudden, you can contact local interpreters’ associations instead of trying to find a good freelance interpreter. You’ll be able to select the best one suited to your need, purpose and schedule as you can look at their skills, experience and their references.

Interpreter rates

Interpreters’ rates vary, based on the length of the trip and the nature of the work. It will also be based on the demand and their skills. They may charge by the hour or by the day. If it will take more than eight hours each day, interpreters are bound to charge overtime pay. Keep in mind that they also need to eat so factor that in when making your schedule.

Enhance your personal travel experience by bridging the language divide with an interpreter. If on a business trip, ensure your success, and understand everything that’s being said from day one of your trip, until you’ve sealed the business deal.

 

Author Bio:

Bernadine Racoma is a senior content writer at Day Translations, a human translation services company. She has notable fondness for things related to technology, travel, lifestyle, and current affairs. She is also an advocate and mother to 7 successful children.

 

5 Things You Need to Know Before You Go

Studying abroad shouldn’t be all that hard, you say to yourself. You’ve consulted with counselors who’ve given you plenty of answers, you’ve read up on all the brochures and program descriptions, you’ve studied program reviews from previous students and talked to study abroad alumni.

Although you can logically say to yourself that “you’re ready,” there still may be a tiny voice inside of you that is saying, “do you really?” The truth is, a lot will transpire during your study abroad trip. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are five things you need to know before you start a new stage of your life anew as a study abroad student.

airline-ticket

Buy Your Ticket in Advance

Your parents have probably been bugging you to purchase your plane ticket six or more months before you start your study abroad experience. While they’re aiming to give you peace of mind, buying a ticket   that much in advance isn’t the most economical decision. In fact, the best time to buy your ticket is in the three month range before your departure – this is when prices are at their lowest.

The plane trip to the country of your destination is when your adventure begins. Spring for either an aisle or window seat (depending on how close you want to be to the bathroom), watch movies galore on your personal TV screen and enjoy the not-so-bad plane food. Be excited!

Travel tip: Get instant notifications on low flight prices when you set up travel alerts on Airfare Watchdog or Kayak.com.

Choosing Your Place of Residence

room

The study abroad program you signed up for will surely give you a choice as to where you could stay, anywhere from a dorm on a college campus to a shared apartment to a home stay. While you’ll have your pick of options, there is no right or wrong decision when choosing lodgings for your study abroad experience.

This said, if you’re looking to have the most immersive, fascinating experience possible, we highly recommend you push yourself out of your comfort zone and find lodgings that allows you to live with foreigners. Mingling with foreigners on a daily basis is a truly rewarding experience, and choosing instead to live in an isolated manner would just diminish your opportunities to know the culture better.

Travel tip: Talk your options over with your counselor months before you leave and pick the type of residence that is best suited to the experience you are looking for.

Cultural Sensitivity

cultural-sensitivity

You are responsible for your behavior when you are abroad for your studies. As you will be immersed in another culture and society, it is important that you take into account the local customs. This will influence the way you interact with local people, how you speak and the way you dress.

Your behavior, unbeknownst to you, may offend locals unnecessarily and invite bad treatment of not only yourself, but of the group of people you are traveling with. It’s important for visitors to practice cultural sensitivity throughout their trip.

Travel Tip: Learning how to carry on simple conversation in the local language will do a lot to surprise and please the locals. They’ll be much more open to you in appreciation of your efforts, which will enable them to help you more.

Bring Good Walking Shoes

sneakers

If you come from a culture where driving is the norm, like the United States, you may forget to take your trusty walking shoes to your study abroad destination.

The fact of the matter is, many countries are typically walking societies. You’ll be on your feet a lot longer than usual in these parts of the world, which is the idea if you are looking to take in all the cute little off-street spots of your study abroad destination. While high heels are fashionable, you simply won’t be able to cope with them along long city blocks or cobblestone streets. Spare your feet, lower back and general sanity by being sure to bring along a reliable pair of walking shoes.

Travel Tip: There’s no trade-off between style and comfort when it comes to shoes. Find shoes that are padded and durable yet stylish so that you can wear them during the day and night in your study abroad destination.

Your Toiletries Can Be Purchased Abroad

toiletries

 

It’s best to pack as light as possible when traveling across the world. Consider ditching your mainstay cologne for a new scent abroad. It will not be hard to find shampoos, soaps, make-up, laundry detergent, contact solution and other replacement toiletries abroad. However, if you’re the type who has a love for certain cosmetic brands, then spoil yourself and stock up on your precious brand name items for your journey.

Your mom and dad might be happy to spoil you in this regard and buy your essentials for you – this is a perk. However, the perk for buying your toiletries abroad is that some of these products might be considerably cheaper abroad. It’s your choice.

Travel Tip: Young women may have a problem finding quality feminine products abroad and should think of stocking up for the entire length of their stay overseas.

Guest Post by Sean Hopwood

sean-hopwood

 

Sean Hopwood, MBA is founder and President of Day Translations, Inc., an online translation services provider, dedicated to the improvement of global communications. By helping both corporations and the individual, Day Translations provides a necessary service at the same time as developing opportunities for greater sympathy and understanding worldwide.

5 Reasons to Learn the Language Basics Before you Study Abroad

Group of happy students at their desks in college classroom

How do you prepare for a semester abroad? A lot of the details are taken care of for you – a place to stay, a place to study, and a group of people to share the experience with. You might even be set up with a language class once you arrive to learn some of the language. However, the language learning is better off started before you step foot out of the country. Here are some of the top benefits reported for studying the language of the country visited before leaving.

Softening the Culture Shock

Traveling to a new country brings a lot of change at one time. You will be in a new landscape with people speaking a different language. There will be new rules and norms for catching a cab, ordering food, and dressing. It can be a bit of a shock to have all of this change at one time. These first few days and weeks in this new country should be the experience of a lifetime and best spent without having to go through much of an adjustment period. Learning just the essentials of this new language can help reduce this shock quite a bit upon arrival. Learn how  greet others when you meet them and get familiar with the language you will be hearing all around you. You might even be able to pick up a word here and there.

Building Excitement

There are many aspects of studying abroad that are exciting. Being engulfed in the culture of a new country brings history, seeing museums and old buildings, hearing stories, meeting new people, and speaking the language of the country. A lot of this can be done before you ever step foot in that new country. Learning the language and practicing the basics with your friends is one way to not only get familiar with the language, but build the excitement of getting to use these new phrases with people in your country of study.

Offers a Stepping Stone

Hopefully in your time studying abroad, you will get familiar with the language and be able to have small conversations before you come home. Knowing the basics before you travel can help kickstart this learning of the language. Learn the basics before you go – greetings, ordering food, asking directions, and phrases that will help you learn more, such as “How do you say…? These basics will make it easier to get off the beaten path and adventure out on your own even from day one in this new country. As long as you know how to ask for directions, greet others and interact with employees in shops, you will be able to get around the towns easily.

Meeting New Friends

Time studying abroad is limited and it will be over before you know it. So there is no time to waste when it comes to meeting new people. Be able to introduce yourself and meet new people right away to ensure that you take full advantage of your time in this new country. Even if you can’t carry on the conversation past telling the other person where you are from, greeting others in their own language and putting forth an effort is, a lot of the time, enough to show that you are friendly and continue a friendship.

Safety

No matter how well your trip is planned, it is always best to steer on the safe side. What will you do if you find yourself separated from others you know and need to find your way back?  Or what if you lose your phone and wallet? Knowing the language will help you to find your way back and ask for help in locating your lost items or reporting them and getting back to where you need to be for additional help. For this look for phrases that teach both asking for directions and understanding the response – how do I get to, turn right, turn left, 3 miles.

You don’t have to learn the entire language or be fluent by any means. This will hopefully build over time while you are studying abroad. There are some tools that you can use to get this basic understanding of the language. Programs such as Duolingo, Fluent Forever and Rosetta Stone are meant more for learning the entire language long term. If you have a year or so before your trip, by all means, try these. But if you only have a few months to prepare for your trip, you can pick up a phrase book, like the one from Lonely Planet. The upside to this is that the book is small so you can pack it easily in your bag if needed as well. There are also online programs you can access to help study, such as flashcards for common phrases from The Tandem Traveler, or a three month program for travelers from Living Language. It can be difficult to figure out which phrases will be most useful while traveling when you don’t have a lot of time to pick up the language. These programs do that work for you.

Whatever you reason is, learn at least the 100 most common words and phrases for travelers. Time and again repeat travelers report that their experiences were so much better from travel where they studied the language first firsts trips where they dd not.

Guest Post by Lisa Sickman, MA, BCBA

lisa-sickmanLisa Sickman, MA, BCBA, is a behavior analyst and the Co-founder and Chief Learning Officer at The Tandem Traveler. The Tandem Traveler is an online company committed to teaching language to travelers for better cultural experiences abroad. 

Studying Abroad Online vs Classroom Education

 

Plenty of wise men throughout the years have stated that true education is a never-ending process. Whether you aim to maximize your income prospects or if you simply want to know more about the world we live in, there can be no doubt that furthering your education is one of the best roads you can take in life.  Combining travel and studies has been show to provide a powerful combination of experiences and give students not only a memorable experience, it is often referred to as life changing. Not too many college alumni will say a campus-based Chemistry class was life-changing, but if that course was taken while the student was overseas, then wow!

Whereas once upon a time the only way to earn college credit was by physically attending a place of learning, nowadays the online revolution has swept up the educational system as well. In fact, in this day and age you can even study abroad online, as many top schools throughout the world allow students of all nationalities to earn prestigious degrees without ever setting foot in a classroom.  If you have the discipline to balance both study and travel, then you might want to create your own personal hybrid program and take online courses while you trek.

 

Cost

In most parts of the world, getting a good education isn’t cheap. With skyrocketing tuition costs and relatively meager employment prospects for recent grads, it’s fair to wonder if higher education is actually worth the investment. Additionally, going the traditional route will also lead to incurring substantial fees for room and board, plus all the extra costs related to moving to another country. Opting for an online education tends to be comparatively cheaper overall, especially when it comes to schools that focus solely on long distance learning and have lower overhead costs as a result.

Accessibility

A significant part of the traditional college experience is related to the idea of going away to another part of the country or the world, where new people and experiences await. While this kind of thing can undoubtedly seem exciting when you’re young, for people who already have to balance familial obligations and maybe even a full-time job with their educational goals, it often is a bridge too far. Online education comes with the possibility of handling coursework right from the comforts of your home, which doesn’t require any commute time at all. But some online education providers also offer the possibility of traveling to their respective learning facilities on short-term internships, thus giving prospective students the chance to broaden their cultural horizons as well.

Experience

The feeling of being in a classroom surrounded by your peers is something that’s treasured by many, and it’s a big part of why traditional education is still the norm all over the world. But online education has also come a long way from its humble beginnings, with schools now boasting cutting edge online platforms replete with videoconferencing options and personalized mentors. Of course, not actually being in a classroom means you can self-regulate study pace, thus allowing you to complete a course on your own schedule, with dedicated teachers just a click away to provide support whenever you need it.

Course accreditation

By receiving accreditation conferred to it by a respected external body, an institute of learning receives an official seal of approval that certifies its tional programs. In most countries, this kind of quality assurance is provided by a government organization, and can be of great importance when looking for employment later on. In this regard online schools have traditionally lagged behind their competition, but nowadays a simple online search is all you need to find out if the program you’re thinking about applying for is accredited or not.

Directional City Signs

Overall effectiveness

Probably the most important thing about earning a diploma is its inherent value in finding a great job. To that end, it can be useful to check the track record of all your prospective schools and see what their post-graduate employment levels look like. If you’re looking for immediate employment, you’ll often find that online institutions tend to focus more on teaching you job-ready skills in growing industries such as Accounting or Workplace Health and Safety than traditional learning facilities. Additionally, reputable institutions will also have a dedicated network of alumni, whom you can contact to learn more about how they benefited from attending their respective schools.

 

It’s clear to see that studying abroad online offers all the benefits typically associated with traditional classroom education, while also being considerably cheaper and more accessible. It may not be for everyone, as some people will likely miss the feeling of being in a real classroom, but for those who enjoy its myriad perks, online education can be a real game-changer.

 

Confirm the Quality

Before you make your final choice it is important to confirm you plans with an advisor to make sure your plans are in synch with your educational goals.  For those earned academic credits to help you in your career, you do want to make sure they are credible, recognized and applicable.

Leave your Kids (Abroad) Alone

two gifts quote

The year: 1986. The place: My childhood home in NY. The scene: The kitchen where a tan, old school phone with an unruly curly cord hangs on the wall. The language: Portuguese.

On one end of the phone was Sergio, my exchange student “brother” from São Paulo, Brasil. On the other end, what felt like a million miles away, were his parents.   Receiving a call from them was a BIG deal back then. With that phone call Sergio morphed from my English speaking, high school attending “brother” into a young boy from São Paulo who spoke a foreign language. To me, it felt like a completely different person was standing in the kitchen speaking loudly into the phone. The connections weren’t great back then and the call surely was expensive. Magically, with the click of the receiver, American Sergio returned to our family’s view.

Today, Sergio’s son, Gabriel, is living in my home as a year long high school exchange student. As I write this, he is at varsity (American) football practice. He is as adventurous as his brave dad was back in 1986, playing a sport he had only watched tirelessly on TV and the internet.

As a result, I have a bird’s eye view of what it means to be a parent and to miss your child when s/he is abroad. I see Gabi adapting to his new home city, processing and speaking in English 24/7, eager to engage in the world around him. And through Facebook chat and video, I hear his parents’ bellowing in pain from missing their beloved son. As a parent myself to a 20 month old, I can only begin to appreciate what another 14 years of time with my child will translate to when he eventually heads abroad for an extended period one day.

Yet, I cannot help but reflect back on that very vivid scene of Sergio talking with his parents on the phone. So what does any good interculturalist do upon reflection? She asks questions! I logged into Facebook and called Sergio in Brasil to ask him about how he is coping with his son’s absence AND to discuss his family’s plans to come to the US to spend time with us over the holidays. Yes, despite the title of this piece, Sergio and his family WILL come visit us this winter.

Sergio and family

My “brother” Sergio and son, Gabriel approximately 13 years ago. His wife (left) and I (right) hold their twin daughters. Photo taken in Brasil on New Year’s Eve (2002)?

I reflected with Sergio about the scenario above. He thought about it briefly and stated that it is much easier to talk to his son than it was for his parents, yet he has to restrain himself from doing so every day. He wants to talk about the latest Jason Bourne movie that he saw after he heard that Gabi and my husband, Tony, went to the premiere together last week – something they would have done together if Gabi were home in Brasil. He wanted to hear all about his first day of American football practice. He wants to know what he thinks of our city, our home, and what it is like to have a 20 month old brother after having sisters. It is natural to want to stay connected to your child, but Sergio knows how important it is that he allow him space during this tender period of being a new exchange student.   He remembers well how he immersed so seamlessly into our family and community in New York…and how he wants that joy for his own son. He and his wife have told me many times – no matter how much they miss him, they are more happy for him than anything.

I called another friend whose two daughters are both abroad – one is in Europe for 3 weeks while the other is on a study abroad program for a semester. I asked her about how she is adapting to the absence of her girls. Her response was that she misses them but has been very careful not to over communicate in that fragile first week or two, as that is when the bonding needs to happen. They don’t schedule times to talk and she has only “facetimed” once with her daughter in Europe.   She finds it strange that they have had the occasion to text their daughter in South America for random things (e.g. what is the Netflix password!) but otherwise they’re intentionally keeping some distance. When I asked if they planned to visit their elder daughter at the end of her study abroad program they said they’re thinking about it. When I pushed further, she indicated that they felt it would be okay to visit at the end of her semester program as it would give her a chance to show confidence in the language and experience without interrupting her studies. They would not visit if the program were shorter than a semester and wouldn’t do so in the middle of the program – and they may not even do so.

Sergio said the same – if Gabi were coming to the US for a few months only, he’d not plan to visit. But he is adamant that a visiting over the holidays for two weeks when his son will be here for an entire 12 months is acceptable because they won’t interrupt his studies, sports, or friends’ gatherings.

Why should a loving parent not visit a son or daughter on study abroad? After all, you miss each other, so what is the harm in doing so?

There are my two reasons NOT to visit your child on study abroad:

  • You may interrupt their flow: Study abroad requires immersion, space to make mistakes, learn a new language, gain confidence, engage in a new way of being in this world. When you visit your child while on a shorter term study abroad program, you unintentionally are stepping into his/her ability to find and maintain flow in their new surroundings. It is analogous to having to hit pause in your daily life to trot your parents to see everything that you’re experiencing in record time, doing none of it justice. It also doesn’t allow for your child to reflect deeply on the experiences, places and people that are just beginning to capture their attention. If you “leave them be” they will simply have more time to participate in their new culture and to let the new connections in their brains form solid pathways without having to revert back to what they know, their default way of being. So, don’t interrupt their flow, no matter how much they tell you that you HAVE to come to try the gelato in their favorite shop in Venice.
  • Your child will become more independent and learn more life skills: If you stay away from that airport you will likely observe, upon his/her return, that you gifted your child with a better chance of kicking independence into high gear. I see it with Gabi – he is speaking in English only, asking questions of others to gain information that helps him navigate his surroundings, engaging in new friendships even though it is scary to approach people you don’t know, washing his own laundry, unloading the dishwasher, making his own lunch, talking with his football coaches directly, and so much more. If you want an independent kid, don’t get on a plane and ask your child to hit pause on growth in their new home country in exchange for the ability to educate you and reinforce their learning for you. They will tell you ALL about it when they’re home while showing you their confidence and how empowered they have become. Additionally, if you’re willing to wait that long, you may find that you are truly the only person on the planet willing to sit through all 7,000 photos and hear all of the stories – an opportunity to bond with each other in a reflective learning space – and they’ll certainly appreciate that.

As difficult as it is to not get on the plane, staying home also offers YOU an opportunity for growth. What can you do with your time instead of checking in on your child? Here are 3 ideas:

  • Engage in new activities: Sergio started going to the gym each day, as he has found a lot more free time since his son is away for the year. Perhaps you can surprise your child by studying the language class of his/her study abroad country at home. With less face to face time with your beloved child, you have a chance to find your inner child! Sign up for an art class, join a book club, or pull out that list of places locally you have been meaning to visit. Take your child’s adventurous spirit and apply it at home.
  • Reconsider your adult relationship: Your child will eventually return home with a heightened maturity. Think about how you can relate to your “baby” as an adult – someone who has not only ventured away for college, but to an entirely new country and language. Make a list of items to discuss with him/her upon return such as “What has changed for you and how can we incorporate that into our home?” and “What do I need to be aware of to be supportive during your transition home?”
  • Talk to YOUR parents: Reflect on your own transitions in life and how your own relationship with your parents ebbed and flowed over the years. What stands out for you? When did you most need them to let you cut the apron strings? How did they deal with you taking the leap and trusting the net would appear? Journal some of these memories to rely on when your own child needs space and freedom from the family unit.

With that said, Sergio and I are planning for his family’s visit over the winter holidays. We decided that a year IS a really long time not to see your child and that we want to support a wonderful gathering, not only for his own family but for Sergio to visit his New York “hometown” for a reunion of host parents, friends, teachers, and families. I look forward to such a reflective experience, not only with him, but with his son too.

What are your thoughts about letting a son or daughter navigate the education abroad experience without a visit from a parent? I invite you to comment below!

 

missy gluckman

 

Missy Gluckmann is a traveler, educator, interculturalist, trainer, speaker and career coach specializing in international education and careers across cultures. Originally from New York, she has lived abroad three times, most recently in Cuenca, Ecuador, and is currently enjoying the gorgeous mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. She founded Melibee Global and Better Abroad as a way to inject creative tools into international education, with an emphasis on study abroad. You can connect with on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The Importance of Cultural Training when Studying Abroad

Cultural Training

Cultural sensitivities are a crucial part of the any individual travel experience. This is especially important when studying abroad for long-periods as a student will become more involved in the local community, therefore customs and values must be adhered in order to maintain good cultural standing whilst experiencing the phenomenal reality of cultural immersion that comes from overseas study.

When undertaking a study course in a foreign country it is important to learn about the social and cultural values that are important in that country or province. Those living in Western democracies with strong health and safety, moral and ethical principles – from democracy, gender and sexuality anti-discrimination and more – can find it difficult living for extended periods in places where such “constitutional rights” may not exist or are interpreted differently. Therefore, undertaking cultural training when considering a study break abroad is a critical next step.

What can you learn?

Did you know that nearly 14,382 under 25’s are involved in arrests or detainments due to cultural sensitivity issues across the world (1)? The great many of these issues are resolved amicably; however, five per cent will result in a penal conviction due to a misunderstanding over drugs, cultural issues or country-specific law breaking. Having to rely solely on a legal translation/interpretation service is just not worth it, getting cultural training can help focus would-be students’ minds on the skill of valuing and understanding cultural differences. Restated: Don’t count on a language translation app to get local police to give you a break.

Such training courses can evaluate and analyze the role awareness plays in creating in-depth perception of cultural sensitivities and cultural differences. By understanding the role of perception and the power of sensitivity, one can help to build the right foundation for cultural sensitivity competence. This awareness can help inform people of the importance of multi-culturalism, gender issues, sexuality and local customs and how to enhance enjoyment opportunities without breaking customs or values which lead to sensitivity-based issues relating to culture.

Understanding perception, as stated above, is also part of the wider issue of illegality. What US citizens deem to be legal and appropriate does not equate to what a foreign student in a foreign country would equate to being legal and appropriate. It is crucial that any cultural sensitivity training helps students understand particular laws and customs that are important – understanding taboos in foreign countries – which, if broken, can lead to legal or moral dilemmas for students experiencing overseas educational experiences.

city street

It is also important to learn about culture in a way that moves the view of “fun” away from high-energy alcohol-infused clubbing into a more focused enjoyment of cultural experiences within host countries. This is not advocating less fun but looking at enjoyment through the perspective of local people and communities. If alcohol is allowed, and remember many nations ban the consumption of alcohol especially in the Middle East, you can taste the local wonders but responsibility is key in projecting cultural sensitivities. In the Far East, drinking too much is seen as decadent and wrong. Yet, they have bars and restaurants and serve local alcoholic beverages. It is about knowing not just your own health limits but cultural differences. Follow your local family or friends leads, they are your cultural anchors in understanding the role of sensitivity and awareness in your actions as an educational tourist abroad.

What can training offer young people?

It can help create a more rounded individual. Undertaking cultural sensitivity training, a young adult, can learn about themselves by developing an awareness of social norms in both the US or western country they inhabit and placing them alongside the host country they will be experiencing. This lived experience is about developing character. However, character is also based on self-development. Undertaking a training course focused on cultural sensitivities can help to inform decision-making based on educating young people about the role of culture in local environs and how decisions can result in negative local sentiment and possibly illegal actions.

Conclusions

If you are a parent or a student looking at cultural sensitivity training, why not look at what such training can offer. Understanding local customs, values and beliefs can help young people experience overseas education in a safe and responsible way. This is about teaching prospective students about their actions and the consequences therein. By teaching individuals about consequences, trainers can also imbue students with a wider understanding of global cultural experiences. These two inter-connected issues are part of the training process and a core reason for why cultural sensitivity training is so popular for US and Western educated students whom undertake foreign educational breaks. Why not get in touch with a cultural sensitivity coach today who can help you understand more about culture, consequence and responsibility leading to a greater enjoyment of foreign educational experiences.

 

Author Bio: Mike Parsons works for Kwintessential.co.uk a company that specialise in professional translation, transcreation and interpretation

 

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Life in Spain vs. Life in the U.S.

Parents, thinking of visiting your college student abroad? While your world-traveler is learning about a new culture and building memories, it’s also the perfect opportunity for a vacation for you! 

While you likely did a fair share of research before he or she left, actually experiencing the culture with them is a totally different feeling. Moreover, seeing a familiar face can be comforting for many students experiencing a bit of culture shock or homesickness. No matter how many Spanish classes you’ve taken, for example, navigating the world in your non-native language is nervewracking for many.

Even for a short jaunt to Spain, it’s smart to understand the lifestyle differences before you board the plane. TakeLessons.com recently shared a helpful article and infographic about life in Spain that provides a great introduction; check out the graphic below, and read more on their blog

Culture-Shock-Life-in-Spain-vs.-Life-in-the-U.S.-Infographic