The Study Abroad Advantage

 

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Putting the Ideals of Study Abroad into Practice,
Abroad101 Announces “The Study Abroad Advantage”

International education software company extends its platform to help students advance their careers.

 

Abroad101 has launched an initiative called “The Study Abroad Advantage.” Designed to help college students gain an edge in the job market after graduation, this collaborative effort involves students, college advisors and prospective employers. Students start their Advantage with a capstone summary of their education abroad published on Abroad101. This review is then shared via social networks and other outlets with prospective employers who are looking for students with international experience, foreign language skills and the maturity that comes from being overseas.

Study Abroad is widely considered advantageous in the job market. Mark Shay, CEO of Abroad101.com stated “the goal of The Study Abroad Advantage is to put this theory into practice by providing a platform for students to showcase how they have grown and matured while overseas. For employers, The Study Abroad Advantage is a place for HR departments, hiring managers and recruiters to get a glimpse into the personality and character of the student as a prospective employee.” Connecting the two is a group on LinkedIn called “The Study Abroad Advantage.” The group was created on August 30 and was joined by over 250 students in the first 5 days. Students in the group link to their study abroad review from their Linkedin profile as a reference point, while employers and job recruiters use the group to connect and network with these stand-out students.

Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, is an early supporter of The Study Abroad Advantage. Trinity has a vibrant study abroad program and requires returning students to complete a program evaluation through Abroad 101. Nancy Ericksen, Assistant Director for Study Abroad in the International Programs Office at Trinity, says, “The future is here. With the reality of technological advances and a growing global economy, I believe that the student with international experience has an advantage in preparing for the world of tomorrow. Using The Study Abroad Advantage, our students can showcase their experience and use it in opening contact with employers – leveraging that to start their career.”

Employers are increasingly turning to the web to investigate candidates, discover how well they communicate and present themselves added Martin Tillman, President of Global Career Compass, an international consulting practice focusing on the impact of study abroad on student career development. “There is much evidence (in research conducted by both academics, private companies and research organizations) that the value-added of international education experience to a students’ career development is diminished if students cannot clearly articulate the impact of that experience. The Study Abroad Advantage is a nice way for education abroad advisors and career service counselors to harmonize their professional skills with technology to enhance the value of study abroad for their students.”

The Linkedin group is just the beginning according to Abroad101’s Shay. “We are looking forward to working with university career centers and placement offices as well as large employers to find innovative ways to help these creative, ambitious and now mature students turn their real-world experiences to leap forward in their career development. The core philosophy of The Study Abroad Advantage is to provide a platform to channel the energy and idealism fostered by international education into organizations in need of talent.”

About Abroad101

Founded in 2007, Abroad101 is the first and largest study abroad review website that also gives universities a software tool for evaluating their exchange, faculty-led, third-party provider, volunteer and internship programs. Focusing on American college students looking for a semester or term abroad, this innovative system connects past and future students, parents, advisors and program providers. As part of the platform, the Abroad101 directory of study abroad programs is the most comprehensive database in the field today. Click to learn more about Abroad101′s Study Abroad Programs, Rankings, Ratings and Reviews

 

Lessons from Abroad: Why You Need a TEFL Certification

Written by Abroad101 All-Stars, Sarah and Tami

Having both taught English in Asia, we’ve spent many a lunch hour arguing over which country has the wildest, wackiest open-air markets.  Tami may have bargained her way to a pair of Buddha-shaped sunglasses in Korea, but Sarah haggled over smiling pig heads in Thailand.

One thing from our time abroad that we absolutely agree on though, is the advantage of having a TEFL certification.  Without one, it’s hard to be an effective ESL teacher in the classroom, and as one student put it, TEFL doesn’t mean Teaching English For Laughs.  Ok, maybe sometimes it does.  But with a TEFL certification, you’ll learn how to apply humor in a way that reaches your students, so you’re not left with a room of blank stares after making a witty pun.    Continue reading

Where to Study Abroad if You’re a Vegetarian

Vagabonding vegetarians beware: maintaining your veg-centric lifestyle while Studying Abroad will be a challenge.  But not to fear, you got this.  No one ever said using your diet to save the planet was easy!  To help you stay on course, we’ve compiled a list of study abroad destinations that we think are very vegetarian friendly.

India

Untitled by Pierre Turtaut (pierreturtaut) on 500px.com

With the world’s largest vegetarian population, this South Asian nation is a no brainer for students looking to chomp on veggies and paneer all semester.  In fact, we’d go so far as to say that if you enjoy meat, India might not be the destination for you.   I mean c’mon, their cows are holy!

 

Denmark

Nyhaven Canal Copenhagen by Chase Lindberg (chaselindberg) on 500px.com

Danes are known for their progressive thinking, so it’s no surprise that vegetarian options abound in this place that once held the title for “Happiest Country in World.”  We even hear their vegetable stands run on the honor system!  So don’t worry, be “Hygge,” and refer to this excellent resource from DIS on Danish vegetarian vocab.

 

Israel

Falafel today! by Laurence Penne (lovelyday3) on 500px.com

In keeping Kosher, it seems Israel would be a solid choice for students with diverse dietary needs.  You don’t have to worry about pork or shellfish, and many establishments won’t combine milk and meat.  Besides that, hummus and cucumbers are served with virtually every meal, and Falafels grow on trees.  Now that’s Israeli nice!

 

Taiwan

Spirited Away by Andy Beirne (DirectPositive) on 500px.com

Once you know what to look for, this subtropical land can be a Taiwan-derful place for vegetarians.  The majority of the country is Taoist or Buddhist, which means meat-free meals are understood and available.  Visit restaurants with the red and yellow Chinese characters 素食 (sùshí) which means vegetarian, and eat your herbivore heart out.

 

The United Kingdom

Tate Couple by Matthew Dartford (Mushroomgodmat) on 500px.com

Hold the Bangers & Mash and bring on the Bhindi Masala!  Perhaps not appreciated for it’s native food, the UK has some excellent ethnic entrees for vegetarians.  What’s more, the food labels are in English and the pubs serve veggie burgers!  What more can a tree-hugging globe trotter ask for?!

The act of studying abroad and being a vegetarian can sometimes feel like they are competing opposites- to be a great study abroad student takes flexibility and adaptability.  To be a great vegetarian takes determination and diligence.  But the two can coexist, you can still be respectful towards your host country’s culture, while also staying true to your own veggie values system.  To make your life easier, consider studying in one of the above countries and check out Happy Cow for an online directory of vegetarian restaurants around the world.  The International Vegetarian Union is another great resource that all traveling vegetarians can utilize.

Bon voyage veg-heads!

 

Meet Sarah! Abroad101’s Newest Team Member, Just Back From Thailand!

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Sarah in Thailand!

Last week the Abroad101 team welcomed Sarah as a new team member! Sarah recently returned from Thailand where she taught English and worked at a study abroad office for 13 months! She writes about her experiences in International Education below. Welcome, Sarah!

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