Why Study Abroad?
Studying abroad may be that defining moment in your education that will change your life. Nothing will be quite the same after you have studied abroad. Your perspectives will be global, your attitudes will be international and you will have memories that you will carry forever. Your resume will be more attractive, in some cases your language proficiency will be advanced, and you will have developed lifelong friendships.
The largest misconception that prevents students from participating in study abroad is its perceived inaccessibility. Students who do study abroad are often amazed at how easy it was to put the whole thing together. Financial aid is often available, every major field of study can partake, and study abroad is an experience available for every student.
Why study abroad?
Academic credit - The most obvious reason why students study abroad is to earn academic credit. You should consider the type of credit you will earn on your study abroad program. Will you earn credit towards your major, a general education requirement, a minor, or elective credit? Will you receive grades or pass/fail credit? You may study abroad to earn upper division credits in your major field or you may be overseas to earn some of your core or general education hours your freshman year.
Language acquisition - The world market place is shrinking rapidly, and many companies require second languages. Foreign languages are not only valuable in the work force they are valuable in the real world.
Practical experience - Study abroad coupled with an international internship is an incredible way to gain some real world experience. Additionally you may find that only an international program can offer the real expertise you desire in your education. Australia is a great place to find a marine biology program, the engineering labs in Sweden may exceed your facilities at your home institution, and peace studies in Geneva would offer an insight that couldn't be matched in the U.S.
Resume building - International experience is ranked high among many employers as a critical asset for prospective employees. Study abroad shows that you are resourceful, adventurous, internationally minded, and diverse.
Experience of a lifetime - In a couple of years you may forget the name of your literature professor in Grenoble or the name of your street in Valencia, but you'll never forget the friends you made or the incredible experiences you shared.
How do I find a program?
Visit the Office of International Affairs for your first consultation with the study abroad coordinator. Chances are Longwood University has ideal programs for you. Your study abroad advisor is the most experienced international education counselor for your needs; they can assess your desires and know the limitations or regulations that exist.
If you can't find the right program on your campus you may conduct an internet search. Below are some suggestions. You can search for programs by country or field of study. Crucial information like cost, description, and program highlights are usually described in the websites. You can also e-mail programs directly for additional info.
Who should I meet with before I go?
Study abroad advisor - Mrs. Susie Ramsey can tell you what you need to know and who you need to see. Her job is to make sure you are prepared for your experience and that you will gain the most from your study abroad program. She probably won't tell you exactly where to go; it's up to you to do the research. She also won't apply for your passport for you; however, she can help you with how to get a passport and many of the other tasks you'll have to complete.
Academic advisor - Your academic advisor in your major is your insurance for the credit you'll receive upon return form overseas. Your academic advisor can tell you what type of credit you're likely to receive and how it will fit into your overall degree.
Financial aid office - You will need to work closely with this administrator unless mom and dad will be hooking you up. Most study abroad participants utilize some form of financial aid for their experience. The most common aid used for study abroad is student loans, but there are many forms of financial aid.
Mom and/or Dad - They might not be financing your adventure but its still key to keep them in the loop. You probably want to explain how this experience is integral to your degree program, how the experience will enhance your resume and insure a great job upon graduation. Its also important to keep the parents happy, as they will probably be taking care of logistical concerns while you are out of the country.
What else do I need to do?
Get a passport - Apply at least 6 months before you leave, especially if you need visas from foreign embassies. You must apply in person if you are obtaining your first U.S. passport, if your old one was lost or stolen, or if you have an expired passport issued more than 12 years ago. Otherwise, you can renew your passport by mail. To apply for a passport, you first need to complete the application form, which you can pick up anywhere you can apply for a passport (in many cities you apply at the main post office, but in some cities you apply at the court house; in Farmville, go to the Clerk of the Court's Office in the Court House on Main Street). When you apply, bring proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a previous passport, or a certificate of citizenship. You must also bring proof of identity, such as a driver's license, a current student or work id, or an old passport. Your social security card is not considered proof of your identity, but you must be able to supply the number. You will also need two 2"x2" photos of yourself taken in the past six months. And don't forget $97 fee. As soon as you receive your passport, make a copy of the front page that has all your identification information, and keep it in a separate place from your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, the copy will make it easier to get a new one. Make additional copies to turn in to the Office of International Affairs, to take with you, and to leave with parents.
Get a visa - Do some research and find out if your country of destination requires a visa. If so what kind of visa will you need? Sixty percent of the world's countries require visas for any length of stay. If you travel, you may need visas for other countries. Apply early for visas; processing time varies widely. Embassy addresses and phone numbers can be found at www.embassiesabroad.com
Get your shots- The center for disease control offers the most up-to-date information regarding vaccinations and shots. You should also consult your doctor.
Get a student ID - Longwood University provides you with an International Student ID card; this can provide you with discounts at museums, for youth admissions and fares for transportation and other great discounts. The additional benefit of an international student ID is the travel insurance, which usually includes minimal accident, health, repatriation and medical evacuation insurance. The ISIC card can be found at www.myisic.com
Consider a phone card - Do a little research and find out how you'll be communicating with your people back home. Phone cards are great but they don't always work. One option is the e-kit which combines voice mail, e-mail and phone card with conversions at the cheapest rates. www.goabroad.ekit.com/ekit/home another recently developed option is PicCell Wireless which also provides reliable, low-cost cell phones to study abroad students and world travellers.
Get insured - In addition to the basic coverage provided by the ISIC card, you should take additional comprehensive travel insurance. Two reliable and reputable sources are:CMI Insurance Specialists www.insuranceabroad.comCultural Insurance Services International(CISI) www.insuranceabroad.com
Develop a budget - Consider the in-country costs before you go. You should develop a budget and live by it. Consider the costs of optional excursions, gifts, school supplies, internet access, in-country transportation and general living costs. Don't be caught spending your entire semester budget your first week abroad.
Learn about your destination - You may experience "Culture Shock" no matter how prepared you are, and regardless of whether you have travelled before. One of the ways to have a better experience is to have realistic expectations. Read everything you can about your future home, and learn more about what Culture Shock is and how to overcome it.
Pack light - You won't need make-up in Nepal, your blow dryer won't work in Madrid, you'll probably never use your baseball glove in Botswana, and you can buy cheap sweaters in Ecuador. Pack light! Research your destination in advance, find out what kind of items you must bring (for example, mosquito netting) and find out what items you can purchase cheaply there.
The largest misconception that prevents students from participating in study abroad is its perceived inaccessibility. Students who do study abroad are often amazed at how easy it was to put the whole thing together. Financial aid is often available, every major field of study can partake, and study abroad is an experience available for every student.
Why study abroad?
Academic credit - The most obvious reason why students study abroad is to earn academic credit. You should consider the type of credit you will earn on your study abroad program. Will you earn credit towards your major, a general education requirement, a minor, or elective credit? Will you receive grades or pass/fail credit? You may study abroad to earn upper division credits in your major field or you may be overseas to earn some of your core or general education hours your freshman year.
Language acquisition - The world market place is shrinking rapidly, and many companies require second languages. Foreign languages are not only valuable in the work force they are valuable in the real world.
Practical experience - Study abroad coupled with an international internship is an incredible way to gain some real world experience. Additionally you may find that only an international program can offer the real expertise you desire in your education. Australia is a great place to find a marine biology program, the engineering labs in Sweden may exceed your facilities at your home institution, and peace studies in Geneva would offer an insight that couldn't be matched in the U.S.
Resume building - International experience is ranked high among many employers as a critical asset for prospective employees. Study abroad shows that you are resourceful, adventurous, internationally minded, and diverse.
Experience of a lifetime - In a couple of years you may forget the name of your literature professor in Grenoble or the name of your street in Valencia, but you'll never forget the friends you made or the incredible experiences you shared.
How do I find a program?
Visit the Office of International Affairs for your first consultation with the study abroad coordinator. Chances are Longwood University has ideal programs for you. Your study abroad advisor is the most experienced international education counselor for your needs; they can assess your desires and know the limitations or regulations that exist.
If you can't find the right program on your campus you may conduct an internet search. Below are some suggestions. You can search for programs by country or field of study. Crucial information like cost, description, and program highlights are usually described in the websites. You can also e-mail programs directly for additional info.
Who should I meet with before I go?
Study abroad advisor - Mrs. Susie Ramsey can tell you what you need to know and who you need to see. Her job is to make sure you are prepared for your experience and that you will gain the most from your study abroad program. She probably won't tell you exactly where to go; it's up to you to do the research. She also won't apply for your passport for you; however, she can help you with how to get a passport and many of the other tasks you'll have to complete.
Academic advisor - Your academic advisor in your major is your insurance for the credit you'll receive upon return form overseas. Your academic advisor can tell you what type of credit you're likely to receive and how it will fit into your overall degree.
Financial aid office - You will need to work closely with this administrator unless mom and dad will be hooking you up. Most study abroad participants utilize some form of financial aid for their experience. The most common aid used for study abroad is student loans, but there are many forms of financial aid.
Mom and/or Dad - They might not be financing your adventure but its still key to keep them in the loop. You probably want to explain how this experience is integral to your degree program, how the experience will enhance your resume and insure a great job upon graduation. Its also important to keep the parents happy, as they will probably be taking care of logistical concerns while you are out of the country.
What else do I need to do?
Get a passport - Apply at least 6 months before you leave, especially if you need visas from foreign embassies. You must apply in person if you are obtaining your first U.S. passport, if your old one was lost or stolen, or if you have an expired passport issued more than 12 years ago. Otherwise, you can renew your passport by mail. To apply for a passport, you first need to complete the application form, which you can pick up anywhere you can apply for a passport (in many cities you apply at the main post office, but in some cities you apply at the court house; in Farmville, go to the Clerk of the Court's Office in the Court House on Main Street). When you apply, bring proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a previous passport, or a certificate of citizenship. You must also bring proof of identity, such as a driver's license, a current student or work id, or an old passport. Your social security card is not considered proof of your identity, but you must be able to supply the number. You will also need two 2"x2" photos of yourself taken in the past six months. And don't forget $97 fee. As soon as you receive your passport, make a copy of the front page that has all your identification information, and keep it in a separate place from your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, the copy will make it easier to get a new one. Make additional copies to turn in to the Office of International Affairs, to take with you, and to leave with parents.
Get a visa - Do some research and find out if your country of destination requires a visa. If so what kind of visa will you need? Sixty percent of the world's countries require visas for any length of stay. If you travel, you may need visas for other countries. Apply early for visas; processing time varies widely. Embassy addresses and phone numbers can be found at www.embassiesabroad.com
Get your shots- The center for disease control offers the most up-to-date information regarding vaccinations and shots. You should also consult your doctor.
Get a student ID - Longwood University provides you with an International Student ID card; this can provide you with discounts at museums, for youth admissions and fares for transportation and other great discounts. The additional benefit of an international student ID is the travel insurance, which usually includes minimal accident, health, repatriation and medical evacuation insurance. The ISIC card can be found at www.myisic.com
Consider a phone card - Do a little research and find out how you'll be communicating with your people back home. Phone cards are great but they don't always work. One option is the e-kit which combines voice mail, e-mail and phone card with conversions at the cheapest rates. www.goabroad.ekit.com/ekit/home another recently developed option is PicCell Wireless which also provides reliable, low-cost cell phones to study abroad students and world travellers.
Get insured - In addition to the basic coverage provided by the ISIC card, you should take additional comprehensive travel insurance. Two reliable and reputable sources are:CMI Insurance Specialists www.insuranceabroad.comCultural Insurance Services International(CISI) www.insuranceabroad.com
Develop a budget - Consider the in-country costs before you go. You should develop a budget and live by it. Consider the costs of optional excursions, gifts, school supplies, internet access, in-country transportation and general living costs. Don't be caught spending your entire semester budget your first week abroad.
Learn about your destination - You may experience "Culture Shock" no matter how prepared you are, and regardless of whether you have travelled before. One of the ways to have a better experience is to have realistic expectations. Read everything you can about your future home, and learn more about what Culture Shock is and how to overcome it.
Pack light - You won't need make-up in Nepal, your blow dryer won't work in Madrid, you'll probably never use your baseball glove in Botswana, and you can buy cheap sweaters in Ecuador. Pack light! Research your destination in advance, find out what kind of items you must bring (for example, mosquito netting) and find out what items you can purchase cheaply there.
Kunjungi www.investasi-saham.com untuk investasi saham dan bermain saham. Panduan Lengkap dalam Berinvestasi di Pasar Modal, Bursa Efek Indonesia, Saham, Obligasi, ORI, SUKUK, Reksadana, Derivatif, Investasi Syariah dan Produk Investasi Keuangan lainnya serta Belajar Menjadi Investor/ Trader (Main) Saham.
posted by Pieter Djatmiko at
03:36
1 Comments
