Goodbye for Now!

            I want to thank you all, my lovely readers and fellow bloggers for reading my posts and hearing my opinion on studying abroad. I hope you have all learned something from reading my blog and are planning to study abroad in the near future. I sincerely believe that everyone can benefit and grow from the experiences studying abroad entails.

            This will not be the last you hear of me, it will be a temporary hiatus for now. I will update as much as I can, but this summer I might not be posting as much as I have been recently because college can tire a girl out! College is no joke. I need some relaxation and RR for the next few months. Hopefully this summer, I travel to yet another foreign country to inform you all on the wonderful adventures I had to give you guys another potential study abroad destination. This blog will continue to be active especially when I travel abroad in a year to London, England. I will inform you all about my education, exploration, and adventures while abroad. I will make sure to not leave anything out!

            My experience as a blogger has been wonderful, and none of this would have been possible without all of my readers support. Thank you for being interested in what I have to say and allowing me to give my insight on the study abroad topic. Your feedback has been so supportive and humbling. This blog has allowed me to relive my amazing experiences while traveling and remember all the memories I have made over the years. The thing I have learned about blogging is that not only is it a great way for me to express myself as a writer but help others become informed about studying abroad. Lastly, writing this blog has made me more passionate about studying abroad. I am more motivated and more excited than ever for what is in store for my future as a study abroad student. Thank you for everything, please feel free to leave comments or messages. Even though I may not be updating for a while, you may still contact me and I will get back to you ASAP! Have a wonderful summer, be safe, travel, explore, and have fun!

Guten Tag!

Good day my German lovers! German beer, beautiful and friendly people, and the sites Germany has to offer would make Germany an exciting place to study abroad to. Are you still not convinced whether or not you should study abroad? Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad.

The article Disadvantages of Studying Abroad, published by Ball State University, stated that the primary disadvantage of studying abroad is being away from your family. If you were to study abroad in Germany, you would not be able to be with your family and do normal activities like eating dinner as a family. Not being able to be with your family may make you lonely at times and miss the familiarity of your daily routines. Another disadvantage of studying abroad in Germany would be the culture shock that students have to face and adapt to while living there. The last disadvantage of studying abroad in Germany would be to have to learn how to speak German and having to use it as a primary language on a daily basis.

These disadvantages for studying abroad can actually be seen as advantages for students to study abroad. From personal experience, as a college student who lives over six hours away from home, I understand the struggle of being away from your family. Even though studying abroad takes away students time to spend time with your family, it allows the students to grow and become independent. Communication will definitely be harder due to continental and time differences, but writing letters is a good way to stay connected with family members or even adding a long distance phone plan will help communication become easier. This lack of communication with family can actually be used to explore Germany in its entirety to keep busy without thinking about being home sick. Visiting places like the Berlin Wall, Rugen Island, and other beautiful sites will give students something to write about in their letters to their family about their adventures while abroad.

German Beer

Culture change between Germany and America can actually be seen as an advantage for students because it is a learning experience to see how different parts of the world interact. Philip Anderson and Leigh Lawton, journalists for the Frontiers journal, stated that studying abroad enhances intercultural development which helps students appreciate and gain knowledge about how traditional and cultural values differ from countries. Interacting with people in Germany while studying abroad will be especially easy because while I visited last summer, everyone was friendly and inviting. German people are happy go lucky people who just love to sit in a Pub drinking authentic German beer and having a nice chat. Don’t worry, there is no under-age drinking for college students since the legal drinking age in Germany is eighteen years old.  And trust me; German beer definitely lives up to its expectations.

Having to learn German and use it on an everyday basis may seem like a disadvantage, but it in fact can be beneficial for students. It may be difficult to learn another language, but being fluent in more than one language is impressive to future employers and definitely something to add to your resume. Plus, learning how to speak German in the actual origins of the country is beneficial for students because not only will you practice it regularly but you will be able to excel faster by communicating with people who use it as their primary language.

The disadvantages of studying abroad in Germany can be changed into advantages for students. There are more positive outcomes rather than negative outcomes from studying abroad. Germany is very welcoming with their friendly residents, relaxing chats at the Pub, and beautiful sites to see. Weighing the pros and cons of studying abroad, do you think it is a good idea to study abroad? 

Hola ¿Cómo Estás

Mexico here we come! Sun-kissed weather, authentic Mexican food, and dancing all night are what are in store if you spend a semester abroad in Mexico. You may be wondering wouldn’t studying abroad be too expensive compared to taking a vacation instead? The answer is no! Studying abroad is 100 percent affordable for students compared to a short expensive vacation to Mexico.

            Specifically, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico would be the best place to study abroad to. The beaches are absolutely beautiful with crystal blue water, beautiful caves surrounding the beach, and delicious drinks and food. Studying abroad in Cabo San Lucas would be a better financial investment rather than taking a vacation. Studying abroad in Mexico would be a smarter decision for students because the tuition you would be spending for a semester at university would directly go towards studying abroad in Mexico. In fact, Hechinger Report, an educational news outlet, stated that scholarships and grants up to $8,000 are offered to students who study abroad. With these finances covered by the university for students, it will become more affordable for students to study abroad rather than to take a vacation on their own without any financial help.

      

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas,Mexico: cave beach

      The money study abroad students receive from scholarships and grants helps students save extra spending money for fun activities to do while in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. For example, students now can take a boat ride along Cabo’s beaches to see the caves’ beautiful architecture up close and personal. As well as snorkeling in the beautiful blue water with the fishes. Snorkeling was probably my favorite part because the beach water was so warm and clear that you really got to see the fish swimming around you and feel their fins brush against your skin. Careful if you are ticklish! Receiving money to get an education while abroad plus being able to participate in all these fun activities in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is like killing two birds with one stone. A vacation to Cabo San Lucas would not be as beneficial to students.

            Taking a vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico would be too expensive for college students to afford. Taking into account that students have to pay an average of $23,000 a year for room and board at a university, students are already deep into debt; it would not be affordable for students to take a vacation during the summer. According to travel website, Trip Advisor states that an average plane ticket to Cabo San Lucas would cost $550 and up, plus the costs of a hotel resort each night, and an all inclusive meal plan that costs an average of $750 a day per person. This does not include any costs for activities to do while in Cabo.

Factoring in the financial aid, scholarships, education, and adventure studying abroad in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico compared to the prices a student would have to pay in order to have a vacation, education, and fun, it is obvious that students would financially benefit more from studying abroad. Speaking as an experienced traveler, if I had the opportunity to study abroad to Cabo San Lucas rather than taking a vacation, I would have chosen to study abroad because that would have saved my family and I a lot of extra money. Studying abroad in Cabo San Lucas Mexico is affordable to students compared to a vacation because students abroad are able to get financial help from the university as well as using their tuition to not only be educated in a foreign country but to also to live and explore Mexico at the same time. Want to save some money? Study abroad at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

                        

Popping Puerto Rico!

Next stop beautiful Puerto Rico. From the beautiful rain forests, delicious food, and friendly people, Puerto Rico is a dream study abroad destination. With all these different dynamics, studying abroad in Puerto Rico will positively change your life perceptions.

La Coca Tropical Rain Forest, Puerto Rico 

According to the research news journal, Science Daily published an article about how travelling and tourism changes peoples life perceptions. Results illustrate that “travelers tend to seek more recreation and the perception of theirlives becomes more colorful after their travel.” I could not agree more with this argument because after experiencing all of the wonderful activities Puerto Rico have to offer, my quest for adventure has heightened. One activity students have to do while studying abroad in Puerto Rico is hiking the tropical rain forest. There is honestly nothing else like it. It often rains during the hike making the trail very slippery so proceed with caution! After experiencing the beautiful sights and journey while hiking the beautiful tropical rain forest, every other activity seemed ordinary. For instance, going to a theme park, going to the movies, etc. used to be my idea of fun but after traveling in Puerto Rico, my perception of fun has been altered.

Studying abroad will change your life perceptions because while travelling abroad you tend to see things differently. A new environment causes change in your view of everyday activities. I can attest to this because as an experienced traveler my level of satisfaction has changed due to exploring all of the different dynamics each place has to offer.  Studying abroad in Puerto Rico will make students more aware of the endless amount of possibilities for sources of fun. Doing normal tasks such as hanging at the mall or watching some T.V. while knowing there are things you have not done, places you have not seen or experienced makes those things seem boring and unfulfilling. This is why studying abroad will be beneficial for students to be adventurous and to explore unfamiliar places.

Journalist for the International Journal of Intercultural relations, Jerry S. Carlson, also argued that studying abroad enhances students’ life perceptions. The article provided evidence that students who studied abroad have become more positive and more appreciative. Students’ who study abroad overall become more positive and appreciative because of the opportunity to see more of the world and compare it to their home environment. Not only will studying abroad make you appreciate the environment of the destination you are travelling but it makes you appreciate your home environment as well. For example, while Puerto Rico has a lot to offer, the humidity and musty air was definitely not my favorite part, but it surely made me appreciate California weather.

What made me appreciate travelling in Puerto Rico were their delectable dishes! A famous Puerto

Mofongo

Rican dish that was absolutely mouth watering was named Mofongo. I know it sounds disgusting but it was definitely delicious containing meat, veggies, olive oil, garlic, etc. That is definitely a must try dish if you decide to study abroad there. I appreciated Puerto Rican food better than the average trip to Mcdonald’s or Taco Bell back home. The smallest things while travelling to a foreign place can make a large impact on people just by having an out of the ordinary experience.

Being more positive, appreciative, and an overall positive change in life perceptions are all effects from studying abroad. A better change in me is not something I would want to pass up. This is all possible with a small trip to study abroad in Puerto Rico. Are you ready? 

Sizzling Spain!

Brush up on your Spanish because we are going to Spain. Spain is another perfect study abroad destination that you should consider. If you like going to the beach and having fun in the sun, Spain is the place to be. With all the activities to do in Spain, will your GPA suffer? Absolutely not!

Although, when I went to Spain I did not have to worry about school, doing my homework, or studying for exams, I can guarantee that balancing school and having fun in Spain is achievable. In fact, students can multi-task by exploring places in Spain while studying at the same time. While in Spain, I visited Barceloneta Beach which was not only beautiful but relaxing as well. This would be an ideal spot for students to study, read, write an essay and then reward themselves for a little study break with a little dip into the warm ocean. But make sure to pack on loads of sun screen, UV rays are a lot stronger in Spain than the U.S. hence the title sizzling Spain.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain is absolutely beautiful, you can just step outside and stare at the buildings and houses from a far for hours. It’s a perfect place to just sit, relax, and have a picnic. As college students we know that you can basically do your homework anywhere, why not have beautiful views instead of an ugly dorm room to stay at while studying.

Students’ GPA will not be altered due to studying abroad in Spain as long as each student has self discipline to work hard and remember that the reason they have the opportunity to study abroad is to extend their academic opportunities. Teresa Cisneros-Donahue, a journalist for the journal of Education and Learning explained that over the past 12 years the number of students who studied abroad has increased by 1000 percent with an increase in student success rates. Students who study abroad have higher success rates because they expand their educational experiences and develop new ways to learn. Not to mention that students have requirements to meet in order to be eligible to study abroad such as a 3.0 GPA which they must maintain in order to continue their travels abroad.

Journalist for higher Education, Elizabeth Redden, stated "The GLOSSARI Project (study regarding GPA statistics for study abroad students) found that for students who'd studied abroad, their mean cumulative GPA prior to going overseas was 3.24 and their mean cumulative GPA afterward was 3.30."  As you can see both Cisneros-Donahue and Redden provided evidence that studying abroad will not decrease students' GPA but many in fact raise it. 
           A higher GPA plus the opportunity to venture out in Spain is definitely something I want. Don't you? 

Oh La La, Italia!

That’s right my lovely readers, we are talking about Italy! Italy is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Italy offers so many educational opportunities for travelers to experience. Skeptics may try to argue that studying abroad takes away from students’ education and that it is an excuse to party it up in a foreign country. But, that in fact is not the case.

The Colosseum: Rome, Italy

Although, Italy may seem like all fun and games when it comes to delicious food and attractive people, a semester abroad here can enhance students’ chances on landing their dream career. A journalist from the Chicago Tribune specializing in international education, Carolyn Bigda wrote an article arguing that students who study abroad have a greater likelihood of getting hired in their job field compared to those who have not. A primary example would be a student majoring in architecture because of all the beautiful architecture Italy has to offer. For instance, the Colosseum is a jaw dropping site to see. When I went to Rome, Italy last summer and took a tour to see The Colosseum up close and personal I was able to really admire all the beautiful ridges, cracks, and structure put together that made up this historical piece of architecture.

Leaning Tower Of Pisa: Pisa, Italy 

 A student who is majoring in architecture would definitely have a strong advantage while applying to a job because they can reference that they went to one of the world’s pre-eminent sites to study architecture. An architecture student would most definitely benefit by spending a semester abroad in Italy because of the various amounts of architecture they have the opportunity to explore such as The Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Colesseum, The Vatican Church, The Roman Parthenon, Ancient Pompeii, and the list goes on and on. That would be one great resume compared to an aspiring architect who does not have these international site seeing experiences.  

Ancient Pompeii: Pompeii, Italy

The history behind all of these beautiful architectural structures would definitely help those history majors have a better understanding of these places by learning about it firsthand. I know I would have a stronger passion and appreciation for my work if I saw it right in front of me.

Personally as an International Business major, I know studying abroad in Italy would be beneficial while applying for my future career.  A graduate student from Widener University commented on how her experience studying abroad in Florence, Italy enhanced her learning experience. She explained, “The thing I liked most about going on the trip is getting to learn how other countries/governments are dealing with many social issues and situations.” This ties back to how I would personally benefit having an experience like this because as a future international business entrepreneur I am going to have to communicate with  Italian employers about certain business deals, but I  would have to factor in the different cultural and professional dynamics each country has while doing a business transaction.

Italy has a world wind of opportunities for students who choose to study abroad here. Any student can use the experiences they had while abroad and form an advantage in the job market. Studying abroad not only is an experience of a lifetime, but also a platform for your financial future. Now can you argue that studying abroad is not beneficial for your future career? Until next time my fabulous readers, Chao!

Cheerio Mates!

London, England 2013

           Who doesn’t love British accents? 
           This past Summer I had the opportunity to visit London, England. Trying the food, meeting new people, and visiting all the beautiful sites London has to offer helped me make the easiest decision to plan on studying abroad there when I have the chance.

            While I was in London, England the people I met there were incredibly welcoming and polite. It was really easy to make friends in England especially in the oddest places. My dad even met a nice young man in the bathroom or as they call it the “loo”. In this moment (weird I know), I knew that the environment England has is somewhere I could be comfortable living in. That is also a huge factor when choosing somewhere to study abroad because of the amount of time you spend there, you want to make sure you will truly enjoy yourself.

            Spending a few months or even a year here, people could make so many more friends compared to the few friends you would make during a vacation. Studying abroad will help make lasting friendships because a relationship will form over the course of a few months rather than a one-time encounter during a vacation. In fact, according to the IES Abroad News survey 52 percent of alumni continue to be in contact with the friends they made while abroad.

Another perk of studying abroad is experiencing the differences in food. While staying in London, England I tried the famous fish and chips at a small restaurant. British people really love their fish and chips because the line for the restaurant wrapped around an entire block. Studying Abroad will open your taste buds to a variety of foods you have never tried plus the dining experiences you have will change ordinary social interactions. Not to mention, the food was absolutely delicious.

The London Eye

Studying abroad allows you to really explore the place you are in rather than just seeing pictures on the internet. It will allow you to really appreciate the architectural and traditional differences from different counties. For example, I will never forget seeing the London Eye because the tour guide told us that people often get married while riding the London Eye. They seal their marriage with a kiss once they reach the top of the London Eye and as they make their way down the marriage is downhill from there. I’m sure he was joking.

Studying abroad also will let you be active in events going on the city that you would not be able to participate in if you were vacationing for only a short amount of time. For example, while I was in London this past summer there was a marathon being held for people to run around the city. People were so engaged by it, the streets were closed off, and everyone watched or participated. Royal ParksFoundation holds a 13.1 mile marathon in Central London for every one of all ages to participate in. This is usually held during the fall which would not be ideal for students who go to school unless of course you study abroad and get to have a fun vacation while still attending school. It’s a win-win situation.  

            I don’t know about you but I’m already packing my suitcase. Good food, no language barrier, beautiful sites, beautiful people, why wouldn’t you want to study abroad here? Trust me; you will have a bloody good time!

Parlez-Vous Français?

         In case you don’t understand, this translates to “Do you speak French?” Well you can learn and what better place to learn other than France itself! Majority of universities offer a French course as part of a Study Abroad Language Program designated in France due to its large popularity. So who needs Rosetta stone? They don’t call French the language of love for nothing (wink wink). 
Trust me when I say France is a place that you must see. The views, the food, the music, and the people are completely different from back in the United States. Taking a French course in France is bringing the pictures you see in text books to life. Instead of seeing a picture of kids having fun in France, you will be living it.  Not only will learning French guarantee that you will not order the wrong food or enter the wrong restroom, but “SIT Study Abroad Program views language learning as a critical tool to greater intercultural competency, thematic understanding, and cultural understanding.” The French would appreciate you more because you are trying to follow their customs and speak in their language rather than you telling them to adapt to your traditions. 
Studying Abroad in France is definitely in the top five choices of countries to go to because of the amount of culture there is. French people love to dance. While I went to France this past summer, there was a dance festival happening in the random streets of France. It was so beautiful to see. Young couples were dancing, old couples were dancing, friends were dancing, and everyone was dancing! According to the article Summer Festivals in France: Dance and Theater Round up (2013) by French Culture, There are Long-running, world-renowned festivals such as the Festival d’Avignon (the oldest festival in France), or the Festival International de Théâtre et de la Rue in Aurillac (the largest street theater festival in Europe). Sounds like the Summer Study abroad Program in France is the place to go. 

Eiffel Tower Paris, France

Now let’s not forget about the sightseeing! The Eiffel Tower is absolutely beautiful in person. I was in awe of it. The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower is breath taking and something you can never forget.  Also time is not a huge factor because the study abroad program can last from three months to a year depending how long you want to stay. You may also study abroad twice. So get your romance on and have a date on the top of the Eiffel Tower with that cute French person you meet. 
Another site to see would be the Louvre.  The Louvre is one of the world’s largest museums and a historical monument. Many schools and universities take tours through The Louvre. While abroad that would definitely be somewhere to go because learning and hearing about The Louvre is one thing but seeing it firsthand takes your educational experience to another level. 

Tarte aux Fruits

         Lastly the food in France is to die for. Crepes in America do not even compare to the Crepes I’ve had in France. The desserts are mouth watering. Tarte Tatin, Mousse au chocolate, croissants, Crème brûlée, the list is endless. I probably gained five pounds from that trip. Shh don’t tell anyone.
          So is France the place for you?

          It was for me. Studying Abroad here can make all the exciting adventures I had happen to you. Au Revoir mes amis (Goodbye my friends)!

Going Around the Globe

Europe 2013

          Since I was a child I always loved to watch those Mary- Kate and Ashley movies where they travel to different countries and have adventures of a lifetime. Before the start of every movie they throw a dart at a map to choose which country they want to go next. This is where the spark happened. From that moment on I knew I wanted to see every place in the world there is to see. I have a world map hanging in my room with all of the places I have been to pinned, it is my goal to have every country, island, state covered with pins. I have had the privilege to travel to many places varying from over fifteen states with in the U.S., Mexico, The Bahamas, Spain, Italy, France, England, Germany, Puerto Rico Canada, and others. Having the opportunity to experience a new place while learning and exploring what it has to offer is absolutely exhilarating. The memories I have made traveling from place to place led me to the idea of studying abroad while at university. The endless amount of benefits that come along with studying abroad makes the opportunity impossible to pass up.

My first experience traveling started out small. At the age of five I went on family road trips to states within the U.S. Obviously, I went to Las Vegas, Nevada because it was the closest state from my hometown. Plus, my mom really likes to gamble, my dad not so much. It was so interesting to see the variety of people that were also visiting. Since Las Vegas is a major tourist attraction I saw people from different parts of the U.S. and even from different countries like Australia, Canada, Mexico, etc.

Pompeii, Italy 2013

My trips to different countries is when I seriously thought about studying abroad in the future because the cultural differences, experiences, and adventures that you have while in a foreign place really excites you to see more. During my vacations I have made endless amounts of memories that I will cherish forever but that saying “you can’t see the world in a day” is completely true. I feel that a one or two week vacation is not enough to see what an entire country has to offer.

 Usually countries have more than one major city with beautiful landmarks and historical backgrounds. So, a short amount of time does not really fulfill the true beauty of a country.  For example, while in Italy I really wanted to see the famous Trevi Fountain but was unable to because of cramming a bunch of sightseeing within the three days I was there.

Studying abroad takes traveling onto another level. You will no longer be a tourist but a world seeker and a travelling enthusiast. Studying abroad creates independence for young college students to experience a foreign place for months away from home with your peers along your side. I have seen parts of the world which has made my life experiences all the more interesting, but studying abroad lets you really soak it all in. Come on fellow students; are you ready for an adventure?