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? 

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!

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?