Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

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!



Friday, April 11, 2014

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)!