The Top 10 Best Hostels In The World

The Study Abroad Blog’s list of the world’s best hostels

Wombats Hostel Germany AustriaBooking hostels is an important part of the trip planning process. Just because they’re less expensive than their hotel counterparts doesn’t mean they have to be low-quality, and in fact, a good hostel can add a huge boost to an already awesome trip. Judging by my own experiences, and thanks to a little help from the reviews over at Hostelworld.com, here are the top 10 best hostels in the world for student travelers. (more…)

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How To Get The U.S. Government To Pay For Your Study Abroad

Advice on earning government sponsored study abroad scholarships

White House Government Study Abroad ScholarshipsJust about every student is looking for a little financial aid when it comes to studying abroad, and what better help that a government funded study abroad scholarship? While there’s still some definite competition, the number and availability of scholarships like those I’ve listed below is steadily increasing with the U.S. Governments push to have more students studying critical languages and cultures that are critical to U.S. interests but underrepresented in study abroad. So if you’re looking to do some not-so-traditional study abroad, here are 5 ways you can earn a government study abroad scholarship. (more…)

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What Not To Pack For Study Abroad

Things I wish I had left off my study abroad packing list

What Not To Pack AbroadPacking lists have become somewhat of a specialty here on The Study Abroad Blog, with a packing list for a year abroad, one for weekend trips and travel, and of course, how exactly to pack in these situations. One thing I haven’t covered though, is what you don’t want to pack for study abroad. Since packing seems to be one of the most dreaded parts of the pre-study abroad prep period, keep reading to learn what you should leave behind. (more…)

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Journaling Is More Than Just Jotting Down Memories

The value of journaling both during and after your abroad experience

Girl Weaving Journaling AbroadWhether you realize it or not, as you prepare for your service learning experience, you are setting expectations. You have pictures in your head, likely from photographs used to market the trip, about what the community you visit will look like. You have likely thought about how you will feel when you first start your volunteer project and how you will feel when you leave the community to return home at the end of the experience. (more…)

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5 More Money Management Tips for Living Abroad

So you can stretch your dollar further when abroad

Foreign Currency Managing Money AbroadStudying abroad can be expensive; and even for those who successfully find scholarships for their program, forgetting about your finances back home can be a recipe for disaster. To avoid damaging your credit, getting into unnecessary debt, or simply wasting money, here are a few things to think about before you go. (more…)

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