The Study Abroad Blog

Growing Up In A Globalized World

The real benefits of getting a global education and learning in a World classroom

YCIS Shanghai World Classroom A lot has been written about the 21^st century – the start of the global age – and the need now more than ever before for Americans to gain international experience. Much of the time this relates directly to studying abroad. While it’s almost all true, in my mind there seems to be a flaw in the way we look at the benefits of growing up in a global society and learning in a global classroom. And here’s why. (more…)

Selecting the right medical insurance when studying abroad

Study Abroad Medical Insurance Surgeon Medical insurance..it’s one of those things students either avoid or ignore altogether when preparing to study abroad. I could tell you stories about the inconveniences of having to pay your medical costs up front or finding the closest hospital while you’re traveling in a country where you don’t speak the language. But instead I’ll encourage you to just mull over this thought – you’re in another country on the other side of the world, would you really want to break a leg, or worse, be close to death on a hospital bed without insurance? (more…)

The guaranteed way to get something useful for studying abroad

Merry Christmas from my friends and I to you and yours

So I actually stuck by my idea and have kept this going as an annual post. In case you missed my explanation in the 2011 Christmas List, it’s basically a compilation of things I used, thought might be useful, or wish I had bought before I went abroad all together in one easy-to-email to friends and relatives list. While I thought some things would remain on the list from year to year, this year’s is 100% fresh. For the third year in a row, here’s The Study Abroad Student’s Christmas List for 2012.
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How 6 weeks of studying abroad set up one student’s life in Seville, Spain

Cat Gaa Study Abroad Spain Family Valladolid

Cat visiting Valladolid for her 25th birthday in 2010

My abroad story began long before I boarded a plane, rumbo Madrid. While earning college money the summer before leaving to study journalism at the University of Iowa, I came across an old, crimson photo album. Worn gold letters on the binding read, LOYOLA ROME CENTER, while the yellowed pages contained gem after gem of 1970s hair, bell-bottoms and the most celebrated sites of the Eternal City.
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Looking past London to the beauty of Brighton

Amanda Guarino Study Abroad Brighton England

Amanda standing on the Brighton Pier with the city in the background

I can’t tell you how many times, upon learning that I studied abroad in England, people assume I was in London. Of course, since it is the nation’s capital, it is obviously the most recognizable place and is home to many universities that Americans attend. However, my experience was a bit different, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. (more…)