Secrets To Saving Money On Drinks While Studying Abroad

How to save money on brews, booze, and other beverages when studying abroad

Munich Augustiner-Brau Beer Study Abroad

A few beers at the Augustiner Beer Hall

This is Part 5 of my series, “50 Ways To Save Money While Studying Abroad”. It’s been a while since I wrote about how to save money while studying abroad by eating cheap, and part of the delay was a lack of inspiration for my final 10 tips. However, that inspiration just came in the form of the coffee I’m currently drinking, so without further delay, here are The Study Abroad Blog’s “Secrets To Saving Money On Drinks While Studying Abroad”. Continue Reading

Work vs. Play: A Common Study Abroad Conundrum

How to balance work and play while studying abroad

A common study abroad conundrum – work vs. play

Most students will agree that the academic workload abroad is on the lighter side of what we’re used to, a big reason being that you learn just as much outside of the classroom as you do inside. For some students, however, the act of balancing both work and play while studying abroad can be pretty difficult. This guest post was written by a student who found herself in such a situation, becoming overwhelmed with academic responsibilities, and having a tough time balancing classes with her overall experience abroad. Keep reading for her advice on how to handle a similar situation. Continue Reading

1 Backpack + 3 Days = Weekend Travel Packing List

The Ultimate Weekend Travel Packing List

Two Men Backpacking Weekend Travel Packing List

Backpacks – totally superior to the rolling suitcase

Other than your inter-semester break (if you’re abroad for a year) or the occasional week-long vacation, most of your trips while abroad will be for 5 days or less. The common method is to leave Thursday night, skip class on Friday, travel for the long weekend, and then head back to your university on Sunday night. While I’ve written a number of posts in the past about prep and packing for studying abroad, I’ve yet to cover what you should bring on these long-weekend adventures. So, inspired by both the success of 2 Suitcases + 1 Year = Study Abroad Packing List, as well as my recent trip to Southern China, I decided to create The Ultimate Weekend Travel Packing List. Continue Reading

Lessons Learned From A Semester Studying At Beijing University

Looking back on my semester studying Chinese at Beijing University

Beijing University West Gate Sign Study Abroad

“北京大学” – Beijing University

I took my last final on Friday, which means my semester at Beijing University is officially over. I can definitely say that I’m relieved – Beida demanded a lot from my friends and I, although it wasn’t in the way that CET did, and it wasn’t necessarily the learning Chinese part that was so demanding. Am I sad about leaving Beida? Not really. However, I can sit here today and say that I’m still happy with my decision to study at Beida, and I consider what I did learn about Chinese, my own self, and life in general to be very valuable. As is becoming habit, here’s a review of my semester studying abroad at Beijing University. Continue Reading

The Top 50 iPhone Apps For Studying Abroad

iPhone Apps – Because we could all use help, especially while studying abroad

I know a commercial exists with the tagline, “there’s an app for that”, and while I can’t remember anything else about said commercial, it doesn’t matter. The most important thing to know is that, from toilet locators to virtual classrooms, there’s an app to make just about every aspect of study abroad life a little bit (if not a lot) easier, and in the end, make your experience a whole lot better. The compliment to “The Study Abroad Student’s Guide To Using The iPhone Abroad“, here’s the Top 50 iPhone Apps For Studying Abroad. Continue Reading