Monday, December 24, 2007

Why should you be interested in a study abroad program? by ken wislon

Ever wanted to study abroad? Do you dream of studying in another country, satisfying your thirst for knowledge and culture at the same time? If the answer is yes, then you should definitely consider a study abroad program. It not only allows you to study at some of the best universities in the world, but at the same time it will offer you one of the most incredible experiences you have ever had. Just imagine studying in countries like Argentina, Australia, England, Chile, Spain, Italy, Ireland or France. It does sound almost too good to believe, doesn't it?

With the help of the Internet, you can find plenty of specialized companies that offer students the possibility to study abroad. The diversity of programs can be bewildering, especially to the untrained eye. At first glance, one might consider all the programs to be great, but in reality not all provide the same services or have the same standards. Bearing those facts in mind, it is essential to find a study abroad program that suits your needs, your preferences and also your budget. Go for a company that has already built a reputation in the field and one that does not hesitate to provide you all the help you might need along the way.

As exciting as it may sound to study abroad, you have to think this through and decide if you are prepared to take such an important step. If you do decide to study abroad, then you should know that study abroad programs include the following locations: Buenos Aires (Argentina), Vina del Mar (Chile), London and Oxford (England), Aix-en-Provence and Avignon (France), Dublin (Ireland), Florence and Rome (Italy), Barcelona, Seville, Salamanca and Madrid (Spain), and Melbourne, Perth, and Tasmania (Australia). All of these locations seem truly interesting and you can certainly use the Internet to find out more about them. At the same time, you can use this technology and browse through all the existing pages of the website in question, discovering relevant information about the program costs and dates. You can find out what is included in a study abroad program, what the prices are and even see sample itineraries.

Lets take the example of Buenos Aires, Argentina and see what Universidad de Belgrano has to offer for the semester study abroad program. As a student, you will be required to pay a certain price for the program and also a damage deposit in case you decide to reside in a student shared apartment. The university accepts beginner, intermediate and advanced level students, requiring (depending on the level) Spanish language studies. The minimum GPA accepted is a 2.5 and students must be at least 18 years old. As for the Universidad de Vina del Mar from Chile, students are required to take a Spanish test when they arrive in order to identify their level. One can choose between summer or semester programs (fall and spring), after passing the above mentioned tests. Some of the classes that will be studied in Chile are Spanish phonetics and pronunciation, Mesoamerican culture or Latin American film.

As you will see, each study abroad program has its own variety of programs and number of courses offered. London has more subjects to offer than one can imagine, including business management, humanities, international relations and literature. Just imagine flying half way around the world to study the principles of management, introduction to drawing or the history of Russia, enjoying at the same time one of the greatest cities in the world. You will certainly consider the decision to study abroad one of the best you have ever made. And the prices for these programs are actually quite affordable. No matter if you decide to go for human development, introduction to sociology or modern world cinema, you can still benefit from incredible educational programs, all offered in the same English style.

What does a study abroad program include? Well, there are the academic credits that can be easily transferred your college or university, the official transcript, on-site director offering constant support for students, overnight and day excursions (all entrance and accommodations fees paid!), boarding, tuition fees, airport pick-ups, Internet access, cell phones and many more other things. One can easily apply online and the application process is quite easy to complete. If you want to study abroad, then all you have to do is to go on the web and find out what the minimum requirements for your program is to be accepted. Make sure that you read all the information presented online, including the one about credits, financial aid and flight arrangements. Pick out a country that will provide you with the educational opportunities you need and prepare to enjoy a truly wonderful experience!

- Summer Stydy Abroad Program -

About the Author

If you have made the decision to - http://www.academicstudies.com then you should definitely visit our website and find out more about the programs we have to offer. Read the general information, read some of the frequently asked questions, and discover valuable information about using your financial aid. You can find the best http://www.academicstudies.com

Monday, December 10, 2007

Benefits of International Study Abroad (Summer Study Abroad Program)

When considering international study abroad, you might need to persuade your parents into agreeing with your decision to travel so far away. However, there are many reasons why you should consider international study abroad that you might not have thought of - besides being able to get away from your 'normal' life for a while. Here are three main reasons why you should consider international study abroad and why your parents should send you with their blessing.
Starting in the northern areas of the European nations, when you want to study abroad, Europe is able to offer technology and computer training for students. Most of these study abroad locations are in the Scandinavian regions of Finland and the other neighboring countries. At these locations, you can work side by side with expert programmers and installers, or teach basic computer skills to new students. When you study abroad, Europe schools tend to combine the teaching and learning aspects of an education more thoroughly than many American schools that focus on teaching.

Most students choose the summertime to study abroad. London foreign students find that they can immerse themselves quite well in that shorter period of time, while also getting the credits and the recognition for international study. London offers six week courses that can be taken concurrently in order to make the most of their time there. Other students find that shorter classes work better for their intentions for study abroad. London is flexible and willing to work with a variety of educational goals.

In a program to study abroad, Italy is probably best know for its ancient beginnings. Rome is generally considered one of the birthplaces of civilization, enduring many battles and revolutions until it became the historical mecca that it is today. With sweeping architecture and an emphasis on debate and philosophy, when free thinkers study abroad, Italy is an important place to consider.

If your parents still aren't impressed, let them know that an international study abroad program can give you more contacts in the world that will allow you to get your career started on the right foot. By establishing a new network of future contacts through international study abroad, you will allow yourself to have the brightest future possible - and move out of their house all the sooner.



About the Author
Menno Cooper is a recognized authority on the subject of study abroad. His web site, www.mystudyabroadsite.com, provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on everything you'll ever need to know about study abroad."

-
Summer Study Abroad Program -

Friday, December 7, 2007

Summer Programs (Summer Study Abroad Program)

- Summer Study Abroad Program -

Almost all schools, colleges and universities in the United States offer summer programs. Summer programs are mainly conducted to engage students during the summer. Most of these programs target under-represented minority students at three academic levels: high school, college, and graduate students. Summer programs help students to broaden their horizons and jazz up their college applications.

Students who attend the summer programs often live on the campus under the supervision of various resident assistants and take part in a wide variety of activities including arts and crafts, sports, music, and dance. The courses also cover the liberal arts disciplines. Most summer programs are instructed by an experienced and varied group of instructors from public and private schools and universities. The duration of the summer programs is from two to four weeks. The summer programs help students share a rich experience outside the classroom.

Summer programs allow students to explore the subjects in depth and work at a challenging pace, and develop new skills while learning topics that students of their age often do not have the chance to practice. Most students who attend summer programs report a boost in their academic knowledge and potential. The programs encourage them to develop better study habits and improve their educational goals.

Before selecting a summer program for a child, parents should talk to their son/daughter about the type of program they prefer to attend. The right program will guarantee a fruitful summer for the child, and maximize opportunities to develop any dormant skills.

Summer Programs provides detailed information on Summer Programs, Summer Camp Programs, Summer School Programs, Summer Program For High School Students and more. Summer Programs is affiliated with Day Camp.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey


- Summer Study Abroad Program -

Thursday, November 29, 2007

An Introduction To Study Abroad

The term "study abroad" refers to options in international education available to students wishing to obtain degrees from universities and colleges in other parts of the world. Study abroad programs have the primary advantage of enabling the student to develop a global perspective and international attitude. Besides, studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to come into close contact with a totally different culture, partake in their day-to-day life and return home with plenty of cherished memories. With globalization, proficiency in another language and culture will stand a student in good stead.

It is worthwhile to note that the most expert coaching in particular subjects may be available in a country other than one's own. Study abroad program advisers can assist one in selecting a country which best suits one's chosen area of study. Students can choose from a wide range of programs encompassing art, business, medicine, engineering, health, humanities, liberal arts and sciences. The courses include graduate short-term and full-degree study abroad programs, and adult study abroad programs.

Most of the study abroad courses are expensive, but various financial resources are available for prospective students. These come in the form of loans from banks and other financial institutions, as well as scholarships and internships. Certain courses grant special concessions to women. Another important factor is to get a suitable student insurance plan before enrolling in a study abroad program. Familiarizing oneself with the customs and laws of the country one is going to is also a prerequisite.

Web newsletters, websites and handbooks are a mine of information on study abroad resources. Before committing oneself to a course, it is necessary to ensure that the organization is genuine, has no false educational claims and that the fee charged is reasonable.

Study provides detailed information on Study, Study Abroad, Home Study, Bible Study and more. Study is affiliated with Study Abroad Programs.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seth_Miller

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Study Abroad Programs In Italy

Italy is popular for its rich culture, fabulous food, and diverse region. Universities in Italy are known for the quality of education they offer at an affordable price. Many students prefer to enroll themselves in different study programs with these universities. Each Italian university approaches the needs of students in a different manner. Italian study programs offer degrees and diplomas for general management or specialization. They offer courses for a duration of one or more years.

Duquesne, Gonzaga, Hamline, and Tulane are some of the popular universities that offer study programs for students from abroad.

In Italy, the Palazzo Rucellai Institute of Fine and Liberal Arts is situated in the heart of Florence city's historical center. This historical environment is considered a suitable inspirational setting for an institution of higher learning. This institute concentrates on the Florentine tradition of art. The Institute offers an accredited US study abroad program that meets the American belief of academic brilliance and higher education. Palazzo Rucellai offers individuals with an exceptional prospect of participating in the collaboration of great traditions as well.

Universities in Italy provide a full learning experience. The program and syllabus is up-to-date, practical, and challenging. It is designed and constantly redesigned to meet the needs of the aspiring students. Students can also enroll in courses relating to business, photography, literature and many more. They are all taught in English. If students have specialized in art, history, architecture, Italian language, or business, they will come across suitable programs that are designed to complement their studies. Students who are not acquainted with Italian language can take advantage of learning Italian language. Many universities train students to speak this language fluently. All the study programs in Italy include 6 to 18 (semester) credit hours. Students can accommodate themselves in student's apartments, which are shared by two or more students. Nearly all the universities conduct orientation program before or in between the semesters. They also include weekly cultural programs and access to computer labs. These management study programs may also assist interested students with visas and travel issues.

There are International Education institutes that are afflicted with abroad study programs in Italy. They offer loans as well as information relating to different programs. This is done for the very fact that it is becoming necessary for many institutions to expand their study abroad options. Many online sites provide information regarding the various study programs available.

Italy provides detailed information on Italy, Italy Vacations, Map of Italy, History of Italy and more. Italy is affiliated with Italy Travel Guide.

Studying Abroad in Russia: 5 Tips for Students

Russia offers many advantages for students planning to study abroad. The cost of living in most areas is low compared to the U.S. and Western Europe and the huge size of the country means that it offers a wide variety of cultural experiences. Russia has a long history of visual and performing arts and literature, which is represented in its many museums, galleries and theatres.

To make the most of your study abroad experience, use these tips to plan ahead:

1. Decide how to get there. The two easiest ways to study in Russia are through programs offered by their home colleges and through study abroad programs at special institutes, such as the School for International Training (www.sit.edu). Students seeking more immersion may want to study at a Russian university. The cheapest way to do this is by direct enrollment, but facilitating organizations like the School of Russian and Asian Studies (www.sras.org) offer reasonably-priced assistance.

2. Find out about credits. Work with your college or university's study abroad program to ensure your credits transfer. The best time to do this is before you enroll in a study abroad program, since transfer requirements vary from college to college. You don't want to find out at the end of the semester that your credit won't transfer! Be sure to ask how studying in Russia will affect your transcript. Will grades transfer, or just credits? Will your classes count for your general education or major requirements?

3. Choosing accommodations. The two most common accommodations for students are homestays with Russian families and dorms at Russian universities. Many families in Russia host foreign students in their flats (apartments) for extra money. This is an extremely affordable option for students and can be a great way to learn more about Russian culture and family life. If you would rather meet many Russian and international students your own age, then dorm accommodations might be a better choice.

4. Don't forget your student ID! Although prices in Russia are low compared to the West, student ID cards make cultural events like museums, theatre, ballet, and opera even more affordable. Russia is known worldwide for its performing arts scene, and with a student ID, opera tickets can cost only a few dollars! While Russian student IDs give the biggest discounts, foreign student IDs can still open the door to substantial discounts.

5. Relax and try new things. Although the language barrier can be challenging and frustrating, Russia is an exciting country full of opportunities. Remember that most people appreciate your efforts to speak their language, even if you're not fluent yet. While class is important, the experiences of a new country are irreplaceable. Try new foods, go to a concert or holiday celebration with your host family, or visit the priceless treasures in the Hermitage’s Gold Room.

Studying in Russia can be the adventure of a lifetime--take advantage of it, and don't forget to have fun. Your college's study abroad office can help you plan a successful semester abroad, and the internet offers many helpful resources, such as the excellent Transitions Abroad website (www.transitionsabroad.com), which offers many informative articles about studying and working in Russia.

Melissa Barton is a freelance writer and editor, specializing in science and travel writing. Barton studied in St. Petersburg, Russia, at the Nevsky Institute of Language and Culture as an undergraduate. Her travel writing has been published in Geotimes, Transitions Abroad, and other magazines. Visit her online at Rosetta Stones Freelancing (http://www.rosettastones.net).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_Barton

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Study Abroad - Why Choose to Study at a UK University? (Summer Study Abroad Program)

Can a quarter-million of the world’s brightest students be wrong? That’s one estimate of the number of foreign students who forsake the comforts of home and brave the UK’s food and, for many, forbidding weather to get the postgraduate education they consider the key to a bright future in their homelands.

The British Council puts the total number of overseas students currently studying in Britain – at all academic levels – at nearly one million, with two-fifths of post-graduate students hailing from other countries. The British government’s increasing recognition of the value of this phenomenon to the British economy overall is likely to increase its efforts to attract these students away from competing institutions in other countries and to address the complex student-visa laws that most overseas students cite as the greatest – and often the only – disincentive to seeking graduate degrees in the UK.

Studying in the UK, rather than at comparable universities and colleges in other countries, clearly remains the first choice of the largest segment of the overseas student population.

The principle reason can be summed up in the single word the 23-year-old Uzbekistanian Tulkin Sultanov gave the BBC as his reason for pursuing advanced studies in the UK: “reputation.” Worldwide, UK universities are renowned for their high academic standards, cutting-edge educational facilities (particularly in the sciences, engineering and the arts), and broad range of offerings combined with the flexibility to accommodate individual student needs.

Like many other students who eventually go to the UK itself, Sultanov was educated in a British school in his homeland. As a result, he said, he knew both that British teaching was high-quality, that the professors at British universities had international reputations as leaders in their fields – and, crucially, that alumni of British universities enjoyed a level of professional success on return to their homeland that made them the envy of their generation.

UK universities and colleges are continuously evaluated by professional bodies to ensure that their teaching and research standards and their facilities are at the highest standards. The result has been the more important rating by the rest of the world, which at this point assumes that any British post-graduate education is top rank. Because standards are now known to be high at all levels, an unrivaled prestige attaches to a master’s or doctoral degree earned at a British university.

Of the half-million Chinese students studying abroad annually, some 50,000 have chose the UK as their academic destination of choice, together spending an estimated £550m a year on their UK educations. Twenty-two-year-old Lin Disheng, a Chinese student featured in another BBC story, followed his BS degree from Nottingham University (where he earned first-class honors in e-commerce and digital business) with a master’s degree programme at Oxford. Citing China’s rapid industrialisation and economic growth, he told the BBC, “Chinese young people like me want to make a contribution to this rapid process. That's why I want to study In the UK - to learn better western technologies and experience the western culture and do the best I can.”

It goes without saying that the students who are accepted into British universities are the top students of their home countries’ top universities. Still, for most, what amplifies the education they received at home can be summed up in the three words independence, creativity and self-reliance. These are not only qualities they pick up at the personal level – although the mere process of adapting to, and then succeeding in, a culture often significantly unlike their own gives them a level of self-confidence they might well not even need in their homelands.

More to the point, a UK graduate education teaches foreign students a kind of independent thinking, creativity with ideas (most conspicuous in artistic disciplines but as evident in disciplines such as business and politics – “thinking outside the box” – and even science. Most foreign student have come from academic environments that have emphasized rote learning and, with the best of intentions, the dutiful regurgitation to their professors of the teachers’ own ideas. Only in an environment that both fosters and teachers ways of independent thinking do students learn how to generate their own ideas, propose and test original solutions to problems, and trust their own creative impulses.

British universities also offer well-recognised value for money. Undergraduate degree programmes, for example, are typically spread over three rather than four years, and most master’s degree programmes are designed to be completed in one year. This makes them highly cost-effective when compared to the longer time it takes to complete comparable courses of study in other countries, particularly in the US. Also, scholarships and other forms of financial aid make it possible to for many foreign students to enter institutions they would not be able to attend on their own or their families’ resources. Personal support in gaining access to such assistance, overseen by highly trained university administration staffs, helps many foreign students navigate that thicket of qualifications that sometimes discourage them from pursuing this vital source of financial help.

Furthermore, access to government-funded health care contributes greatly to the financial advantages of studying in the UK. Students in any full-time course in Scotland and in full-time courses lasting at least six months in England, Wales or Northern Ireland are entitled to free medical treatment from the British National Health Service.

Another advantage of study in the UK is that some students can, if they must or wish, work while they are pursuing their degrees. Because they are from outside the EU, students who are registered is a course of study longer than six months can work as much as 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during holidays. Students who need to supplement their finances to live as well as study abroad will be happy to know that part-time work is easy to find. Others may find working part-time a valuable way of learning more about the local culture outside the confines of academe.

The UK also offers a unique variety of graduate academic settings. In addition to the universities and colleges ensconced within Britain’s bustling, dynamic cities – which include far more places than London, though the capital is unrivaled for its academic, cultural, and other offerings – students can choose to study on purpose-built countryside campuses, often in areas of singular natural beauty as well. While some foreign students understandably want the programmes as well as the prestige of Britain’s famous, time-honored seats of higher education, others prefer the more modern, state-of-the-art universities that have sprung up throughout the country, sometimes with specific academic specialisations, sometimes offering a full range of post-graduate programmes.

Indeed, exposure to the larger culture is, though often overlooked during considerations of where to study abroad, one of the strongest reasons for choosing the UK as a place to pursue an advanced degree. Exploring the country beyond the university campus is sure to strengthen English skills and, more to the point, it does not require learning yet another language beyond the international language of English that has become the worldwide academic norm.

In addition to the native, local, and popular cultures, Britain offers some of the richest examples of Western culture to be found anywhere in Europe – and not just in London. Although London plays second fiddle to no other city in Europe in terms of its cultural offerings of all kinds, there are also significant cultural centres and events in other UK cities, such as Birmingham, which has one of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras, and Edinburgh, a city with an extraordinarily rich year-around cultural life and a summer festival of all the arts that is one of the world’s most renowned. British museums also are considered among the world’s finest.

For the more adventuresome, the rest of Europe is literally at the doorstep of people living in the UK. There are affordable ways to travel to the other countries of Europe – particularly for students – with resulting close, easy access to a broad array of other Western cultures, people, and traditions.

But even students who find study so demanding that it keeps them close to home and allows them little time for travel will be grateful to be “confined” to a country as famously beautiful as the UK. The British countryside, villages, and beaches are famous worldwide for their surpassing beauty. Travel within the country is inexpensive and fast, allowing most visiting students ample opportunities to explore the UK’s riches beyond its university walls.

Whatever your motives for choosing to study in the UK – and whatever you do to enhance your academic experience while there – you can be sure of one thing. When you return home, everyone will be impressed that you earned your degree in a country known throughout the world for the high quality of its educational offerings. And, with a British degree in your pocket (and brain), you’ll be in a prime position to compete for your country’s best jobs – and find the most satisfying way to take part in a globalised world you have yourself encountered.

Hugh O’Connell is a business owner and university lecturer. He is a director of Plan-it Consultants Limited, Thailand and UniRoute Limited, Hong Kong. Plan-it provides off line resources to students wishing to study overseas: study abroad program. UniRoute offers online advice on study abroad and study UK. Currently Hugh resides in Thailand and is working towards his doctorate.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Summer Graduate Art Programs Abroad (Summer Study Abroad Program)

Summer Study Abroad Program

Most of us cherish the dream of studying abroad and experiencing a different culture from close quarters. No matter how short or long the duration of the program, studying abroad gives a new edge to your qualifications and a new perspective to your thoughts.

Most American universities have arrangements with various universities around the world for summer programs and student exchanges. Check with your school’s Art Department for such arrangements. There are also country-specific summer programs in art. Some universities entertain applications for summer programs abroad even though you don’t belong to that university.

There are many organizations, such as American Institute of Foreign Study, Art Research Tours and International Studios, which arrange for study programs abroad. Many of them conduct seminars on study-abroad programs and summer courses. Attending them and browsing their websites should clarify most of your doubts. The Center for International Education (CIE) administers various funding programs designed to promote international education in USA.

Before signing up for a program, you should make a checklist of your own: cost of the program, additional expenses like travel, board and lodge etc; whether funding is available; and whether you are allowed to work part-time during your stay.

Decide whose art fascinates you the most and what culture you want to experience – Oriental, European, African or Latin. Consider also whether you want to live in a big city or a small town; whether you want to stay with a local family, take an apartment of your own or share the dormitories with local students or students form America.

You need to apply well in advance, generally at the beginning of the academic year, as per the rules of the school. Some schools don’t entertain applications 40-50 days before the date of departure; some may accept late applications with additional fees. An application should be accompanied by the prescribed deposit. You’ll have to pay the remaining fees after the application is accepted. A refund is available in case your application is rejected. If you wish, you can obtain trip cancellation insurance should an unforeseen incident compel you to cancel the trip.

You need to have the prescribed GPA score and your application should be accompanied by recommendation letters from your professors. You need to present a medical form signed by a doctor certifying your health.
The number of credits you receive for a summer program differ form school to school. It may be in the range of 3-6 credits. You can spread your credits over more than one summer.

Graduate Programs provides detailed information on Graduate Programs, Online Graduate Programs, Summer Graduate Art Programs Abroad, Psychology Graduate Programs and more. Graduate Programs is affiliated with Graduate School Rankings.

Abroad Studying - PLUS Loans for Undergraduate Students (Summer Study Abroad Program)

Summer Study Abroad Program

Federal PLUS Loans

Federal PLUS loans are offered to parents to complement other student loans provided directly to the students. These loans are usually awarded because Federal student loans are granted with the idea that parent will contribute to the student’s studies financing and thus, the amount offered on students loans isn’t usually enough. Therefore, for parents who can’t complement student loans with savings, PLUS loans come in very handy.

Yet, this was the original idea of PLUS loans. However, since these loans are not awarded according to the needs of the applicant, there is no particular requirement as regards to the purpose. Therefore, using them for financing study abroad programs is an excellent choice and they have proven to serve the purpose very well. More and more parents are requiring these loans to pay for these programs every year.

Including Study Abroad Programs On PLUS Loans

It is possible to include study abroad programs on plus loans. Plus loans can include all the expenses needed for college and given that under the right circumstances study abroad programs constitute college expenses, it is possible to add these programs. The question that rises is obviously, how can study abroad programs be considered part of college expenses. The answer is as follows:

As long as the study abroad program is sponsored by a college that has correctly accredited its study programs in the United States, there are no additional requirements. Thus, when considering study aborad programs, make sure to check and request all the documentation which proves that the foreign college is accredited under Federal regulations at the United States Educational Authorities.

PLUS Loans And Federal Consolidation Programs

An additional issue concerns those parents who are already in debt. Eventually, PLUS loans can be consolidated in Federal Consolidation Programs. This means that PLUS loans can be included along with student debt on a Federal Consolidation Loan with a Locked interest rate and a longer repayment program. This is particularly interesting because by locking the rate you can save thousands of dollars in terms of interests.
Furthermore, by means of extending the repayment programs and combining all debts into a single loan, you can obtain significantly lower monthly payments. Federal Consolidation Programs make student debt a lot more affordable which can bring a lot of ease to your financial life.

Conclusion

If your children want to study abroad on a particular field and you are considering different finance sources to afford the expenses associated with this programs, PLUS loans should be your first choice. They will provide you with all the money you need and the repayment programs and refinancing options will make the repayment a simple affordable process with no hassles at all.

Jessica Peterson writes finance articles for Yourloanservices.com where she shares her knowledge about how to get money for a starting-up business, consolidating any kind of debt, repairing a home even with a bad credit history and more.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Learn the Exotic from the Exotic (Summer Study Abroad Programs)

Summer Study Abroad Programs can range from learning about physiological ecology in the Galapagos Islands to learning Spanish in Peru. With all the programs available it can be hard choosing just one, but some things will almost always remain the same no matter which summer study abroad program you choose.

Choosing a Summer Study Abroad Program to Apply for

While most scholastic institutes offer a variety of summer study abroad programs, bear in mind that you can usually apply for a program outside of the school you might currently be attending and still have the option of financial aide covering you. Even if you are not attending any schools, a summer study abroad program is within your reach. Local colleges and universities usually have listings of any study abroad programs they have available and if the requirements for signing up for that program are not listed then you could always check with one of the attending counselors for further information.

Passports, Visas, and Medical Releases - Oh My! Passport rules have changed recently, at least for American citizens. As of January 23, 2007 the long expected new passport rules take effect today. US citizens traveling to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean will need to show valid passports in order to re-enter the country. So when you are busy planning a summer study abroad program, remember to secure one more thing: Your Passport! These new passport rules are required to secure the borders of the United States against terrorist acts. Recent statistics show that just about one quarter of Americans hold valid passports. This is because until now most US citizens could travel to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean without passports. Showing just a driver's license or a birth certificate was sufficient. But with these new passport regulations all that changes, effective January 23, 2007.

So if you are planning to spend a summer studying in any one of those countries, take steps to get your passport now. While a passport isn't usually too hard to get, it can still take a fair amount of time so you should be applying for that before or around the same time as you're applying for the summer study abroad program of your choice. A travel visa should usually be applied for around the same time as you are applying for the study abroad program for the simple fact that they can take quite some time to be processed properly and returned to you in good standing.

Before you head off on your trip you should also be sure to check if you need any medical release forms stating a clean bill of health and/or up to date vaccinations. For instance, if traveling to tropical South America you might be required to get a Yellow Fever vaccination before being allowed to travel. But don't let the paperwork scare you away from a summer study abroad program. The opportunities available during such a program are virtually limitless and can provide a wealth of wonderful memories.

Accommodations

A majority of summer study abroad programs will have accommodations already planned out for you, but it's usually wise to make sure beforehand so you know where you'll be staying during the course of your program. If lodging is not provided and you will need to make your own arrangements for a place to stay, the internet can be a great help in locating an affordable hotel room or short term apartment. Language barriers can make for a slightly sticky situation when trying to set up lodging arrangements from a distance, but it's not usually too difficult to get around them long enough to have a place available for when you get there so that you can make some more stable plans.

A lesser known choice in summer study abroad programs includes the option to learn while on an ocean voyage that stops at various countries. Such a program can be available to anyone, student or not, and help make clear your own culture by showing you the varying cultures of other locations. So no matter what your taste is, specific language to general world interdependence awareness, or your age, there's bound to be a summer study abroad program for you.

You can find lots of study abroad and student travel destinations, tips, and articles at http://www.every1loves2travel.com/ and http://vacation.every1loves2travel.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_Berkel

Summer Graduate Art Programs Abroad (Summer Study Abroad Program)

Most of us cherish the dream of studying abroad and experiencing a different culture from close quarters. No matter how short or long the duration of the program, studying abroad gives a new edge to your qualifications and a new perspective to your thoughts.
Most American universities have arrangements with various universities around the world for summer programs and student exchanges. Check with your school’s Art Department for such arrangements. There are also country-specific summer programs in art. Some universities entertain applications for summer programs abroad even though you don’t belong to that university.

There are many organizations, such as American Institute of Foreign Study, Art Research Tours and International Studios, which arrange for study programs abroad. Many of them conduct seminars on study-abroad programs and summer courses. Attending them and browsing their websites should clarify most of your doubts. The Center for International Education (CIE) administers various funding programs designed to promote international education in USA.
Before signing up for a program, you should make a checklist of your own: cost of the program, additional expenses like travel, board and lodge etc; whether funding is available; and whether you are allowed to work part-time during your stay.

Decide whose art fascinates you the most and what culture you want to experience – Oriental, European, African or Latin. Consider also whether you want to live in a big city or a small town; whether you want to stay with a local family, take an apartment of your own or share the dormitories with local students or students form America.

You need to apply well in advance, generally at the beginning of the academic year, as per the rules of the school. Some schools don’t entertain applications 40-50 days before the date of departure; some may accept late applications with additional fees. An application should be accompanied by the prescribed deposit. You’ll have to pay the remaining fees after the application is accepted. A refund is available in case your application is rejected. If you wish, you can obtain trip cancellation insurance should an unforeseen incident compel you to cancel the trip.

You need to have the prescribed GPA score and your application should be accompanied by recommendation letters from your professors. You need to present a medical form signed by a doctor certifying your health.

The number of credits you receive for a summer program differ form school to school. It may be in the range of 3-6 credits. You can spread your credits over more than one summer.
Graduate Programs provides detailed information on Graduate Programs, Online Graduate Programs, Summer Graduate Art Programs Abroad, Psychology Graduate Programs and more. Graduate Programs is affiliated with Graduate School Rankings.

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Summer Study Abroad Real or a Dream (Summer Study Abroad Program)

Summer Study Abroad Real or a Dream -by Menno Cooper-

One day you wake up and say to yourself, he I want to study abroad. After taking a shower you still have in your mind that a study abroad program is very cool. Now you sit down and take some breakfast but your mind is still very busy with the thought that a summer study abroad program is the solution to get out of the rat race.
Waiting for the bus to go to school you ask yourself, is study abroad real or a dream. The bus is stopping in front of the school and you drag yourself to the science class. While listen to the teacher about science stuff what is not in any interest to you your mind is going back till this morning when you woke up with the "dream" to study abroad. Just thinking about summer study abroad in a sunny Italy and eating pizzas. Or dreaming of a nice study abroad in London where we can visit the Big Ben. The bell is ringing the class is over and now going to the next boring class where we can hear the same thing again. The study abroad idea is still in your mind the whole day and you still not sure if it is real or fiction the day is coming to an end and you are again waiting for the bus to go home. During this journey you say to your self that you need to do something to make your dream come true. When the bus stops you get out and go home. After taking some orange juice you get behind the PC and you Google the internet for study abroad. You get a lot of information regarding study abroad programs. It is a jungle out there to get the right information and you get impatient and tired. You feel that the study abroad in Italy and London gets further away. But you are determining to get your summer study abroad information what you need to get your mind to rest. Your eyes are getting smaller and you get tired and frustrated. You need to go to bed because tomorrow is a one off those boring days at school again. You feel defeated because you didn't find the study abroad program you wanted. In bed you are closing your tired eyes and dream again of the nice summer study abroad.
The alarm clock is ringing it is 6.45 in the morning you open your eyes and look out of the window and you see snow. You ask yourself is this real or a dream.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Menno Cooper is a recognized authority on the subject of study abroad. His web site, http://www.mystudyabroadsite.com/index.php, provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on everything you'll ever need to know about study abroad."