6 Common Misconceptions about Study Abroad Programs

-Summer Study Abroad Programs-

With over 100,000 college students studying abroad every year, there's bound to be all kinds of tall tales, urban legends, and misinformation swirling around. While there may be grains of truth in some of these stories, below are some common misconceptions about study abroad.
Misconception #1: Studying abroad is very expensive.

Truth: In most cases, it is actually cheaper to study abroad. Let's say the tuition at your school is $5,000 per semester and room and board is another $4,000. Now add in the additional fees you have such as health insurance, books, and laundry. You are now well over $10,000 for the semester. Well, all but one of our programs in Spain is under $10,000 per semester and that includes everything except your airfare and spending money.

Misconception #2: I can't use my financial aid to study abroad.
Truth: In almost all cases, your federal aid (Stafford loans, Pell grants, etc.) can be used to study abroad and in some states, you can use your state aid as well. It is also not uncommon for your federal aid to increase when you study abroad since some of your school scholarships may not transfer.

Misconception #3: Host families are all poor and just do it for the money.
Truth: The last thing any study abroad company wants to do is have an unhappy student on their program. The goal is for the students to be happy so that they will tell their friends what a great time they had. If we were putting students in bad families, in dangerous neighborhoods, then no one would ever recommend us to their friends. Since the number of universities that endorse our program doubled over the last year, it's a pretty sure bet that students are happy with our choice of families.

Misconception #4: I'll be so busy with schoolwork that I won't get time to see the country I'm in.
Truth: This one is hysterically funny since your average study abroad student comes home with about 400+ photos from a long list of countries. Students have plenty of opportunities to travel and we even take our students on trips to give them a better feel for the country they are in.

Misconception #5: I might not graduate on time if I go abroad.
Truth: If you have already used up all of your elective or general education courses, then it's true that you might need to bulk up on courses before or after you go abroad. If you plan ahead, however, and leave some electives open to you, then you should be fine. The clear majority of students who study abroad still graduate in four years, despite being away from their home campus for a semester or two.

Misconception #6: Most of the world hates Americans, so I won't be safe.
Truth: There's no doubt that there are a lot of people who don't like the American government, but that has nothing to do with the American people. If you compare the violent crime rate in the United States to that of European, Australian, or Asian countries, you will see that the United States is actually far more dangerous. There are some areas of South America and Africa that are not especially safe, but there are also many countries on those continents that are incredibly safe. Go to the U.S. State Department website and check out the crime statistics on the country you are interested in to see how safe it is.

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that every college student should take advantage of. Before dismissing it due to the bad experience of one friend or rumors you have had heard, speak with your study abroad advisor and get the facts. I guarantee that once you look at all that studying abroad can offer you, you'll be hopping the first flight abroad.

One organization that help ensure that you have safest, unforgettable yet affordable study abroad experience is Academic Studies Abroad.

Here are some of our very popular study abroad programs in the following countries:
-Study Abroad Spain - Academic Studies offers study abroad programs in Barcelona, Madrid, Salamanca and Sevilla.
-Study Abroad England- Academic Studies offers study abroad programs in London.
-Study Abroad Italy - Academic Studies offers study abroad programs in Florence.
-Study Abroad France - Academic Studies offer study abroad programs in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon.
-Study Abroad Ireland - Academic Studies offers study abroad programs in Dublin. Interested in going to Ireland?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lee Frankel is Director of Academic Studies Abroad, a study abroad provider with programs in five different countries. He has traveled to over 25 countries and travels across the U.S. speaking with college students interested in studying abroad. More detailed information on study abroad programs is available at http://www.academicstudies.com/.

-Summer Study Abroad Programs-

Explore the South Pacific in a Summer Study Abroad Program!

Explore the South Pacific in a Summer Study Abroad Program! by Susan Slobac

While classes in North America wind down over the summer, universities in Australia and New Zealand are in full swing. Students can take advantage of the seasonal differences to expand their education and explore the nations of the South Pacific by enrolling in a summer study abroad program.

Since the semester is already underway in the South Pacific during our ‘summer break’, students undertaking summer study in New Zealand and Australia participate in short-term programs that fit their schedule while discovering the remarkable landscapes, coastlines and rich cultures of their host nation.

Where are New Zealand and Australia Summer Study Abroad Programs Held?

Summer study programs are offered through many major universities throughout Australia and New Zealand. In fact, programs are offered by institutions in most major cities. Whether you prefer New Zealand or Australia, summer term options suitable for most fields of study are available.

Why Enroll in a Summer Study Abroad Program?

Studying abroad during the summer is an ideal opportunity to make the most of time between spring and fall semesters at home. Not only does a summer study abroad program allow students to continue their education, but it also provides a rare opportunity to explore the world.

When it comes to summer study australia and New Zealand offer students exceptional opportunities and academic programs. Because seasons in the South Pacific are opposite those of the Northern Hemisphere, the universities there are in full operation during this time. During a New Zealand or Australia summer term, students may choose any number of intriguing programs of study that may not be available at their home university during this time.

Since summer term programs offered at this time are of shorter duration, students can select a summer study abroad program that best fits their university’s schedule and their own course of study. Happily, there are any number of excellent New Zealand and Australia summer study programs available.

Applying for a Summer Study Abroad Program

The application process for these programs is similar to that used by most universities in North America. Applying for a summer study abroad program in the South Pacific typically involves completing an application form or forms. A copy of your official college transcripts will be required and typically a small fee is involved. References from faculty members of your home college or university are often required too. To ensure you have all the required materials on hand, fully research the requirements of any program in which you have interest.

Students find summer study abroad programs an experience rich in opportunities both academically and personally. Enrolling in a New Zealand or Australia summer term program makes the most of your time between full semesters and provides a once in a lifetime glimpse of your place in the world

About the Author
Susan Slobac advises college students on study abroad opportunities in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.


- Summer Study Abroad Program -

Where To Go When You Study Abroad

Summer Study Abroad Programs : Where To Go When You Study Abroad by Bill Urell

The study abroad experience is one that should certainly not be missed by any college student who is majoring in one of the social sciences or humanities. While anyone can study abroad while in college, students will get the best experience if they are history, art or literature majors as they can study abroad and actually take courses in other countries that will have something to do with what they are majoring in.

Unfortunately, this leaves science, math and engineering majors out, as they courses they may take during a study abroad session usually have nothing to do with what they are planning on earning a degree in. Nonetheless, if you have the money and the time, you should certainly take advantage of the study abroad opportunity no matter what your major is in as it will provide you with a lasting experience and memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

So, now that you have decided that you might want to enroll in a study abroad program, where should you go? Most of the popular destinations are in Europe and Asia, so you might want to start there if you are looking to learn more about the world through a study abroad program.

Europe is a great place to begin since the people there will be the most likely to communicate with English and they will offer you classes and programs that are perfect for all of the art, literature and history majors who are studying about that part of the world.

Furthermore, since you are required to take a few basic language courses for the country you choose to study abroad at, it may be easier for you to learn a European language instead of an Asiatic, Middle Eastern or African language. Also, on the weekends you can simply hop on a train and head from one European country to the next during your study abroad session.

Asia offers many of the same benefits as traveling to Europe except it will most likely be cheaper overall. If you want to study abroad but you have a very tight budget, you will probably want to choose Asia over Europe since everyday items and food are a bit cheaper in places like China and Korea than they are in the United Kingdom and France. For those who are interested in learning about the history and art of Asia, the choice to study abroad in this wondrous continent should be a no brainer, as it will give you everything you could ever imagine.

Study abroad programs are perfect for students from all over the world, as it allows them to experience a different country while on a tight budget. Since the school and your tuition fees cover many of the travel expenses and college courses, you really only have to pay a small amount for the travel to the country where you will study abroad and you will have to spend a bit of cash to pay for your room and board.

About the Author
Now there is a gallery of powerful information yours for the taking. Decide now to see the world and improve the quality of your life. Click here: Study Abroad Scholarship

- Summer Study Abroad Program -

Summer Study Abroad Real or a Dream

- Summer Study Abroad Programs -

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

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 Programs -

Four Steps to Choosing a Study Abroad Program

Choosing a study abroad program is not easy. AmeriSpan encourages students to take control of the process and not get trapped into selecting something that’s not right for them.

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) December 28, 2005 -- Choosing a study abroad program is not easy. Students are encouraged to take control of the process and not get trapped into selecting something that’s not right for them.

To help students with the process of researching, choosing, and applying for a program, study abroad veterans are happy to share “4 Steps To Choosing The Right Study Abroad Program”. Following these simple tips can help ensure that students have the best possible international study abroad experience, whether they want to study Chinese in China or learn Portuguese in Brazil.

4 Steps To Choosing The Right Study Abroad Program:
Step 1: When & What Works For You? In order to find a study abroad program that meets your academic, financial, and personal needs, you need to clearly define your goals and constraints. What is it that you want to accomplish? When can you go? What can you afford? While your dream may be to study Spanish in Barcelona, does it make more financial sense for you to learn Spanish in inexpensive Guatemala at this moment, and try out that new knowledge while taking a semester abroad in Spain next year?

Step 2: Where To Go? Select a location before you select a program. Atmosphere is a key ingredient in the overall learning recipe You will learn more in an environment where you feel comfortable. Are you a big city person or do you prefer small towns? What do you like to do outside of class? Do you prefer a busy nightlife or fewer distractions from your studies? Are you interested in Latin American indigenous cultures or are European cultures more enticing?

Step 3: Which Programs Meet Your Needs? Research and compare details. Not every international study abroad program is right for every student. When evaluating, we recommend that you answer the following: - What are the deadlines, start dates, and payment policies? What are the requirements? (language, grade point average).- Are the elective courses taught in English or the local language? - How large are the language classes? - Where is the campus located? (near a city center, public transportation., etc.).- What facilities are offered? (on-site cafeteria, computer lab, library). - What are the housing options? - What out-of-class activities and excursions are offered?- Are volunteer or internship opportunities available?- What other services are included? (travel protection program, mobile telephone).- What type of transcript is provided? (US college or foreign university).

Step 4: Who Puts It All Together? Independent organizations and private/state universities both provide study abroad programs at foreign institutions worldwide. In your research, you may find that the program you want is offered by several organizations. Select the one with the best service and value, and that you feel the most comfortable with. Remember that you will be studying far from home.

You will have a better time learning Spanish or studying Italian in a foreign land if you are confident with your agent. Here are some issues to keep in mind when evaluating different study abroad providers: - Are they reputable? Ask for references, how many students they send, and years in business.- Are your inquiries or concerns answered in a complete, friendly, and timely manner? - Do they demonstrate a good understanding of the location and the finer details of the program? - Do they provide extra services? (excursions, mobile telephone, in-country transportation, extra activities, other lodging options, etc.)- Are the payment and cancellation policies flexible? (credit cards, late registration, postponements, etc.)

These are the 4 basic steps. Sure, there is more to think about before studying abroad, but if students follow the above advice, they will be on their way to selecting an excellent study abroad program and one that is right.
For more information about international language programs or study abroad, contact Dorioara Pinku or visit http://www.amerispan.com/

About AmeriSpan:A US-based, International Education Company that provides a wide range of experiences in Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East. 25,000 people of all ages have participated with AmeriSpan. Language Immersion Programs; Volunteer & Internship placements; Teen options & International Summer Camps; Academic Study Abroad; Specialized programs combining language with dance, art, culture, cooking, sports, business, medicine, education, and social work.

Contact:Dorioara PinkuAmeriSpan215-751-1100 ext 305 http://www.amerispan.com

Technorati Profile

Study Abroad Financing (Summer Study Abroad Program)

Study Abroad Financing by Steve Smith

You found the perfect study abroad program, but you wonder how you can possible foot the bill. You don't want to miss out on the oppurtunity of a lifetime, so you decide to finance your education abroad. There are a variety of options available to finance your study abroad, including summer study abroad programs. Financing it may not be exactly like college, but it is close. So here is what you need to know.

College Study Abroad Financing

Usually, for studying abroad for a semester or two through your enrolled university, the financial aid you already have will transfer. However, for summer language courses or enrichment programs your aid will not transfer. This is because these extra abroad programs are not considered to contribute toward the advancement of the student's degree. So with language courses or gap year programs, you may need separate aid
Federal Loans - The following loans are all federal loans, and require a FAFSA to determine your financial status.

Stafford Loans: Federal Stafford Loans can help finance a summer study abroad program. These loans have a cap on the maximum loan available by age. So the cap for a junior is $5,500, so this loan is available to be used for summer programs if you are enrolled in a university for the fall semester.

There are drawbacks of using Stafford Loans for a summer study abroad program. One is that using a Stafford Loan for a summer abroad will decrease your aid for college. Another is that this Stafford money is not available until after your summer program. The money becomes available on the first day classes start at your university. So you will need someone to loan you the money first.

PLUS Parent Loans: Parent Plus Loans are loans based on your parents credit score. This is not a need based loan, like the Stafford. They allow your parents to take out a loan covering all of your college expenses. So this loan could be in turn used to pay for a summer study abroad program.

The rate is based on the 91-day Treasury Bill rate for the final May auction of each calendar year. Now, it is at around 6%. The payment for the PLUS loan starts sixty days after it is issued.
Another benefit of this loan is that the interest is able to be tax deducted. The FAFSA is not actually required, but it is very strongly recommended since this is a federal loan.
Private Loans: There are many private loans available also. InternationalStudentLoan.com offers loans up to $30,000 for US citizens who are studying abroad for one or two semesters. These loans do not use FAFSA information, but instead are based on the credit of the applicant. A Cosigner is highly recommended for approval.

StudyAbroadLoans.com also offers a very similar loan for students also. Both sites also offer graduate study abroad loans. There are different repayment options also. One starts right away, another is interest only right away, and the final is after your education is completed. You can apply for the study abroad loans on their websites.
If this loan does not suit you, other private college loans are widely available on the internet. So it is relatively easy to find different private loans that you may qualify for.
Alternative Student Loan: The Alternative Student loan from AlternativeStudentLoan.com offers the same packages available to the high school Alternative Student Loan. This loan is based on the credit of an applicant, and does not require a FAFSA.

It loans up to $30,000 a year with a minimum loan amount equal to $1,500. Preliminary approval can be made in 15 minutes, and full approval in 5 days.
One advantage the college Alternative Student Loan has over the the high school student loan is that it offers a different repayment schedule. The college version offers an imediate repayment, interest only repayment 48 months later, or deferred repayment 48 months later.
The interest rate is variable for these loans, and is around 7 to 9%. The APR is about 9%.
Scholarships: Scholarships can almost always be used to finance a study abroad. Some special study abroad scholarships are the Benjamin A Gillman International Scholarship. AIFSabroad.com also offers different study abroad scholarships

High school Study Abroad Financing

For summer high school summer abroad programs, some sources of funding are available. If you have already graduated high school, and plan on enrolling in college the next fall semester, the college study abroad financing information applies to you.
Alternative Student Loan: The Alternative Student Loan is available for students k-12. It comes from AlternativeStudentLoan.com. It is a credit based loan and the FAFSA is not necessary. It allows a loan up to $30,000 a year which would suffice for any summer abroad study program. The minimum is $1,500.

Repayment of these loans start immediately, and there are no prepayment penalties. There is an origination fee of 6%, and the APR, Annual Percentage Rate, is around 9%.
One benefit of this loan is that the payments will be payed directly to you. Another is that if you are in a time crunch, these loans can be processed in 5 days.
Other Private Loans: You may be able to find other private loans available to finance your study abroad. These will probably be very similar to the Alternative Student Loan above.
The only other form of financing that you may be able to find is through scholarships. Some study abroad programs may offer forms of financial aid to you also.
For more study abroad information, visit a Summer study abroad website

About the Author
Writer for a Spain summer abroad informational website: SpainSummerStudies.com
Find information on summer spanish language courses in Spain

New Teen Study Abroad Programs in Spain (Summer Study Abroad Program)

New Teen Study Abroad Programs in Spain -Lights, Camera, Action and Viva España!

Students make movies during summer teen study abroad program in Spain. iD Tech Camps announce the Filmmaking and Cultural Immersion Study Abroad Program.

Campbell, CA (PRWEB) April 18, 2006 -- Instead of spending time this summer going to movies or watching television, students from across the country will be traveling to Southern Spain. But this is not your typical teen study abroad program. Through iD Tech Camps Filmmaking & Cultural Immersion course (http://spain.internaldrive.com), students experience Spanish culture through the eyes of a video camera. And when they’re not creating their own documentary film, they live with a host family, learn Spanish with hundreds of other students from all over the world, and tour Southern Spain gathering footage.

Shawn from Atlanta, Georgia, and Megan from San Jose, California, ventured on this journey. Not only did these teenagers leave with memories, photos, and a documentary movie, this trip made a lasting impact and opened up a world of possibilities for them.

Shawn has always been fascinated by the Spanish culture and language. But, after participating in the Filmmaking & Cultural Immersion study abroad program, he is now seriously pursuing a career in international business. “Filmmaking and the Spanish culture has opened up a whole new world to my son,” says Janet, Shawn’s mother. “It has expanded his view of what he can do and what he wants to do.”

By the end of the program, Shawn translated his love for Spain into a beautiful first person narrative digital documentary film. “Shawn’s creative use of voice-over underlined his views while the images he captured told a compelling story about Spanish culture,” says Kevin Painchaud, Director of the Spanish program for iD Tech Camps and owner of an award-winning Hollywood-based movie production company. His film incorporates attending a bullfight, learning to dance the Sevillañas, touring historical sites and cathedrals, and eating tapas in cafes.

Meanwhile on the West Coast, then-high school senior Megan, discovered a newfound interest in travel and world cultures. “I realized that there’s a whole world outside beyond the U.S. and I now want to study world culture and politics,” says Megan. As a result, she began applying to universities with strong international relations department.

While Megan incorporated her moving making and editing skills into her senior project, she also felt that she had been part of something bigger – a life changing and pure cultural experience. “During the morning language classes, my Spanish really improved, and during the afternoon I became a filmmaker,” said Megan. “My experience went beyond picking up cool new skills. I lived, ate and breathed Spain for 2 weeks. I also made good friends with other teens from Switzerland, Italy, and all over Europe.”

“Cádiz provides the perfect back drop for a unique experience. It is a dream come true to be a part of an exchange program that combines documentary filmmaking, travel, Spanish language, and the experience of living with a Spanish family. Plus, the natural lighting in Cádiz is phenomenal!” says Kevin.

These young students aren’t the only group to partake in the program. Major technology leaders such as Canon®, Adobe Systems® and Apple® are contributing to the program to make it a one-of-a-kind experience.

During the digital video lessons, students will use Canon® digital camcorders and learn to capture footage like the pros. They will learn storyboard conceptualizing, camera angles, lighting, stages of production, and the different roles needed for taking a concept from beginning to end. With Apple® Final Cut Pro® and Adobe® After Effects®, students will add high-end special effects, transitions, sound effects, music, titles, advanced compositing, and cinematography to their documentary movie.

About iD Tech Camps Filmmaking & Cultural Immersion Program in Spain
The 2 ½ week study abroad program costs $3,999. This includes accommodations, meals, excursions, and supervision, but excludes airfare. Participants will depart from New York on a group flight in one of two sessions in June and July. Each weekday morning students will attend Spanish language class. Then, in the afternoon, after eating lunch with their Spanish family and taking a traditional siesta or going to the local beach, students will learn to storyboard, film, and edit their own documentary film of their Spanish experience. All students will progress at their own editing pace and there will be a maximum of 10 students per instructor. Those without previous experience using editing software will quickly be brought up to speed. Living and learning the Spanish culture outside of Spanish and Filmmaking class is a key element of the program so there will be a series of planned cultural and social activities. To register for the teen study abroad program, please call 1-888-709-TECH (8324) or visit spain.internalDrive.com.

Media contact: Karen Thurm Safran, iD Tech Camps, 408-666-8353
You can download photos from www.internalDrive.com/press_photos.htm