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

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

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 -

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.


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- Summer Study Abroad Program -

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.


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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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