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 -

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.

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

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 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."