Study Abroad

Crossing Cultural and Language Barriers While Studying Abroad

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For most study-abroad students and their families, spending time in a foreign land can seem a little daunting. As someone who has traveled, studied and lived in twenty-five countries, I have experienced my share of anxiety that comes from being outside your cultural and linguistic comfort zone. There are several “how to” guides to help you survive your study abroad experience, but to go the extra mile and truly immerse yourself in a new culture, you should follow these three tips to quickly thrive in your new surroundings:</div>
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<li>Resist the crutch of familiarity: During my first trip to the U.S. as an Indian student, I quickly found myself seeking out Indian roommates, walking back from school with Indian classmates and speaking my native language. I realized soon thereafter that my feeling “at home” was simply a symptom of a failure to step outside my cocoon to immerse myself in a new people, culture and language. Over the next few months, I attended language coffee chats, signed up with a local host family, and even took my first line dancing class. By consciously stepping outside my comfort zone, I learnt infinitely more about the local customs and culture than I would have sitting in front of a computer, Googling and watching videos on “American small talk”.</li>
<li>Be an ambassador for your culture:  Remember that your “hosts” might be just as inquisitive and anxious about your culture and language as you are about theirs. What can you do to meet them half way across the cultural and language divide?  Have you considered cooking your favorite local dish from back home and inviting people over for dinner? Or teaching others common phrases in your language for when they visit your country? Break down walls around you to celebrate what makes you unique, and you’ll find others doing the same.</li>
<li>Have a local “go-to” friend: Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself in situations where cultural or language differences present a barrier to critical conversations or amazing learning experiences (you can read about my stories <a href="https://www.verbalizeit.com/about/our-team" style="color: #3a6592; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>). Make sure you have a multilingual friend on speed-dial, who understands local nuances and can help you communicate. There are human-powered translation apps such as<a href="https://www.verbalizeit.com/verbalizeit-for/personal" style="color: #3a6592; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">VerbalizeIt</a>, that can help you travel with the confidence that language and cultural support is just a phone call away.</li>
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A study abroad experience offers the unique opportunity experience and adapt to communication and culture in a foreign setting. Arm yourself with the right mindset and tools before you travel, and you will come out with a whole new perspective on the world and your place within it! 
 
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Kunal Sarda is a graduate of Virginia Tech, Wharton Business School and the co-founder of <a href="http://www.verbalizeit.com/" style="color: #3a6592; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">VerbalizeIt, a human-powered translation company</a> that helps travelers and businesses break through language barriers.</div>
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 Read more: <a href="http://www.studyabroad.com/b/study_abroad_news/archive/2013/06/13/crossing-cultural-and-language-barriers-while-studying-abroad.aspx#ixzz2v6FKYML0" style="color: #003399; text-decoration: none;">http://www.studyabroad.com/b/study_abroad_news/archive/2013/06/13/crossing-cultural-and-language-barriers-while-studying-abroad.aspx#ixzz2v6FKYML0</a>

Crossing Cultural and Language Barriers While Studying Abroad

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Why are the programmes of the intersessional period so popular?

There are an impressive number of programs of short duration during the intersessional period (between spring fall and January semesters), why? We have some ideas... <img alt="intersession programs" src="/1411Costa-Rica-2D00-group.jpg" title="intersession programs"> </IMG>Flexibility of intersessional. Your goal is to finish a degree, by filling in a certificate, or simply to earn credit while you learn, intersessional January helps you reach your goal with the flexibility you need.Lighten your load of. Recess is an opportunity to reduce the burden of next year, resume a course, or get the jump on your studies, as a new student. It offers another option to access credits from courses on weekdays, Monday to Friday. And in many cases, you can earn credit toward a program more - in just a few weeks.Take the credits in a concentrated period of time. Generally, the intersessional period programs last seven to 15 days. Intersessional programs can provide you with the opportunity to take courses that might otherwise be full and take unique courses and workshops that are not available in other semesters.<img alt="intersession programs" src="/0336Costa-Rica-2D00-hiking.jpg" title="intersession programs">Economic studies abroad. Costs are generally very comprehensive and include generally almost all expenses: costs of tuition, accommodation, excursions, class related visits, group meals and medical insurance.Winter blues blow. Best of all, it will shut the cold of winter, especially if you decide to travel in a tropical country where January is the best time of the year, as Costa Rica.Fast track your learning this January Intersession, check the University of Louisiana at Lafayette course in science at Costa Rica next January.This is a guest post by Gabriela Gutierrez, President of visit Costa Rica.You must be connected and logged with your accounts to share content with a quick action.Join or login with your favorite social networks. <a href="http://www.studyabroad.com/b/study_abroad_news/archive/2013/11/15/why-are-intersession-programs-so-popular.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a>

Why are the programmes of the intersessional period so popular?

There are an impressive number of programs of short duration during the intersessional period (between spring fall and January semesters), ...

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Affordable study abroad Destinations: the United Kingdom

Down, down, down with the book!Sterling looks a whole lot like become cheaper in the next six months, if the new Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, gets his way. Mr. Carney wants to inject billions in economic recovery (called quantitative easing) in the economy of the United Kingdom, to spur growth. If it does, the book will tumble, because all these billions devalue the currency.Sterling is already at a minimum of 3 years against the U.S. dollar to 1.48 in anticipation of this stimulus. In addition, the euro could soon reach its highest level against the pound since November, 2011, at 0.88, on the same cause.Of course, what this means for you, is that when you exchange currency, you will get a total plu book. Your money will go further, that you are able to go longer, do more things and see more of United Kingdom.3 tips to get the best exchange rate book Of course, everything simply because sterling is inclined in the fall, you will need still to know how to take advantage of the exchange rate. Here are three tips to help you do so:1. don't expect the book to fall and fall forever. If you plan to buy books, you might have an exchange rate in mind that you would be perfect. However, unless the exchange rate is realistic, may wait you for this 'perfect' exchange rate very long. In other words, the book is down, does not mean that it will fall forever! Instead, to know what rate of Exchange, you can reasonably hope, talk to a broker in foreign currencies for some tips.2. keep an eye on fees and commission when you exchange currencies. When you exchange currencies, the last thing you want is to pay for the costs and the commission. For example, if a bank allows you to transfer your money to the United Kingdom, you might pay up to $40 per transfer. To remedy this, shop around, then find a service that charges you extra to buy your books. Use a currency exchange broker, for example, and you don't pay extra for your transfer.3. process with someone you love and trust! If you are studying abroad in the United Kingdom, chances are that you will move a lot of money. Given that, it is vital that you are dealing with a money transfer service that you like and trust. So before you transfer your money, get an idea whether if you feel comfortable using the service you are thinking. If you do not, it could be worth trying elsewhere.Peter Lavelle is a dealer in foreign currency broker to Exchange FX Pure.Pour learn to get the best exchange rate when you study abroad in England, email him at peter.lavelle@purefx.co.uk. It would be happy to give you advice of experts.You must be connected and logged with your accounts to share content with a quick action.Join or login with your favorite social networks. <a href="http://www.studyabroad.com/b/study_abroad_news/archive/2013/08/02/affordable-study-abroad-destinations-the-uk.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a>

Affordable study abroad Destinations: the United Kingdom

Down, down, down with the book! Sterling looks a whole lot like become cheaper in the next six months, if the new Governor of the Bank of E...

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The best Attractions abroad 5 haunted study

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The best Attractions abroad 5 haunted study

Happy Halloween study abroad enthusiasts! Today we bring you a few trips abroad scary-good study, with a haunted twist - we countdown the b...

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Help to find the best college for you: #CollegeSearch Twitter Chat

Have you started your College Search yet? Find a college that fits your needs, personality and educational goals can be so overwhelming, you don't know where to start. But don't worry, we are here for you covered!On 5 September at 16:00 ET, we will talk with GoEnnouce College Prowler, noodles and education tuition.io for advice on College visits, the application process and what to look for in your search.Please join us in using the hashtag #CollegeSearch and ask us your questions for expert advice.Ce : College Search Twitter ChatWhich: Experts in education GoEnnounce, EducationDynamics, College Prowler, education of noodles, tuition.io and you!When: Thursday, September 5 at 16:00 etOu : Twitter, using the hashtag #CollegeSearchYou must be connected and logged with your accounts to share content with a quick action.Join or login with your favorite social networks. <a href="http://www.studyabroad.com/b/study_abroad_news/archive/2013/08/26/find-the-best-college-for-you-collegesearch-twitter-chat.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a>

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Have you started your College Search yet? Find a college that fits your needs, personality and educational goals can be so overwhelming, yo...

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Day international universities

Day international universities

The authors of this blog may be compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Although the autho...

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Keeping Communication Costs Down While Studying Abroad

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota When you’re a student traveling and studying internationally, you may want to communicate with friends and family back home.  With social media and the prevalence of cell phones, a huge amount of emphasis has been placed on day-to-day communication in our daily lives.  It’s constant and ever-flowing, and many people, especially in the US, have become addicted to it.  As such, when going abroad for an extended period, the need to stay in touch can become expensive.  There are several ways to keep in communication on a limited budget.There are two primary ways you’re likely to use for communication, a phone and the internet.  Of course, how you communicate can depend on where you plan to visit and the communication infrastructure of your region and accommodations.  The Cell Phone Nearly everyone has a cell phone, whether it’s a feature phone or a smartphone.  Chances are, you already carry it with you everywhere you go, and going overseas isn’t going to change anything—except if your phone is unable to function.  Most phones, especially those bought in the US, are locked into a contract on a specific carrier.  In order to function outside of the carrier’s service range, the phone must be unlocked and the SIM card must be changed.Since there is such a wide range of phones and carriers, you’ll need to look up your phone model to find out the specifics.  You want to be sure you’re device will work in your destination country as far in advance as possible to avoid any issues (and that includes charging)! However, consider one of the most budget-friendly solutions: purchase a new phone in your destination country.  Phones can typically be found very inexpensively (which means they aren’t going to be incredibly advanced) along with a prepaid minute plan.  Coupled with an international calling card or service and you’re in business.  You’ll be able to call when you need to and manage your costs.The Internet Like cell phones, the internet seems to be everywhere.  When you’re abroad, it probably won’t be too much of a challenge to find a connection.  There are internet cafes, libraries, community centers, and more, that offer computers with internet access to their patrons.  Additionally, you may find Wi-Fi hotspots, which you always want to be wary of, since they may expose your personal data, especially if you’re using your own computer.  When you’re online, you can keep in touch via social media websites, VOIP, or even manage your own blog on StudyAbroad.com (email vboyle@educationdynamics if you’re interested!).  In many cases, unless you’re accommodation is providing you with an internet connection free of charge, you’re going to have to pay a usage fee, such as with an internet cafe.   It goes without saying, the more you use the internet, the more it’s going to cost you.  The solution?  Limit the time you’re on the internet.  Like with phone usage, by limiting the time you’re using electronic communication methods, the less you’ll have to spend, and the money (and time) you’ll have to spend on much more interesting things in the new land you’ve chosen to explore.  On that note…Please remember, when traveling and studying abroad not to rely on technology and constant communication with home as a crutch.  You don’t want it to become a burden and get in the way of your experience.  Become immersed in the new culture and landscape and meet new people!Andrei Milosevic is an international student, traveler, and writer.  Over the past few years, he has been studying international business and providing advice and insight into international calls.  In his free time he kayaks and Skypes with his best friend back home in Serbia.You must be logged in and connected with your social accounts to share content with Quick Share. Join or Sign in with your favorite social networking sites. <a href="http://www.studyabroad.com/b/study_abroad_news/archive/2013/06/04/keeping-communication-costs-down-while-studying-abroad.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</a>

Keeping Communication Costs Down While Studying Abroad

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota When you’re a student traveling and studying internationally, you may want to communicate w...

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