It’s about that time of year when students begin packing for study abroad! Packing is ridiculously hard – you suddenly feel like everything in your life is incredibly valuable. And how can you possibly choose what to leave behind?! I’ve gotten to the point of packing only in a carry-on for trips lasting less than … Continue reading Packing for Study Abroad: A Review
[Read More→]There are so many reasons to study abroad. I mean, how many times can you realistically live outside of your home country with few to no ramifications? After you finish your time at college/university, the answer is “not many.” To be fair, the easier question to answer is “why shouldn’t I study abroad?” There are … Continue reading #StudyAbroadBecause Future You will Love You
[Read More→]You’re on your way to study abroad! Your departure is in a few days, you have packed and repacked your carry-on, and you are ready to go! … or are you? There are so many things that you had to get together. You went to a million appointments. You collected a gajillion papers. And let’s … Continue reading Study Abroad Guide: Departure Phase
[Read More→]Let’s talk about having a savings account.
Money is a topic that makes people have emotions across the entire spectrum. For me, I love talking about money, saving money, and tracking spending.
…But I also love to spend money on traveling.
I blame my dad for both of those.
Growing up, talking about money was completely normal in my house. My dad helped me open my first credit union account when I was 7, and I would proudly deposit money every Friday (my smallest deposit was 11 cents. It was a big day).
I distinctly remember a conversation we had when I was five years old – my dad said that he wanted to take us on a family vacation to Europe and wanted to start saving… For the next three years.
We all worked to prepare for the trip (I contributed $15 for my well-thought-out souvenirs, obvs), and I saw how hard my dad saved for the trip.
It was the trip that changed my life.
[Read More→]Full disclosure – I am a dual language major. *collective gasp* (To be fair, the languages were French and English #liberalartsforlife.) I strongly believe in the importance of learning another language. However, it is difficult to become proficient in another language without being immersed in the language and its cultural context. Coincidentally, the U.S. government … Continue reading Language Immersion Programs: What to Know
[Read More→]After many years as a study abroad advisor, I can say with gusto that the majority of students are genuinely interested in finding ways to make their time abroad fulfilling and enriching. Students are the reason I go to work, enjoy my job, and find new challenges… but students also continue to find new ways to stress me out. Today, I discuss the things that many students do that will always be challenging.
Excerpt:
Let me stress that I thoroughly enjoy my job as a study abroad advisor.
(I mean, I have an entire blog dedicated to it.)
It’s never dull, students are (mostly) wonderful, and it keeps me on my toes.
However, there are some things that, no matter what, stress the hell out of me.
If you wish to remain on your study abroad advisor’s good side, here are things to NOT do.
Before: You miss deadlines.
Deadlines exist in study abroad offices for any of the following reasons:
1. You need a visa and the paperwork takes time to procure from overseas.
2. We have to review your application and it makes sense to review all study abroad applications at one time.
3. The deadline is for a scholarship (and missing these deadlines = no money fo’ you).
4. Our partners abroad require things from you (like an application).
5. We want to stress you out and find it fun.
Please don’t miss your deadlines. If you do, be prepared to not go abroad.
It’s that simple.
[Read More→]As the beginning of the semester draws near, students are feeling the stress of the upcoming year. These tactics will help you have your best semester yet!
[Read More→]If you have ever been caught for hours in the lines at an airport, the Global Entry Program is the solution to your problems. Learn more here!
[Read More→]Are there too many options for you when you are looking for a study abroad program? Fear not! Here are some tips for finding the right program for you!
[Read More→]If you are new to college or still in high school, it’s a great time to start thinking about study abroad! GRAPES will get you organized for the next steps!
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