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The Expense List: Studying Abroad

It’s an easy excitement: a journey has finally ended; a country has been found. You’re soon to begin your education, seeking knowledge from the unfamiliar corridors, the classrooms echoing with a new language. It has always been a dream to study abroad and you’re thrilled to be experiencing it now. You’ll earn your degree by mastering another culture. There is no greater adventure, you believe.

There is also, however, no greater complication — because you didn’t understand the differences of economy, the weakness of the dollar. Many items demand high payments and you aren’t certain whether you can afford them all.

The most unfortunate truth students can discover while traveling abroad is that there’s far more to purchase than books. College is not a singular expense. It’s instead buoyed by countless others — all of which can wreak havoc on bank accounts.

Individuals must therefore recognize what their money will be divided amongst, and find ways to lessen the strain. The most common expenses are:

One: Food. It’s tempting to devote each day to exploring the many tastes and textures of local cuisine. It’s less tempting, however, to deplete your dollars with restaurants and street stalls. Choose to buy groceries instead, cooking your own meals and saving.

Two: Phone. The need to converse with your family is paramount; but those conversations can quickly form impossibly high bills. Long distance charges can be problematic. Choose online options (like web chats or email) instead to reduce the worry.

Three: Utilities. You’ve forever been reliant on your parents, expecting them to pay for heat and electricity. While living abroad, however, such items will become your responsibility should you not live on campus. Try bartering a lowered rent rate to receive an excess of funds.

Studying in another country is a desire that can’t be denied, but its costs can devastate those who are unprepared for them. Be aware of your weekly expenses and find ways to combat them.

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The Gap Year Advantage: Traveling

All lessons are to be offered within classroom corners, the gabled roofs of universities — this is a truth you used to accept, understood to be practical. Education is meant to be defined to the borders of a campus. You’re to learn through the aid of blackboards and professors. This is the logical order of things, and you once believed it completely.

But there are forms of an education that can’t be earned through books. History becomes stale when presented in ink; philosophy loses power when confined to pages. Classes are essential — but they’re not the only way to gain knowledge. And you are beginning to question the necessity of moving from high school to college so quickly.

For many American students universities are an expectation. There is to be no hesitation; these destination are to simply be sought. But they cannot always provide the craved facts, the necessary experiences. They trap knowledge within highly organized and highly tedious formats. Those wishing to discover more than books will be disappointed — especially when they’re forced to attend classes as soon as their high school graduation is done.

And this is why a gap year is so vital: by traveling the world students can absorb information that could never be contained within academia. The customs and religions, languages and routines of foreign lands can be observed — and mimicked. Individuals can earn an education of cultures; which will enable them to better themselves and their futures.

Traveling is not — despite what so many may assume — an excuse to deny colleges. This is not a refusal of formal learning. It’s instead the belief that students must become aware of the world before they can master it; and all who indulge in a gap year will be rewarded with far more than mere degrees. They will instead have the ability to understand the differing cities, cultures and strangers. It’s a benefit that can’t be denied.

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The Gap Year Advantage: Traveling

All lessons are to be offered within classroom corners, the gabled roofs of universities — this is a truth you used to accept, understood to be practical. Education is meant to be defined to the borders of a campus. You’re to learn through the aid of blackboards and professors. This is the logical order of things, and you once believed it completely.

But there are forms of an education that can’t be earned through books. History becomes stale when presented in ink; philosophy loses power when confined to pages. Classes are essential — but they’re not the only way to gain knowledge. And you are beginning to question the necessity of moving from high school to college so quickly.

For many American students universities are an expectation. There is to be no hesitation; these destination are to simply be sought. But they cannot always provide the craved facts, the necessary experiences. They trap knowledge within highly organized and highly tedious formats. Those wishing to discover more than books will be disappointed — especially when they’re forced to attend classes as soon as their high school graduation is done.

And this is why a gap year is so vital: by traveling the world students can absorb information that could never be contained within academia. The customs and religions, languages and routines of foreign lands can be observed — and mimicked. Individuals can earn an education of cultures; which will enable them to better themselves and their futures.

Traveling is not — despite what so many may assume — an excuse to deny colleges. This is not a refusal of formal learning. It’s instead the belief that students must become aware of the world before they can master it; and all who indulge in a gap year will be rewarded with far more than mere degrees. They will instead have the ability to understand the differing cities, cultures and strangers. It’s a benefit that can’t be denied.

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Safety First: International Education

It is the chance of a lifetime. This is no common statement, offered after some tedious revelation. This is instead a truth. You have the opportunity to study abroad, to seek an international education. Your classes could be centered among the historical cities, the distinguished monuments. You could experience cultures so different from your own (but just as vital). It is a dream able to become a reality, and you can think of no better way to spend the semester than in another land.

But there is a worry you haven’t considered — a possible threat. The world has not been tamed. There are certain individuals who would despise you from just a glance. There are countries that would offer dangerous political policies and a distinct lack of protection. You cannot simply go where you please, assuming that all villages will be safe. They won’t be; and this must be understood.

Studying abroad is an undeniable advantage. It offers all of the craved experiences, the unique knowledge. Individuals can gain new insights into cultures and customs, as well as develop their own egos (confidence is always gained when students are left to fend for themselves). But these advantages are not enough to counter the unfortunate truth that there are certain destinations that cannot — and must not — be sought.

All university bound individuals must recognize the current sways of politics and war (as well as religious concerns and gender discrimination). Not every country can — or should — be accessed. Decisions must instead be shaped by caution. Note where you intend to study and how steady its infrastructure is. Avoid areas that seem destined for social upheavals and be wary of cities that have suffered from poor relations with your home in the past.

Studying abroad may be your wish but safety must be your true concern. Never seek an international university without first understanding the potential problems and how they will effect you.

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The University Criteria

Traveling — you have decided — is your true purpose. Your life isn’t meant to be shaped by the traditional campuses, the tedious goals. You seek instead to study abroad, to spice your education with international flavors. History will become relevant when offered overseas; and you want to experience more than the expected days.

But those expectations must still guide your decisions. No college can simply be considered because of its location (the tempting coastlines and monuments). You must instead apply logic to your choices, defining dreams to wisdom. Every university must meet all of your criteria; and you must recognize what you need rather than merely what you want.

Understand:

One: Selection. Be certain any university you consider has the appropriate selection of courses. These should assist your major and must be able to be transfered correctly later. Be aware of what you wish your future to be, and allow credits to help you meet your goals.

Two: Aid. Look for colleges that provide financial assistance and scholarship programs. The expense of studying abroad can prove to be too high for many young adults. Seek all the help you can find to lessen the strain.

Three: Safety. Distant lands may tempt but they can also be dangerous. Never select any university that is located within a country you cannot trust. Being protected is the most vital concern. Understand all foreign policies and potential upheavals.

Four: Culture. The purpose of traveling is to seek out new customs. Be sure that a school is within an easy distance of landmarks, monuments and historic towns. Do not keep yourself tucked too far from the locals and their language.

Wishing to study abroad is a noble idea. It requires more than simple desire, however. You must instead understand what you need from a university and only consider those choices that provide it all. Your criteria must be followed. Don’t settle for weak potentials. Find only the best values.

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The Cambridge Reward

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It’s an assumption you made long ago, a decision shaped by your ego — international schools provide no value, you believe. They lack the sophistication, the necessary rewards. They are distinguished instead only by their surroundings (which you can admit offer entertainment but nothing more). You’re not interested in seeking historical cities if the lessons earned in classrooms are weak. Your future is to be a successful one; and your goals must be accomplished through hard work and constant effort. Such effort would be wasted by traveling abroad, however. No foreign universities can match the standards of your country. This is your singular certainty.

It is as untrue as it is limiting.

As of 2010 the most prestigious organization of the world is not found within the United States (though the majority of the top 10 are, this should be noted). It is instead the University of Cambridge, settled in the United Kingdom.

Founded in 1209, Cambridge is the second oldest college within England — as well as the seventh oldest of its kind within the world. Its reputation was earned immediately, with scholars from the prestigious Oxford University breaking away from their former home and crafting it (ensuring that all lessons would be ones of good intentions). It rose quickly among the European leagues, establishing itself as a premiere institution. And the years have proven this, with endless awards and accolades bestowed upon both it and its pupils.

And because of this Cambridge is now considered the most valued college of all — besting Harvard, Yale and countless others. Its courses are sought by thousands each year, offering the essential credits and classroom experiences. The education earned there is one that guarantees success and bright futures.

And this marks it worthy of all attentions — including yours.

Too often is it believed that international universities can provide no value. But Cambridge proves instead that there is much to discover and much more to learn.

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UCL Advantage

Own Personal Photography. 2007. The image is o...
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An international education is an unobtainable dream: this is the assurance you’ve offered yourself each day, the sad reality you have been forced to bear. The notion of studying abroad appeals to you greatly; but you fear you could never indulge in the exploration. Because you speak no foreign languages and you have studied no unique customs. Your knowledge is settled firmly in the American sensibilities, the small town understandings. Seeking continents and strange miles is surely an impossible thing. You could never master dialects and philosophies. You would only offend entire cities.
So you deny yourself even the consideration of leaving. Traveling is simply not an option you can entertain.

But this is no longer true. There are international colleges for you to find; and these will not demand a sudden need for accents and complex pronunciations. They will instead offer relief — none more so than the University College London.

University College London (more affectionately named UCL) is one of the premiere institutions of the world. As of 2010 it ranks fourth among academic ratings — settled only behind Cambridge University, Harvard and Yale. Since its establishment in 1826 it has become one of England’s most revered colleges: providing education to all who wish to seek it, defying the once damning limitations of religion or gender (its acceptance of all creeds was revolutionary during its founding). UCL now stands as one of the most impressive organizations of its kind. And it is ideal for those searching for international beauty without the international language barriers.

Students who have not been able to master dialects are not to despair. They can enjoy an abroad program. The country they choose must simply reflect their own alphabet — and Americans will find much relief in England. UCL can provide a sterling education without demanding an impossible language.

It is a compromise that will please all and offer endless values. UCL is the advantage that must be taken.

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The Easy Choice: Hong Kong

香港大學(梅堂及儀禮堂) The University of Hong Kong (Elio...
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The Oriental wonders, the infinite history — you have forever been inspired by Asia. The influences of its culture, its people, have fascinated you; and you have sought always to learn all of the little details, to chart out all eras. An education has been crafted carefully and you believe you have learned all you possibly can… on your own.

There is a desire to seek out more, however. You wish to immerse yourself in the world you have tried so diligently to understand. Studying abroad therefore seems to be the ideal solution — allowing you to gain the necessary wisdom while echoing the philosophies you have only read about. You now crave an experience, not mere literature.

You worry, however, that no such reward can be found. Choosing a singular Oriental school seems impossible: there are far too many potentials and far too many desires. You believe you could never select only one.

That selection can be made, though. You must simply accept the best.

The University of Hong Kong (established in 1911) is Asia’s premiere organization. It ranks first among all Oriental schools, as well as placing 21st within the entire world. As of 2010 it is the most acclaimed university of the east and represents pure excellence. Students seeking an international education should consider it above all others — especially when the vast variety of majors is understood. The university offers courses in agriculture, social sciences, engineering, law, philosophy and more. All necessary degrees can be earned.

And this is made a far easier thing for American students as the recognized instruction language of the school is English — a reflection of the original founders, the London Missionary Society.

Wishing to seek an Asian education is not the challenge individuals believe it to be. It can instead be achieved by choosing one of the world’s most lauded institutions. Receive the vital knowledge. Earn the wanted experience. Gain the advantage of a lifetime.

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