You are here: Home / Archives for Online Education

It’s Better Than Fun

As a student you most likely think that the best advantage a semester abroad can offer is a couple months of fun. While it is true that studying abroad is fun, the truth is there are tons of advantages to spending a semester, or even two, studying abroad. It isn’t just about having fun or even just about studying. An education that includes some international studies will expand your horizons and impact your life in ways you may not have considered.

Obviously, international students are exposed to other languages and cultures. This is helpful as students move into the employment market. Exposure to other languages may improve a student’s speaking ability. Understanding and respecting other cultures may make a student a more viable employment prospect. Any experience that broadens ones understanding of the world is a beneficial experience.

Another benefit of international studies is broadening ones networking base. That is really just a fancy way of saying having more friends and influential people in your life. This is invaluable throughout your life. Your network can help you find employment, help you get settled in a new city – and yes, it can help you have more fun too.

International students also typically have a greater understanding of history, politics and current events. It is simply a lot easier to understand history when you can visit the places where history occurred. This knowledge is invaluable when it comes to understanding the current world, the issues it faces and the politics that rule it.

Perhaps the best way to describe the benefits of international studies is that a semester abroad is a fun way to help create a well rounded student who is prepared to face the world with a greater understanding of people, cultures and themselves. A semester abroad is more than a few months of fun; it is a basis upon which to start a life.

Filed Under: Online Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: , ,

Studying Abroad for a Smaller World

The world has become a much smaller place. The internet has effectively changed the way that we live, the way we communicate and do business, even the way that we learn. More than ever, the value of studying abroad is becoming apparent. Students who spend one or more semesters abroad are better prepared to face the challenges of this much smaller global world.  Today, students have a variety of options if they are interested in studying abroad.

For high school aged students, the long popular foreign exchange student program is still the best option.  This program allows high school students to study in a country of their choice for a semester. By living with a host family, students have access to a support system, cultural influences and a degree of safety. Students that successfully complete a semester abroad come away with a better understanding of the world.

College level students have several options available. There are several universities throughout the country with extensive foreign studies programs. These students spend one or two semesters abroad studying at a ‘sister’ school.  Conversely, college age student can apply to colleges and universities abroad. This option allows students to complete their education while abroad. College students who study abroad not only have a broader understanding of the world, they have a greater understanding of themselves and a larger community with which to network.

In some cases it may be possible to take a shorter course overseas.  These effective seminars last only a few weeks and are a great introduction to foreign studies. Whichever route you choose, studying abroad is a great opportunity and one that will allow you not only appreciate a foreign culture, but to develop a contacts, complete your education and prepare you for a world that is smaller than ever before.

Filed Under: Online Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: , ,

The Australian Consideration: Studying Abroad

Dreary hours and gray skies, the endless pastoral sweeps: it’s an image you can’t ignore, even as you wish to; and it has been haunting your dreams for many months. The chance to study abroad has been offered to you, but your limitation with foreign languages has left you with few options. England seems to be the only decision — but you fret over the infamous weather, the fickle sun. It does not appeal to your need for coastlines and open air. And, while the intention may be to earn an education, you understand that you must also be content during the semester. And the country storms will simply not suffice.

This is why you look to Australia instead — with its golden shores and summer sun. Inspiration will surely come, you believe, when offered so tempting a setting. But you fear the beaches cannot be coupled with the necessary credits. You worry no school can be found there that will satisfy.

You’re wrong.

The Australian National University is available and awaits your arrival.

Ranked perpetually within the top 20 schools worldwide (classified in the sixteenth position as of 2010), the Australian National University is settled in the nation’s capital of Canberra. Founded in 1947 it is one of the few modern universities to earn high prestige within the 21st century. But its commitment to excellence — proven in the endless accolades it has received throughout the years — brands it an ideal institution. And students seeking to study the social and environmental sciences will be rewarded with some of the best programs available.

And this is also to be coupled with easy days and seasonal triumphs. Australia stands as a stark counter to many of the international offerings. It allows students to immerse themselves in nature, rather than huddling within cities, trying to escape the capricious storms. It’s the perfect greeting of education and entertainment; and this makes traveling a far more enticing possibility.

Filed Under: Education, Online Education, Study Abroad Tagged With:

Independence Gained: Studying Abroad

It’s an expectation of parenting — all worries are to be claimed by your father; all concerns are to belong to your mother. There is nothing for you to fret about. There is just the relief that comes from being a child, allowed to do what you please. Responsibility isn’t needed. It’s instead happily ignored, with you indulging in all of the comforts of youth and home. It is a simple thing, you believe, to be a teen; and you intend to take advantage of every second that’s offered to you.

And this is why studying abroad seems like such an adventure: you can discover a new culture; you can learn a different language. It should be ideal… until you realize that your family won’t be traveling with you. You will instead have to fend for yourself.

For many students this is an unfortunate revelation. The notion of being alone, of being forced to take care of themselves, becomes too great of a worry. They have never been separated from their families; they have never had to understand the importance of money and domestic chores. And they become overwhelmed by the possibility of having to suddenly mature.

But this is not to be seen as a flaw in the plan to study abroad. Instead it is to be recognized as a value — the experience earned through traveling, the independence that is found, is essential for all individuals. Students will be offered the chance to change as they study. All lessons will be coupled with good sense. And this will enable them to receive far more from their education than mere facts. They will instead gain the foundations of adulthood: able to understand the world and master it.

Traveling ensures that all individuals will become aware of their own abilities. It’s an exploration in confidence. Students will learn to adapt and succeed. And they will no longer rely on their families for every little victory.

Filed Under: Online Education, Study Abroad Tagged With:

Resume Rewards: Abroad Programs

The future is meant to be conquered — this is not an easy thing, you know. It requires careful choices and far more careful planning. All decisions must be deliberate, with the intention to succeed. So you select only the best classes; and you devote yourself to learning. The desire is to fill a resume with all of the valiant efforts: exceptional grades and endless extracurricular activities. Employers will demand excellence, you believe. You must be able to offer it to them.

But there are certain elements that are missing from your credentials. You have no languages to offer, no experience to give. You’ve been defined by the borders of your home, have never seen any corners of the many countries. And that… is not acceptable. Because companies are expecting more from students. They wish them to have knowledge and the ability to apply it: the real world mastery must be gained. But you aren’t certain how to achieve that before the new semester begins.

The answer is surprisingly simple — choose to study abroad.

Students wishing to distinguish themselves from the masses (all of whom can offer undeniable skills and strengths) should consider accepting a position within an international university; even if only for a singular term. While this may seem to be a burden — causing a separation from family and friends, a strain of finances — it can instead be a relief. Employers delight in candidates who can offer experience. Those who have been immersed in different customs and languages can provide value to any team. They can offer an uncommon view and the ability to understand the many cultural distinctions.

And this is vital to modern businesses.

A resume won’t impress without the essential traveling. Individuals who wish to seek their ideal careers must recognize the importance of studying abroad. An education for the present can greatly influence the future — and it’s essential for those who are wanting to succeed.

Filed Under: Education, International Learning, Online Education Tagged With:

The Transfer Woes: Studying Abroad

The semester has been kind. All days spent within a foreign country — despite the many warnings, the familial concerns — have been successful. An education has been earned; classes have been conquered; and you are sad to leave the culture you have become so fond of. The chance to study abroad is one you could never regret. It is instead an experience like no other and you’re certain you will attempt it again. But you must first return home and declare your credits. They’ll be tucked within a computer, applied to your degree… or so you assume.

The truth, however, is far less appealing.

Transferring certain courses proves to be difficult. Some of the efforts you gave cannot be counted toward your diploma. They are instead deemed futile, offering no aid to a major. You’ll be granted no recognition for them and you’re stunned.

You shouldn’t be.

A common complication with studying abroad is that certain credits may not be valid upon returning home. Students can find massive portions of their semesters gone, unable to verified. Endless hours of theorizing and examining facts can be reduced to a quick refusal — the classes won’t be transfered.

It is imperative then that all individuals be aware of what they are studying and how it can later be applied. Research all courses, ensuring that they are able to be used to further an education. The intention is to graduate within four years. Should programs be denied, however, that can become impossible. Money, time and energy will be wasted. All must understand what their majors need and then choose classes that will be relevant.

Never assume that all courses are secured. They aren’t. It’s a complicated process to move credits from one university to another — especially when there is a separation of languages between them. Be certain you understand what is valid and what is instead useless. Choose only what will be transferred back to you.

Filed Under: Education, Online Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: , , ,
Newer Posts »