StudyAbroad.com’s The Globe

We at StudyAbroad.com agree with Martina’s insightful piece 100%!!!!

(http://tinyurl.com/affjtw) 

We have only seen interest in study abroad increase and traffic to our web site grow during this economic crisis.  On the surface this seems counter intuitive but when there is a will there is a way.  That way may be shorter and less expensive programs.

I want to introduce this semester’s StudyAbroad.com Bloggers. Studying in Spain, Australia and the United States, they are excited about sharing their experiences with you!

A Spanish and mass communications double major, stargazer Amanda is studying at Centro de Lenguas Modernas in Granada. Having just arrived in Spain, Amanda has already shared pictures, videos and numerous experiences. 
http://www.studyabroad.com/blog-abroad/amanda/

Mandi is looking forward to the sun, sand and surf Downunder. In Mandi’s first blogs, she tells what steps she took to prepare for her departure.
http://www.studyabroad.com/blog-abroad/mandi/

Originally from Syria, Wisam is studying International Business in Florida. With his love of music and dance aiding him in his adjustment to life in the Sunshine State.
http://www.studyabroad.com/blog-abroad/wisam/

You can see a blog feed from Amanda, Mandi and Wisam on the StudyAbroad.com FB Page! 

Go ahead and ask them questions, post comments and tell your friends.

1.   Spain (#3, Open Doors 2008)
2.   Italy
3.   United Kingdom (#1, Open Doors 2008)
4.   France
5.   Australia (#6, Open Doors 2008)
6.   China (#5, Open Doors 2008)
7.   Ireland (#9, Open Doors 2008)
8.   Germany
9.   Mexico (#7, Open Doors 2008)
10.  Japan* (#11, Open Doors 2008)
*Costa Rica ranks as the 10th most popular destination according to Open
Doors 2008.

Contact:
Nikki Martin
303.433.7020
nmartin@csg-pr.com

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Study abroad does more than promote academic enrichment, personal growth and fun in another country. It also can enhance your employment prospects. Employers seek graduates who have studied abroad! They know that students who have successfully completed a study abroad program are likely to possess international knowledge and often second-language skills. Such students are also likely to have other qualities that employers value just as highly: cross-cultural communication skills, analytical skills, an understanding of and familiarity with local customs and cultural contexts, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances and deal constructively with differences.

In an interesting article about related research by Anthea Lipsett, in the  on October 16, Will Archer, director of i-graduate, was quoted: “This research is a wake-up call for students and parents. You’ll get further in life if you travel overseas to study or gain work experience.

“In today’s turbulent times it is more important than ever for every graduate to demonstrate an international dimension to their thinking, and there is no better way to demonstrate this than to study or work for a period overseas.”

But he added that universities need to engage with former students and understand where they are in their careers.

What do you think?

Sarah is a 20-year-old junior from Wellesley College studying art history and French cultural studies in Paris.  It is interesting to see her perspective from abroad on politics and on the economy.

“My parents and some of my friends asked me how France views the current financial crisis in the United States which leads me to believe that a lot of the people in the U.S. have NO IDEA that the whole world is now completely destroyed economically. Everyday, in every paper in Paris, there is an article on the financial crisis now in France, not just the United States. What is France’s reaction? They are angry at themselves for being so dependent on the U.S. The G7 had to meet, this and that International organization had to meet, et cetera et cetera. A quote I got from a French newspaper said that “French banks will never be the same after this.”

What is my reaction? Well, my sadistic reaction is that, at least the Euro is going down with the dollar. I had to take out a lot of money to go to Germany last weekend, and needless to say, when I looked at my bank account, I was a little horrified. I also have to add that I’m also thrilled to look for a job in 2010.

As far as this upcoming election goes, the vast majority of French people are, of course, pro-Obama. And by vast, I mean over 80%. They ask me what I think about Sarah Palin, and tell me that they were sad to see Hillary go (this totally shocked me). All French adults I’ve talked to so far have told me they would rather Hillary had gotten the nomination than Obama, but “sadly, it’s too late.” I miss Hillary too, but I like Obama.

Continuing in the trend of political blogging, I just received my absentee ballot a week ago. A lot of people my age are refusing to vote, which annoys me a little. I don’t necessarily find the act of voting in the United States very empowering anymore, but I also feel like, if you don’t vote, you do not have the right to complain about U.S politics for the next four years, and I treasure moments where I can complain about our bureaucracy.”

The Chronicle of Higher Education printed a story this morning based on an IIE report discussing barriers to Study Abroad at community colleges.  

The report indicated that only 3 percent of those who study abroad are enrolled at community colleges.

Take aways from the report are:

• short-term study abroad programs (8 weeks or less) are much more prevalent then long-term programs
• many programs are faculty led
• budget cuts, student costs and a lack of institutional support are the biggest challenges

How can we help?

“(Graduate students studying abroad) is becoming more widespread,” said Dawn Turton, executive director of the Vanderbilt International Office.

This trend is not only happening at Vanderbilt but we are seeing this at many universitities across the country.  Do you have any expereince with grad students studying abroad or are you a grad student abroad?

Share your story with us.

An article in the Independent Florida Alligator, written by Seeta Rebbapragada, has several different perspectives on the role the current economic environment is having on students decisions to study abroad. 

Check out the article…

What do you think?