Directory of International Schools and Study Abroad Programs

The world is a very different place than it was only a decade ago, and as we continue to march towards full globalization, international schools—schools that offer courses different from the normal school curriculum of the host country—are becoming more and more common as an educational option. Also becoming increasingly popular are the many study abroad programs being offered throughout the world—opportunities for students to study for a semester or an academic year in a foreign country. While international schools and study abroad programs are not the same thing, recently many international schools have begun offering study abroad opportunities for students desiring to live and study abroad for a few months in another country. In fact, there are so many of these opportunities available that there now several websites that offer a directory of international schools and study abroad programs—catalogs listing each international school that is participating, with a full description of the study abroad program as well.

How to Use a Directory of International Schools and Study Abroad Programs

When using an online directory of international schools and study abroad programs, the main page, or home page, will usually include some general instructions on how to use the directory. Most directories will allow you to narrow your search using certain criteria, including searching by country, language spoken, type of study abroad program and duration of the program. For example, if you’re looking for a 4-week summer study abroad program in France, you would first search for French international schools, and then narrow those results down to the 4-week summer programs.

Once you’ve decided how you will begin your search, the second page will usually include a list of schools, with a brief description about the program. For example, if you searched for programs in China, one of these listings might say:

“Academy of Chinese Language and Culture - offers year round study abroad programs and learning immersion courses to foreigners interested in the Chinese language and culture.”

There will normally be many listings just like the one above, and although this description is admittedly very basic, once you click on the hyperlink (usually the name of the school), you will be taken to a page that offers a more complete program description, as well as information about the institution that is offering it. Some of the information this page will contain includes:

Location of the school and nearby places to visit

Program description, including dates and important program features

Candidacy requirements for the program (GPA requirement, etc.)

Program duration—semester, academic year, summer program

Daily schedule, including classroom and recreational hours

Program cost

Financial assistance and scholarship opportunities (most study abroad programs offer scholarship opportunities)

Living arrangements—on-campus housing, off campus housing, host families, etc.

How to apply, including application deadlines

The primary advantage to using a directory of international schools and study abroad programs is that once you reach the website you can usually locate all the program information and details about the school all in one place. This is also a great type of site to bookmark, as you may want to come back to it several times for reference purposes.

Famous Educators that Have Made a Difference

One of the unfortunate truths of our current world era is that educators rarely get their due respect and admiration. Truth be told, this is a bit baffling, given that aside from those who have trained in medicine and law, teachers are, on average, the most educated professionals worldwide. Despite their long hours and meager salaries they persist in educating the youth of the world, molding and shaping the individuals who will soon take the torch as tomorrow’s leaders.

Despite that they fail to get their due attention and esteem in present day society, educators—and the teaching profession in general—have not always been overlooked. As it happens, in past eras teachers were held in very high regard and were considered some of the most prominent leaders of their day—in a number of different fields. Many of these famous educators went on to become some of the most celebrated authors, poets, philosophers and scientists the world has ever witnessed, with names that even today are synonymous with brilliance, genius and societal progression—responsible for words, techniques and ideas that have helped to shape the world we live in.

Some of these famous educators include:

Confucius (551-479 BC). Confucius was a famous educator and philosopher in China whose ideas about self-improvement through education are still widely read and valued today.

Plato (428-348 BC). Plato, who is said to have founded the first university, was a Greek teacher/philosopher who was adamant that both teachers and students should be lifelong learners and continue to improve themselves through education.

Jesus (5 BC-30 AD). No famous educator is more widely read today than Jesus, whose daily lessons via parables and proverbs continue to steer the lives of Christians around the world.

John Locke (1632-1704). John Locke was a famous educator who believed education should revolve around improving one’s character. He stressed guided training over rote instruction and preparation for life over preparation for university.

Horace Mann (1796-1859). Considered the “Father of the American Public School,” Horace Mann was a famous educator who believed that every child—wealthy or poor—should have regular, daily access to a well-rounded education. “Education for all,” says Mann “would become the great equalizer of men.”

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862). Henry David Thoreau, although perhaps best known for his poetry later in life and his love of nature, was a schoolteacher who believed that education should involve more than textbooks and memorization. He introduced new teaching techniques such as journal writing and field trips that, he said, would enhance the overall learning experience.

Anne Sullivan (1866-1936). There is perhaps no teacher who demonstrated more persistence and commitment than Anne Sullivan—the famous educator who worked closely and tirelessly with Helen Keller, a blind student with severe learning disabilities. Despite a handicap of her own, Sullivan developed and implemented a form of touch reading for Keller, stressing that children learn from direct experience and repetition rather than vague concepts.

This is just a partial list of the many famous educators whose commitment to teaching and learning has revolutionized the world and made progress possible. Collectively, they are a shining example of how central teachers are to the fabric of our society, and why teachers today should receive the notoriety and praise they deserve for the consistent dedication they demonstrate in carrying out the most essential of responsibilities: Educating our children.

Find the Answers You Need with an International Schools List

While 20 years ago an International schools list would be rather short and limited, that is certainly not the case today. International schools are becoming increasingly prevalent and can now be found in almost every world country. These multinational schools, which teach a different curriculum than the one normally offered in the host country, are perfect for foreign residents looking to receive instruction in their mother tongue, as well as for local students seeking to acquire new language skills and become better prepared for educational and professional opportunities in other countries.

Statistics indicate that there are currently over 5,000 international schools in the world, some of which teach a universally accepted International curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate, and others that offer curriculums based on English-speaking models such as the SAT preparation program from the United States and the “A” and “O” schools model used in the United Kingdom.

International Schools List: Three Examples

If you need to perform research on International schools, either for personal or professional reasons, the Internet has made it easier than ever to find the information and/or statistics you require. Today there are several websites that offer a comprehensive International schools list—a list usually broken down by country or region that not only lists all of the International schools, but provides detailed information on those schools and the types of programs they offer. To illustrate the type of information you can usually locate from an International schools list, below we have highlighted a few International schools, including some details we discovered by consulting one of these increasingly popular lists:

The Kilmore International School. The Kilmore International School is located in Victoria, Australia, and a mere 1 hour from Victoria’s Tullamarine Airport. Kilmore is a secondary school that uses the International Baccalaureate curriculum—a curriculum designed to facilitate worldwide entry into universities. In addition to offering courses in language arts, mathematics, science and the humanities, Kilmore is renowned throughout Australia for its wonderful music program, led by the world-famous flautist Ms. P. Robinson.

Ryan International School. Ryan International School is located in Mumbai, India and was founded in 1976 by Dr. Augustine Pinto, chairman of the St. Xavier group of schools. The curriculum taught at Ryan International School is the very same curriculum used in the United Kingdom, which is designed to prepare students for the Cambridge Examinations. All courses at this college preparatory academy are taught in English.

Black Forest Academy. Black Forest Academy is a private primary and secondary school with on-campus housing for all students. Located in Kandern, Germany, the Black Forest Academy uses a North American curriculum, and all instruction is in English. Black Forest Academy stresses a Christian worldview, which is why admission to this school is conditional on acceptance of the school’s philosophy. While anyone can apply for the Black Forest Academy, preference is usually given to the children of Christian missionaries and international business families in Europe.

As you can see from the three examples listed above, an international schools list can be a very effective tool—a quick and easy way to compare schools from different regions. It not only helps parents determine the curriculum model used at the various schools throughout the world, but also provides important details regarding the school’s extracurricular programs and philosophy.

Host Families: Providing Structure and Support for International Exchange Students

Do you have the type of family that celebrates education, embraces different cultures and looks forward to meeting new challenges? Have you ever thought of becoming a host family for an International Exchange Program? Host families are the glue that hold together the world’s impressive number of international exchange programs, for without host families, not only would these programs not have achieved the amazing success they have, they wouldn’t even be possible. To give you some more information on what to expect as a host family, here we will explain some of the duties and responsibilities required, along with all the benefits this experience will provide to you and your family.

Host Families: What Are the Responsibilities—and Benefits?

There are more than 140 countries that participate in international student exchange programs, and due to this incredible success, host families are always needed and are perhaps the most essential component of the program. In these student exchange programs, young people are given the opportunity to study and live in a foreign country, for durations that range from 4-weeks to an entire school year. This can be an exciting time in a youth’s life, but it can also be a time of great trepidation and anxiety, as the students try to adjust and fit in to a world in which they are entirely unfamiliar. This is where you come in and can be so beneficial to the program and the student, acting as both parent and ambassador. Once your student arrives your family will be the first faces that he or she sees, giving you as parents the opportunity to welcome this new student not only into your country, but into your home as well.

Host families are responsible for providing room and board for exchange students, including meals, which means in the month to 9 months they are in your home, you will become there second family—a type of “home away from home.” This can be a wonderful experience for both the host families and students, as it gives everyone the chance to learn from each other the history, culture, traditions and language of a foreign land. Perhaps even more importantly, the experience will almost certainly help your family gain a new perspective on the world, and will teach your children kindness, tolerance and acceptance.

Host families help provide a sense of normalcy and structure, including the exchange student in normal family activities, including homework help and games. There will also be a countless number of occasions for you to showcase your country to the student, becoming a type of teacher of sorts on your family outings. Additionally, there will be several activities that are sponsored in part by the exchange program—culturally diverse activities that will allow you to meet children from regions throughout the world, including Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, Latin America, the Middle East and more.

Finally, host families act as a type of security blanket for exchange students—a place they feel comfortable, despite their geographic distance from home and their inevitable homesickness. Each and every day as a host family will be a rich and rewarding experience, as students will learn something new from you every day, just as you and your family will also become learners about their country and customs.

International Students: Who Are They and What Are the Benefits?

What is an international student? Actually, the term “international students” has a dual definition. Of course, anyone studying in a foreign country, such as students in a study abroad program, would be considered an international student. But you also must consider those students who, because they currently live in another country, usually because one or both of their parents are employed by an international or multinational company, attend a type of international school in which the curriculum is based on their country of origin’s curriculum, and delivered in their own native language. In this article we will discuss both types of international students in a bit more detail, including the benefits of studying at an international school.

International Students: Study Abroad Students

The “study abroad” type of international student is one who applies in his or her home country to study abroad in one of the many participating foreign countries. These international students typically study in a host country for a predetermined amount of time; one semester, a full academic year, or a more short-term summer session spanning 4-5 weeks.

Studying abroad as an international student can be the experience of a lifetime, with memories that will be cherished forever. A couple of the benefits to being an international student include:

Academic Enrichment. Studying abroad not only allows students to experience an alternate academic setting and atmosphere, it gives them an alternate perspective on the world and teaches them new approaches to studying and solving problems. These benefits are invaluable and will almost certainly improve their academic success upon returning to their home school.

Learning to Appreciate other Cultures. The variance between tolerating other cultures and appreciating them is vast. International students studying abroad have the unique opportunity to be entirely immersed in another culture; the customs, language and traditions. And because of that, most students will usually come to embrace that culture as if it were their own.

International Students: Foreign Residents

International students who are residents of a country other than their homeland can benefit greatly from attending an international school. Two of these benefits are:

Preparing for College. When students attend an international school—a school that offers a curriculum they are familiar with in a language they comprehend—they are able to improve their academic success and prepare for college either in their home country or at any number of international universities.

Increase Professional Opportunities. International students regularly interact with students and faculty from a number of diverse backgrounds. This experience, which often includes new language acquisition, will become a major benefit to them professionally in our new global economy.

International students, whether foreign residents or those studying abroad, not only benefit greatly from an academic standpoint, but their exposure to different cultures and new ideas will continue to pay dividends long after they finish school.

Student Exchange Scholarships: Applying for CIEE Scholarships

Have you ever thought about taking advantage of an opportunity to study abroad? If so, the following information about student exchange scholarships may be quite helpful. Student exchange programs, through which students have the opportunity to study and live for a time in a foreign country, can be the experience of a lifetime, but the truth is that for some students participation in these types of programs is only made possible through financial assistance. Fortunately, there are many organizations, including the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)—the organization we will feature here—that make applying for these student exchange scholarships a fairly simple process.

Student Exchange Scholarships though CIEE

Among the large fraternity of students who have previously participated in a student exchange program, it would be very difficult to find a person who didn’t enjoy the experience immensely. In fact, many former students will fondly recall their opportunity to study abroad as the experience of a lifetime. However, for some students these opportunities would not even be possible without some type of financial assistance. This is a fact that the CIEE is well aware of, and because of that, the organization has become a vehicle through which students can apply for a number of student exchange scholarships. Just one application packet through the CIEE allows students who are interested in studying abroad to apply to many student exchange scholarships and grants simultaneously, thus increasing their odds of receiving a financial award.

How to Apply for Student Exchange Scholarships through CIEE

Applying for one of the many student exchange scholarships through CIEE is a fairly straightforward process, but candidates should be very careful and meticulous when preparing their application materials. Competition can be rather stiff for these scholarships and the quality of your materials can often be the difference between receiving funding and being passed up.

When applying for one of the many CIEE student exchange scholarships students should first read over the eligibility requirements and procedures for each individual scholarship. Also, keep in mind that incomplete applications will not be considered, and it is the applicant’s responsibility alone that their application packet is complete.

Below are the items that must be submitted together when applying for CIEE student exchange scholarships:

A completed scholarship application form

A financial administrator form

A 500-Word Essay. The 500-word essay you submit should of course be typed, and will require that you address certain areas and topics. These include the location where you plan to study, the term you are applying for and the names of each CIEE scholarship for which you are applying. You should also include information regarding your primary objectives for studying abroad, details regarding your financial need and how the CIEE student exchange scholarships for which you are applying will help you meet those needs. In the final component of your essay, be sure to include any extenuating circumstances or situations that may be relevant in the consideration of your scholarship application. This essay is your first, and perhaps only opportunity to showcase who you are, and therefore, you should write an interesting and polished essay with no spelling or grammatical mistakes.

Additional items may also have to be submitted, based on the eligibility criteria for each individual scholarship. Failure to include these items could significantly jeopardize your student exchange scholarships application.

There are two firm deadlines for submitting CIEE scholarship applications, April 1 for summer, fall, and academic year programs, and November 1, for winter, spring, and calendar year programs. Awardees will be notified by email approximately 4 weeks following either of these two deadline dates.

Study Abroad International Exchange: Growing as a Student and a Person

Are you the type of person who enjoys meeting new people, seeing new sights, taking risks and facing new challenges? Are you interested in gaining a new perspective both as a student and global citizen? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you may want to consider one of the many study abroad international exchange programs that are currently available. Study abroad international exchange programs allow students just like you the opportunity to pursue academic excellence and diversity by studying in a foreign country. The programs also provide the perfect opportunity to learn about new cultures and to gain a new perspective on your own country by looking at it through the eyes of another country. The advantages of these study abroad programs are endless, and to illustrate that, in this article we will discuss some of the key benefits of participating in a study abroad international exchange program, including the academic profits and the opportunities for personal growth.

Study Abroad International Exchange: The Benefits

The study abroad international exchange experience is certainly not for every student, but it is for those who are seeking a different way of looking at the world—students who desire to experience the kindness, majesty and power in the cultures, customs and traditions of other people.

There are several academic benefits to studying in a foreign country. New language acquisition, for example, not only makes you a well-rounded person; it can also prove to be a significant advantage professionally in the future. Another academic advantage is the opportunity to look at problems from a new perspective, and to experience the history of another country first-hand by directly interacting with professors, fellow students and your host family. Most colleges and universities allow you to transfer your credits from your study abroad international exchange program back to your home school, so while some of your classmates will be going through the same old grind, you’ll be earning the same amount of credits while experiencing the wonderment and excitement of a foreign land.

Perhaps even more important than the academic benefits to studying abroad, are the opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. While most people live the majority of their lives seeing the world through a one-country perspective, you’ll become liberated from that way of thinking and learn to appreciate your duty and responsibility as a world citizen. You’ll encounter several challenges as a study abroad international exchange participant, affording you the opportunity to improve your character and problem-solving skills. Each and every day of your study abroad experience will be filled with new sights, sounds and tastes, and these are experiences that you will remember for a lifetime.

The program options for studying abroad are virtually limitless. As a study abroad international exchange student you can study subjects such as science and engineering in Germany, biology in Africa or South America, world religions in the Middle East or Literature in the United Kingdom. With literally thousands of programs and opportunities available, you are almost certain to find one that suits your unique interests.

Study Abroad Scholarships: Possible Funding Sources for Studying Abroad

Have you often considered studying abroad, but are afraid you can’t afford the accompanying expenses? Did you know that there are many study abroad scholarships available—funding opportunities for those who would like to study overseas? It’s true. There are currently several scholarships, grants and fellowships available, including study abroad scholarships that are open to everyone and those designed for certain underrepresented students. To illustrate this, below you will find a list that includes just a small sample of these opportunities, along with a brief description of each scholarship program.

Study Abroad Scholarships: Opportunities Available for All Students

Fulbright Program. The Fulbright program is one of the largest and most well-known scholarships for international exchange students. Based in the United States, the Fulbright program is designed to help students and working professionals earn their graduate degree in teaching and research, while simultaneously learning the customs and traditions in one of the 140 countries involved in the exchange program.

Rotary Club Ambassadorial Scholarships. The Rotary Club International is the most renowned service club in the world. Their popular study abroad scholarships program offers a number of financial opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students who wish to pursue a degree in vocational studies. While studying abroad, recipients of these study abroad scholarships will serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country, and give informational presentations about their homelands to other rotary clubs.

Golden Key Study Abroad Scholarships. The Golden Key study abroad scholarship offers ten, $1000 scholarships to undergraduate students who are currently participating in a study abroad program. Three of the 10 scholarships are presented in October, while the remaining 7 are given out in April each year.

Study Abroad Scholarships for Underrepresented Students.

Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. The Gilman study abroad scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance to students who have been traditionally underrepresented in study abroad programs. Students in this category include community college students, students with diverse ethnic backgrounds, disabled students and students who wish to pursue a degree in science and engineering. Students eligible for the Gilman scholarship include undergraduates who are currently enrolled in a 2 or 4 year college and are receiving financial assistance through the Pell Grant program.

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Scholarship Program. This study abroad scholarship program is designed to encourage Hispanic students in the United States to enroll at one of the 17 campuses in the Laureate International University network. Scholarships are presented once a year, providing full tuition and other assistance.

Joseph A. Towles African Study Abroad Scholarships. In memory of the beloved Dr. Joseph A. Towles, these study abroad scholarships are open to students currently receiving assistance from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) program who wish to study abroad in Africa.

Summer Student Exchange: Summer Language Programs

Are you looking for an exciting new adventure this summer, one that combines meeting new people, exploring new sights, embracing a new culture and learning a new language? Have you considered a summer student exchange program in Europe—a program that offers language learning and plenty of time for sightseeing and cultural excursions? The European Summer Language Program offers students a unique opportunity to study a foreign language in some of the more fascinating regions in Europe, including France, Germany and Spain. These programs, which also allow an abundance of time for sightseeing and activities, can be an exhilarating way to spend a fun-filled summer while simultaneously earning some valuable high school credits in language arts. In this article we will take a closer look at this inimitable summer student exchange program, first by providing some general information about the European Summer Language program, followed by a closer look at one of the more popular regions the program is currently conducted, Antibes, France.

Summer Student Exchange: About the European Summer Language Program

The European Summer Language program is a 4-week summer student exchange for students who are 16-20 years of age. The program features structured language instruction with some of the finest language instructors in all of Europe, all of whom have a passion for teaching. There are many exciting, educational and cultural excursions offered to local areas of interest. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities together, with added time to explore the community and culture of the region; the shops, art galleries, sports, restaurants and beautiful landscapes.

Summer student exchange participants will stay with host families who, in addition to providing room and board, will provide supervision on many of the excursions and supply structure in the student’s schedule. Staying with a host family also offers students additional opportunities for language acquisition and a great resource for learning the customs, traditions, and history of the region.

Summer Student Exchange: Language Learning in France

The French component of the European Summer Language Program is located on the Cote d’ Azur in Antibes, a region very near to Nice, Cannes and Italy. The region offers a bounty of historical sites and cultural activities, with hundreds of tiny streets and shops that are perfect for students to explore when in town.

Students will live and take their meals with local host families during the 4-week program, giving them the opportunity to learn some of the French customs, history and traditions firsthand. Structured language classes are held in the morning, 5 days a week, with qualified French instructors, many of whom have been with the program for several years. To ensure students receive the appropriate instruction, classes will split into 3 categories, beginner, intermediate, advanced, based on their knowledge and comprehension of the French language. During the afternoons students can explore the local community and sights, and with lots of cultural excursions on the weekend the program offers students a very well-rounded experience they will not soon forget.