International Exchange: How it Works

Have you recently been approached about participating in an international student exchange, a conversation that has get you now wondering what exactly they are, how they work and what you can normally expect. If so, the following information may prove quite useful. Below we have described some of the basics associated with international exchange programs, including what they are and how they work, not just from an educational perspective, but from a cultural standpoint as well.

International Student Exchange Programs: What They Are and How They Work

Many students (and people in general) often get the wrong impression when they hear the term “international exchange.” They understand it’s about studying abroad, but they also have the mistaken notion that these students are simply “thrown in” to a foreign classroom environment in which the course instruction is provided in a language that is unfamiliar to them. This is not the case. One of the greatest features of international exchange programs is that students will study in their own language, taking many of the same courses they would at their home high school or university. Even better, in most cases, they will receive full credit for the coursework they complete when studying abroad—credit that will be applied to their high school diploma or university degree. International exchange programs have a very low teacher to student ratio, with classes made up of a number of international students (often from a variety of countries) who speak the same language.

Naturally, studying at a foreign high school or university does offer international student exchange students a unique opportunity to gain a fresh educational perspective; to learn new instructional and learning methods and acquire valuable language and alternative problem-solving skills. Whether they’re studying for a semester, full academic year or just during the winter or summer break, the opportunity to meet the local instructors and students, and to witness how the education process is conducted in another country is a truly enlightening and valuable experience.

At this point you may be wondering why these programs are called international “exchange.” The answer is actually rather simple. International exchange programs are reciprocal. This means if you are, say, an American high school or university student who decides to study in China for a semester, a Chinese student will normally have the opportunity to study in the United States, sometimes taking the very place you are vacating at your home school. This allows both of you to reap the benefits and advantages associated with studying abroad.

In addition to the classroom component associated with international exchange programs, you will also be treated to numerous cultural and sightseeing excursions. Many former international exchange participants fondly recall these day-trips as being some of the most enlightening and entertaining experiences they had while living and studying abroad. Together they afforded students a firsthand experience, allowing them to fully “take in” the country and all it has to offer. The chance to visit some of country’s most treasured sites and landmarks, savor the local fare and speak and interact with the country’s people give international exchange students a rare opportunity to completely experience what life is like abroad on a day-to-day basis. Moreover, many of the people students meet along the way—people they meet in the classroom, residence hall or through their host family—are people with whom many former participants stay close and in touch with years after their international exchange program has concluded.

Off Campus Student Housing: Tips for Avoiding Roommate Conflicts

Are you a university student who is thinking about living off campus during the upcoming school year? Have you decided yet on the type of off campus student housing arrangement you would prefer—one that would also match your budget? Living off campus while studying at a college or university offers many advantages, including the ability to come and go as you please. However, if you’re like most students, you probably lack the financial resources to live completely on your own, especially if you’re taking a full load of classes. But this doesn’t mean that living off campus is impossible either. One of the many potential off campus student housing options is to share an apartment or flat with one or more roommates. This allows you to share the costs associated with living in an apartment, including things like rent, utilities, cable and internet access. However, regardless of the savings, and despite how well you and your roommate relate to each other initially, there are bound to be some conflicts along the way that you may not anticipate. These are a natural part of sharing a residence; however, many of them can be mitigated or avoided by following a few simple tips.

Off Campus Student Housing: Tips for Avoiding Roommate Conflicts

So you finally chose an apartment, met two roommates (say, Jeff and Manuel) who were willing to share the costs and you moved in. Initially, things were great and the three of you were getting along famously. However, after about the third month you begin to notice a sour smell emanating from Jeff’s room that is rapidly taking over the apartment. You’ve pleaded with him on several occasions to wash his clothes and dishes, but still the odor lingers and the combination of soiled socks with the strong smell of rotting meat begin to make you rethink the whole roommate arrangement. On top of this, despite your constant reminders, Manuel is now five days late with his share of the rent, and the cable television, a bill he had promised to pay, has now been shut off.

Naturally, this scenario is fictitious, but conflicts like these are very real and extremely common when two or more people share off campus student housing. And while not all conflicts can be completely avoided, there are many ways to allay or avoid them. Below we have listed just a few tips that will help make your apartment-sharing experience a little less stressful.

• Address conflicts early. Many roommates, when sharing off campus student housing, fail to address conflicts as they arise. Instead, they let them fester, which only builds more and more resentment between the two parties and what could have ultimately been a minor conflict turns into World War II. This is a common, yet huge mistake. Experts suggest roommates be upfront with each other and try to resolve conflicts early, before they become too big to manage.

• Discuss financial arrangements before moving in. When entering into a roommate agreement the question of who will pay for what and when should be decided prior to making any residential commitment. Put this in writing so there is no confusion down the road.

• Show courtesy. The oldest—and still the best—tip when sharing off campus student housing is to be courteous to and mindful of each other. Behavior such as hogging the television, computer or other items in the common areas of the apartment will only cause conflict, so always act in a manner like you would like to be treated and behave in a way that’s positive and considerate.

Conflicts are a natural part of life and are particularly prevalent in roommate situations, but by keeping the lines of communication open and demonstrating courtesy at all costs many of these conflicts can be minimized or eliminated altogether.

Packing and Preparing for your Study Abroad Adventure

If you are planning to take advantage of a study abroad opportunity in the near future, you have undoubtedly been quite busy preparing for your trip. This preparation process can be quite involved, requiring a number of tasks on your end to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. From scheduling your classes to setting up your flight to reserving your accommodations, the process can be stressful and time consuming, including all the steps you’ll need to take to obtain the required travel documents and student visa. Once you have completed all these “big” tasks associated with your study abroad program, it can seem like quite a relief, but you’re not quite finished yet. As the day of your flight approaches, there are a number of necessary duties that remain, including packing your suitcase (s) and a few other minor preparations you may not have considered. To help you be as prepared as possible for the big day, below we have listed a few crucial packing tips, along with some other suggestions to ensure your trip gets off to a great start.

Packing Tips for Your Study Abroad Experience

Whether you are planning to study for a semester, full academic year or longer, the question of what to pack is one every student abroad participant wrestles with. Here are some tips to ensure you pack everything you’ll need for your trip—and nothing you don’t.

• Consider the seasons. Consider the seasons in which your study abroad experience will take place and research the average weather conditions during those seasons. Then, pack accordingly.

• Think layers. Try to pack clothes that layer well together and can be mixed and matched. Hint: solid colors are usually ideal for this purpose. • Use travel-size toiletries. Most toiletry items can be purchased once you arrive in your host country, but you’ll want to bring just enough to allow you to get by until you have settled in. Keep in mind that many airlines have regulations about the types and quantity of items you can bring on the plane, so be sure to check with them before packing.

• Remember certain must-bring items. There are a number of must-bring items for students who plan to study abroad. In many countries this will include a raincoat and an umbrella for the rainy seasons. A scarf is also essential when studying in colder climates and is an ideal accessory for offsetting solid-colored and layered clothing. Handy wipes and/or antibacterial creams are also a must and will do in a pinch when you cannot locate a sink.

• Don’t overdo it. Many students who plan to study abroad have the tendency to over-pack, but this is something you’ll want to resist. Laundry facilities will be available where you are staying, and you will more than likely be buying some clothing items when you’re in the host country. You will also want to save room in your suitcase to bring back souvenirs you accumulate along the way.

Other Preparation Tips for Study Abroad Participants

http://www.cosladajoven.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Dibujo.jpg As a study abroad participant there are certain steps you should take to prepare for life in your host country—steps you can start before you arrive. In the days leading up to your flight, make sure you are well-rested, well-fed and fully hydrated, which you can accomplish by drinking plenty of water and by avoiding caffeine and alcohol. When you are on the plane, set your watch to the proper time in your host country, and try to get some sleep as you make your way to your destination. This small step will allow you to stay awake until a normal bedtime on your first night in the country, which in turn will help you to adjust to the new time zone more rapidly.

Study Abroad Programs and Transportation

Are you planning to participate in one of the many study abroad programs worldwide; to live for a time, take courses and enjoy all the attractions and culture of a foreign country? Do you have some concerns regarding how you will get around in your host county—to classes and to various sightseeing destinations? Transportation can often be a tricky obstacle to navigate for participants of study abroad programs, which is why it would greatly benefit you to research the various transportation options in the country in which you plan to study. To help you take the first step in this process, below we have listed and described some of the more common means of transportation in foreign countries.

Study Abroad Programs and Transportation

In your home country, or at the very least, in your home city, you have no doubt already mastered the various means of public transportation and how to use them to get to where you are going. However, when participating in study abroad programs you may find some slight variations in terms of transportation, with names and schedules that may initially be a bit confusing. In most foreign countries, public transportation is relied upon heavily for getting around—transportation that often includes trains, buses and taxis—but if you currently live in a country that is not as dependent on public transportation, say, the United States, for example, you will definitely need to become a quick study on how public transport works and the various means available.

Below we have listed and described the three primary modes of public transportation you are likely to encounter in foreign countries:

Trains

There are a number of different types of train systems in foreign countries. From underground trains or subways to elevated trains and light rails to high speed trains that serve the entire country, the train systems you may encounter as a member of one of the many study abroad programs can be quite varied. Generally, there are two basic types of trains or train systems: high-speed trains that travel from point to point and slower trains that stop in many towns and regions along a specific route. In Europe, for example, there are:

• Inter-country trains. The inter-country trains in Europe are used to get from country to country. This is a very common way to travel throughout Europe, especially for students of study abroad programs who are unfamiliar with the various countries along the route.

• Intra-country trains. There are many countries in Europe (and in the world for that matter) that have their own train systems. These types of trains travel from city to city within a given country—a true bonus for those in study abroad programs, allowing them to visit cities other than the one in which their university and/or accommodations are located.

Buses

Public city buses are the easiest and by far the most affordable means of travel, taking passengers to destinations within a specific city. If you plan to live off-campus during your stay, you may want to look into buying a monthly or quarterly bus pass, as you will probably find it cheaper than paying each time for a single ride.

Taxis

The final mode of transportation in foreign countries is the taxi. Although certainly not the most affordable means for everyday travel, taxis offer the benefit of direct “Point A to Point B” transport within a city. If you find yourself in a hurry, not willing to stop at various points along the way, or if you need to travel somewhere to which bus service is unavailable, a taxi is definitely the way to go.