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Featured Schools Abroad:
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The Study Abroad program at Charles Sturt University (CSU) offers students the ideal study and lifes... [more]
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The birthplace of Buddhism and yoga, India is also home to some of the world's greatest palaces, tem... [more]
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...and more
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Get comprehensive information on distance education programs in North America.
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When Education and Travel Collide
Written by: Beth Morrissey
It's hard enough to find time to study at home, much less when you are in the middle of a European city or surrounded by ancient ruins. Yet to realize the full advantages of a study abroad program, study you must. Your diploma may depend upon it! To maximize your time as both a traveller and a student, keep in mind the following tips.
Realize that educational formats vary by country.
Basic coursework varies greatly depending on your host country. In Ireland classes are usually large and structured in a traditional lecture format. Essays and exams comprise most of your semester grade. When I was looking at graduate schools in Dublin this was much different from the small, discussion-based classes I had taken as an undergraduate. Group projects and presentations, which often counted as large parts of my undergraduate grades, are rarely given great percentage in the Irish system. Make sure you understand what is, and is not, expected of students at the start of each course.
Understand that student resources differ according to institutions.
Public and university libraries, computer labs, audiovisual labs, and writing centers may be student staples in the States, but not all institutions regard these as necessities. As a student in Singapore, my library resources were limited to only what the school stocked. However, computers with broadband Internet access were always available and the technological resources were staggering. Find out early what access you will have to libraries and computer labs to save yourself headaches at exam time.
Appreciate the importance placed on education in your host country
While most American students expect to go to a college or university, this is not the case in all countries. In Ireland, university places are distributed according to the points students score on their secondary school Leaving Certificate examination. Only if students garner enough points may they be admitted to a degree program. However, forgoing college to undertake a trade apprenticeship is considered just as skilful. Make sure you are well versed in the opportunities available to students in your host country to avoid cross-cultural confusion.
Finally, recognize that there will always be distractions.
Ditching Art History to see the Mona Lisa is one thing, but cutting class to play on the Riviera is another. Scenarios like these will pop up often when you study abroad, especially as each new friend you make will recommend different adventures. Decide before you leave home which experiences you truly consider beyond compare. Anything that comes up that isn't on your list may well be able to wait until you don't have to miss a lecture. Understand that it is up to you as a responsible student and traveler to decide which distractions really matter.
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