Some of the Best Study Abroad Programs From Around the World

Every year, thousands and thousands of students go abroad to widen their horizons, engage in new experiences, study their craft, and learn about different cultures. In fact, studying has become so popular that study abroad programs are seemingly everywhere. But, with so many programs to chose from, how do you know which one is right for you?

Like most things, not all study programs are created equal. But, the best ones do have certain commonalities. Among them are:

A variety of majors: There is little sense of studying abroad if you can't study the major you love or the one in which you have already invested years of classes. The best abroad programs include a variety of majors, giving you the opportunity to receive a degree in whatever area you choose.

A lot of support: No matter where you decide to study - Asia, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji or somewhere else - you will need a lot of support. College, even when attended in your homeland, can be difficult. But, when you join a study program, that difficulty is coupled with a different culture and studying far from home. The best study abroad programs offer a network of support, both academically and culturally.

An Affordable Program: International study programs can vary in cost. The best study programs allow you to study overseas without breaking the bank. Not only should international study abroad programs be affordable, but they should also offer opportunities for financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans.

Academic Success: Whenever you are in college, it is easy to get distracted. But, when you are in a foreign country, the distractions are literally around every corner. From the architecture to the food, from the art museums to the landscape, from the tourist attractions to the shopping, studying is full of enticement. However, academics are still the most important thing. The best study programs have a strong focus on academics, and work with students to assure successful completion of each program.

Easy assimilation: No matter where you choose to go, culture shock is inevitable. It can be hard for students to adapt to another nation's way of life. For this reason, it is important to look for an international study abroad program that offers cultural classes and language classes. The best study programs aim to make the assimilation process as smooth as possible.

For more guidance on finding the perfect study program for you, spend some time browsing the Internet. Many companies out there work with students and their study abroad advisors to make studying abroad a smooth transition.

Why Consider a Study Abroad Program in Australia or New Zealand?

South Pacific countries like Australia and New Zealand is emerging as new destinations to study abroad and giving myriad opportunities to students to head start their successful career. The world class education system and top universities have made south pacific countries one of the hottest destinations to study abroad.

New Zealand and Australia both the countries have world class infrastructures, excellent education system and top universities. Universities in both the countries provide number of courses like hotel management, Journalism, HR (human resource) management, MBA and etc. Every year large number of students all over the globe comes to study in New Zealand and Australia to get top quality education and career opportunities. All the programs offered by the state-funded universities in New Zealand and Australia go through stringent quality checks. All international education programs are approved by government organization responsible for quality control. In addition there are also internal quality checks conducted by Universities for quality assurance.

There are many other advantages of studying in Australia or New Zealand beside the above few.

• Global Exposure: Once a student comes to study in Australia or New Zealand they will find many students who had come from all over the world and experience different cultures, traditions and societies during their stay. Students will definitely learn a load about cultural heritage and history while they travel during their stay. Students will definitely gain a global exposure and learns to adapt to the condition where ever they work around the world.
• World Class Education facilities: As discussed above the standards of education in Australia and New Zealand are very high and they take appropriate measure to maintain them. Beside it there are various reputed institutions like Sydney Institute of technology, University of Melbourne, University of Western Australia, University of Auckland and university of Otago are to name a few which are one the top ranked universities in the world. Every Year thousands of students comes to study in these Universities most of them are from South East Asian countries.
• No language Problems: As English is the commonly spoken language all over the region as well as the course material and classes are conducted in English. Students don't face any sort of problem regarding language as English is spoken prominently all over this region and students do not face such communication problems. Students are free from an additional workload of learning additional language which is a case in many other countries in the world where students have to communicate as well as there course curriculum is designed as per the native language of the country.
• Spectacular Landscape: Students come to study either in Australia or in New Zealand will definitely experience some of the most spectacular surroundings in the world. Whether it is Western Australia's white desert, Australia's great barrier, opera House or Christ church's mountains you will find spell bounding view and feel closest to nature.

Despite of all these advantages for students who come to study in Australia or Study in New Zealand there are number of career opportunities at the same cost of living and other expenses are relatively lower as compared to UK and US. High Standards of education and growing career opportunities are the reasons for regularly increase in number of students who comes to study in these countries.

Study Abroad And Embrace The Italian Culture

Study abroad in Italy to discover to history, the arts, and divine design that spans centuries. Italy offers study abroad students all the wonders of the European experience, immersed in historical culture between the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas.

Educational opportunities for college students can involve a number of different academic disciplines from arts and humanities, to science, to business. Credits can be earned over a semester, a summer, or even full year term. Especially with popular design schools in Italy, space can be limited, so if you're interested in applying for an Italian study abroad program, be sure to plan ahead.

Eligibility for programs in Italy, and all of Europe for that matter, depend almost entirely on the institution. Most programs include a G.P.A. requirement, in addition to some form of prior study. Some Italians colleges require more stringent requisites for application for their foreign students, comparable to grad school candidacy in the U.S., calling for things like letters of recommendation, portfolio submissions, and personal statement essays.

Coursework for Italy programs varies amongst institutions as well, not unlike American study programs, but most courses are typically offered in line with the students' home study objectives. A business degree major, for instance, would have the opportunity to study international business courses in Italy, while an art degree student could study humanities.

Course credit earned in Italy is not always applicable back stateside, but often study abroad students elect to use programs that are affiliated with their colleges. By utilizing an affiliated partner, students can take advantage of enrolling in full-credit classes.

Most Italian study abroad programs include a language component, regardless of study focus. But even in the rare instances where it is not required, it is a good idea to take Italian Language as one of the initial courses of study. International travel is an exciting experience, but uneducated travelers do not typically fare well. Asking for directions, ordering food, and using public services like transportation are not simple feats without the advantage of viable communication. Learning Italian will help you in not just your studies, but your entire experience.

Studying abroad in Italy requires a student visa, provided your stay will exceed 90 days. Italy does allow U.S. citizens to study without one for their enrollment before returning back to the U.S. if the semester is shorter than this time period. Student visas are handled by the U.S. State Department, but are not actually issued until 120 days prior to the study registration date. If you happen to submit your application too far ahead of time, they will typically hold it until the appropriate date arrives.

As a student studying abroad in Italy, your primary focus will be your studies. Although you'll have time to meet new people, and explore the country, U.S. students arriving on a student visa are not allowed to work in Italy in accordance with Italian law. But you might not have time for work so don't worry about it. Go to Tuscany to see the coast and the arts of Florence, Rome to explore the ancient ruins, or even Sicily to see the islands' famed architecture. For each piece of history, Italy offers another of beauty. Why study abroad? Living in a foreign country will broaden your horizon to greater things while allowing you to works towards earning your degree.