Become a Better Student and a Better Person With a Study Abroad Program

College is a time of learning and creating memories which often last a lifetime. It is also a very important period in the educational time line of a student. This is when and where everything really begins. Important choices are made which affect the direction a student will go in their career path. There are so many different things students can choose to do; one of these is to participate in a number of college study abroad programs.More and more students are inquiring about the chance to sign up for either summer study abroad programs or even year-long programs. Studying abroad gives a student a chance not only see the world but also learn a new language and hopefully, get a better understanding of what is happening around the world.

The most cited reason for college students to sign up for college programs is to learn new languages. Many educators believe that in order to truly learn a foreign language, you must completely immerse yourself into where the language is spoken. What better way to do that than to the country itself and live there for a few months to a year? Another reason to register for a study abroad program is the chance to travel and learn about the diverse cultures of other nations. There are some experiences in life which a book simply will not suffice.

When students join either summer programs or year study abroad programs, they have their choice of living within dormitories designated by their college or university or they can choose to live with a host family who provides lodging. These study abroad programs come with a great deal of benefits besides just leaning in a new environment. They often lead to scholarships, grants, and even great job opportunities.

Summer programs and year study abroad programs are sought after as a nice little break for students hoping to add some diversity to their collegiate education as they discover a new world, gaining new perspectives and insights. Sometimes, college life can be a challenge for students. The opportunity in spending a year abroad in an educational facility gives a student a huge advantage over others when applying for scholarships or jobs since these programs display you possess both independence and motivation.

When you sign up for college study abroad programs, you become a better, all around person. You become competitive, responsible and independent. The exposure international travel exposes you to enables you with the skills to adapt quite easily to different cultures while also surviving the rigorous pressures of the modern-day competitive world. These programs give you a rewarding experience and will transform your life.

Studying Abroad, Brain Drain

Education abroad and Brain drainSome students prefer to continue their education in another country for different reasons. They may want to learn the host country's language, learn their major from the first hand resources, or they may have political and social problems in their country that make them to go another country to study (brain drain). Or the reason may be acquaintance with other countries culture; in fact, in the era of globalization this cross-culture impulse has been reinforced. People become aware of other countries facilities or strong points in special scientific field and depart to gain that knowledge.

In some countries, there are study abroad consultants that have communication with different universities in some countries and give the students required information about the course, payment, scholarship and provide help in doing application procurers and guiding about visa process. Therefore, the trend of finding suitable university has been easier.

In the United States, the first study abroad program started in 1923. Prof. Raymond W. Kirkbride who was an instructor in the Modern Languages Department in the University of Delaware offered his plan to the university president. His plan, Delaware Foreign Study, was accepted and in a time that America liked to keep isolated, eight students were sent to France to study.

From then on, dispatching students has continued in different ways. One way is Winterim or winter session, in which student takes part the education program in a short period between fall and spring semesters. Length of study can range from one week, to a whole academic year. Today United States students prefer the United Kingdom for studying to other countries and then Italy and Spain.

On the other hand, unites states is the major host for the students from abroad. It"has the world's largest international student population, with nearly 600,000 students choosing to broaden their education and life experience in the United States. Nearly 4% of all students enrolled in higher-level education are international students, and the numbers are growing." However, the rate of accepting students from the United States has been changing through time and has not always been in a steady growing way.

For instance after September 11 attack on Union Trade Center, the restrictions and limitations imposed on issuing student's visas especially on Arab Muslim countries, declined the number of the students. In the area of treating students from suspecting countries, mostly Muslim and Arab countries of course, a proposal was introduced in congress that "would restrict eligibility for students' visas.

Moreover, those who were studying there were faced problems returning the universities, even some of them forced to quit their study. These restrictions were implemented while by and large, student visa make up a small percentage of people entering the United States every ear. Therefore, the tough measures against students seem somehow unreasonable.

Paving the road of education in the United States may have some other reasons aside from interests. Many students and scientists from other developing countries prefer to stay in America and continue their scientific works because of social and political problems in their countries. This increasing trend has been known as Brain-drain. "The term originated about 1960, when many British scientists and intellectuals emigrated to the United States for a better working climate."

It "can be simply defined as the mass emigration of technically skilled people from one country to another country. Brain-drain can have many reasons, for example political instability of a nation, lack of opportunities, health risks, personal conflicts etc. Brain-drain can also be named as "human capital flight" because it resembles the case of capital flight, in which mass migration of financial capital is involved."

Examining the reason of brain drain in different areas has led to different causes. For example In Middle East "lack of some basic facilities and services are the reasons for the mass migration from these areas. Dictatorship, terrorism, orthodox attitude are basic hurdles of development of this region.

In Asia Unemployment, population explosion and corrupt political systems are main reasons for migration of skilled workers from this area.

In countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh etc graduates, post graduates, experienced and skilled professionals are not getting enough opportunities to develop and succeed. So with dreams of development these professionals leave their native country in search of better future. This brain-drain is a great loss to these developing countries." Like the continent of Africa that "according to a survey Ethiopia lost its 75 % of skilled workers in the years 1980-1991."

Study Abroad Coaching - What is It?

Studying abroad can be a wonderful, life-changing experience, but it is one met with lots of stress. Transitioning to a new culture, academic rigor, being far from family and friends, living with new people, and many other factors can complicate life abroad as well as your return home. Program coordinators are faced with many of these and other related issues on a daily basis with their students.Study abroad coaching is a unique form of life coaching specifically for students embarking on an overseas adventure. It is an opportunity to get in touch with what is most important to them about their trip, create their vision and then obtain the tools and support to make it reality. The student receives coaching before, during and after their time abroad to assist in all the phases of transition. There really is no better time for self-growth!

Study abroad coaching is about empowering students to become more self-aware in order to make conscious choices during their time abroad and in their lives. It is also then about translating this experience into marketable competencies on their resumes and connecting it to future career trajectory and life goals.

Many programs do a wonderful job at explaining the physical logistics of studying abroad such as where you'll be living, who your roommate is, where classes are held, rules and policies, and so on. Some may even include the basics of culture shock and what to expect emotionally.

This is not just about cross-cultural education, however. Study Abroad Coaching actually addresses the student's whole life and empowers them to enter into the experience consciously. Providing unbiased, trained support before, during, and after their time overseas can have profound impact on their overall experience and be the difference between an ordinary and an extraordinary program abroad!

The following outlines the three basic phases of the study abroad experience and examples of how coaching can benefit during each:

Preparation Phase (prior to student departure)

o Clarify your vision for the experience they want

o Develop meaningful goals

o Prepare emotionally for the road ahead

o Discuss fears and/or limiting beliefs

o Identify innate talents and passions

o Define higher purpose and calling

Academic Program Phase (student departs and completes time overseas)

o Work through initial transition and "culture shock" (this can include feelings of stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, homesickness and many more)

o Get out of your comfort zone and re-examine your life

o Deepen your experience of international life

o Connect the cultural and academic aspects of the experience to personal and professional goals

o Provide emotional support to live out the experience you desire

o Accountability regarding the vision and personal goals set forth before the program began

o Address any self-limiting beliefs that arise during the time overseas

Completion Phase (overseas program finishes and student returns home)

o Support during transition of repatriation and "reverse culture shock"

o Guide through effective and conscious reflection on the experience

o Assist with translating the experiences gained overseas into marketable competencies on your resume to help attract potential employers

o Help clearly articulate the major learning from the experience and connect it to your future career trajectory and life goals

Study abroad coaching can help students get the most out of their time overseas and be set for success in life. Having clear direction, being connected to purpose and goals, making conscious choices, expressing emotions honestly and being supported in the journey empowers students to live their best lives, anywhere!