Yearly Archives: 2017

Abroad101’s Advisor Newsletter Fall 2017

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We know you’re heading into a busy time of year, so we thank you for taking a few minutes to think about broader issues like using reviews to advance study abroad on your campus.  As we celebrate 10 years of serving American college study abroad, Abroad101 and our study abroad reviews are as popular as ever.  The best news is that Abroad101 is still free for schools and going strong.

Have You Seen Your Students’ Study Abroad Reviews Lately?

Each day Abroad101 receives dozens of program evaluations from students that have been invited by either their home university, their provider or their host institution.  We publish each review as a complete web page and tally them in listings by program, provider, host institution and also in portals for each home school.  As of today, 31,963 student reviews are on Abroad101 making it the largest source of study abroad stories.  Visit the site, enter your school name in the search box in the top menu bar and see what your students have to say!

Moms & Dads Use Abroad101

The target audience for Abroad101 is American college students looking for a semester, summer or short-term abroad.  We list third-party, exchanges and faculty-led programs.  Parents of prospective study abroad students are a big portion of our traffic.  Based on Google Analytics data, we estimate that 20-25% of the visitors to Abroad101 are parents, searching on the keyword “reviews” and trying to learn more about the options their children are considering. 

As an advisor, you will find that your recommendations are validated when prospective students and parents read reviews.  Providers will often use reviews in their discussion with students and parents as they find a well-informed student makes for a more successful student.  Reading reviews will help parents become more comfortable with study abroad and to help them set expectations on what lies ahead.  We hope you’ll mention Abroad101 Reviews in your parent communication and put a link to Abroad101 on your website to better prepare all.

How to Get Students to Write Reviews?

So often we hear that it is hard to get students to do anything, let alone spend 20-30 minutes on a review.  This is especially true when students feel that the activity has no benefit for them.  However, they are inclined to share their stories if the exercise gives them a chance to tell their story, and that is exactly what they do on social media for hours a day! Think of a review as social media for study abroad and a place for students to showcase their story and talk about themselves.  Our time-test review questions will do the rest.

If the student believes the review is good for them, they will generally participate.  That takes some groundwork before they go abroad and as they prepare to return.  One idea to get more engagement is to incorporate a review in your re-entry programming and use the review process as a step toward preparing the students to share their experience with others.  Just like career counselors who tell students to prepare a good resume for a job search, we hope that study abroad advisors will help their students prepare for their return home by guiding them to submitting a thorough and candid review.

Using Abroad101 as Free Program Review Software:

A number of schools use Abroad101 as their official program evaluation software because it is designed to draw an insightful student account of their time abroad.  These evaluations are also great for future advising and orientations.  The service is offered free to American colleges and universities, supported by advertising from program providers and foreign universities. The software offers:

  • Capability to approve/disapprove reviews
  • Invite Tool to improve participation
  • Graphs and Reports to tally student responses
  • Manage an approved programs list
  • Option to list faculty-led programs or in-house programs of your choosing
  • Compare your results against others
  • Add custom questions to the standard review

The Abroad101 team is happy to answer any of your questions by email or phone.  We also welcome the opportunity to walk you, and members of your staff though the system with an online demo of the back-end features of Abroad101 to see if our free program evaluation tool is right for you.  The demo will show how you can see reports, compare your results with other institutions, set pre-approved/recommended programs and add custom questions to the standard Abroad101 review.  Abroad101 also has promotional material for you to share with your students, so please let us know how we can help you.

Check-out the other “TripAdvisor for Study Abroad”

We recently came across a cool app for students to use while abroad.  It compiles the favorite restaurants, things to do, towns, and more from US study abroad students.  Read more about the Rayka App

Happy Fall!

 

How to Best Use Technology While Abroad

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Taking the Tube around London or strolling past the Eiffel Tower on the way to class in the morning might be dreams of study abroad students the world over, but the logistics of the situation never seem to work out quite as well as they were planned. Despite having the best ideas, rolling with a group of new international friends, or having weeks to prepare, nobody is immune to the difficulties that come with being in a foreign place. Flying into the wrong airport? Not understanding the buses? Can’t find the place you’re looking for? This is where it pays to be living in the 21st century.

We’ve all grown up hearing our parents rant at us for always being caught up in our devices, being addicted to the internet, and forgetting how to interact with each other, but is this really all a bad thing? Maybe there’s a silver lining to the rain cloud that is our obsession with connectivity: the fact that we have the powerful tools to become pro travelers all in our pockets.

Smartphones are just that, smart! They can be smart at least. With your mother’s voice in the back of your head saying “always on that phone..” combined with the great things that ride-sharing apps, internet maps, and translators bring, where do you find the happy medium between starting at your shiny screen and exploring abroad like you should?

The distinction between a “tool” and a “toy” here is the most important. Apps on your phone can be used as both. For example, when you’re trapped at your little cousin’s recorder concert, Facebook is a toy for an escape. When you’re enjoying a glass of wine in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, Facebook Messenger is a tool to let your friends know that you got a table for them! The difference lies in the time allocated to using technology. When reaching for your phone, opening up an app, or connecting to wifi, do it for a purpose, not out of instinct. Humans rule because we have the conscious ability to overcome instincts, don’t give that power away to the little box in your pocket! You only have so much time to live the foreign experiences happening all around you, and I promise the internet will still be there when it’s over (or we’ve got bigger problems).

Before going abroad, start practicing this mindset. Slowly weaning yourself away from the “toy” aspects of technology. This can be done by simply being conscious about why you are opening something, looking at something, or watching something, then working your way up to identifying and eliminating the ones you’re not enjoying. Gotta start somewhere!

Before we leave you, check out some of our favorite apps for when technology should be used while traveling abroad:

Google Maps: You need a map. You might think you know Venice like the back of your hand, but this is a must. Also, you can now download maps to use offline!

Rayka: This new platform is the ultimate study abroad app for students. Instead of using TripAdvisor or Yelp, Rayka shows you the favorite places of past students who studied there: specifically made by students, for students. That way, you can see the best recommendations from people just like you.

Google Translate: If you’re abroad in a country that speaks a different language and your skills just aren’t quite up to par, this is a brilliant app. It requires data, so make sure you’re connected, but it quickly and accurately translates anything you’d like to any language you could think of.

Duolingo: This fun, addictive little game is great for those who are planning to study abroad and want to learn some of the local language. The interface does a great job of encouraging users to learn more, and they have most major language offered for free!

Regardless of what platform you use or don’t use, be sure to make the most of your semester abroad by using technology as a tool rather than using it to distract yourself from the incredible experiences around you. We promise you that it will be the best semester of your life!

Guest post by www.rayka-app.com

Odyssey in Athens – Abroad101 Cool Program of the Week

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Odyssey in Athens is a study abroad program through Webster University and gives students from any college a rich cultural experience in the birthplace of Western civilization. Students tell of great friendships that develop between their Greek classmates and also the welcoming feeling in Athens, a big, but not too big city. Whether you’re into history, cultural experiences or the great Greek food, we agree that Odyssey in Athens is one cool program!

Webster-Athens is in an excellent location for formal study – at the foothills of the Acropolis. Just walking around the streets near the university, you can take in so much of this ancient, yet modern, city.

With its extraordinary artistic, intellectual and cultural heritage, Athens is richly endowed with resources for formal study and experiential learning. The museums at the Acropolis and the ancient Agora, as well as the National Archaeological Museum, the Cycladic Museum, and the Benaki collections are within minutes of the Athens Campus facilities. Cultural events including concerts, recitals, dance and theater, as well as international trade shows, conferences and symposia, public lectures, gallery exhibits, sports events and marathons, are an integral part of life in this bustling, cosmopolitan city at the confluence of Europe, Asia and Africa.

To learn more or apply to this program please visit:

https://www.studyabroad101.com/programs/webster-university-athens-odyssey-in-athens

 

I Went To Study Abroad For 1 Semester And Stayed For More Than 4 Years!

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By Lewi Blake – MoveYourLifeAbroad.com

Studying abroad changed my life.

In 2011 I took a GAP year to Bordeaux, France so that I could learn how to speak French, travel around Europe and experience a new culture. This was one of the best decisions I ever made because the 1 semester I was meant to study abroad for turned into 4 years.

Studying French In Bordeaux

I attended the University of Bordeaux III where I studied a French language course. This course gave me the ability to speak French fluently in less than 6 months. From that, I was able to take the B2 DELF exam (this is the diploma required to attend University in France). Originally only meaning to stay in Bordeaux for 1 semester, I decided to stay for a full year because I was having such a great time.

Studying during the day, working at a bar in the evenings and traveling to neighboring countries on the weekend was the norm. I was really able to discover parts of the world that I hadn’t even dreamed of visiting before. I was even lucky enough to go snowboarding in the French Alps for a week.

After my amazing year in Bordeaux came to an end it was time to go home. The only problem was that I wasn’t ready to leave yet. After a little research, I looked into studying a University Degree in France.

Funnily enough, all that was really required for me to study a University Degree in Paris was the B2 DELF diploma that I had completed 6 months prior.

University In Paris

In 2012 I started my Bachelor of Business Administration degree at the Paris Business College. Living in Paris was quite different to living in Bordeaux. The people were different, the weather was a lot colder and everywhere I looked was covered in rich culture and history. It felt like living in a completely new country. I was spending a lot more time with French people as the majority of students at the University were French. This enabled me to experience what the French culture was like first hand and really cement my French speaking abilities.

Everyday on the way to University I would ride past the Eiffel Tower on my bicycle and wonder if I was dreaming. I was living in the “city of love” and I was loving it!

The Paris Business College offered me many opportunities to study abroad while I was there. I decided to study abroad for a semester in London and a semester at the International University of Monaco.

Living The High Life In Monaco

Moving to Monaco completely blew my mind. I was living in one of the most expensive and glamorous places on Earth.

As you can probably guess, as a student that worked part-time in a bar and writing articles online, I wasn’t able to afford to live in Monaco. Instead I lived in Nice which was only 30 minutes away. My day-to-day life in Monaco involved riding my motorbike along the French Riviera to University every morning, relaxing on the beach with friends in the afternoon and working part-time at a crazy bar in the evenings.

To say life was great would be an understatement.

I settled in so well that I ended up staying in Monaco and finished my degree over the next 2 years.

Conclusion

  • Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to study in 3 different countries and live abroad for more than 4 years.
  • And you know what, more than 6 years have passed since I first studied abroad and I’m still living overseas to this day.
  • I’m not in France anymore but I’m living in South America. After learning Spanish in Guatemala for a few months I’ve moved to Ecuador where I’m currently residing.
  • Not too bad when you think about how much the course of my life changed from one decision that I made when I was 18 years old.
  • That is the power of studying abroad!

About The Author

Lewi is the founder of MoveYourLifeAbroad.com. For the past 6 years, he has been traveling and working his way around the world. He is extremely passionate about travel and loves sharing his knowledge with others because he believes everyone should have the opportunity to live abroad. In his spare time, he enjoys having a few cheeky beers with friends and riding his bicycle around town.

EVERYONE has a tie to London – Cool Program of the Week!

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What makes London great? 8 million residents and 43 universities make London great. Add to that nearly 20 million tourists and EVERYONE has a tie to London. Jump start your career with an internship in London so you can have your epic story.  Go with CAPA and have “The Time of Your Life.”

Take a hop across the pond and you’ll see that CAPA’s London program will always remind you you’re somewhere new. Yes, you will be in an English-speaking country, but from afternoon tea breaks to the various cultures London is home to, you will be surrounded by a set of new experiences. Try your hand at learning some new vocabulary (“trousers” are “pants”, a “flat” is an “apartment”, and let’s not get started on “chips” and “fries”…) as you take the tube (subway) to class. London has always been a center for the arts, from everything to beloved bands like The Beatles to the writings of Virginia Woolf. Enjoy the inspiration that will surround you, and create some of your best work while you create some of your best memories.

The courses, internships, service learning, and cultural activities you’ll experience will be unlike anything you’ve known before. Our courses will challenge and inspire you to come up with new ideas and help change the world. The CAPA London Center is centrally located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in two Victorian townhouses, giving you an authentic feel of the city. The CAPA London staff are available to provide support as you adapt to a new culture, as well as a 24-hour emergency hotline.

To learn more or apply to this program please visit:

https://www.studyabroad101.com/programs/capa-the-global-education-network-london-study-or-intern-abroad

Abroad101 April 2017 Students of the Month

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Abroad101 donates to study abroad fundraisers that are set up by hopeful students who hope to study abroad. Working together with GoEnnounce we choose a student mission to be highlighted and then award a donation to start off the fundraising efforts. March 2017 students winners tell us about their coming study abroad trips to France, Jordan, Ireland and New Zealand.

Alayne Chipman, our 120th Abroad101 Student of the Week winner is currently sophomore at the University of Idaho. With an outstanding 4.0 GPA, several honors, awards and distinctions while pursuing a double major, Alayne is now also hoping to study abroad at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand.

Alayne has always wanted to study in a foreign country, and to being immersed in a new and unknown culture. As an architecture and interior design major, Alayne’s long term goal is to join a preservation society and to renovate and restore old homes. She would also like to work with the building industry and make buildings more eco-friendly.  She is looking forward to getting out of her comfort zone and exploring new things while continuing to follow her passion in the design fields.

We wish Alayne all the best in New Zealand and hope that she will have a life changing experience there!

Learn more about Alayne’s mission here.

Congratulations goes to our 121st Abroad101 Student of the Week winner, Christopher Janiszewski, currently a sophomore at UNC Charlotte studying Computer Science.

One of Christopher’s goals in life is to photograph the world through his travels while making a living with his Computer Science Degree. Luckily for him, he has had a chance to travel to various places in Europe as well as the United States. Therefore now his ultimate dream is to one day being able to combine his passion for photography with his career in Computer Science.  He also hopes to have the opportunity to work and live overseas once he graduates from UNC Charlotte.

Chris was recently accepted to a Study Abroad program in Galway, Ireland with a program called International Studies Abroad.  Through this program, Christopher will be taking courses that focus on Irish history and culture as well as math classes. In addition the landscape of Ireland is quite fascinating and he’s looking forward to take photos to add to his portfolio. It is through this unique experience, gaining not only independence and confidence, but also a new perspective on culture and diversity, that Christopher hopes will expand his opportunities.

This study abroad program cost is expensive and even though Chris has been working at Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub in Uptown Charlotte, NC and he has applied for financial aid and scholarships, it still not enough to cover the total program cost and airfare to Ireland. He will use all the money that he raises to help him cover the program cost.

We wish Christopher all the best in Ireland!

To check out Christopher’s Mission and donate to his cause, click here!

 

Wade Farr, is our 122nd Abroad101 Student of the Week winner!

He is currently a junior attending Brigham Young University, majoring in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic. Wade’s family is from an Arabic speaking country which influenced his desire to learn this language. He fell in love with the language and culture of his fathers country and decided helping refugees was what he wanted to do. Working as an intern at a school district that had thousands of refugees, Wade was able to meet with the refugees, give them his support and listen to their stories. While not sure yet what career he wants to pursue, he knows that his goal is to help refugees get a better life. To help refugees, he is aware of the fact that he needs to learn the Arabic language and understand the Middle East culture, issues, and laws.

That is why he is very excited because he got the amazing opportunity to go Study Abroad in Amman, Jordan, for the fall semester of this year! He will be attending Al-Qasid Institute, which is a prestigious language school near the University of Amman. The program will include 2 hours of Arabic speaking with natives, studying Arabic under natives who teach Modern Standard Arabic and the Jordanian dialect, and experiencing the culture of Amman. In addition to this, he will also travel to Palestine/Israel for his last 3 weeks there to analyze the Israeli conflict and further his knowledge of the region.

Wade will use the money that he raises in this fundraiser to help cover his tuition fees and residence while attending the Al-Quasid Institute program.

We wish Wade all the best in his fundraising for Jordan and hope that he will have a life changing experience there!

To check out Wade’s Mission and donate to his cause, click here!

Congratulations to our 123rd Abroad 101 Student of the week Shelbie Koenitzer! Shelbie is currently a senior undergrad student at Michigan Technological University and has a goal of achieving a B.S. in Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship as well as an International French minor. That is a lot of studying! This trip will help her reach her goal of becoming truly fluent in French, which Shelbie hopes in turn becomes a useful tool in finding a job and working in an increasingly global business environment.

This opportunity is also a requirement for Shelbie’s minor, and with her strong passion for the French language as well as her desire to travel the world, she will defiantly make the most of the trip.  The program will be include two courses throughout her time abroad; one intensive French course and one business course relevant to her major.

The funds she raises through GoEnnounce will be put towards the program fee itself. The total program fee is $6,250 but she has covered $5000 already with help from her dad and scholarships, leaving her with $1,250 left to raise. We wish Shelbie all the best in France and hope that she will have a life changing experience there!

To check out Shelbie’s Mission and donate to her cause, click here!

 

The Abroad 101 Student of the Week initiative awards a student who created a Mission for a study abroad program on GoEnnounce with a donation to their fundraiser. Learn more about this partnership from Abroad101 CEO Mark Shay and GoEnnounce founder Melissa Davis here.

Stay tuned for our next Abroad101 Students of the Week!

Clearing Local Communication Gap through Interpreting Services

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One of the most pleasurable things in life is traveling abroad. You’ll enjoy a brief respite if you’re on vacation. If traveling on business, you can seal deals, meet colleagues face to face and form closer bonds and increase your business network. Sometimes, the only hindrance to the full enjoyment of your international travel is when the locals do not speak your language. In this case, it’s advantageous to use professional interpreting services to facilitate communication.

Interpreting services are not only for business people who are in foreign soil. The service is useful for other situations – when interviewing potential local employees, when having a personal meeting, like meeting a foreign sweetheart for the first time, and other instances when using the local language is needed for complete understanding.

Advantages of using an international interpreter

Traveling enriches your mind as you discover new cultures and learn other languages through interaction with locals. It also helps you to discover new things about yourself.

When your need for better communication is beyond casual conversation, using an experienced human interpreter is to your advantage. You’re assured that the language barrier will prevent cultural and social misunderstandings. The communication can flow freely as an interpreter helps you to have verbal explanations instantaneously.

An international interpreter has the appropriate cultural knowledge and knows all the nuances of the local language, as well as practical information about local traditions. This firsthand information is difficult to obtain from books, and will give you the assurance that you follow local norms, at the same time that you are getting your message across.

Escort interpreter

A more appropriate term to use instead of international interpreter is escort interpreter. Booking an escort interpreter while overseas removes any apprehension you may have about the difference in culture and language. For business people, you’ll have someone with you who can interpret everything that’s being said in the local language into your own language and vice versa.

The escort interpreter can be like a temporary assistant. He or she can help you navigate around the strange city and depending on your requirements, can accompany you in all your meetings. Escort interpreters can be your cultural liaisons as well.

Although escort interpreting is more informal that other forms of interpreting work, you should still look for someone who is a native speaker and is fluent in both languages. Choose one who has a vast knowledge of both cultures and a good knowledge of the location. Find someone who exhibits professionalism and has the right personality that is compatible with yours. Select an interpreter you feel comfortable with and who’s trustworthy.

Where to find international interpreters

If it is definite that you will need interpreting services when you reach your destination, for example you are giving a presentation or conducting a business conference, check with your country’s interpretation service provider. The company may have international interpreters on call that you can book ahead of your planned trip.

Booking an interpreting arrangement prior to your trip will ensure that one of the most important factors in the success of your trip is already in place. If the need for an interpreter is sudden, you can contact local interpreters’ associations instead of trying to find a good freelance interpreter. You’ll be able to select the best one suited to your need, purpose and schedule as you can look at their skills, experience and their references.

Interpreter rates

Interpreters’ rates vary, based on the length of the trip and the nature of the work. It will also be based on the demand and their skills. They may charge by the hour or by the day. If it will take more than eight hours each day, interpreters are bound to charge overtime pay. Keep in mind that they also need to eat so factor that in when making your schedule.

Enhance your personal travel experience by bridging the language divide with an interpreter. If on a business trip, ensure your success, and understand everything that’s being said from day one of your trip, until you’ve sealed the business deal.

 

Author Bio:

Bernadine Racoma is a senior content writer at Day Translations, a human translation services company. She has notable fondness for things related to technology, travel, lifestyle, and current affairs. She is also an advocate and mother to 7 successful children.

 

Abroad101’s Cool Study Abroad Program of the Week with DIS in Denmark

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In what could be the coolest program of all time (762 reviews), DIS now gives you options in Denmark and Sweden.  Discover Europe and meet the unexpected; ignite your love of learning, further your academic achievements, develop  intercultural understanding, and acquire life skills essential for engaged citizenship. https://www.studyabroad101.com/providers/dis-study-abroad

Academics at DIS are intellectually stimulating, with courses designed to further your knowledge within your chosen field and inspire intercultural awareness. Challenge yourself to examine issues from different perspectives, raise questions, and debate complex topics through analysis, research, and reflection. Many courses focus on contemporary burning issues; terrorism, migration, economic turmoil, climate change, human rights, and other current topics inspire discussions in the classroom.

Whether you live in a Homestay, take a Danish Language and Culture course, volunteer at Studenterhuset (Copenhagen’s student union), play on a local sports team, or meet your Visiting Hosts for a Danish smørrebrød lunch; your learning will take place beyond the classroom. Our goal is to help you depart from your semester having built a network and friendships.

To learn more or apply to this program please visit:

https://www.studyabroad101.com/providers/dis-study-abroad

Abroad101.com Cool Study Abroad Program of the Week in Costa Rica with SOL Education Abroad

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Year after Year, one of the top study abroad programs as rated by students is SOL Education Abroad’s program in Heredia, Costa Rica.  Learn/Improve Spanish in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and explore the verdant cloud forests and tropical coastlines of this popular Central American country.  Immersing yourself in the Spanish language and culture and studies at the city campus of Latin University of Costa Rica.  It can’t be beat!

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.  Classes are taught at the prestigious Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, a private university with an actual campus, which is often a rarity in Latin America. Students really get to become part of Costa Rican student life on this program. In addition to the academics, cultural activities are included on the weekdays, and excursions to different parts of the country on the weekends. The program also includes volunteer and community service experiences. You will live with one of our carefully selected host families and our onsite director will be available for you 24-7.

To learn more or apply to this program please visit:

https://www.studyabroad101.com/programs/sol-education-abroad-heredia-universidad-latina-de-costa-rica

 

 

Abroad101 March 2017 Students of the Month

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Abroad101 donates to study abroad fundraisers that are set up by hopeful students who hope to study abroad. Working together with GoEnnounce we choose a student mission to be highlighted and then award a donation to start off the fundraising efforts. March 2017 students winners tell us about their coming study abroad trips to England, Costa Rica, Panama, Spain and South Korea.

Sydney Lundquist, our 115th Abroad101 Student of the Week winner is currently a senior at Washington and Lee University. She is an excellent student who is majoring in Biology and has received numerous awards and distinctions such as the W&L Biology Departmental Award and the Scholar Athlete Academic Honor Roll. Along with this, Sydney is also very involved in volunteer work, clubs, societies and extracurricular activities, and is dedicated to environmental sustainability, basketball and her faith.

Sydney’s goal is to eventually earn a Ph. D in conservation ecology. For now the plan is to Study Abroad in England and attend the University of Cambridge in October 2017. She will be working in Biological Sciences for Zoology research examining freshwater mussel conservation. This unique opportunity and experience will provide the chance to explore and understand new ecosystems, work with conservation ecology professionals, grow as a leader and ecologist and provide her with the unparalleled opportunity to explore the world.

We wish Sydney all the best at Cambridge and hope that she will have a life changing experience there!

Learn more about Sydney’s mission here.

Congratulations goes to our 116th Abroad101 Student of the Week winner, Kendall Shanks! One of Kendall’s passion is to learn languages, she is learning French and plans on studying Spanish, Mandarin as well as conversational Italian in college. During high school while working on an article about the struggling English-language learner program in her school district, Kendall’s eyes were opened  about the struggles the non english speaking students encountered. This one article shaped her plans for the future. She decided to work to protect members of the community that are silenced and disenfranchised.

Kendall’s future plan is to earn a degree in Global Studies and a minor in International Relations. She has been accepted to attend the Global program at Long Island University, in New York. The program will start in the fall of 2017, and she will spend one year in Costa Rica, living with a host family.  For Kendall, being able to study abroad will give her the unique opportunity to understand the issues refugees and immigrants face in their native countries.

Kendall started her fundraising Mission and will use the funds to pay for the tuition abroad.

To check out Kendall’s Mission and donate to her cause, click here!

Cecilia Mercier, is our 117th Abroad101 Student of the Week winner!

Cecilia is currently a junior at Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, where she is majoring in International Management with a minor in Marketing. Her biggest passion is to travel and to discover new places and to constantly learn more about diversity, ethics, and cultures. She speaks fluent French, Spanish and English. To be able to speak several languages has helped her a lot when traveling, and it has also made her more open-minded and aware of different cultures. Through traveling Cecilia has not only become a better person but has also learned how to adapt to any kind of environment and situation and to communicate with people from different backgrounds, countries and cultures.

In order to graduate and obtain her bachelor’s degree in International Management, Cecilia is required to go Study Abroad this upcoming Summer 2017.  She will be attending the “Business, Economics & Marketing in Panama” program and will spend 10 days in Panama. Cecilia has always been fascinated about the country of Panama, and is really excited to go there.  There, she will be talking to local business owners and people that have experience working internationally, so this will be a once in a life time learning experience for Cecilia and she is confident that it will help her for her future career.

We wish Cecilia all the best in Panama and hope that she will have a life changing experience there!

To check out Cecilia’s Mission and donate to her cause, click here!

Our 118th Abroad101 Student of the Week winner is Marissa Small-Towns who is a student-athlete at The College of Charleston pursuing a major in International business and a minor in spanish.

When not competing in track and field meets around the southeast, Marissa finds herself in the library, volunteering on behalf of her team and finding ways to enhance her Spanish speaking skills outside of the classroom.

Marissa is fundraising for a Maymester program in Seville, Spain. This program is through Spanish Studies Abroad. The program will provide 3 credits which are necessary to complete a Spanish minor, and it will also assist in completing the study abroad requirement for the International Business Major. In addition Marissa hopes to immerse herself into another culture, which will help her prepare for a career in International Business and Spanish. She believes that it is very important to practice speaking Spanish in another country and out of the classroom, because speaking with native speakers is an enriching experience and offers opportunities to learn about the culture, local customs and words and speech that you might not necessarily learn in the classroom.

To check out Marissa’s Mission and donate to her cause, click here!

 

Sashalee Rashford, our 119th Abroad101 Student of the Week winner, will be going to South Korea for the summer with ISA (International Studies Abroad)! As a music business major Sashalee feels that it is important to learn about the industries around the world and how they work in those specific areas. During the Fall semester her senior project involved researching the history of the music industry in Korea and over this past summer Sashalee began to teach herself the basics of the Korean language. As you can tell, Sashalee is taking this opportunity very seriously!

The funds that are raised for this summer program will go towards class tuition and excursions. Sashalee has been saving for this trip and working hard to obtain scholarships for the trip as well. It’s a worthy cause and we hope Sashalee is able to learn many things about the music business and South Korea this summer.

We wish her all the best in South Korea and hope that she will have a life changing experience there!

Learn more about Sashalee’s mission here.

The Abroad 101 Student of the Week initiative awards a student who created a Mission for a study abroad program on GoEnnounce with a donation to their fundraiser. Learn more about this partnership from Abroad101 CEO Mark Shay and GoEnnounce founder Melissa Davis here.

Stay tuned for our next Abroad101 Students of the Week!