Category Archives: A101 News

Unlock Your Future: Explore with Cerca Abroad

Posted on by
Reply

Embarking on a journey to study abroad is a thrilling opportunity that brings about personal growth, cultural immersion, and academic enrichment. Every year, thousands of students dream about broadening their horizons by studying in a foreign country, gaining life-changing experiences, and acquiring valuable skills. However, finding the right platform that offers you an enriching yet affordable educational experience can be challenging. Fear not, because Cerca Abroad, is here to revolutionize the way students experience study abroad programs.

Founded in 2017, Cerca Abroad initially offered medical shadowing internships, providing hundreds of aspiring medical professionals an insight into their future career. The company quickly garnered a reputation for delivering excellent educational programs combined with real-world engineering solutions. However, their services didn’t stop there. Over the past few years, Cerca Abroad expanded its program portfolio to encompass various in-person and remote internships in agricultural, engineering, environmental, veterinary, health, health & safety, marketing, and software fields.

CERCA Abroad student photo on an agriculture & Viticulture Internship

Cerca Abroad acknowledges the increasing demand for specialized education, hence they have branched out into offering Erasmus+ funded MSc degrees & courses. Students interested in fields such as electromobility, marine/maritime ICT, and precision agriculture can now gain a world-class education, coupled with the experience of studying abroad. This makes Cerca Abroad an innovative game-changer in the realm of international education.

What makes Cerca Abroad truly stand out is their transparent pricing model. With a mission to offer top educational experiences at a reasonable cost, the company has eliminated hidden fees and unnecessary extras. This transparency allows students to budget effectively, freeing them from financial worries and enabling them to focus solely on their academic and cultural immersion.

Moreover, studying abroad with Cerca Abroad is not just about the educational curriculum. It is about the entire experience. By offering its participants a taste of different cultures, they emerge with a more holistic view of the world. This cultural immersion can shape a student’s character, build their resilience, and make them a more open-minded individual.

Studying abroad is more than just a chance to travel; it’s an opportunity to redefine your future, gain unparalleled experiences, and build international networks. Cerca Abroad is well-positioned to make this a reality for students around the globe. With its broad range of programs and steadfast commitment to quality education, students can confidently embark on their journey to explore, learn, and grow with Cerca Abroad.

CERCA Abroad student photo – Medical/Dental/Physio Shadowing in Greece

Moreover, the ability to understand and adapt to diverse cultures, as well as learning to communicate and work effectively in a different cultural context, adds significantly to a student’s portfolio, setting them apart in today’s competitive job market. Cerca Abroad supports this aspect of growth through their immersive internships, ensuring that the participants gain not only academic and professional expertise but also intercultural competence.

Additionally, the networking opportunities that come with studying abroad are invaluable. Students can connect with professionals in their field, leading to potential job opportunities, references, and lifelong relationships. This forms a global network that can significantly aid their future career paths.

Cerca Abroad’s holistic approach towards international education helps students achieve their maximum potential, arming them with academic knowledge, cultural competency, and a strong professional network. For more information about their programs and offerings, do not hesitate to visit the Cerca Abroad’s homepage on Abroad101! The perfect study abroad experience awaits! Invest in your future and explore the vast opportunities at Cerca Abroad. Embark on this life-changing journey today!

Discover Costa Rica: A Top Study Abroad Destination for High School Students Seeking Cultural Immersion and Adventure

Posted on by
Reply

Costa Rica, a small Central American country known for its lush rainforests, biodiversity, wildlife, and pristine beaches, is an ideal study abroad destination for high school students seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and educational experiences. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the highlights Costa Rica has to offer, based on program reviews and travel experiences!

Arcos Journeys participants with their host family chickens in Atenas.

Atenas: Authentic culture and perfect climate

Atenas, a picturesque town located in the central part of Costa Rica, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Central Valley, Atenas offers visitors a charming blend of traditional Costa Rican culture and modern amenities. Surrounded by lush coffee plantations and verdant countryside, the town boasts a pleasant climate year-round, claiming the title of “The Best Climate in the World” by National Geographic. With its friendly community, colorful architecture, and stunning vistas of the distant mountains, Atenas provides a safe and explorable town for high school students. Additionally, the town’s central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the diverse attractions of Costa Rica, including national parks, volcanoes, and pristine beaches. Atenas truly embodies the essence of the country’s pura vida lifestyle, making it an enchanting destination for high school students seeking an authentic Costa Rican experience.

A golden sunset over the pacific ocean on an Arcos Journeys excursion.

Manuel Antonio: Pacific Beach and Biodiversity 

Manuel Antonio, situated on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundant biodiversity. This small coastal town is home to the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, a jewel of the country’s protected areas. The park encompasses lush rainforests, pristine white sand beaches, and an array of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful tropical birds. Visitors can hike through the park’s well-maintained trails, leading to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden waterfalls. With its vibrant blend of nature and adventure, Manuel Antonio provides a perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. Manuel Antonio is a tropical paradise that captivates visitors with its natural wonders, making it an unforgettable destination for high school students.

Arcos Journeys high school students pose in front of the majestic Arenal Volcano on their hike at Bogarín Nature Trail in La Fortuna.

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna: Adventure and Wellness 

At the Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna region, students can partake in adventure sports like zip-lining through the forest canopy and hiking through the lush landscape. Alongside these adrenaline-pumping activities, students can also enjoy rejuvenating hot springs nestled in the lush landscape near the Arenal Volcano. The hot springs offer a unique and relaxing experience in the heart of nature where students can soak in a series of naturally heated mineral pools with various temperatures and sizes.

GUANACASTE caption: A relaxing afternoon on Conchal beach, known for its white sand and shell-covered shore.

Guanacaste: Blue Zones and Breathtaking Beaches 

The Guanacaste region is home to one of the world’s only Blue Zones, where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. High school students can discover the secrets behind this phenomenon, learn about local traditions, and explore the region’s stunning beaches, such as Brasilito and Conchal. Guanacaste beaches offer a variety of activities, including surfing lessons, snorkeling, and wildlife watching, providing unforgettable experiences for high school students.

One of the best ways to explore the rainforest is on horseback.

For a truly immersive and authentic Costa Rican experience, consider the High School Program – Tropical Discovery, Blue Zones & Spanish” offered by Arcos Journeys Abroad. With a focus on the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, this program introduces students to La Fortuna’s tropical environment, wellness practices in the Guanacaste region, and much more. Students visit the famous Bogarin Nature Trail, known for its multitude of sloths and go horseback riding through the jungle. Directed by the experienced Arcos staff, students will be in safe and professional hands as they explore the natural beauty and local culture of Costa Rica. This program also includes Spanish language lessons, ensuring that students not only experience the country’s stunning landscapes but also develop a deeper understanding of its people and culture. Parents can trust that Arcos Journeys Abroad will provide a secure and enriching experience for their high schoolers.

Arcos Journeys participants celebrate a cumpleaños with their host family, cake and a piñata.

Living with a Costa Rican host family offers a unique and enriching experience for high school students seeking an immersive language program such as the Spanish Language and Costa Rican Culture Program with Arcos Journeys Abroad. Costa Rican families are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature, making students feel like a part of the family from the moment they arrive. Sharing daily life with a host family provides an opportunity to practice and improve Spanish language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Costa Rican customs, traditions, and way of life. From enjoying delicious homemade meals of gallo pinto and casados to participating in family gatherings and celebrations, living with a host family allows for an authentic glimpse into the local culture. Through this immersive experience, high school students not only foster meaningful connections with their host family but also develop a greater appreciation and respect for the Costa Rican way of life. Living with a Costa Rican host family truly offers a transformative cultural experience that creates lasting memories and friendships.

Arcos students lead enriching educational activities for children at a local school.

Volunteering in Costa Rica is one of the most rewarding and meaningful ways to experience the country. The Community Service & Eco Tourism Program with Arcos Journeys Abroad is the ideal opportunity for high school students wanting to make a positive impact while immersing themselves in the country’s rich culture and breathtaking natural wonders. This program combines community service initiatives with eco-tourism activities, creating a well-rounded experience that contributes to local communities. Participants engage in various community projects, such as volunteering at schools, conservation centers, or local environmental organizations, actively participating in initiatives that address pressing social and environmental issues. From reforestation efforts to beach clean-ups, participants actively contribute to the preservation of Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity. In addition to community service, participants have the chance to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, including national parks, tropical rainforests, and pristine beaches. Through guided eco-tourism activities, such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and engaging in sustainable tourism practices, participants develop a deep appreciation for Costa Rica’s natural beauty and gain a deep e understanding of the importance of environmental conservation while creating lasting memories.

High school students make hand-made tortillas in the Arcos Journeys Abroad Costa Rican cooking class.

Costa Rica is a remarkable destination for high school students looking to explore, learn, and grow through study abroad programs. Whether it’s the lush rainforests, the majestic Arenal Volcano, or the picturesque Pacific coast, this diverse country has something for everyone. And with the help of Arcos Journeys Abroad, students can fully immerse themselves in the Costa Rican way of life, gaining valuable life skills and unforgettable memories along the way. Don’t forget to read study abroad reviews and consider the top study abroad destinations to make the most of your international education experience!

Unlock Your Ideal Study Abroad Experience with StudyAbroad101!

Posted on by
Reply

Are you a university student looking to embark on a life-changing adventure? Are you a study abroad office or program provider seeking to connect students with incredible educational opportunities? Look no further than StudyAbroad101.com, the first and largest study abroad programs review website! With a recent website upgrade and a new search engine featuring eight filters, StudyAbroad101 makes finding the perfect program a breeze for American university/college level students. Discover the benefits of using StudyAbroad101 to find the ultimate study abroad experience.

Importance of Reviews: An essential aspect of choosing the right study abroad program is understanding the experiences of students who have come before. StudyAbroad101.com connects you to a wealth of reviews, providing an honest and reliable evaluation of study abroad programs. Reviews allow students to learn about various program aspects, including academics, cultural immersion, housing, and support services. By exploring these firsthand accounts, students can make informed decisions and select a program that best aligns with their academic and personal goals.

The New Study Abroad Program Search Engine: Abroad101’s recent upgrade introduces a powerful search engine, designed to simplify the process of finding the perfect study abroad program. The search engine includes eight filters to help users tailor their search:

  1. Country
  2. City
  3. Study subject
  4. Program review ratings
  5. Home university pre-approval
  6. Term
  7. Language of instruction
  8. Program provider

By using these filters, students can quickly identify programs that meet their unique needs and preferences. The search results are also displayed on a world map, providing an intuitive and visually engaging way to explore program locations.

Programs Pre-Approved by Home Universities: One major advantage of the Abroad101 search engine is its integration with programs pre-approved by each home university. This feature ensures that students are considering programs that align with their institution’s requirements, making the credit transfer process seamless and worry-free.

Benefits of Using StudyAbroad101.com: Students, study abroad offices, and program providers worldwide can enjoy numerous benefits by using StudyAbroad101.com:

  1. Comprehensive Program Information: Access detailed information about a wide range of study abroad programs, including academic offerings, housing options, and support services.
  2. Trustworthy Reviews: Gain insights from honest, unbiased reviews written by previous study abroad students, helping you make informed decisions about the best program for you.
  3. Streamlined Search Process: Utilize the advanced search engine with eight filters to quickly find programs that match your criteria.
  4. Home University Pre-Approval Integration: Focus on programs pre-approved by your home university, ensuring a smooth credit transfer process.
  5. Global Network: Connect with a vast community of students, study abroad offices, and program providers from around the world.

Embrace the opportunity to explore the world and expand your educational horizons with StudyAbroad101.com. Our upgraded website and advanced search engine make finding the perfect program easier than ever. Dive into a world of possibilities and start planning your unforgettable study abroad experience today!

An Interview with Kate Foster: Student of the Semester!

Posted on by
Reply

CYA student Kate Foster has been making the most of her time in Greece.

A self-proclaimed mythology fan, Kate was attracted to Greece’s rich history long before she arrived here. For her, living in Athens has provided her the chance to explore various aspects of the country’s history. She has had the chance to visit famous ancient sites from the Acropolis to the temple at Delphi to the palace of Knossos. Just two weeks ago, Kate even ran the 5k race of the Athens Authentic Marathon. But these experiences are only one part of her study abroad experience.  

As a biology major, most of Kate’s classes here are aimed to fulfill her general education requirements back at her home institution of University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. However, she has been doing much more than just studying. When she’s not in class or on CYA field trips, she dedicates a lot of her time to volunteering in the local community. Every week, Kate has been shadowing well-known surgeon Doctor Spyros Smparounis at the Metropolitan General Hospital.

When the doctor has patients, Kate interacts with them firsthand, learning about their illness and how to treat them with the Doctor. Kate even had the opportunity to witness a surgery in the room! On less busy days, Dr. Smparounis gives Kate lessons about illnesses and medical emergencies and how to treat them. As an EMT, Kate was interested in the differences between the Greek and American healthcare systems. Here in Greece, there is a universal healthcare program as well as private options. Meanwhile, in America, healthcare is mainly private. This week, Kate will sit in on a lesson from Dr. Smparounis about the cutting edge da Vinci Robotic Surgery System. Getting the chance to work closely with a renowned surgeon and developing a friendship is “once in a lifetime” Kate declared.

When she’s not working with Dr. Smparounis at the hospital, Kate also been volunteering with an organization called Medical Volunteers International (MVI). MVI is a non-profit that provides medical assistance to refugees. Once a week, Kate goes to one of their women and children’s clinics and assists doctors as they see patients. On their busiest day, fourteen patients came through during the few hours she was there. She gets to work alongside the doctors as they listen to patients about their symptoms, ask follow-up questions, and determine a diagnosis.

Unlike at many internship and volunteering experiences in the US, at MVI Kate gets to provide real input and contributions to the doctors she works with. She says that this work has given her the chance to see “what’s actually going on and how the process occurs and to look at the symptoms and go ‘okay, I think it’s this.’” Every time she goes in, she gets another opportunity to put the skills and knowledge she has gained in the classroom to the test.

One of Kate’s favorite parts of her volunteer work is that she feels she’s been able to provide more continuity at the clinic than usual. The doctors she works with are volunteering their time and efforts, so they often stay for about two weeks before switching out with a new doctor. Kate, on the other hand, has been helping at the clinic every week since mid-September. Since she has been coming for weeks now, she feels confident helping doctors recognize recurring patients and checking on their previous problems before helping them with new ones.

This is far from Kate’s first time venturing out into the medical field. She is a certified EMT, has worked in a burn clinic and trauma center, and has shadowed a variety of different medical professionals already. But even with all this experience under her belt already, she feels that her experiences here in Greece have been unique. While shadowing in the US is just “watching,” she describes her work here shadowing and with the volunteer organization as more “interactive” and “involved.” She’s had the chance to speak up and give her opinion to real medical professionals in a way that she hasn’t had the chance to in the US. While she has loved the work she has done in the US previously, she admits that “it’s one thing to learn it in the classroom but its another to actually go and to see what you’re learning in class in action and to see the consequences of it.” In her volunteer work here in Greece, Kate has gotten to witness the healing impact her help has had on real people.

This healing impact is all the more meaningful because Medical Volunteers International assists refugees. For Kate, this has been different than caring for patients at a hospital back in the US. Without the work of organizations like MVI, it can be extremely difficult for refugees to find medical care. In countries like Greece, where so many refugees have arrived in the past few years, this kind of humanitarian aid is critical. By seeing up close the situations of these refugees, Kate has gained more than just medical experience from her volunteering – she feels that her work at MVI has “opened up a whole new realm of sympathy.”

When it comes to for future CYA student who are considering volunteering, Kate’s advice was simple: “don’t be hesitant… it’s going to be great.”

For her amazing work throughout her time at CYA, Kate has been named the Student of the Semester for fall ’19! Bravo Kate!

An Important Study Regarding the Impact of Intercultural Educational Exchange Programs

Posted on by
Reply

A recent publication reports on the impact of educational exchange and study abroad programs conducted by the Federation of The Experiment in International Living. The work, by Dr. Alvino E. Fantini, Professor Emeritus, SIT Graduate Institute, titled: Intercultural Communicative Competence in Educational Exchange: A Multinational Perspective (Routledge, 2019), is based on two extensive research projects that explored the nature of intercultural communicative competence (ICC), its development during intercultural exchange (summer, short term, and semester programs), and the impact of such experiences on the lives of both students and hosts up to 20 years later.

Conducted in eight countries — Brazil, Ecuador, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States — the research involved over 2,000 students plus over 200 host families, exploring the significance of exchange experiences in transforming people’s lives. Based on both quantitative statistics and qualitative narratives, the study also identified program components that most promote intercultural development, highlighting host family home stays and host language proficiency as most significant.

This important contribution to the intercultural communication literature, bases its multinational perspective on an extensive literary search in six languages spanning 50 years in order to identify ICC’s multiple components, to develop comprehensive assessment tools, and to assess ICC development and its impact on exchange participants.

For further information, click on the following link: https://www.routledge.com/Intercultural-Communicative-Competence-in-Educational-Exchange-A-Multinational/Fantini/p/book/9780815369677

Assessment instruments in multiple languages used in this research can be obtained on this website (click on “Instruments”): https://alvinoefantiniphd.godaddysites.com/.

Abroad101 Fall 2019 News for Education Abroad Advisors

Posted on by
Reply

Thank you for taking a few minutes to catch up with Abroad101, the study abroad review website.  Around this time 13 years ago, the founder of Abroad101 started on his study abroad experience. Like so many, his story is a powerful tribute to the impact of Education Abroad experience, and like so many, that experience unlocks something that nobody could have predicted at the time.  

Today a company carries on the founding vision of providing students a platform on which to share their story. As an advisor, you call it a program evaluation, a parent considers it as review and the student will hopefully think of it as a capstone. Abroad101 is a company that does just one thing, deliver a platform to advance study abroad. At Abroad101, we have found a way to do this free of charge for the users, drawing support from program providers and host universities in the form of advertising and sponsorship. Here are some ways in which you can support us and the greater study abroad community:

Have You Seen Your Students’ Study Abroad Reviews Lately?

Each day Abroad101.com 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 and host institution and also in portals for each home school. As of today, 37,608 student reviews are active 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 you could also add a link of your Abroad101  “Homepage” on your own website to better prepare all. ( https://www.studyabroad101.com/university_widget )

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 the process allows them to talk about themselves.

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 already use Abroad101 as their official program evaluation software as it was designed to draw an insightful student expose of their time abroad. These evaluations are great for future advising and orientations and great for the returning students. 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 select in-house programs
  • Compare your results against others
  • Add custom questions to the standard review (can be kept private for internal use) 

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.

Happy Fall!

Abroad101 Providers Update for May 2019

Posted on by
Reply

It was thirteen years ago when a motivated, idealistic study abroad student returning to Boston from a semester in Australia came up with the idea that his experience should not be just etched in his mind, it should be shared with the world. 

With some help from some entrepreneurial friends, they started a business with the goal to be the “Trip Advisor for Study Abroad.”  Soon there was a website, some technology, staff and the business known as Abroad101 got started.  You can still see “Review One”

Recently we published Review 44554 and are on a pace to publish 6,000 reviews this year.  The business had its ups and downs, having succeeded by keeping its focus on providing students a forum to tell their story and helping universities and providers manage that process in a responsible way. 

Meet Phil, our new General Manager

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Philippos Kollitsis as the new General Manager for Abroad101. 

“Phil” is an experienced, professional businessperson who will be working from the Ledra Capital offices in Nicosia (Cyprus) and New York.  Ledra is the majority shareholder in Abroad101 and remains committed to the future of Abroad101.  Phil has served as CEO and as a Board Member of several companies over the last twenty years and has been an advisor to Ledra.  He too was an international student, earning two degrees from Lancaster University in the UK.   We are excited to welcome Phil on board to our team.

Phil will be at NAFSA and will be stopping by booths.  You can also arrange to meet him at the University of Nicosia’s booth #1131.  We invite you to stop by early in the week to pick up an invitation to UNIC’s 10th Annual Med Party (Wednesday, May 29 – 6:30pm – 9:00pm) and to attend the A101 Happy Hour immediately prior, at 5:30PM, both at City Tap House Penn Quarter on 901 9th Street NW. Register to attend by clicking here.

Do Reviews Matter?

Please take a moment to remember the last time you booked a hotel, chose a movie or show in a theater, picked a restaurant, or bought a product online.  Did a review guide your decision?  If these small decisions were influenced by reviews, then we’re sure you’ll understand how something as complex as an education abroad experience needs reviews. 

Also consider how reviews actually better serve the parents of students.  From our traffic analytics, we see that 20-25% of our web traffic comes from visitors who are 40-50 years old (parents).  We know parents are key in the decision-making process and the feedback we get from parents shows a hunger for candor and interest in using reviews to endorse or approve their student’s program choice.  While you may have testimonials on your website, independent, third-party reviews can be powerful additions to your marketing.

Candor is Key

People come to review sites looking for balance to the always-positive websites, brochures and in-person presentations.  They know things aren’t perfect and want to understand what may be imperfect about a given location, program or host.  Quite often the visitors to Abroad101 are coming to validate their earlier discoveries and because of this, we see a significant portion of our traffic from parents and other adults who support students.  Students may be drawn to the ratings and comments about food and social aspects of a program, while parents see value in ratings and comments about safety and cost.  The 38 questions in the Abroad101 review give everyone something to discuss with plenty of examples to engage in a meaningful dialog and hopefully break some stereotypes about other people and other parts of the world. 

The vast majority of students who study abroad have an overwhelmingly positive experience, which is reflected in the reviews.  Those that struggle and report negative things will actually help future students prepare and set their expectations.  We hope you’ll bring these reviews to the attention of future students so that they can put things in perspective.  Costs in London are high, academics at Oxford are hard, petty crime is rampant in Paris and the food in Ghana is, well, … different.  Knowing these things before a student goes away may make a big difference in how they prepare. 

For Parents, knowing what the risks are is actually reassuring as they can then help their child prepare. When parents inquire to you about programs and ask for referrals, direct them to Abroad101.

Advisors discuss issues over and over, but with reviews the students are learning from their peers and for the schools that require reviews of their students, the  indirect peer advising seems to really help.

Please encourage your students to read the reviews as part of their pre-departure preparation and push them to be candid in their reviews when they return.  Students can start their review at http://www.StudyAbroad101.com/reviews/new

Reminder About the Display Algorithm:

Most visitors to Abroad101 will end up in a directory of programs.  We list programs by city, country, academic program as well as by provider and host university.  For those university partners who select the “approved programs” option, we create a directory as well.  Anytime there is a list, it is ordered based on our proprietary display algorithm which is designed to recognize recent review volume and quality of reviews.  

The algorithm has an impact factor that lessens the impact of older reviews and formulas that reward reviews that contain photos, complete descriptions and a range of review scores.  We do this because Abroad101 is first and foremost a review website.  People come looking for reviews and we want to highlight recent and well written reviews.

Student Inquiries:

Recently we have seen a rise of bots sending Spam email through our inquiry form.  We apologize for this inconvenience and are working to solve this problem; we hope to have it fixed soon.

It’s Free for Schools

We offer Abroad101 to American colleges and universities as free study abroad program evaluation software.  It is fully functional SaaS that manages inviting students to submit reviews, an approval process, approved program lists, graphs and benchmarking reports and the ability to export reviews for further analysis.  Using our unique serial number, schools can also link reviews to their student information systems or TerraDotta.  University partners can also add unique questions to the 38-question base review and also choose not to publish some of them. 

Our business model gives program providers and foreign host universities the option to pay to promote their programs through advertising.  A large portion of that revenue goes to support software services allowing colleges and universities to use Abroad101 without subscription fees.   We ask that our partner schools look favorably upon the organizations who appear in the “Featured Program” positions as a thank you for the free software. 

Added Benefits of Advertising:

If goodwill is not compelling enough for you to support Abroad101, we have designed the site so that advertising on Abroad101 will bring you more inquiries, improve your conversions and raise the brand and visibility of your programs.  Featured Listings start at $500/year and we offer generous volume discounts for multiple programs and display advertising. 

We also give extra emphasis to reviews from advertised programs in Abroad101 ‘s Social Media channels.  We post excerpts of reviews in our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels and are open to extra boosts for program news and highlights as part of an advertising package.

Meet Phil at NAFSA or Schedule a Call

If you’d like to arrange a meeting with our new general manager, please email him at philippos@abroad101.com to arrange a good time/place to meet.  

We look forward to re-connecting soon!

Abroad101 Advisors Newsletter – Spring 2016

Posted on by
Reply

Abroad101-reviews-logo-webWe appreciate you taking a few minutes from your busy day to catch up on the happenings at Abroad101, the first and largest study abroad review website.  As we wrap up another semester, we start by reminding you to send review invites to returning students through your account on Abroad101.  You can also guide your students to start their reviews here: http://www.StudyAbroad101.com/reviews/new

The Latest Study Abroad Rankings:

For the fifth year, Abroad101 has tallied student reviews and produced “The 2015 Study Abroad Rankings.”  The rankings recognize the study abroad programs and locations rated highest by American students who have studied abroad in the last year. The rankings also reflect the dynamic nature of study abroad and identify up-and-coming destinations and program types in addition to top programs and providers.  From this year’s data we found that big cities are in, programs are touring, and more American students are studying abroad on programs coordinated by their home universities.

You can read the press release or view the latest rankings

As advisors, you can help improve the study abroad rankings by encouraging your students to tell their story and submit a review.  Each review counts toward the rankings and contributes insight about the whole of study abroad: from academics to food and from cost to the friendliness of the destination.  Please remember, rankings are an indicator of quality, not a measure of quality, and it is in the spirit of transparency that we publish the rankings. 

Review and Parents: Helping Set Expectations:

About 25% of the visitors to Abroad101 are parents searching for more insight into their children’s options. It is no secret that parents are increasingly involved in their children’s college education, and study abroad is no exception.  Reviews are a good way to redirect parents’ inquiries about programs and also as tool to help set expectations about a particular host university, host country, or provider.  Each Abroad101 review has 38 questions including star ratings on 9 different program aspects.  Put a review in front of a family and you’ll see the eyes of the student got to the social (or food) ratings, the mother to the safety ratings and a father to cost ratings.  This is more than just a stereotype; it demonstrates that reviews serve multiple audiences and deliver multiple perspectives.  Abroad101’s reviews are designed to foster conversation around the options and build a better sense of awareness before making the final choice.  As the old adage goes “An educated consumer is the best customer.”  For mom and dad, they think of study abroad as a product and themselves as a consumer.  Considering everything else that is rated and ranked it is only natural for parents and students to consider study abroad reviews.

Reviews and Re-entry:

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! 

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.

If you have a formal re-entry process, you can tie that to your Abroad101 results in a number of ways.  Within your account dashboard you can export the reviews of your students.  Those reviews have an email address and a serial number.  You can enter that serial number in your enrollment or student information systems to fulfill a requirement, or you can create a process for the student to do so.  If you are using Terra Dotta for example, we encourage you to tie the returnee phase to a questionnaire with that serial number.  Read more about linking Abroad101 and Terra Dotta Software.

What can be Better than Abroad101’s Free Software?

Since 2007, Abroad101 has been suggesting that program evaluations and online reviews can be the same thing.  A number of colleges and universities have already adopted Abroad101 as their program evaluation platform.  Today Abroad101 is the largest publisher of these powerful study abroad testimonials, yet some institutions feel that the system isn’t right for their needs.

To serve the market better we created Abroad201, a combination of software and services that provides a full range of customization and publishing options for your program evaluations.  With Abroad201 you can take those paper-based forms and turn them into meaningful data.  You can manage the publication of some or all of the reviews to wherever you want them displayed and whomever you want them shared with.  You can take the results and turn them into reports, benchmark them as you choose, and greatly enhance your reporting capabilities.

Abroad201 is a cloud-based software program and service with fees that vary depending on the level of service.  Abroad101 is free software that will remain standard in function and purpose.  Pick whichever tools meet your budget and your goals.  If you’re interested in learning more about Abroad201, please visit the new product website and sign up for a presentation call or an online demo.

Talk to us:

For those of you attending NAFSA, please stop by and say hello.  We’ll be at Booth #1133.

Every university has an account on Abroad101.  If you’d like more details on accessing yours with the option of a private online web demo, please contact support@abroad101.com

 

Happy Spring!

Mark Shay

Abroad101  /  +1-610-357-4648  /  mark@abroad101.com

www.StudyAbroad101.com

Abroad101 Releases the Latest Study Abroad Rankings

Posted on by
1

rankings header

Big cities are in, programs are touring, and more American students are studying abroad on programs coordinated by their home universities. These are some of the statistics revealed in this year’s study abroad rankings by Abroad101.

New York (April 6, 2016) – Abroad101, producers of America’s first and largest study abroad review website, released the fifth annual Study Abroad Rankings today highlighting the success of international education. The rankings recognize the study abroad programs and locations rated highest by American students who have studied abroad in the last year. The rankings also reflect the dynamic nature of study abroad and identify up-and-coming destinations and program types in addition to top programs and providers.

Notable in this year’s rankings was a shift in popularity toward programs operating in big cities, especially in Europe, which hosted 12 of the top 16 programs. The broad reach of study abroad is reflected in the Top 5, which featured programs in China, Czech Republic, Spain, Costa Rica, and Australia. In addition to rating programs, the Study Abroad Rankings also identify the “Most Livable Cities.” Students are currently favoring large cities, contrary to last year’s rankings featuring smaller college towns.

The Top Ten Most Livable Cities for study abroad are:

  1. London
  2. Florence
  3. Rome
  4. Beijing
  5. Paris
  6. Dublin
  7. Madrid
  8. San Jose, Costa Rica
  9. Sydney
  10. Gold Coast, Australia

Since students often attend programs run by organizations outside of their home university, the Study Abroad Rankings also identify the Top Study Abroad Providers:

  1. The Education Abroad Network (TEAN)
  2. IES Abroad
  3. Sol Education Abroad
  4. API (Academic Programs International)
  5. The Asia Institute
  6. ISA (International Studies Abroad)
  7. Loyola University Chicago
  8. CEA
  9. IBS (International Business Seminars)
  10. CAPA: The Global Education Network
  11. AIFS
  12. SAI Programs
  13. IFSA-Butler
  14. CISabroad (Center for International Studies)
  15. USAC

With more than 1,700 evaluations published on Abroad101, IES Abroad has received the most reviews of any provider and an overall rating of 4.6/5. The quality and quantity of these student reviews demonstrate the success of IES Abroad, crowning the company as a top provider as well as host of two top programs. CEO of IES Abroad Mary Dwyer stated, “At IES Abroad, we are dedicated to increasing accessibility to study abroad, while maintaining the highest levels of academic excellence and student health and safety in the field. We greatly value student feedback, and appreciate so many of our alumni taking the time to share their authentic program experiences with others.”

Student feedback like this is used by advisors to help future students find programs. Each year Abroad101 highlights destinations for the budget conscious; these rankings are often dictated by shifts in currency.

This year’s list “Budget Friendly” Study Abroad Destinations:

  1. India
  2. China
  3. Tanzania
  4. Morocco
  5. Thailand
  6. Czech Republic
  7. Peru
  8. Ecuador
  9. Ghana
  10. Chile

Also highlighted in the rankings are “Top Non-Traditional Countries“ for more             intrepid students:

  1. Ghana
  2. Cuba
  3. Tanzania
  4. Turkey
  5. Morocco
  6. Switzerland
  7. Russia
  8. Romania
  9. Jordan
  10. United Arab Emirates

The overall top program honors go to Loyola University Chicago and The Beijing Center. According to Katie Rooney, Senior University Relations Coordinator, “The Beijing Center has it all – top-notch academics, unique travel experiences, immersion with the local community, and an array of co-curricular activities that really round out the student experience. Students have the opportunity to make the most of their time in China, and they can’t stop talking about it when they come back.”

The Top Study Abroad Programs are:

  1. Loyola University Chicago: The Beijing Center
  2. UPCES – Study Abroad in Prague
  3. IES Abroad: Study Abroad in Granada
  4. Sol Education Abroad: Heredia – Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
  5. The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast – Bond University
  6. API: Lorenzo de Medici , The Italian International Institute
  7. CEA: Rome, Italy
  8. Round River Conservation Studies – Patagonia, Chile Program
  9. CAPA The Global Education Network: Dublin – Study or Intern Abroad
  10. IES Abroad: Study in Amsterdam
  11. European Study Center: Study Abroad in the EU
  12. DIS Copenhagen: Semester
  13. Regent’s University London: Study Abroad in London
  14. University of Evansville: Study abroad at Harlaxton College
  15. PRESHCO: Study Abroad in Cordoba, Spain
  16. Sant’Anna Institute: Sorrento – Live, Learn and Immerse in Italy

The rankings also reflect the ongoing change in study abroad with the rise of several specialty programs and providers and a wide variety of program formats. “Study abroad continues to be a dynamic field with innovative offerings from a steady flow of new organizations” says Mark Shay, CEO of Abroad101. “This year’s rankings give prime examples of this shift as we see the popularity of touring programs rise as well as programs offered through partnerships between universities and providers. We also see the rise in popularity of internships as part of study abroad program formats.” To see the full list of Top Study Abroad Programs, click here – http://www.StudyAbroad101.com/rankings

Students continue to flock to summer study abroad programs, and this year’s “Top Summer Programs” list includes an incredibly diverse mix of options and destinations featuring The GREEN Program as the top choice. Founder Melissa Lee states, “As a millennial-driven company, we are thrilled that GREEN alumni champion our fresh take to study abroad. Created by students, for students, we strive to provide social impact-minded participants with the career-enhancing global experiences that not only fit into their rigorous academic schedules, but also allow them to check awe-inspiring adventures and authentic cultural experiences off their bucket lists.”

There is no better way to get to know a new culture than tasting fresh, local food, and with over 300,000 American college-age students studying abroad each year, Abroad101 pays homage to millennial foodie culture by highlight “Top Foodie Cities.” Four of the top ten cities were in Italy (Florence, Rome, Milan, and Bologna), another two were in France (Paris, Aix-en-Provence), and two were in China (Beijing, Shanghai). These delicious destinations go above and beyond by winning students’ hearts, minds, and mouths as part of this high-impact educational experience.

“We produce the study abroad rankings as a way to overcome some of the objections that parents and families may have and hope that highlighting other aspects of the experience will bring more students to experience different cultures and different perspectives” says Mark Shay, the CEO of Abroad101. “Young, open minds are the key to a peaceful and prosperous future and giving them the chance to have cultural immersion experiences is life changing. We need more students to study abroad and it is the mission of Abroad101 to capture these life-changing accounts and publish them. Our tools help capture these personal triumphs and turn alumni stories into examples of the benefits of study abroad so that we can draw more students abroad” concludes Shay.

 

About Abroad101:

Founded in 2007, Abroad101 is the first and largest study abroad review website and program evaluation software. This innovative platform serves past and future students, parents and advisors through its market-leading online evaluation tool. Under the direction of their academic advisors or program providers, students complete thorough online evaluations hosted by Abroad101 with both quantitative and qualitative responses. For the 2015 rankings, more than 6 thousand evaluations were processed and 1,262 different programs received reviews.

To learn more, visit https://www.StudyAbroad101.com/rankings

 

It is harder to study abroad than it is to get admitted to college

Posted on by
Reply

education and friendship concept - happy students giving high five at school

What’s wrong with this title?  Unfortunately it is state of study abroad in America today.  For all involved this is not an indictment to their intentions, rather the unfortunate state of the “industry.”  

If you are student, and you’ve encountered the maze of qualifications, pre-approvals and other barriers to study abroad, we feel your pain.  If you are feeling down, helpless there is hope – consider summer study abroad.

If you are an advisor, stuck behind a desk, wrangling with forms, clunky computer systems and byzantine procedures, we feel your pain.  We hope you will read Abroad101 CEO’s article on “How to Fix Study Abroad” and join efforts to make information simpler to navigate, more visible and easier to share.

If you are a study abroad administrator, or leader, we appeal to you to make study abroad more open, accessible and achievable.  In Europe, the Erasmus Program makes it very easy to attend a university in another country, and many do.  Mobility seems to be a key part of university administration and university life.  In the US, we are not making much progress and we hope you’ll take a few minutes, read “How to Fix Study Abroad” and work to make the little things simpler so that we can make the big things easier.