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[I419]International Study Abroad Program

by Jim Sarris, Jim

Your job appears to be even easier. Travel to the country and soak up the language with little or no effort. When it's time to return home, you are fluent and ready to accept a promotion for being bilingual.

Ok. It's time to pinch yourself and wake up. That scenario doesn't work unless you're below the age of 5 and take in languages like you do video games.

You have a lot more to do in order to make your dream come true. It's not difficult but it is more active than passive.

The truth is that the majority of students that travel overseas to learn Spanish or other languages come back with little or no improvement. They have high expectations when they leave but find that taking a leap to the "next level" is not as simple as they thought.

And it's not the program's fault in most cases. Study abroad programs fulfill their responsibility. They offer the students all they need to be comfortable and engaged. They solve problems, guide and encourage.

The problem lies with you, the learner. You have to be mentally prepared to enter a culture where you are not the top dog, the big cheese, the leader of the pack. In most cases, you're the little brother who tags along. You know, the one who is always there but never has much to say.

Why waste all that money and time if that is the reality that awaits? No need to. Here are three suggestions for you to follow so that you get exactly what you're looking for.

Tip #1 - Stay away from English speakers. Nothing can hinder your progress like hanging out with other English speakers. Forget this, "Oh, but he's from England...I've never hung out with anyone from England before." Plan on hanging out with someone from England once you become fluent. Not when you get there.

You must meet and hang out with native speakers as soon as you arrive. If you wait for the right time, it will never come. Do it immediately. Find a speaking partner, go to bars and meet people, take along an English speaking friend if they are as pumped up about learning Spanish as you. but get out there and make some new friends.

Tip #2 - Get used to eating humble pie. You may be the jokester at home but you are a wallflower in Spanish. Don't get down on yourself. It won't last forever. But learning is a process and this is one more step.

Don't worry you can't be the life of the party. Just be at the party for now and you'll pick it up. It may take a month or two but what is that compared to years of being a fluent speaker?

Tip #3 - Keep studying. Why do you thinnk they call it "studying abroad." Just because you're in Spain or Mexico doesn't mean you can leave your studies behind. Keep conjugating, keep a record of cool phrases and words, keep learning something new each day. The effect will be amazing.

I used to remember things I couldn't say and look them up later. Then, I'd write them down. You can do it your way... just do it.

If you follow these strategies, I promise you will come back fluent and loving it. It is a real joy to speak a foreign language and you'll know what I mean when you get there.

Just don't throw your money and time away because it's really neat to "hang with people from Alaska! or New Zealand! or wherever.

Studying abroad can get you to fluency faster than anything so do it right.

Choosing a study abroad program is not easy. Don't get trapped into choosing something that's not right for you. Take control of the process! To help you with the process of researching, choosing, and applying for a study abroad program, AmeriSpan is happy to share “4 Steps To Finding The Right Study Abroad Program.” Following these simple tips can help ensure that you have the best possible international study abroad experience, whether you want to study Chinese in China or learn Portuguese in Brazil.

Step 1: When & What Works For You?

Write down your goals and constraints. In order to find a study abroad program that meets your academic, financial, and personal needs, you need to clearly define your goals and constraints. What is it that you want to accomplish? When can you go? What can you afford? While your dream may be to study Spanish in Barcelona, does it make more financial sense right now for you to learn Spanish in Guatemala now, and try out that new knowledge while taking a semester abroad in Spain next year?

Step 2: Where To Go?

Select a location BEFORE you select a program. AmeriSpan strongly believes that atmosphere is a key ingredient in the overall learning recipe. You will learn more in an environment where you feel comfortable. Are you a big city person or do you prefer small towns? What do you like to do outside of class? Do you prefer a busy nightlife or fewer distractions from your studies? Are you interested in Latin American indigenous cultures, or are European cultures more enticing? For example, if you love the beach and water sports you might want to try a program to learn French and surfing in Biarritz, France, but if you love museums and shopping, you might rather study French in Paris.

Step 3: Which Programs Meet Your Needs?

Research and compare program details. Not every international study abroad program is right for every student. When evaluating different programs, we recommend that you answer the following questions:

- What are the deadlines, start dates, and payment policies? What are the requirements? (language, grade point average, etc.)
- Are the elective courses taught in English or the local language?
- How big are the language classes?
- Where is the campus located? (near a city center, public trans., etc).
- What facilities are offered? (on-site cafeteria, computer lab, library).
- What are the housing options?
- What out-of-class activities are offered?
- What excursions are included?
- Are volunteer or internship opportunities available?
- What other services are included? (travel insurance, cell phone, etc.)
- What type of transcript is provided? (US college or foreign university)

One of the best tools for researching and comparing study abroad programs is the Internet. There are also study abroad blogs popping up where you can pick up helpful tips, such as http://www.abroadbloggers.com/

Step 4: Who Puts It All Together?

Find the right study abroad provider. Independent organizations and private/state universities both provide study abroad programs at foreign institutions worldwide. In your research, you may find that the program you want is offered by several organizations. Therefore, you should select the one with the best service and value, and that you feel the most comfortable with. Remember that you will be studying far from home, or even overseas. You will have a better time learning Spanish or studying Italian in a foreign land if you are confident with your agent. Here are some questions for you to ask when evaluating different study abroad providers:

- Are they reputable? Ask for references, how many students they send, and years in business.
- Are your questions answered in a complete, friendly, and timely manner?
- Do they demonstrate a good understanding of the location and the finer details of the program? What do you get for your money?
- Do they provide extra services? (excursions, cell phones, in-country transportation, extra activities, other lodging options, etc.)
- Are the payment and refund policies flexible? (credit cards, late registration, postponements, etc.)

These are your 4 basic steps. Sure, there is more to think about before you study abroad, but if you follow the above advice you are on your way to selecting an excellent study abroad program.

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Both Jim Sarris & Dorioara Pinku are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Jim Sarris has sinced written about articles on various topics from Foreign Language, Learning English and Family. Jim Sarris is a veteran Spanish teacher and the author of a new ebook/audio series "The Secret to Learning Any Language." Visit his blog to obtain free information and learn about other resources to help you learn faster and easier than ever.. Jim Sarris's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.

Dorioara Pinku has sinced written about articles on various topics from Education, Home Schooling and College Education. . Dorioara Pinku's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.