Ah, study abroad. This photo montage says it all.
Friday, December 9, 2011
In Their Own Words, Part VII: NDSU Students Speak About Study Abroad
The final installment about studying abroad, as told by students in their own words. The crazy words in the center of the video go away after a minute or so.
Visiting Another Culture? You'll Need A New Set of Lenses
And we are not talking about prescription lenses. You will see the world in a new and different way. Remember to change your lenses.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
In Their Own Words, Part IV: NDSU Students Speak About Study Abroad
Two more NDSU students speak about their experiences studying abroad in Europe. Make sure you watch all the way to the end. The last few seconds are not to be missed!
Free Time Activities in Interlaken, Switzerland
So what would you do with a free afternoon in Interlaken, Switzerland? Some choose to go bungee jumping (here and here); others choose to go canyoning. How about paragliding? See the video below of one student's paragliding activity.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Photos from the First Week of Studying Abroad
So what can you see in a week? Here are some beautiful pictures of the places visited in the very first week of a study abroad program.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Lessons from the Trenches: A Compilation of Study Abroad Packing Tips
Students who have studied abroad learn a lot about packing, about what to take and what to leave home. Unfortunately, these lessons are often learned the hard way, when students are unable to apply what they've learned, since they are already on the trip. This blog entry is meant for students who will be going on a study abroad trip in the future. Learn from the experts, those who have already studied abroad!
For a general philosophy, pack light! Dr. Newell Wright has taken over 1,200 students abroad, and most of his students wished they had heeded his advice to pack light. Now that most airlines only allow one free bag instead of two, the advice is even more urgent.
First order of business: get the right suitcase. Bigger is not always better, as you have a 50 pound weight limit and you will still have to schlep your bags wherever you go. A big suitcase can be a real ball and chain, especially in a crowded metro system with a lot of steps and few escalators (e.g., Paris). A duffle bag or a backpack might be a better choice, depending on how much you will need to handle your luggage.
If space is an issue, consider using space saving bags. However, there is one major limitation to this suggestion: you gain extra space, but not extra weight. You still have a 50 pound limit on your suitcase. Still, this can be a helpful suggestion if you want to pack bulky, but light, objects such as extra shoes.
So in your one limited bag, what should you take? One suggestion is to pack two pair of travel underwear. Wear one during the day, then wash at night and wear the clean set while the other set is drying. Some students swear by this strategy for packing light.
Should the study abroad traveler give up on fashion? Not necessarily. One student shows how to make two shirts, two pair of shoes, one pair of pants and a jacket combine for an entire week's worth of outfits. Add some small accessories, such as a necklace, earrings, and a scarf, and let the fun begin. Make sure you see all of the photos associated with this suggestion.
Given the often unpredictable weather in Europe, some students recommend that, no matter what the weather, pack at least one pair of shorts or a skirt for your trip to Europe.
What about jewelry? Should you allot some of your precious suitcase space to jewelry? Here are some great suggestions about how much and what kinds of jewelry you should bring. If you are traveling in colder months, this article also makes an wonderful suggestion for your inner fahionista: bring a nice looking coat and a selection of fashionable scarves. That's all that will be visible in your photos anyway.
Students also share some advice about footwear. This article makes four excellent suggestions: 1) take extra foot inserts; 2) bring comfortable shoes; 3) limit your shoes to four or fewer pair; and 4) leave the heels home. This saves valuable space in your one suitcase. Above all, think comfort first and then fashion! There is such a thing as a comfortable, fashionable shoe. After walking over cobblestone streets all day, your feet will thank you.
Finally, if you absolutely cannot get it all into one suitcase, consider purchasing wearable luggage. No, seriously! See the video at the link for a bag that transforms into a jacket. Who says innovation is dead?
For a general philosophy, pack light! Dr. Newell Wright has taken over 1,200 students abroad, and most of his students wished they had heeded his advice to pack light. Now that most airlines only allow one free bag instead of two, the advice is even more urgent.
First order of business: get the right suitcase. Bigger is not always better, as you have a 50 pound weight limit and you will still have to schlep your bags wherever you go. A big suitcase can be a real ball and chain, especially in a crowded metro system with a lot of steps and few escalators (e.g., Paris). A duffle bag or a backpack might be a better choice, depending on how much you will need to handle your luggage.
If space is an issue, consider using space saving bags. However, there is one major limitation to this suggestion: you gain extra space, but not extra weight. You still have a 50 pound limit on your suitcase. Still, this can be a helpful suggestion if you want to pack bulky, but light, objects such as extra shoes.
So in your one limited bag, what should you take? One suggestion is to pack two pair of travel underwear. Wear one during the day, then wash at night and wear the clean set while the other set is drying. Some students swear by this strategy for packing light.
Should the study abroad traveler give up on fashion? Not necessarily. One student shows how to make two shirts, two pair of shoes, one pair of pants and a jacket combine for an entire week's worth of outfits. Add some small accessories, such as a necklace, earrings, and a scarf, and let the fun begin. Make sure you see all of the photos associated with this suggestion.
Given the often unpredictable weather in Europe, some students recommend that, no matter what the weather, pack at least one pair of shorts or a skirt for your trip to Europe.
What about jewelry? Should you allot some of your precious suitcase space to jewelry? Here are some great suggestions about how much and what kinds of jewelry you should bring. If you are traveling in colder months, this article also makes an wonderful suggestion for your inner fahionista: bring a nice looking coat and a selection of fashionable scarves. That's all that will be visible in your photos anyway.
Students also share some advice about footwear. This article makes four excellent suggestions: 1) take extra foot inserts; 2) bring comfortable shoes; 3) limit your shoes to four or fewer pair; and 4) leave the heels home. This saves valuable space in your one suitcase. Above all, think comfort first and then fashion! There is such a thing as a comfortable, fashionable shoe. After walking over cobblestone streets all day, your feet will thank you.
Finally, if you absolutely cannot get it all into one suitcase, consider purchasing wearable luggage. No, seriously! See the video at the link for a bag that transforms into a jacket. Who says innovation is dead?
Monday, December 5, 2011
Video Tour of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland
Ah, Scotland and the Emerald Isle. Here is a nice video about a study abroad group in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
Study Abroad Surprises: Restrooms Aren't Always Free
It's been a busy day, but nature calls. You try to find the nearest restroom, but what's this? It's not free? They actually make you pay? Oh, the things you will learn while studying abroad.
Where's Thundar Now?
How about in the Strasbourg, France cathedral?
No, wait, he is in Belgium.
Actually, make that England!
Actually, as Bison are want to do, they roam all over. See everywhere Thundar has roamed in Europe.
No, wait, he is in Belgium.
Actually, make that England!
Actually, as Bison are want to do, they roam all over. See everywhere Thundar has roamed in Europe.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Have a Wicked Good Time While Studying Abroad
Studying Abroad and Footwear: Important Recommendations
While studying abroad, you will walk a lot. Even if you have a charter bus or a metro pass, your primary method of transportation will be your own two feed. So pamper them well! Read about important lessons these students learned about footwear while studying abroad in Europe.
More Study Abroad Fashion Advice: Shorts or Skirts?
There have been a lot of information about fashion and study abroad (for example, here, here, and here). Now the important question: shorts or skirts?
Paris for Hopeless Romantics
A trip to Paris had special meaning for a group of hopeless romantics. The Eiffel Tower and the "locks of love" are two must-see spots.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Favorite Places: Edinburgh, Scotland
What was your favorite place to visit on your study abroad experience? One student's favorite: the Blackfriars cemetary in Edinburgh, Scotland. As well as other destinations in Edinburgh, of course.
Options for Free Time in Interlaken, Switzerland
If you had a free afternoon in Interlaken, Switzerland, what would you do? Go paragliding? Perhaps bungee jumping (here and here)? Wait, maybe "canyoning" is for you. The video below is from the fall, 2011 study abroad in Europe experience for NDSU students. They chose to spend their free afternoon canyoning.
Meet New Friends While Studying Abroad
Do you want one more excellent reason for studying abroad? How about meeting new friends? You will quickly grow close to those traveling and studying with you and you will expand your horizons by meeting friends from new and different places.
One Fine Day in Paris
What would you do if you had a free afternoon in Paris? Read one student's adventures in the City of Lights.
Bungee Jumping Part Deux
So apparently, bungee jumping is a popular option when visiting Interlaken Switzerland. This is the second report of bungee jumping (here is the first story about bungee jumping).
What did You Eat While Studying Abroad? Part II
Chocolate? Sushi? Tarte flambée? Did you try mayonnaise on your fries? See what one student ate while studying abroad in Europe with NDSU.
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