It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is:

Erica in Wonderland

This Friday, we are pleased to feature Erica in Wonderland, a blog dedicated to one girl's adventures throughout Asia. Erica Hobbs is the visionary behind this blog and left her home in 2010 to set sail to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a public relations job at a private university. As Erica learns about working abroad and living in Malaysia, Erica in Wonderland documents her explorations and experiences all across Asia. For travelers interested in learning more about this part of the world, Erica in Wonderland gives a first-hand taste of what it's like to call a new culture home.

Why We Love It

From the variety of content topics featured on Erica in Wonderland, this blog demonstrates its appeal as a go-to travel resource. Before heading to Malaysia for her new job, Erica didn't know much about the country she would soon be calling home--since setting off on her adventure, though, she has slowly pushed herself further and further in her quest to become a well-rounded traveler. As Erica herself says, "part of being out of your comfort zone is being uncomfortable, and part of my reason for coming to Malaysia was to get out of my comfort zone. Let’s just say mission accomplished."

In addition to the destination-focused posts and travel narratives on Erica in Wonderland, we love that readers can get a feel for Erica's growth as a traveler and as a person. The transformation that is evident from her early posts to her current adventures, allows readers who may not be experienced travelers themselves to relate to her early struggles, fears and experiences. Each of Erica's adventurous posts also tend to focus on learning more about herself and the culture around her-- making for a very interesting read!  If you'd like to be inspired by Erica in Wonderland, check out the blog for yourself and explore GoAbroad.com for all your working abroad opportunities!

Every week GoAbroad features an abroad-related blog as our selection for Blog of the Week. The featured blog has been chosen because it features interesting and well-written abroad or travel-related experiences. Do you know a blog you'd like to nominate for the GoAbroad Blog of the Week award? Get information on how to submit a nomination on the GoAbroad Blogger Programs page!

Today on the GoAbroad Blog, we feature of a guest post from Walt F.J. Goodridge, author of  The Jamaican in China blog. During his time living abroad in China, Walt learned a great many things about himself and Chinese culture. We are pleased to share some of these experiences with GoAbroad readers. Have you had a similar experience after living abroad? Share your own story with us in the comments!

Many years ago, I learned that the most painful emotion to have to live with is regret. It's been said you usually regret the things you DIDN'T do, and rarely regret the things you DID do. So, in my ongoing effort to create the life of my dreams and live true to my self, I resolved early on to dig deep, and find the courage to do the things I've always wanted to do, so that I'd never have to live with regret and wonder what might have been.

With that in mind, the three decisions that occupy the top spots in "the best decisions I ever made," in the pursuit of a life without regret, are

1. Quitting my soul-draining engineering job to pursue my passion
2. "Escaping" from the rat race in America to live on the Pacific island of Saipan, and
3. Setting sail for China and being "nomadpreneur" for six months!

I've always had a fascination with things Chinese, and I had in fact, visited once before in 2009 accompanied by my co-author of Chicken Feathers and Garlic Skin: Diary of a Chinese Garment Factory Girl on Saipan, that was for a very short two weeks. However, while living on Saipan, I met a visiting husband and wife who, having met by chance on an airplane 27 years earlier, fell in love, and spent the next 27 years visiting a total of 129 different countries at that time. It was then that I resolved to go back to China again on my own, on my own terms, with only the rudiments of language skills picked up from Chinesepod.com, to live and do the nomad thing for six months. It changed my life!

To many of us in "the west," China is a place of mystery, fascination and even fear.  I've found that people have misconceptions of and are fearful about what the world is really like beyond their borders, both  physical and mental. And, as I blogged in response to GoAbroad's recent "Why Do I Go Abroad?" contest, with no such fears limiting my sense of adventure, I did this to show people alternative ways of thinking, being and acting.  Furthermore, if we're to succeed in bringing about the individual and collective change the world needs to  survive and prosper then, to quote Mark Gerzon, author of Leaders without Borders:

“To create a just, sustainable world, nothing is more important than being able to think and act across borders. Whether our passion is protecting the biosphere or preventing war, we will succeed only if we have the passion and courage to cross the national, ideological, ethnic, and religious borders of our time.”

That's what my Jamaican in China adventure represents--it's  a metaphor to challenge existing stereotypes, limitations and preconceptions, and get people thinking outside the proverbial box of limitations. Here, then, are five things I learned in China that surprised me, changed my perspective, broadened my world view, and changed my life!

1. Speaking "Spandarish"

As I mentioned, I jetted off to China with just the most basic of grasp of Mandarin. Fortunately, there are a lot of people in China who are eager to learn and practice their English. My friend and "guide" for most of my stay in Beijing and beyond, a young lady named Cong, whom I met on Couchsurfing, was not one of these people. While she knew a bit of English, she was actually in the process of learning Spanish! Fortunately, I too, had learned Spanish while in high school, and for whatever reason, it stuck with me.

So, as we hung out with her showing me Beijing's best, while I explained life in America, we conversed, and any word Cong didn’t immediately recall in English, she would say it in Spanish so I could understand, and I did the same. So, here I was, this English/Spanish/Mandarin speaking Jamaican boy in China, hanging out with a Mandarin-English-Spanish speaking Chinese girl from Beijing, and our conversation is an interesting mix of Spanish, Mandarin and English…um, let’s see...Ok, give me a minute...Spanglarin!? No. Spandarish!?? Yeah, that’s it! Speaking Spandarish!

I met others of Cong's friends at her language school who spoke only Spanish, and found myself conversing with them entirely in Spanish on the streets of Beijing, China!

LESSON LEARNED: Everything you will ever be, do or have in life will be the sum total of all that you know and experience. Therefore, the way to be, do or have more is to learn more. Many people shy away from certain types of education believing that it won't ever be relevant to their future. However, everything from your formal education to basic skills like driving a car, cooking, etc., all combine to maximize your future potential. They give you more options, and more points of contact with the wider world.

So, as a student, whether you are in elementary, high school or college, keep an open mind as you plan and execute your education. You never know how the things you’re learning now will figure into your future life. Everything builds upon what comes before. Every bit of knowledge and information has the potential to improve your life.

2. Coffeepot Cooking!

Now, this is not something that being in China taught me, per se, but simply inspired in out of necessity. Let me explain by asking you a question. What would you do if you were vegan like me, found yourself a foreigner in a foreign land, in search of a meal, but didn't speak the language well enough to order your food without meat, without MSG, chemicals, or prepared according to your personal preferences? Well, perhaps you'd get creative, employ a little courage, creativity and chutzpa and use, for instance, the only available appliance in your hotel room--the hotel coffeepot--to make "gourmet" meals in your hotel room. Well, being more sane than I, you probably may not have, but that's exactly what I did.

Coffeepot Cooking by Walt Goodridge

You see, I was traveling around China staying in hotels and hostels, and the restaurants there were not catering to health fanatic vegans like me. So I had to devise a strategy for survival that didn't compromise my ethics and dietary guidelines. So, I used a little Jamaican ingenuity and, having nothing but a hotel coffeepot at my disposal, set about cooking what turned out to be healthy, delicious meals...at least by my standards!

And, being the resourceful writer always in search of a good topic to write about, I documented and compiled my culinary adventures with photos and put them all into a little guide called  The Coffepot Cookbook: A Fun, yet Functional and Feasible Traveler's Guide to Preparing Healthy, Happy Meals on the Go Using Nothing but a Hotel Coffeepot.... and a Little Ingenuity! Did I mention I'm a bit um, eccentric?

LESSON LEARNED: "Necessity is the mother of invention. Hunger is the father of ingenuity. The Coffeepot Cookbook is their bastard stepchild."

3. The Instant, Unavoidable and Potentially Overwhelming Celebrity of Simply Being Jamaican in China

Years ago in college, I did a radio show. As a writer, I've been interviewed on radio and television. However, absolutely nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelmingly positive reception of being Jamaican in China! Wherever I go, heads turn, jaws drop, eyes widen, gasps are uttered (yes, I actually heard a gasp while at the Administrator's Garden in Suzhou; I thought those only happened in comic books!) Cameras click, people stop what they are doing, look, ogle, point, and then move on, smiling and talking, having had a little distraction from years of seeing only Chinese features and flesh day after day.

Yes, being Jamaican (euphemism for "Black") was an adventure all to itself!

There is no way for me to adequately convey to you how constant the attention is. If you're Black and accustomed to disappearing into the anonymous crowd in whatever city you happen to be, you can just forget about doing that in China! Want to pick your nose? Be careful, somebody's watching. Struggling to eat with chopsticks? You've just entertained the ENTIRE restaurant, staff, as well as the people outside walking by who've now stopped and gathered simply to stare. Practically every single person turns to look. From Shanghai to Suzhou to Hangzhou to Wu Xi to Beijing, to Kunming to Xishuangbanna to Hainan...."It don't matter!"

Some will say "Hallo" and engage in small talk to practice their English. Some will reach out and actually touch you as they walk by. Others will ask where you are from. Some will want to take photos. It simply does not stop.

Oh, and speaking of being Jamaican, most people here in China now know about Jamaica's Usain Bolt and his Olympic accomplishments. So, being Jamaican adds another level to my celebrity and the comfort level of strangers to approach me. From the Immigration counter woman who smiled broadly (almost giggling) while questioning my stay in China, to the store owner at a shoe store who started running in place right in the middle of the mall to mimic Usain Bolt's performance, there is a bit of a benefit being born a yaad! ("yard" = Jamaican slang for Jamaica; i.e. home)

LESSON LEARNED: Now, being Black in Asia is not for everyone. If you don't like being the center of attention when you walk into a store; if you get nervous being followed around the streets by ogling families; if you are offended by people coming up to you and asking to touch your skin or your hair; if you would prefer that girls not approach you and ask to be your friend or lover, then this is not for you. The boundaries of "personal space" as westerners define it, are often not recognized in China as an example. If, when you travel, you simply want to disappear into the anonymous crowd, you'll have quite a difficult time doing that being Black in Asia. It's almost like being a celebrity. There's always someone watching. It can get overwhelming. My own opinion, however, is that it's something everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime! Hey, you never know, you might like it, and actually get used to it!

4. "Mom, I want to date a Jamaican in China...So, guess who's coming to dim sum?"

So speaking of being a celebrity, the next logical question is "how's the dating scene in China?"

Well, I've found no shortage of foreigner-friendly femininity in China. But, the challenge is, how do you as a foreign male, differentiate the understandably foreign-curious female from those who might be interested in dating? Well, you'll thank me for this, I went out and got some advice from a Chinese male friend who grew up in China and now lives in the states:

According to my friend, Jian:

• In Chinese culture, bodily touch between opposite sex (except lovers) is considered indecent, while touch between the same sex is normal, which is different in the United States of America. So the first sign of anything beyond a friend is the willingness of light touch, usually very quick, such a snap of your shoulder, or a knock on your arm.
• Find out if she is willing to go out with you alone, but not activities that she does daily, like going to the pub, eating in a restaurant, or shopping. The Chinese girl who gave you that advice was right. These daily activities might give the girl a sense that you are not a "special" friend. Invite her to a hike (only you two), and see how she responds.
• Does she call you with some flimsy pretexts? She wants to see you more, but she does not want to get hurt if you reject her right away if she says so directly. So she might use some pretexts to protect herself.
• Is she comfortable going to a party with you? Showing up with you in front of her circle of friends is a good indication that she is taking you as a special person.

5. "China is a such cosmopolitan place, don't you think?"

That's not a statement you hear too often in relation to China. It's safe to say though, that in my six months there, I met more people from different countries than any place else.  I met and befriended people from Taiwan, Norway, Russia, Myanmar, France, Italy, Germany, Nigeria, The Philippines, Ghana, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, America and even Guyana! China itself, is like a land of mini-countries. Chinese themselves will tell you: Shanghainese are not like Beijingers and so on. The dialects, world views are all different. In any event, I've now got friends in places all over the world whom I can now visit!

The only place, in my limited travels, that comes close to being so cosmopolitan is the island of Saipan, which hosts the most eclectic mix of nationalities one can squeeze onto an island 13 miles long by 5 miles wide.

LESSON LEARNED: In China, you can find and befriend people from all over the world!

CONCLUSION: Well, those are just some of the things that stand out in my mind about my recent trip abroad to China. Some days I reflect on that adventure, and sometimes it seems surreal, but I've got the photos, the friends, and blog posts as eternal documentation of the one of the best decisions I ever made...to go abroad to China!

A graduate of Columbia University, and originally from the island of Jamaica, Walt F.J. Goodridge is a former civil engineer who walked away from his career to follow his passion for music, writing, and helping others. He has been an artist manager, record label owner, inventor, poet, network marketer and consultant, and even radio dj. Walt now lives a nomadpreneur's life somewhere in the world.....and blogs about it in his award-nominated blog, "Jamaican in China!"

International Map by frankh, on Flickr

Happy International Mother Language Day! Since February 2000, this holiday has been celebrated and recognized around the world to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, and multilingualism. According to The United Nations: "the date represents the day in 1952 when students demonstrating for recognition of their language, Bangla, as one of the two national languages of the then Pakistan, were shot and killed by police in Dhaka, the capital of what is now Bangladesh."

It goes without saying that languages are powerful tools - not only do they communicate ideas, but they are what forge cultural ties, global relationships, and diplomatic ties. As a way to encourage even more appreciation of world languages, GoAbroad is pleased to feature ten of the most popular language programs searched on GoAbroad.com!  Whether you're interested in learning a new language or enhancing your basic skills, we are working together to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultures around the world. Is there a language you are learning (or want to learn) that isn't included on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!

1. Spanish

As one of the world's most popular spoken languages, it's no surprise that so many are interested in learning more about this unique and widely-spoken language. Spanish is particularly fast-growing in demographics and popular culture in the United States of America, adding to the 500 million total Spanish speakers worldwide (includes native speakers and second-language speakers). As the world becomes even more interconnected, we're sure this number will only increase! You can check out more opportunities to learn Spanish abroad on GoAbroad.com

2. French

Commonly referred to as a Romance language, French was first spoken in France, but nowadays has speakers distributed around the world--as well as being an official language in 29 countries! Did you know that French is also an official working language of the UN, the International Red Cross, The European Economic Community, NATO, and the International Olympic Committee (just to name a handful). There is no doubt just as many opportunities available with the French language listed under your skill set! See all the language programs listed on GoAbroad to learn French!

3. Arabic

World Traveler by Boris van Hoytema, on Flickr

This historical language has roots that run deep (all the way back to the 6th century AD!) and combines a wide variety of dialects and distinctions. As the most widely spoken language in the Middle East, Arabic is the official language of 22 countries--providing plenty of destinations to learn and master it. As another fun fact, you might be interested to know that Arabic is written right to left, and the front of an Arabic book is what would be considered the back by speakers of most western languages. Check out all the places and programs you can learn Arabic on GoAbroad.com!

4. Korean

North Korea and South Korea are where this particular language calls home. With around 78 million speakers worldwide, the Korean language attracts it's fair share of popularity! It is also a language where one word can have several different meanings--and where each definition is in extremely common use, as opposed to being obscure. Added to that, the official spelling of Korean words are prone to change--making this a language learning experience sure to keep you on your toes! Explore all the Korean language programs available on GoAbroad.com.

5. Farsi

The Farsi language, more commonly referred to as Persian, is a rich and ancient language that consists of three main dialects. While this language is commonly spoken in Iran (as well as being its official language) there are also large communities of speakers of other languages such as Arabic, Kurdish and Turkic dialects. It is estimated that around 40 million people in Iran alone claim Farsi as a native language--and that's not including the range of other countries where this unique language can be found. Interested to learn more? See all the places and ways you can master the Farsi language on GoAbroad.com!

6. Tagalog

The Phillipines are no stranger to having a wide variety of languages--with over 70 different languages spoken (which encompass over 450 distinct dialects!) there is no shortage of language learning opportunities. The Tagalog language is also commonly known as Filipino in its standardized form, and is recognized as the national language of the Philippines. It is also interesting to note that because English is widely spoken in the Philippines, it is not uncommon to hear Filipinos use a mixture of English and Filipino words or phrases, known as "Taglish" in their everyday conversations! Check out all the ways you can study the Tagalog language on GoAbroad.com.

7. Swahili

Swahili is a language of Bantu (African) origin and the most widely spoken language of eastern Africa. This is a language it is common to hear featured in some world radio stations such as: the BBC, Radio Cairo (Egypt), the Voice of America (U.S.A.), Radio Deutschewelle (Germany), Radio Moscow International (Russia), and Radio Japan International, among many others. The way it has borrowed and absorbed words from other languages only adds to its dynamic presence in the world, and you can learn about the programs available to study Swahili on GoAbroad!

8. Japanese

With over 130 million speakers of Japanese in Japan, you might wonder: why is this language considered one of the hardest to learn? Perhaps it's that the written language has three different forms, or maybe it's that the main verb comes at the end of the sentence. But what would a language learning experience be like without a bit of a challenge? We say put your skills to the test and explore all the opportunities available to stud Japanese on GoAbroad.com!

9. Chinese

Did you know that Chinese is the oldest written language in the world with roughly 6,000 years of history? With over 20,000 Chinese characters included in the variety of dialects, there is plenty to learn about Chinese. From Mandarin to Wu, you never know what words or pronunciations you'll be able to pick up! Start your own search to find a program where you can learn more about Chinese on GoAbroad.com!

10. Hebrew

Last, but certainly not least, is the Hebrew language. Classified as a Semitic language, Hebrew is one of the oldest languages in the world (it dates back to between the 11th and 10th centuries BC). It has also been called the language of the Bible, and is the native language of Israel. In the United States alone, it has been documented to have over 200,000 native Hebrew speakers, as well as over 2 million non-native speakers. While more people speak Modern Hebrew nowadays, as opposed to traditional Hebrew, this language learning experience is a combination of fun and challenge! Explore all the opportunities to learn Hebrew abroad on GoAbroad.com!

Be sure to also check out some of the most unique languages to learn, that were previously featured on the GoAbroad Blog!

Here's what we featured on the GoAbroad blog this past week:

• Blog of the Week: Study Abroad - Rome 2012
  It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is: Study Abroad: Rome 2012 Today on the GoAbroad Blog, we are pleased to feature a student-created blog, Study Abroad: Rome 2012 as our selection! Andrew Guild is the creator of this blog and currently in his junior year at Hobart [...]
• GoAbroad Travel Promos: February 2012
  It's time for the GoAbroad Travel Promos! Every month on the GoAbroad Blog, we share resources and information about all the great travel promotions, giveaways and contests occurring in the travel and international education fields. This month's selections are: 1. Have Contiki, Will Travel Contest from Her Campus Her Campus has launched its new travel [...]
• A Valentine's Guest Post: Chasing Clichés in the City of Light
  Happy Valentine's Day! Today on the GoAbroad Blog we feature a guest post from author, journalist, and expat, Aurelia d’Andrea. It seems appropriate that on this "Day of Love," Aurelia discusses some of the best that Paris, France has to offer--as well as the cliches many travelers stumble upon. From chocolate to iconic French monuments, the [...]
• GoAbroad Weekly Digest: Saturday, 11 February 2012
  Here's what we featured on the GoAbroad blog this past week: Blog of the Week: Ready. Set. Jet. It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is: Ready. Set. Jet. This week on the GoAbroad Blog, we are pleased to feature Ready, Set, Jet as our Blog of the Week. This [...]

It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is:

Study Abroad: Rome 2012

Today on the GoAbroad Blog, we are pleased to feature a student-created blog, Study Abroad: Rome 2012 as our selection! Andrew Guild is the creator of this blog and currently in his junior year at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. As the name of his blog suggests, Andrew is living and studying in Rome, Italy for the 2012 spring semester to study architecture. While he has only been in Rome for over a month now, he has had the opportunity to see almost all of Rome's major tourist attractions, and has "begun to understand the culture, people and way of life."  Study Abroad: Rome 2012 documents each of Andrew's experiences and adventures for friends and family back in the United States--while providing a dose of travel inspiration to others interested in meaningful travel to Italy!

Why We Love It

As well as providing that unique student perspective about study abroad, Study Abroad: Rome 2012 also encompasses an informative and creative take on a well-known location. Andrew notes that the photography and uploads are done entirely by iPhone, and this modern twist on social media and blogging is another reason we enjoy this blog. From the welcoming images of Italy and anecdotes on his first post, to learning to cook like an Italian, Andrew's blog is on its way to providing a variety of different resources. We're sure that with his already dynamic approach to content and photography, more students will be inspired by his ongoing experiences.

In the most recent post on the blog, Andrew notes that his classes have picked up and he continues to learn new things about Italian history and culture, including topics like Renaissance architecture and Neorealist cinema. Check out Study Abroad: Rome 2012 to learn about these adventures and more, and explore GoAbroad.com for all opportunities to study abroad in Italy!

Every week GoAbroad features an abroad-related blog as our selection for Blog of the Week. The featured blog has been chosen because it features interesting and well-written abroad or travel-related experiences. Do you know a blog you'd like to nominate for the GoAbroad Blog of the Week award? Get information on how to submit a nomination on the GoAbroad Blogger Programs page!

It's time for the GoAbroad Travel Promos! Every month on the GoAbroad Blog, we share resources and information about all the great travel promotions, giveaways and contests occurring in the travel and international education fields. This month's selections are:

1. Have Contiki, Will Travel Contest from Her Campus

Her Campus has launched its new travel section with an awesome giveaway. By entering the “Have Contiki, Will Travel” tour giveaway, one grand prize winner will receive a tour package for one (1) person and round-trip economy airfare to and from the major gateway nearest the grand rrize winner’s home. Answer a quick question, enter your info and you’re set. Plus, you can enter everyday until the end of February!

The tour destination options are as follows: European Magic, Italian Espresso, London & Paris Plus Amsterdam, Mediterranean Highlights, and Greek Island Hopping.

Deadline: The prize drawing will be held based on number of eligible Sweepstakes entries properly submitted, completed and received by February 29, 2012 23:59:59 EST

Read more about each of the tour destinations and the official rules for the "Have Contiki, Will Travel" tour giveaway!

2.  Karikuy's 4th Annual Machu Picchu Contest

The Karikuy Organization has returned with their annual contest, with the opportunity for one lucky traveler to win a Free 7 Day Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu. So what’s different this year? Well, this year the Karikuy Organization is giving away a space on the Inca Trail for the first time. Just sign up to our Social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Google+) and we will announce the Winner on March 5, 2012.

Deadline: 12:00AM EST March 1, 2012

Read more about Karikuy's 4th Annual Machu Picchu Contest!

3.  GVI's "Volunteer Around the World. For Free!"

GVI has launched an international competition to send one person around the world for one year, with flights, volunteering on a range of long-term, sustainable GVI programs and expeditions.

If you are fun, outgoing, inspiring and have a passion for volunteer travel, then this competition is for you! By the time your year-long experience has finished, you will see first-hand how you and hundreds of other GVI volunteers make a difference all over the world. You can also learn more about GVI through a featured interview on the GoAbroad Blog!

Deadline: Entries for the competition and for Stage 1 are being accepted up until March 2, 2012.

Read more about GVI's Volunteer Around the World Competition!

4. Experiential Learning International's Scholarship Essay Contest

As part of Experiential Learning International's (ELI) mission to provide affordable international programs, ELI regularly sponsors scholarship contests for aspiring travelers. The top three essays will be published online, and the winning essayist will receive a $500 scholarship. This scholarship can be applied to any ELI program beginning in 2012. The contest is open to students and non-students, volunteers and interns. All nationalities are encouraged to apply!

The Winter 2012 topic: Tell the story of a person immersed in a completely unfamiliar culture and how he or she handles the situation. Use this story to explore how people learn from and interact with those who are different. The story can be truth or fiction, humorous or serious, personal anecdote or from a “friend of a friend”. All submissions must be between 300-500 words.

Deadline: Essays are due March 2, 2012. Submissions after this date will not be considered.

Read more about ELI's Scholarship Essay Contest!

5.   Harris Wofford Global Service Fellowship

The Harris Wofford Global Service Fellowship (HWGSF) provides international service-learning, advocacy, and civic engagement opportunities to exemplary college students demonstrating outstanding merit and financial need. The selected fellow will receive a full scholarship towards the program fee for the 2012 Service For Peace Global PeaceMakers (GPM) program to help build a school in La Represa, Dominican Republic, June 30 – July 14, 2012.

The HWGSF is expected to make a long-term commitment to representing Service For Peace, Global PeaceMakers, and international service and exchange in general. The fellow will become an ambassador for Service For Peace prior to, during, and after the selected GPM program.

Deadline: Applications are now being accepted and the deadline for submitting is April 6, 2012

Read more about the Harris Wofford Global Service Fellowship!

On the second Tuesday of every month, the GoAbroad Blog features a selection of travel and international education-themed giveaways, contests and promotions. These listings have been chosen because they feature interesting and noteworthy promotions related to meaningful travel-related experiences. Do you know of a promotion that should be included in the next GoAbroad Travel Promos post? Click here to be directed to the form where you can submit an entry!

Please keep in mind that the GoAbroad Travel Promos post runs on the second Tuesday of every month, so plan accordingly when submitting a promotion.

Valentine's Day by Old Sarge, on Flickr

Happy Valentine's Day! Today on the GoAbroad Blog we feature a guest post from author, journalist, and expat, Aurelia d’Andrea. It seems appropriate that on this "Day of Love," Aurelia discusses some of the best that Paris, France has to offer--as well as the cliches many travelers stumble upon. From chocolate to iconic French monuments, the City of Light is sure to indulge any time of the year. Would you want to spend Valentine's Day in Paris? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Even when it’s not February in the French capital, you still get the sense that St. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

First, there’s that ubiquitous act known in these parts as the bisou. The standard French greeting starts with a kiss on the right cheek, followed bykiss on the left cheek. Depending on which corner of the country you’re in, the kissing could carry on for another round, for a total of three or even four bisous. When you say your au revoirs, the entire process is repeated. This sounds exhausting, but it’s actually rather charming, especially for those of us who grew up on steady diet of American-style hugs.

And then there’s the chocolate. From the 1^st arrondissment to the 20^th, every Paris neighborhood has its own chocolatier, be it a chain like Jeff de Bruges or an artisanal boutique where the proprietaire actually hand-crafts the wares she vends. This level of deliciousness doesn’t come cheap—it’s easy to drop €50 for a small box of the dark stuff—but the quality is usually exceptional. Bring your best manners and the person behind the counter might even offer you a morsel to sample.

Lingerie shops are another visual prompt that feeds Paris’ romantic mystique. They’re everywhere, which leads one to assume that even the silver-haired dames must be sporting lace-trimmed undergarments beneath their dated fur coats. At high-end boutiques like La Perla and Chantal Thomass, a fashionable bra can set you back €200. Parisians on a budget make a beeline for Princess Tam Tam or Darjeeling, where silky soutiens-gorge (bras) and undies are priced for the proletariat.  In a pinch, there’s always one-stop shop Monoprix, where you can grab picnic supplies and fishnet stockings in one fell swoop.

Thankfully, not all heart-shaped clichés in the City of Light come with a price-tag attached. Lovers of romantic lore flock to Pere Lachaise cemetery, the final resting place of tragic 12^th-century lovers Heloise and Abelard, France’s own version of Romeo and Juliet.Heartthrobs of yore including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf are also buried here, and still attract ardent admirers who shower their tombs with flowers, kisses, and love notes all year round.

If a destination’s romantic quotient can be judged by the number of marriage proposals issued there, the Eiffel Tower surely takes the prize, but localsknow that the most authentic romantic destination for a rendezvous à deux is the Pont Des Arts. On this little pedestrian bridge straddling the Seine, it’s a long-standing tradition for lovers to affix a padlock inscribed with their initials to the railing, then toss the key into the greenish water in a gesture symbolizing the strength of their union. Never mind that the city snips the locks off every so often; love—like hope—springs eternal. Especially so, it seems, in Paris.

Moon Living Abroad in France author Aurelia d’Andrea lives in Paris, where she has learned to incorporate her favorite romantic cliché—chocolate--into her daily routine.  Visit her blog about expat life in Paris at www.myveganparisianadventure.blogspot.com.

Here's what we featured on the GoAbroad blog this past week:

• Blog of the Week: Ready. Set. Jet.
  It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is: Ready. Set. Jet. This week on the GoAbroad Blog, we are pleased to feature Ready, Set, Jet as our Blog of the Week. This is a blog dedicated to the "fearless Generation Y jetsetters – the radiant and curious twenty-somethings who are [...]
• GoAbroad Opens Nominations for 2012 Innovation Awards
  Showcasing the Best of Originality, Creativity and Exceptional Ideas in International Education. GoAbroad is pleased to announce we are now accepting nominations for the 2012 GoAbroad Innovation Awards! In 2011, GoAbroad began honoring institutions, organizations, and individuals in international educational by presenting the GoAbroad Innovation Awards during the GoAbroad reception at the annual NAFSA conference. These awards recognize and [...]
• Boundaries Abroad: How Not to Upset a Headhunter or Die Trying
  Today on the GoAbroad Blog, we feature a guest post from GoAbroad's new Featured Author, David Adams of  the Institute for Cultural Ecology. As a Featured Author for GoAbroad, David will be writing on a variety of topics for the GoAbroad Blog. In his first post today, David shares a personal narrative where he reflects on cultural [...]
• GoAbroad Weekly Digest: Saturday, 4 February 2012
  Here's what we featured on the GoAbroad blog this past week: Blog of the Week: De San Diego à Paris It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is: De San Diego à Paris This week on the GoAbroad Blog, we are pleased to feature De San Diego à [...]

It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is:

Ready. Set. Jet.

This week on the GoAbroad Blog, we are pleased to feature Ready, Set, Jet as our Blog of the Week. This is a blog dedicated to the "fearless Generation Y jetsetters – the radiant and curious twenty-somethings who are revolutionizing the way we used to classify travel." As founder and author, Gillian Kemmerer, notes, "they are study abroaders, compassionate volunteers, interns, employees, and entrepreneurs." Ready. Set. Jet. covers everything from the latest trends to rising hotspots, expat lifestyles, and "everyday questions that are important to these pioneers." Whether readers are interested in learning how to keep touch with home and family or trying to organize a successful itinerary, Ready. Set. Jet. is dedicated to making sure every adventure is a success.

Why We Love It

No matter what a traveler's motivation or program may be, Ready. Set. Jet. shares resources for every type of person--all with the mindset of getting the most out of every experience. Even readers note that Ready. Set. Jet. encompasses a relatable writing style, a sweet and irreverent tone, and is based on personal experiences. The underlying humor  and originality of the content is also apparent in the variety of photography on the blog and in the writers themselves. Whether you're seeking personal travel recommendations from Ready. Set. Jet.'s staff or are in need of "pearls of wisdom", you won't ever run out of things to check out and learn from this blog.

Gillian herself also boasts a vast amount of travel experience. Since the age of eighteen, she has lived, worked, studied (and made plenty of rookie mistakes) across the world from London to Singapore. She is far from finished in her adventures and you can read about these and more on Ready. Set. Jet. In the words of Gillian, "there are some things that cannot be disputed in life.  These givens include the fact that Guinness really does taste better in Ireland, Singapore’s airport is the fastest in the world, and traveling unlocks doors to parts of ourselves and our universe that we never knew existed."

Explore GoAbroad.com for even more resources and travel opportunities!

Every week GoAbroad features an abroad-related blog as our selection for Blog of the Week. The featured blog has been chosen because it features interesting and well-written abroad or travel-related experiences. Do you know a blog you'd like to nominate for the GoAbroad Blog of the Week award? Get information on how to submit a nomination on the GoAbroad Blogger Programs page!

Showcasing the Best of Originality, Creativity and Exceptional Ideas in International Education.

GoAbroad is pleased to announce we are now accepting nominations for the 2012 GoAbroad Innovation Awards!

In 2011, GoAbroad began honoring institutions, organizations, and individuals in international educational by presenting the GoAbroad Innovation Awards during the GoAbroad reception at the annual NAFSA conference. These awards recognize and celebrate those who are creating initiatives to move the field forward and commend leaders in the community for their efforts to go beyond the conventional. We can’t wait to see what this year’s awards will bring!

Nominations are evaluated and winners are chosen by a selective group of international education professionals known as the GoAbroad Innovations Academy. You may nominate your own or another organization/institution, as well as individuals for an Innovation Award.

The GoAbroad Innovation Awards are divided into the following eight categories:

1. INNOVATION IN MARKETING : Creative and groundbreaking marketing
2. INNOVATIVE NEW PROGRAM : Inventive global programs
3. INNOVATIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY : Technological advancement towards education
4.INNOVATIVE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA : Unique communication using social media
5. INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABILITY : Commitment to environmental conservation
6. INNOVATION IN GLOBAL EQUITY & ACCESS : Established leader in the area of diversity
7. INNOVATIVE STUDENT VIDEO : Captures the true essence of international education
8. PEOPLE'S CHOICE : Nominated by advisers, chosen by students

We encourage your organization and students to apply for these prestigious awards!

FILL OUT THE 2012 NOMINATION FORM

Click  GOABROAD 2012 AWARDS to read more about each award!

Today on the GoAbroad Blog, we feature a guest post from GoAbroad's new Featured Author, David Adams of  the Institute for Cultural Ecology. As a Featured Author for GoAbroad, David will be writing on a variety of topics for the GoAbroad Blog. In his first post today, David shares a personal narrative where he reflects on cultural boundaries around the world. It is well known the lessons that traveling can teach, and David's experience in Fiji offers an insider's perspective to better understanding the world around us.

Have you experienced a similar learning experience while traveling abroad? Let us know in the comments!

GoAbroad readers also have the chance to download David Adams' latest travel novel, Samsara, set in the jungles of Thailand, by clicking here!

Crossing Boundaries

Crossing boundaries in their disparate forms is the single greatest purveyor of wisdom in travel abroad. With each boundary crossed comes a deeper awareness of place. And, sense of place is what separates the traveler from the tourist.

In 2003 I led twelve U.C. Santa Barbara students on a six-week field course to Fiji. As a cultural anthropologist, I was eager to kick off the village stay component. Well-off twenty-something’s would soon be delivered into the belly of a beast: a dark past percolating through a culture’s veins. To put it bluntly, our village hosts were headhunters. Well . . . they used to be. Not in some foggy headman’s memory captured in a fireside story. No, these folks had elders that still recalled the pungent taste of human spleen.

At the local museum, teeth mark on the cracked leather of a missionary’s shoe bespoke a cannibal’s exploration into what was edible on the white pig. No doubt the image had lodged itself like an earwig into student minds as we prepared for our village stay.

We squeezed into public transport as it belched, shook, and ultimately clawed its way up the mountain to Delailasakau Village. The physical boundaries were everywhere: a vacuous river-carved gorge, jaw-dropping rock spires, clouds that rolled over peaks like a tropical serpent. But it was the cultural boundaries yet undiscovered that would prove the most spectacular and humbling.

On either side of the dust-covered windows were villages born of the jungle and fed by the river. After 90 minutes on cracked vinyl we reached the end of the road and the remotest village in the Viti Levu Highlands. Three years earlier a commuter plane had slammed into the bald granite that overlooked their settlement. The villagers of Delailasakau were first on the scene. For a culture of limited material goods, everything had value: including the watches off the dead hands of passengers and some of the plane’s cargo. The negative portrayal of their actions by the media led them to shut off access to the plane’s wreckage and the outsider world for a time.

One by one, students stepped off the bus and took a shaky knee on a billy billy--thatched bamboo raft. Across the river and down a jungle trail stood the village. The swift current served as yet another boundary to be crossed: a transition from the known to the unknown. Fears of becoming human jerky soon dissipated as children emerged en-masse from village huts. Nervous giggles and broken English filled the courtyard as students and youth bonded. After a hearty dinner of homegrown greens and “tin meat,” students were matched to host families. “Bula! I am your father,” a man of fifty with skin that sagged beneath either eye said extending a hand. “Bula! I am your mother,” followed a female voice escorting a student into their new home.

Floating in Cultural Immersion

The next day, while the students crossed culinary, social, and physical boundaries with each breath, I headed down to the river to trade the drama of cultural immersion for the respite of simple flowing water. I needed a return to the elements: liquid helium for the spirit. With no thought for the morrow, I plunged headfirst into the stream and wrapped my arms around a stalk of bamboo floating in the river’s center. My spontaneous journey began. With each bend in the river I floated toes to the sky beneath rock faces and a kaleidoscope of colors: blues, greens, and ochre-tinged reds.

I passed streamside villages and the looks of curious children and mothers hanging traditional sarongs to dry. Fertile gardens that could allow a family to survive a lifetime without every setting foot in a town covered the hillsides. Five miles downstream, I pulled myself up on the bank of a nameless village and was promptly invited to share a bowl of kava with the headman.

I returned to the students refreshed and energized by my river journey. That evening, as they played in the courtyard with children and their mother’s cooked sweet potatoes over charcoal, I was summoned into the meeting hall by the village headman. Joined by eight or so elders, I passed the kava from my lips to the man across from me. The tone was noticeably somber. “Dr. David,” the headman spoke tersely, “we have a problem we need to speak to you about.” The eyes of the men drifted off me and onto the kava bowl between us. “Today you went into the river. And you entered the territory of many villages. This has caused us big trouble.”

I sat frozen: snapped back to a reality so obvious; so hidden. In a flash, I realized the implications of what I had done. The river that my Western eyes saw as nature in its most primordial form, transcending boundaries and belonging purely to the hydrologic cycle; this same stretch had been cut into pie pieces by each riverside village, a territorial cast net thrown from shoreline to shoreline. “The man you drank kava with downstream,” the headman explained, “he is one of our longtime enemies. You must understand: you are like our children. We must take care of you.”

I cringed as the trickle of blood feuds seeped into consciousness. Never had I felt as uncultured and awkward: the ugly American with duck feet. Following the meeting, I walked eyes to the earth back to the river. Where I once saw nature, I now saw liquid culture for as far as the eyes could see. Boundaries. Everywhere human boundaries.

Free review copies of David Adams' latest novel, Samsara, set in the jungles of Thailand, are available for download to the GoAbroad community by clicking here. 

Dr. David Adams is a cultural anthropologist and the President of the Institute for Cultural Ecology,  a leading provider of international internships and eco-tour programs. 

Here's what we featured on the GoAbroad blog this past week:

• Blog of the Week: De San Diego à Paris
  It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is: De San Diego à Paris This week on the GoAbroad Blog, we are pleased to feature De San Diego à Paris from Laura De Soto as the Blog of the Week. As Laura notes on her blog, she is "a 22 [...]
• Groundhog Day: Weather Predictor or Cultural Tradition?
  This morning on February 2, 2012, a groundhog better known as Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow and saw his shadow--which according to legend means that six more weeks of winter are in store.  Since 1886, this occasion, better known as Groundhog Day, has occurred annually on February 2 and still continues to fascinate people--this year alone, around 15,000 to 18,000 people were [...]
• Bamboo Temple: A Breathtaking Example of Chinese Architectural Finesse
  Today on the GoAbroad Blog, we feature a guest post from international education professional, Tom Hopkins, of Minds Abroad! Have you ever been interested in learning more about the history and heritage of China? The Bamboo Temple is one such architectural feat that has stood the test of time. Read on to learn more about this ancient [...]
• GoAbroad Weekly Digest: Saturday, 28 January 2012
  Here's what we featured on the GoAbroad blog this past week: Blog of the Week: Erica From America It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is: Erica From America This week's featured blog comes from spirited and on-the-go traveler, Erica From America. The blog documents the highlights of [...]

It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is:

De San Diego à Paris

This week on the GoAbroad Blog, we are pleased to feature De San Diego à Paris from Laura De Soto as the Blog of the Week. As Laura notes on her blog, she is "a 22 year old Mexican-American French major and European Studies minor from San Diego, CA studying abroad in Paris." Her goal with the blog is to inspire other people to study abroad and to help those who are already abroad. De San Diego à Paris is a unique blend of travel tips and personal narratives that illustrate the student experience and lessons learned while abroad.

Why We Love It

With Laura's own cultural background-- she grew up in Mexico and moved to the United States of America when she was 10--it's no surprise that her travel advice is both inspiring and accurate. As she grew older, Laura began studying French during her freshmen year of high school, and now those efforts are being put  to the test as she studies aboard in Paris for the 2011-2012 year. While she admits there is still a lot to learn, Laura's well thought out posts, stories, video-logs, and pictures demonstrate her passion for study abroad and all that it can inspire in students.

Whether you're interested in learning more about travel tips for Manchester, England or would like to be inspired by Laura's travel photos, there is something for every traveler to take away from De San Diego à Paris. Check out the blog for more exciting updates from Laura and explore GoAbroad.com for all you study abroad options!

Every week GoAbroad features an abroad-related blog as our selection for Blog of the Week. The featured blog has been chosen because it features interesting and well-written abroad or travel-related experiences. Do you know a blog you'd like to nominate for the GoAbroad Blog of the Week award? Get information on how to submit a nomination on the GoAbroad Blogger Programs page!

Groundhog by David St. Louis, on Flickr

This morning on February 2, 2012, a groundhog better known as Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow and saw his shadow--which according to legend means that six more weeks of winter are in store.  Since 1886, this occasion, better known as Groundhog Day, has occurred annually on February 2 and still continues to fascinate people--this year alone, around 15,000 to 18,000 people were expected to witness the prognostication ceremony!

But is Groundhog Day an accurate weather predictor or more of a cultural tradition? Some might say it's a bit of both. Today on the GoAbroad Blog, we take a look at the history behind this famous groundhog and some of the other worldwide traditions known to influence weather patterns. Is there one we overlooked? Let us know in the comments!

The History, The Superstition

Groundhog Day is obviously well-known in the United States of America and Canada, and is thought to have roots that trace back to Germany. It has been said that German immigrants brought the tradition with them from Germany, and as they settled in the hills of Pennsylvania, they began the tradition of using the groundhog to predict the the arrival of spring. This tradition comes from another tradition known as Candlemas--the day that is the midpoint between winter and spring.

According to the age-old superstition, if the groundhog sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter, as was the case this year. However, if the groundhog doesn't see his shadow, it is predicted that spring is just around the corner. Whether or not you believe in the accuracy of Groundhog Day predicting the upcoming season, the United States and Canada are not alone in celebrating weather-prediction traditions. There are countless other beliefs from around the world that you may or may not have heard of before--either way, these superstitions give insight to the cultures that they originate from.

Weather-Prediction Traditions Around the World

1. St. Swithin’s Day

When it comes to predicting weather, the occurrence of rain has been well-documented. But what about when a rainy season depends on the happenings of one day? In England, this day is known as St. Swithin's Day and occurs every July 15. It is the day that determines whether the rest of the summer will be sunny or rainy, and it is also believed that the the weather on that day will last another 40 days. As the verse associated with this legend goes:

"St. Swithun’s day if thou dost rain

For 40 days it will remain
St. Swithun’s day if thou be fair
For 40 days ’twill rain nae mare"

2. The Moon

According to Native American belief, if the moon looks like it is tipped on its back, it is holding water that will not spill. On the other hand, if it is tipped forward the water will spill from it in the form of rain. From weather predictions to religious ceremonies, the moon is a constant characteristic of Native American lore--while also still being ever changing throughout a variety of superstitions and stories.

3. Seven Sleepers Day

Also known as "Siebenschläfertag" in Germany,  this occasion falls on June 27th and according to belief, it determines the weather for the next seven weeks. As the name suggests, this day also commemorates the Seven Sleepers legend.

4. The Human Body

Have you ever been able to "feel" an oncoming event or change in weather pattern? It isn't as unusual as you might think! The human body is capable of predicting coming storms and snow, showcased through a variety of signs: your joints may hurt more, or former injuries may increase in pain during low and high pressure systems. According to the ancient saying:

"A coming storm your shooting corns presage,
And aches will throb, your hollow tooth will rage."

5. Protecting Veil Feast

In Russia, the weather that occurs during the feast of The Protecting Veil is popularly believed to indicate the severity of the forthcoming winter. This feast is typically celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic Churches.

6. Ice Saints

As the legend goes, Ice Saints is the name given to St. Mamertus, St. Pancras, and St. Servatus in German, Austrian, and Swiss folklore--so named because their feast days fall on the days of May 11, May 12, and May 13. This period has been noted to bring a short time of colder weather in the Northern Hemisphere under the Julian Calendar. During these days, it's not uncommon to witness some of the last nightly frosts of the spring.

Albatross by USFWS Pacific, on Flickr

7. Albatross

It may be associated with the days of sailors setting sail on the high seas, but according to legend, an albatross flying around a ship in mid-ocean was an omen of wind and bad weather to come. It was also very unlucky to kill an albatross because it was thought to embody the restless soul of some dead mariner. Would you say this superstition still holds true today?

8. Cattle

According to Icelandic folktales, if the first calf born during the winter is white, the winter will be a harsh one. A white-colored Icelandic cow is also considered rare, which may explain the basis for the superstition.

9. Cats

In yet another widespread belief, cats are known to be looked upon as an infallible weather forecaster. It has been said that if one sneezes then rain is sure to be on the way. In other legends, a cat sitting with its back to the fire indicates a storm, while a cat sharpening its claws on a table leg is a sign of a change in the weather--usually for the better. Have you noticed such a relation between your pet(s) and the weather?

And here's a video from today's Groundhog Day festivities in Pennsylvania, featuring Punxsutawney Phil!

Exterior of Bamboo Temple, by jnissa on Flickr

Today on the GoAbroad Blog, we feature a guest post from international education professional, Tom Hopkins, of Minds Abroad! Have you ever been interested in learning more about the history and heritage of China? The Bamboo Temple is one such architectural feat that has stood the test of time. Read on to learn more about this ancient marvel and explore GoAbroad.com for more study abroad opportunities available in China!

Bamboo Temple, a Symbol of China’s Rich Heritage

China has always been a land of mysticism. Bamboo Temple is a part of Chinese heritage that induces inspiration, awe and enigma. With a history of more than one thousand years, this temple has seen the rise and fall of dynasties in the country. The temple itself has been demolished and rebuilt under different regimes. Today, it stands as an architectural marvel that attracts tourists and sculptures alike. Its highlights are five hundred sculpted statues that were built over a period of seven years in the late 18th century.

Experience China’s Architectural Marvels

The Bamboo Temple is an architectural creation that has not only attracted tourists but also sculptors from across the globe. The real name of the temple is Qiongzhu Si and it lies on the Yu’an Mountain that stands northwest of Kunming. The location is ideal as it retains the mysticism of the temple surrounded by woods and waterfalls. There are times it is shrouded completely by clouds and mists. This is an ideal place to visit when you are on a China tour or learning Chinese in China.

The history of the temple is more than a thousand years old; however the temple itself is not. Since it was first built, Qionghzu Si or the Bamboo Temple (as it is popularly known today) has been razed to the ground a number of times. Originally built by the Yuan Dynasty, the last time it was burnt to the ground was in the 15th Century. The current temple is the one that was built by the Tang Dynasty. There is a legend behind the building of the temple that adds to its mystique.

According to the story, two brothers from the royal family were on a hunting spree in the area where Kunming is now situated.

Inside Bamboo Temple by jnissa, on Flickr

They came across a rhinoceros which fled upon seeing them and the brothers chased it far into the jungle. As it reached the deeper section of the forest, the rhinoceros suddenly disappeared. Puzzled, the brothers continued looking for it and chanced into a bevy of monks. These monks even at a first glance seemed extraordinary and they disappeared right before their eyes. The brothers’ surprise saw no bounds when they discovered that the monks had left their walking trail behind them.

They perceived this as a meeting with superior beings who brought them close to enlightenment. They decided to mark the occasion and augment the spirituality that they had experienced by laying the foundation of the Qiongzhu temple. Though there is no shred of evidence to prove this story, it has been a part of the myth surrounding the temple for hundreds of years.

The most famous features of the temple are the 500 painted clay sculptures of Buddhist Arhats (noble beings) that were constructed between 1883 and 1890 by Li Guangxiu, a folk artist from Sichuan Province. This was between 1875 and 1909 when the Qing emperor decided to take charge of the restoration of the temple. Li took seven years to reconstruct the statues and he did it so beautifully that it paved the way for inspiration. Each of the “Arahat” is unique and exhibits different expressions and emotions. Some statues reach out to the moon and others are reprimanding their pet monsters. There are those which seem to be in anguish and others which look placid. The vivid depiction of human emotions has made this temple a national heritage. Any China travel itinerary must incorporate a visitation to this remarkable temple!

Tom Hopkins works for Minds Abroad and is an informed counselor on study abroad language programs and travel information in China. For more information on year round program, summer programs and excursions to places of cultural and historical interest to which we take our students, visit www.mindsabroad.com

Here's what we featured on the GoAbroad blog this past week:

• Blog of the Week: Erica From America
  It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is: Erica From America This week's featured blog comes from spirited and on-the-go traveler, Erica From America. The blog documents the highlights of her time spent travelling, studying and working abroad. When she was younger, Erica never anticipated wanting to travel [...]
• The "Why Do You GoAbroad?" Giveaway Winner!
  The GoAbroad Team is pleased to announce today that a winner has been selected for the "Why Do You GoAbroad?" Giveaway! GoAbroad was excited to receive such a diverse number of entries to the giveaway, and we applaud every participant who took part in the competition! After careful review and evaluation of each entry, and then running those submissions through random.org, we [...]
• GoAbroad Weekly Digest: Saturday, 21 January 2012
  Here's what we featured on the GoAbroad blog this past week: On the Road with GoAbroad in 2012! It's that time of year again where school has started back up and classes are underway. It's also the time of year where GoAbroad representatives will be attending a variety of 2012 fairs and making campus visits! [...]

It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is:

Erica From America

This week's featured blog comes from spirited and on-the-go traveler, Erica From America. The blog documents the highlights of her time spent travelling, studying and working abroad. When she was younger, Erica never anticipated wanting to travel the world but at the age of 15, she got a taste of Nicaraguan voluntourism that left a lasting impression on her. Countless travel adventures later, Erica is now studying at Richmond Vale Academy, in St Vincent, Caribbean, where she is learning how to teach sustainable farming. The range of interesting posts, diverse photos, and Erica's vivacious personality make this travel blog an inspiration to travelers everywhere.

Why We Love It

In Erica's own words, "I am not afraid to talk to people, even if I must resort to grunts and charades to get my point across.  I love to learn about the world, and first hand experience is my favorite way to do that." This adventurous spirit comes across in every post on the blog, whether she's sharing fun facts about herself (“Elephant” is the first word she learns in other languages!) or learning about the differences at a Caribbean-style funeral. The topics covered on the blog also extend to Erica's experiences teaching in Thailand and in South Korea--with travel tips for prospective travelers who may be considering a similar experience.

There is no doubt that Erica is always on the go, and she admits as much on the blog. This passion for travel is evident in every experience that she documents, and makes Erica From America a blog to return to again and again! Learn more about Erica's adventures by checking out her blog and explore all of you TEFL options on GoAbroad.com!

Every week GoAbroad features an abroad-related blog as our selection for Blog of the Week. The featured blog has been chosen because it features interesting and well-written abroad or travel-related experiences. Do you know a blog you'd like to nominate for the GoAbroad Blog of the Week award? Get information on how to submit a nomination on the GoAbroad Blogger Programs page!

The GoAbroad Team is pleased to announce today that a winner has been selected for the
"Why Do You GoAbroad?" Giveaway!

GoAbroad was excited to receive such a diverse number of entries to the giveaway, and we applaud every participant who took part in the competition! After careful review and evaluation of each entry, and then running those submissions through random.org, we are pleased to congratulate Matthew Leung for being selected as the winner of the giveaway and the Apple iPad 2!

In his post for the giveaway, Matthew noted that after going abroad for the first time he "became a more critical thinker...I was no longer satisfied with accepting information as a given without first attempting to understand it personally. I also wanted to see more of the world to continue to broaden my perspective."

Matthew's Entry to the Giveaway

Before he went abroad on a week-long tour during spring break through the cities of Beijing, Hangzhou, Wuzhen, and Shanghai, Matthew had rarely traveled outside his home state of California. This adventure set the tone for his future and Matthew will soon be en route to Tokyo, Japan for a summer travel-study experience to further his studies in engineering. Rather then end his journey there, Matthew will then continue on to a year-long study abroad program in Seoul, South Korea!

Upon learning that he had been selected as the winner of the GoAbroad iPad Giveaway, Matthew expressed great enthusiasm: "I'm very excited about winning the GoAbroad Giveaway and the iPad 2 will open up new ways for me to communicate and interact with people in other countries. To me, travel means exploration. Through travel, we explore the world and, by reciprocation, explore ourselves within the world."

Matthew also noted how GoAbroad helped to make his travel dreams a reality, as it was "the newsletter articles, blog posts, and user responses" that gave him the courage in his decision to go abroad!

From all of us at Team GoAbroad, we wish Matthew luck as he sets off an adventures with his new iPad 2!

Congratulations Matthew and Thank You to Every Entrant of the Giveaway!

Here's what we featured on the GoAbroad blog this past week:

• On the Road with GoAbroad in 2012!
  It's that time of year again where school has started back up and classes are underway. It's also the time of year where GoAbroad representatives will be attending a variety of 2012 fairs and making campus visits! GoAbroad is excited to be a part of these events around the country, including a number of NAFSA: [...]
• Blog of the Week: Melibee Global Education Consulting Blog
  It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is: Melibee Global Education Consulting Blog This week's featured blog, Melibee Global Education Consulting, comes from international education professional, Missy Gluckmann. The Melibee Global Education Consulting organization was started in order to share Missy's 20 years of experience in the field [...]
• Why Do You GoAbroad? The Entrants So Far!
  Why do you travel the world? What does it mean to YOU? Throughout the "Why Do You GoAbroad?" giveaway, GoAbroad has been sharing entries with our social media communities--which encompass over 45,000 world travelers--and we've been pleased to receive such a variety of submissions! This giveaway has invited all who appreciate travel and international experiences [...]
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  Here's what we featured on the GoAbroad blog this past week: Blog of the Week: The Westcoast / 360° Blog It's Friday -- and time for GoAbroad's Blog of the Week! This week's selection is: The Westcoast / 360° Blog This week's selected blog comes from Westcoast Connection Active Teen Tours, an organization that enables thousands [...]

It's that time of year again where school has started back up and classes are underway.

It's also the time of year where GoAbroad representatives will be attending a variety of 2012 fairs and making campus visits! GoAbroad is excited to be a part of these events around the country, including a number of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and other international education conferences.**

If you're a student, organization or individual interested in meaningful travel, we would love to connect with you.

Check out the monthly schedules below for where GoAbroad Representatives will be visiting. To find further information about specific visits, click on the links below, which will direct you to the appropriate international education office or organization organizing each event. We look forward to meeting you!

You can easily do a search on this page for your institution's name, town or two-letter state code!

Explore GoAbroad.com for even more opportunities abroad!

January Fairs

ST = State TY = Type of Event F = Fair B = Booth/Table  C = Conference

February Fairs

ST = State TY = Type of Event F = Fair B = Booth/Table  C = Conference

March Fairs

ST = State TY = Type of Event F = Fair B = Booth/Table C = Conference

May Fairs

ST = State TY = Type of Event F = Fair B = Booth/Table C = Conference

June Fairs

ST = State TY = Type of Event F = Fair B = Booth/Table C = Conference

September Fairs

ST = State TY = Type of Event F = Fair B = Booth/Table C = Conference

October Fairs

ST = State TY = Type of Event F = Fair B = Booth/Table C = Conference

November Fairs

ST = State TY = Type of Event F = Fair B = Booth/Table C = Conference

**Please note that more conferences and/or fairs will be added throughout the year! Check back soon for more updates!