This week, we would like to introduce you to an Azusa Pacific University student who left the busy life of Southern California in exchange for a cultural experience like non-other in Uganda, Africa. Sarah Brandabur, blogger at The Colorful Life: Because Things Are Not Always Black And White, takes us through day-to-day life as a study abroad student in Africa. Below we have featured two snapshots of her amazing experiences.

Musings of a Muzungu

I will try my best to put into words all that I have been learning in the two weeks I have been here. So much LIFE has been packed into each day: new people, new languages, new foods, new experiences…at the end of every day I fall into bed feeling both exhausted and completely content. I experience so much peace here. A life made in a communal society, where the emphasis is on relationships and not on stuff definitely suits me better!

There are some lessons that have come up over and over…and over and over again.

[photo by: Sarah Brandabur]

Have an Open Mind

I don’t have all the answers. Western culture doesn’t have all the answers. The United States doesn’t have all the answers. So, I walk into this life here in Uganda with a mind wide open, tryingmy best to push back any expectations, biases, and warped views of reality that I may have. The people here have so incredibly much to teach, and I want to be open to every single piece of wisdom.

Be Bold

I have stepped out of my comfort zone, leaving Starbucks and the beach behind, and I have to continue to step out in boldness every single day. I have to be bold when I introduce myself to new people, when I attempt to speak a new language (Luganda or Kiswahili) with my weird accent, when I try new foods that may or may not make my stomach turn, when I engage in new experiences (like killing a chicken to eat for dinner! That one is happening next week!) I pray for boldness.

[photo by: Sarah Brandabur]

Resourcefulness is Necessary

I am used to being able to drive to Target if I need something. Not the case here. There are many things Uganda has that we don’t have back home, but there are also many things Uganda does not have…at least they have Nutella! If I need or want something they don’t have here, I have to find a substitute or learn to do without it. I’ve learned how little I actually need to live a full life, and how much the things  we own can end up owning us if we cannot  detach ourselves from them.

So, these are the lessons that are slowly being engrained in me here. I am so grateful for everything I learn, for every bit of wisdom I gain from my African Momma, for the children here who teach me how to love and engage others without holding back, for my teachers who come in every form.

I love my new home.

[photo by: Sarah Brandabur]

I Killed a Chicken 

 [photo by: Sarah Brandabur]

Homestay Housing. Source: Adelante Abroad.

You have just gotten into your housing in Madrid. It is 3 pm, you are so tired, need a shower, feels like you have run a marathon – this is called jet lag and is an integral part of international travel. After plopping your suitcase on your single twin bed, you head to the bathroom. Here is where the story diverges depending on what housing you have chosen.

Possible scenario if you chose to live with a homestay family: the senora of the house has followed you at every step including into the bathroom. She realizes you wish to take a shower and advises that 3 pm is no time to take a shower in Spain – this is lunch time and then perhaps a quick siesta. She walks you back to your room and begins to help you unpack, showing you where your socks should go, your jeans, shoes and so on. She then herds you into the kitchen and begins to explain the menu for that week, and how important it is to let her know if you cannot make it home for the mid-day meal each day. The food, even though it feels like midnight to you and you are not hungry, is delicious and hot.Possible scenario if you chose to live in a shared apartment: there are no towels. There is no hot water because, as you read in your orientation packet, one needs to turn on the gas “bomba” first. You don’t know where the “bomba” is. The toilet looks well, not dirty, but quite used. As you stand there attempting to make your jet lagged brain work, a room-mate knocks on the door needing to use the bathroom. Lucky break, as she can explain everything to you.

The biggest part of the decision where to live while abroad depends upon you: your lifestyle, past travel experience, language level, personality and expectations of your international program and time abroad. For example, shared apartments tend to be more beaten up than a homestay, since program participants are coming and going every two to three months, or however long their program duration is. In a homestay there are home-y things like plants, rugs, even pets, because people actually live there long term. This might not matter to you at all.So, which is the better option? Define “better”.

Another example: in a homestay situation there is usually a set time to eat. In a shared apartment, you will do your own shopping and your own cooking, so eating times become a non-issue. This may be a really big deal, to you.

Student dorm housing. Source: Adelante Abroad.

Another difference: in a shared apartment it is highly likely that the common language used will be English. Not so in a family homestay, logically. Likewise, in an apartment, there is usually someone around who will want to do touristy things with you, like visit museums and parks, not to mention going out at night – they may not be your best friend, but they are there, and usually willing to explore, too. In a homestay, even if there are children that are your age still living there, chances are they have their own lives / plans / friends. And what about a “curfew”? The perception is accurate that when living with a family, there probably will be one, even if not outright defined. So if you think you will be rolling in at 6 am, be ready for the senora to clank around the kitchen and living room two hours later so you are good and sure to hear her.

Generally speaking, when given a choice (some programs do not offer a choice), about 70% of candidates elect to live in a shared apartment.* The 30% that live, happily, with a homestay family are either 1) younger, and looking for a bit more dependence and structure, or 2) fluent or close to fluent in the language, and have travelled or been to the country before so having to go out and connect with others outside the housing is not a problem. Does this mean that if you choose to live in a shared apartment you will not have as deep a cultural immersion? That your language acquisition will suffer? That you will be ridiculously sleep deprived? No to the first two points, and yes, typically, to the final point. Some tips to make sure you return home with the global perspective and cultural acumen one should have after living abroad, regardless of whether you choose a shared apartment or a family homestay:

1. Sign up for a local class in anything, extreme Frisbee, dance, cooking, guitar, a riding club…anything that gets you out in the streets, using the metro or buses, once or twice a week away from your housing and program routine.
2. Join a local gym
3. Create a routine with a local – making dessert every Friday night for a neighbor, or watching
4. Spanish movies every Wednesday night with someone you may have met at one of your classes or at the gym
5. Sounds really old fashioned, but find the nearest library. There are always one-off things to do, locally, posted at libraries plus ongoing weekly or monthly events held there

So, to live in a shared apartment or a homestay during the internship or study abroad program you are planning is an easy decision to make once you can define your “better”. Decide and then move on; your new city, another language, a slew of people you would never otherwise meet, not to mention experiences you would never otherwise have…all this awaits you.

*Source: Adelante Abroad internal assessment data, 2012.

Kimberly Haber is Director of Programs at Adelante Abroad, LLC, and has lived in both shared apartments and with families during many trips abroad.  She doesn’t take it personally anymore when a senora, or house mom, rifles thru her belongings in the name of “cleaning up” her room.  Nor does she mind the sand all over the floor, everywhere, in a shared apartment.  She has finally mastered the art of the foreign washing machine, a personal goal for years.

Studying abroad can be potentially disastrous to the four-year plan if you do not carefully integrate it into your credit requirements and four-year schedule. Whether you are just beginning school and have not declared your major, or are far along and hoping to squeeze in a semester overseas, I hope to provide guidance on when you should study abroad in your college career.

The world is waiting for you!

If you are new to college or have not yet declared your major, one option is to study abroad for elective or core class credit within the first two years of college. Statistically, most students study abroad junior year of college, allowing the foreign study to advantageously enhance their degree.

Studying abroad early, however, has many advantages. For example, you will have plenty of time at your home campus to complete required credits when you choose a major. Going abroad sophomore or even freshman year will grant you the greatest flexibility on location options. Elective or core classes are offered virtually everywhere, while classes required of your major may only be offered at certain locations. It is an excellent time to go if your potential major does not offer classes abroad, (most frequently occurring in the sciences and engineering).

One unique but great option is to go abroad during your first semester of freshman year. This is becoming increasingly popular at some universities. You avoid future scheduling issues and it is a unique way to meet and bond with other new students. On the other hand, I suggest a summer study abroad if you are unsure of your direction of study. A summer abroad is a great way to explore new passions while not missing valuable class time. Study abroad is often most valuable to future employers when it relates to your major and truly enhances your degree.

Take some time out for life!

If you have declared a major or are within your last two years of the four-year plan, you have two options. The first would be to study abroad as early as possible for elective or core class credit or credits required of your major or a combination of the two. Be sure to carefully review with your department head which courses you still have left to complete in order to graduate, as many courses are only offered Spring or Fall semester. As much as it is possible, build your schedule for each semester you have left at college, filling in classes you must complete. Also, be sure these required classes are offered every year to avoid unpleasant schedule surprises.

The second option for declared majors or upperclassmen is to study abroad within the last two years of study and focus solely on major requirements. Your location options will be slimmer because a sufficient number of your required or upper-level classes will need to be offered. These locations, however, are often well suited toward your field of study and provide endless enrichment to your academic interests. Note that many colleges limit how many credits earned away from the home campus will be accepted toward a major or minor. This limit includes credits from a previous institution such as a community college or transfer school. This figure may be a department-specific and must be discussed with your school’s dean, your major’s department head, and your minor’s department head. Occasionally, a department head will not know the ins and outs of the school’s requirements, and the dean of a school will most likely not know the requirements of a specific department. It is very important to speak to each administration level in order to graduate on time.

Another option for almost any student is the summer or winter break study abroad. This is a great way to squeeze in a quick experience abroad and earn a couple of credits. It is not ideal for those seeking a language immersion, due to the short time period.

Study abroad is normally integrated into most academic programs; yet speak with the dean of your college about receiving full credit if you are doing a program not affiliated with your college. Often times, the dean will evaluate the class curriculum, expect a minimum grade, and approve or disapprove the credits before you confirm entrance into the program.

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step - Lao Tzu

Important factors to consider, in no particular order:

Your college’s requirements and limitations are and should be your Number One determinant of if and when you can study abroad.

Summer study abroad does not allow for summer work.

Spring semester study abroad poses challenges to applying and interviewing for summer internships.

Studying abroad during senior year poses challenges to applying and interviewing for jobs.

You may miss out on numerous senior-year activities and privileges when studying abroad your final year.

You may want to take sports commitments into consideration when deciding between Spring or Fall semesters.

For those with a foreign language goal in mind, you may want to take a certain number of language classes before you depart.

You may want to take Sorority or Fraternity rush into consideration if you plan to be involved in Greek Life.

Ask yourself, “Am I personally mature enough to get the most out of a freshman or sophomore year abroad?”

Make sure a semester abroad will enhance your degree. Study abroad is most often more expensive than staying on your home campus. Get your money’s worth!

Study abroad with a serious purpose! Only go once you know yours.

Meet Rebecca Asser, a Northern Arizona University Sociology and French major that decided one semester abroad would not be enough, but rather that she would spend an entire year in Montpellier, France. We had to share a few snapshots from her blog… check it out!

It’s the little things that I’m enjoying the most in the hustle and bustle of Paris. Like that the sink says chaud et froid rather than hot and cold, the exits are marked sortie, tes toilettes cost .50 euros and everyone seems a little sarcastic with me as I try to spit out the French I learned from textbooks.

I think I might have fallen in love yesterday. And although marriage might be a bit premature, Montpellier and I are on the path to a serious relationship. A serious relationship of exploration, old and new, hidden gardens and good new friends, perfectly angled sunlight and shiny streets.

I don’t know how to say my name in French.

Every single time I tell someone I try in my best accent Reh-beh-kah. And they’re like “What? Roberta? Roterba?”. NO! Where did you hear me put a T in anything I just said? I usually have to repeat myself at least three times before I give up and say Rebecca in my good ol’ American accent. Then they’re like “Oh! Réh-beh-kah, enchanté.” Yes, that’s my name, and it’s what I’ve been saying this whole time. Maybe for the rest of the year I’ll tell people my name is Pierre.

 I would call it a fairy tale town. An hour by bus there’s a touristy town with crepes, ivy, adorable elderly and cats. Basically, it’s perfection.

Recipe: Pescetarian Paella

12 large shrimps

2 kilo of mussels
8 sea snailssaffron oil
paella rice
1 red bell pepper
2 tomatoes
lots of garlic
1 onion
1 bottle of cheap white wine
salt, pepper and oregano
bouillon
fresh parsley

First cook the mussels by boiling a cup of water, a cup of wine and splash of saffron oil and steaming for about 15 minutes. Let cool. To cook the sea snails do the same but add a clove or two of garlic.Remove the mussels and sea snails from their shells and place in a large pan of butter and garlic on low heat. Boil water and add a bouillon and wine. *Follow the quantity ratio on the package. Add the rice to the pan with the seafood, toast the rice (two minutes) and then slowly mix in the boiling bouillon water. Let simmer.In a separate pan add all the veggies with oregano, olive oil, garlic, onion and saffron oil. Sauté. Once the rice is nice and fluffy, mix everything together and top with fresh parsley. We all tried this and survived, even enjoyed it. Bon appetit!

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I love the title Yudhijit Bhattacharjee chose for his New York Times Opinion article, “Why Bilinguals are Smarter” (Mar. 2012). Your brain unknowingly goes through a significant structural change for the better when you learn an additional language.

Way back when, scientists thought that the brain could only fit a certain amount of information. Learning a foreign language would interfere with your native language ability, it was argued. Today, researchers have found that the brain actually stretches instead of strains. On both left and right sides of the brain, gray matter density increases in proportion to the level of foreign language proficiency. Additionally, the younger the second language is learned, the denser the matter will be.

When you learn a second language, it’s exercise for your brain. And it makes sense; neurons race around your brain lifting linguistic weights, swimming through a dense sea of lesser used vocabulary, biking uphill against cognitive challenges. Bilingualism improves executive and everyday brain functions such as planning and problem solving by frequently forcing the brain to work out internal conflict, keeping it active and sharp.

It was found that bilingual people also have increased efficiency in recognizing changes around them, better classification skills, concept formation, and analogical reasoning, sharper visual-spatial skills, enhanced creativity, better listening skills, and higher sensitivity to language than their monolingual counterparts.

Additionally, and perhaps one of the most rewarding benefits of bilingualism, is this recently discovered advantage: Bilingual minds are more resistant to dementia and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s. One researcher adds, “the higher degree of bilingualism, the later the age of onset.”

Learning a foreign language not only allows you to communicate with a wider range of people in an increasingly globalized world, it spawns mental acuity and even provides mental health benefits. Learning a second language a smart choice.

Read more about the benefits of bilingualism:

http://brainconnection.positscience.com/topics/?main=fa/cognitive-bilingualism4#A1

http://www.cal.org/earlylang/benefits/benefits_of_being_bilingual.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-benefits-of-bilingualism.html

Welcome to the new featured blog from students who are currently studying abroad!  Every so often we will feature a new student and some of their extraordinary experiences! If you or someone you know would like to be featured, message us on facebook or email kayti at kayti@ratemystudyabroad.com.

Meet Rebecca, an Northern Arizona University student who is currently studying abroad through the American College of Greece!  It was almost impossible to choose from all the amazing posts she has on her blog, but here are just a few of our favorite experience that she has posted.

Santorini, Greece [photo credit: Rebecca]

Milos, Greece [photo credit: Rebecca]

This beautiful island is one of the Cyclades (the chain that holds Santorini and Mykonos), but what it lacks in population and tourism it makes up for in charm. The people of Milos were extremely welcoming and friendly. We had dinner in an empty restaurant and ended up having a half-Greek half-English conversation with the restaurant owners. It went like this:

Them: Where are you from?

Me: Eimai apo teen Ameriki.

Them: Obama! Dollar!

There are endless amounts of Greek islands to explore, and I do not regret my time on this one!

 [photo credit: Rebecca]

A corner restaurant in Monastiraki. I wandered in here with some friends the other day. The staff was extremely friendly. “Alright, you are Americans, you need to experience Greek food,” our waiter said. “For 10 euro a person I will bring everything.”

You just can’t turn down an offer like that! Soon our table was full of traditional Greek dishes- Mousaka, warm white bean salad, tzaziki, kolokythokeftedes (balls of fried zucchini and feta cheese), and sliced potatoes.

[photo credit: Rebecca]

My Favorite Foods:

This weekend we took a great trip to Nafplio. During our stay, we got to enjoy a traditional 3-course Greek meal! I loved everything! We had mousaka and patstitsio, two baked dishes that are similar to lasagna. They included meat, a vegetable and cheese sauce, and really thick noodles. We could also try pork or chicken souvlaki (grilled meat on a stick)! The appetizers included roasted eggplant with cheese, spanikopita (spinach and feta cheese pie in a flaky crust), greek salad (cucumbers, red onions and tomatoes in olive oil with cheese on top), saganaki (fried cheese) and stuffed grape leaves. Just when we thought we were done they brought out apple slices covered in honey and cinnamon and a huge plate of baklava.

…so I don’t really need to eat for the next three days or so. If you are ever in Greece, you should try these foods!

[photo credit: Rebecca]

Study Abroad Resolution #2:

Say yes.

You know when someone asks you if you want to go out at night to play Backgammon and you say “Eh, I might just chill out tonight.” No? Well, Greek people love Backgammon, so prepare for the invite. Or, when your friend from class says, “I’m going dancing until dawn in Psirri. Want to join me?” And you say, “I actually have to work on a paper, I’m sorry.”

Don’t do that. Unless someone is offering you drugs or telling you to steal something, say yes. When is the last time you said yes to every invitation you were offered? For me, the answer was never. The idea of going home and chilling out is so appealing to me that I feel comfortable turning down invitations. I made it my goal not to do that while I am abroad.

When you say “no,” you know where you’re going. When you say “yes,” you never know where you will end up! So far, saying “yes” has lead me to: a night of Greek dancing, watching the sunset as I come home from a night on the town, the best gyros I ever could have discovered, new Greek friends, and unexpected neighborhoods.

Say yes.

[photo credit: Rebecca]

Have you been to Greece too? Rate your experience now!

Did this post inspire you to travel abroad to Greece or somewhere else? Check out some amazing study abroad locations in Greece or anywhere around the world!

Check out more of Rebecca’s adventures here!

If you haven’t seen an episode of the National Geographic TV show Locked Up Abroad, then you may be unaware of the frightening legal situations travelers can face abroad.

While browsing television channels last week, I came across the Locked Up Abroad episode, “The Real Midnight Express”, which captures the story of Billy Hayes’ imprisonment in and escape from a Turkish jail. You may be familiar with a version of this story due to the popular film adaptation Midnight Express (1978); though on this series, Mr. Hayes is able to give us the true account of his experience:

In 1970, Mr. Hayes was studying in Turkey. He was sentenced to four years in prison, on an island off the coast of Istanbul, for attempting to smuggle hashish across the Turkish border. Near the end of his jail time, the Turkish government prolonged Billy’s sentence to life in prison. Desperate to escape a lifetime in jail, Mr. Hayes escaped the prison and rowed across the Marmara Sea to shore, crossing the Greek border after days of exhaustion. The border guards halted the delirious Mr. Hayes, and deported him to the U.S. after investigation. The U.S. Embassy was unable to assist Mr. Hayes during his trial or incarceration.

The show is now on its sixth season. Each episode features the story of one individual’s arrest, kidnap, or incarceration in a foreign country, most of which are fueled by drug possession.

Let’s go over the take-away points. DON’T do drugs abroad. DON’T buy, carry, deal, or smuggle drugs abroad. If you must do drugs, you should STAY in the United States. Why?

The U.S. Department of State lends travelers some healthy reminders of what can happen to them if caught with drugs abroad (taken from U.S. Department of State Tips for Traveling Abroad):

• persons caught with illegal drugs in a foreign country are subject to the drug laws of that country
• few countries provide a jury trial
• many countries do not permit pre-trial release on bail
• pre-trial detention, often in solitary confinement, can last several months
• prisons may lack even minimal comforts, such as beds, toilets, and washbasins
• diets are often inadequate and require supplements from relatives and friends
• officials may not speak English
• physical abuse, confiscation of property, degrading treatment and extortion are possible
• persons convicted may face sentences ranging from fines and jail time, to years of hard labor, and even the death penalty
• penalties for drug possession and for drug trafficking are often the same abroad, so possession of one ounce of marijuana could result in years in a foreign jail

A few more tips on dealing with drugs abroad…

• Be aware of your bags while traveling. Pack luggage yourself. Keep it secure. When flying, avoid checking your bags to prevent being framed with drugs.
• Check your pockets before using public transport or crossing borders.
• Do not cross borders or drive across borders with someone you don’t know.
• Do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.
• Do not accept mysterious packages. Be cautious accepting gifts abroad in which drugs can be planted
• Be wary of corrupt police.
• If you carry medicine, keep the doctor’s prescription readily available.
• When in doubt, leave the situation.

Many globetrotters also consider themselves risk takers, but dealing with drugs abroad is a risk you don’t want to take.

What is a bucket list, do you ask? A bucket list is a collection of experiences that one hopes to fulfill during their lifetime, before one has children, or before one leaves Rome.

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman did it, you should too.

A bucket list keeps you aware of your ambitions and allows you to track your personal accomplishments. Not only are bucket lists fun to make; they inspire you to dream and provide a steadfast response to the age-old question, “What should we do tomorrow?”

Any length of study abroad beckons a bucket list. Without one, you will hear about something you want to do and inevitably lose the idea amidst the stimulation and excitement around you. A bucket list provides you a never-complete, personalized list of what and where you have to experience before you go home, and also allows you to prioritize your objectives for the amount of time you have left.

Here are a few tips to creating the ultimate Study Abroad Bucket List:

1. Read a few guidebooks so you know which sites are out there! Google your interests along with the name of the city or country you’ll be in.
2. Make one of your travel destinations adventure-based. It is a great way to explore a new place while also trying something you have never done!
3. Be specific. Don’t write, “experience local culture”. Instead, pick a specific cultural aspect or event that interests you.
4. Make one or more of your ambitions an activity that involves locals.
5. Make your list as personal as possible. While you might opt for a fun weekend away, you should also make a point to experience something quirky and truly meaningful to you.
6. Prioritize which points are most important for you to experience. Reprioritize as the weeks go by, and add to your list as you find new inspirations!

Welcome to the first edition of 5 Things!  Every few weeks we will be featuring 5 sites, foods, classes, etc. that must be experienced in a certain study abroad location.  Enjoy learning a little more about each location and participate by sending in your experiences!

Did you study abroad in South Africa? Contribute to the Next Post of 5 Foods to Try While Studying Abroad in South Africa.

1.   Namdaemun Market  

 Featuring everything from hand crafted furniture to foreign foods,  this  market is a must see for anyone spending time in Seoul. Thousands of people flock these streets daily and the crowd is a mixture of wide eyed tourists and content locals.  Plan to spend at least two to three hours weaving in and out of the unique shops and allow yourself to be amused, rather than frustrated, with the maze-like set up of the market.  Also, keep an eye out for restaurants on the second story.  Hidden above are a couple of family run restaurants where homemade dumplings are being prepared on the hour.  When you need a break from the shopping madness, kick your shoes off and enjoy some of these tasty dumplings!

2.  Sangam Stadium [Seoul World Cup Stadium]

Home of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, this stadium is known for it’s architecture.  Spend half of the day walking around and admiring the stadium, as well as appreciating the role of soccer in South Korea.

3.  63 Building

Housing the world’s highest art gallery on the 60th floor, this building allows tourists to experience spectacular sites of Seoul from high up in the sky.  Spend the day in the city while blocking out some time to ride the glass elevator to the very top where you can enjoy a beverage and a snack or walk through the art gallery.

4.   Buckchon Village

Travel back in time by visiting this traditional Korean village situated between two royal palaces, including Gyeongbok Palace (make sure to spend some time here as well).  With incredible architecture and some of the houses being set up as if someone was living there, it is a great way to learn your history outside of the classroom.  Make sure you stay long enough to see the military band marching near the Gyeonbok Palace.

5.   Kkultarae

A must try candy of South Korea, this dessert made of strands of honey with a nut filling is a one of a kind treat.  Commonly made by local South Koreans in booths at the street markets, the entertainment from watching it being made is half of the experience.  It is very inexpensive and can be kept frozen for a couple of weeks in order that you may bring it home to share with friends and family.

Did this post inspire you and give you a new desire to experience South Korea? Check out some study abroad options located in the heart of Seoul! or if you have studied in South Korea, Rate this Program!

St Mary's Quad at University of St Andrews, Scotland

As American college tuition continues to rise, many students are looking outside of their home country for a college degree. While international universities continue to offer an increasing amount of courses in English to promote foreign student admission, many are also lower-cost than comparable American institutions. Some international institutions, moreover, offer three-year bachelor’s degree programs and bachelor’s programs in English. Though many foreign students push to earn the highly esteemed “American college degree” each year, U.S. News and QS World University Rankings of 2011/2012 agree that 4 of the 10 World’s Best Universities are located outside U.S. borders.

Here is a list of the “10 International Colleges Attracting More and More Americans” courtesy of OnlineUniversities.com:

1. University of Hong Kong

2. University of Amsterdam

3. Simon Fraser University of Burnaby

4. Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology

5. McGill University

6. Australia National University

7. University of Cape Town

8. University of Buenos Aires

9. Sophia University

10. University of Lima

Additionally, I spoke with one student who decided to attain her college degree from University of St Andrews in St Andrews, Scotland. Sara Solli, an International Relations major from northern San Francisco, left for Scotland in Fall of 2008. She will be graduating this spring from the foreign university.

Kristen (RateMyStudyAbroad): What sparked your interest in attending a foreign university?

Sara Solli (Sara): During the college application process, I visited and considered many schools in the U.S., but I didn’t find one that really got me excited. I wanted to find a place where my studies and life were largely self-directed, where I could meet people from diverse backgrounds, and from where I could travel easily. Looking through my college guidebook, I came across a section on colleges in the UK, and the two Scottish universities listed seemed to have a lot more of what I wanted in a college experience than the American schools did. I chose St Andrews in particular because of the relative flexibility of academic requirements, the mid-sized, diverse student body, and the university’s location in a small town.

RateMyStudyAbroad: As far as you know, what are some major differences between the typical American college experience and that of St Andrews?

Sara: In my experience, there are both positive and negative differences between British and American schools. Students at St Andrews are given much more freedom as to how they spend their time. For example, in my junior and senior years I have had only four hours of organized class each week, and the rest of my time is spent on independent study, doing things with friends, etc. This system works for me because I’m good at managing my time and working without a formal structure, but it is less ideal for some other students here. It is also very unusual to live in the dorms after freshman year, so you can choose the people you live with and your living arrangement. This is one of my favorite things about St Andrews because it means I have my own kitchen and don’t have to eat the dorm food! The main thing I feel like I have missed out on is the opportunity to study a wide variety of subjects, as I would have had I stayed in the U.S. We have some chances to study random subjects in the first two years, but in the last two years we can only take classes from our majors. However, the opportunity to travel inexpensively throughout Europe, and to make friends from many different countries, outweighs this drawback.

RateMyStudyAbroad: Did you have any apprehensions going abroad for your college degree? How did you get past them? 

Sara: Honestly, I couldn’t have been more excited about starting college. My one fear was probably that I might have trouble making friends in an environment with no formal ways for students to meet each other, such as freshman orientations. My advice to other students is to join clubs, sports teams, classes, etc., pretty much anything that gets you out trying something new and meeting new people. Joining the hiking club here was probably the best thing I did in my freshman year—I met tons of new people and got to see a lot of Scotland in the process.

RateMyStudyAbroad: Do you feel that your foreign university attendance has given you a leg up in this tough employment environment? Has it encouraged you to expand your job search internationally?

Sara: Not really. Although four years abroad has been an amazing experience, I am definitely ready to move back to California. Being almost 6,000 miles away from home has been fine for four years, but I don’t think I could do it forever. As a result, most of the jobs and internships I’m looking at are in the San Francisco region, and being so far away makes finding and applying to these more difficult. I don’t yet know whether future employers will see foreign university attendance as a plus or not.

RateMyStudyAbroad: Thank you so much for sharing, Sara!

Share your thoughts with us! What are some advantages and disadvantages to a foreign degree and college experience abroad? Would you consider four years abroad?