The climate of the country where you study abroad will help determine what you pack.

When I moved out of my dormitory in May, I looked at my three bulging pieces of luggage that were packed with all the clothing and items I brought with me to college. I was going to study abroad in France for a year; no way was I going to drag them all with me halfway around the world.

A few questions ran through my head: Which suitcases should I bring? How many? One or two? What will I need? What can I do without? What would I miss?

Okay, so it was more than a few questions. I had many thoughts and doubts as to what I was going to bring.

Keep It Simple When You Pack for Abroad!

Packing for a semester or year abroad is an art. It takes time, thought and reflection. The first things I thought of were the items that I usually rely on: shirts, sweaters, jackets and pants that I often wore. Identifying those staple items helped me prioritize my packing list, and I ended up bringing much less than I had to. The less I had to pack in my luggage, the better.

(And one more note: Airlines have restrictions on the amount of luggage you can bring and its weight. Unless you want to pay hefty fees for them, do yourself a favor and pack lightly. The rule of thumb was to keep it simple.)

The first step to packing is to ask yourself the same questions I did. One thing to consider is your destination: Where are you going? What is the weather like? Since I was traveling to the south of France, I knew the weather was going to be warm and that there would be no need for a heavy down coat and bulky sweaters. (I packed them in any case because I anticipated needing them when I traveled to colder regions.) However, if you’re spending the semester in a country like Norway or Switzerland, you will definitely need that toasty winter gear.

Pack the essentials first. You will be surprised about how little you need. In retrospect, I am glad that I was such a minimalist.

I also recommend that you buy your toiletries before leaving. I stocked up on toiletries so I would not have to purchase them abroad, where they tend to be more expensive than they should be, especially if you are in the euro zone. I packed two economy-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner, a large bottle of contact lenses solution, packets of toothbrushes, and more. Pack your prescription medicine and eyewear, if applicable.

Bottom line: Just take what you need and what you know you will use. Simplicity is golden!

Connie Ip is a French and European Studies double major at Mount Holyoke College. She is currently spending her junior year in the south of France. Her interests include English literature, classic films and international travel.

Students of dance, drama, music, studio art, creative writing and other artistic fields may be wondering whether or not to make their interest their major.

Clearly, if you’re fueled by passion and enthusiasm for a subject, you should pursue it. But how professional can you afford to be about the arts? Is it worth it to major in what may be one of the worst-paying college degrees? Read on if you are trying to decide if an arts major is for you.

Arts major pros:

• Your schoolwork is far less likely to bore you. However challenging the curriculum may be,  if you enjoy the topic, it’ll be easier to focus and do well.

• Inventive and interesting jobs are on the horizon. Teaching is an obvious choice. There are also a variety of jobs in arts administration and management. Your degree will be flexible. Employers often look for diverse skill sets and creative minds. An arts major on your transcript demonstrates that you can think “outside the box” and come up with new ideas. You may be pleasantly surprised by the career you end up with!

• Final projects can be great career training. Your senior thesis could involve directing a play, putting on an art show or recital, or writing a manuscript. This kind of experience looks good on a resume, of course, and it may be a lot of fun, too. It’ll certainly be good practice for opportunities you want to pursue when you graduate.

College is one of the only chances you’ll get to explore your interests wholeheartedly and to study with teachers who have done the same. Don’t be afraid to ask professors and advisers any questions you may have about your future in the arts.

Arts major cons:

• You may be training for a profession, but it’s not always a lucrative one. With the rare exception, jobs in the arts don’t come with fat paychecks. Be prepared to find a job that’s outside the realm of your college major. Or consider minoring in a field within the arts, while majoring in something else.

• The competition is stiff. As you may know from pursuing auditions, shows or publications, a lot of aspiring artists vie for only a few spots. You’ll have to work extra hard to stand out. Slacking off may be part of the stereotype of an arts major, but the reality is that majoring in the arts involves as much time and effort as math or business.

• Arts majors need self-motivation. Can you work independently? Are you able to set deadlines for yourself and meet them? Are you prepared to be active in seeking out job and performance opportunities? School provides some structure, but it’s up to you to schedule time to practice, rehearse or revise.

You want to work toward a solid, well-rounded college education. Check your school’s major requirements – while some colleges have a core curriculum, others may require little coursework outside of the major field. If you manage to graduate without paying at least some attention to the sciences, social sciences and humanities, you won’t have taken full advantage of your time in college.

Perfecting your art form is important for an arts major, but so is getting good grades. It’s crucial to learn how to balance time in the artist’s studio with time hitting the books – and this kind of time management, of course, is a valuable skill in college and beyond. An arts major can allow you to do what you love, with the added bonus of a degree at the end.

But with Spain, Mexico, Central America and South America to choose from, you may be confused about which country you should spend your summer, semester or year abroad in.

How do you select one? Here are some factors to consider as you choose a temporary Spanish-speaking home.

Academic Opportunities

Don’t forget that you’re picking a school, as well as a country! Compare the academic programs offered by different universities.

How will you be graded? Some countries, like Ecuador, have especially rigorous academic standards. Universities in Spanish-speaking countries also vary in class size, professor-student interaction style and course requirements. Depending on your university and your fluency level, you may need to take introductory or intermediate language courses before enrolling in a class taught entirely in Spanish.

Your home university may have a partnership with a university in a Spanish-speaking country, making transfer of credits easier.  Whichever program you choose, make sure the credits will be accepted toward your degree.

Study Abroad Housing and Environment

Do you want to live in a dormitory or apartment, or stay with a host family? Find out which option is most common (and convenient) for study abroad students in your country of choice. The cost of living will also vary depending on continent, country and region.

In a rural area, the pace of life is often slower and there are fewer distractions. Transportation may be more of a challenge, though, since you will most likely be walking, biking or using public transit during your time abroad.

In a city, the opportunities are more diverse, and the culture is usually more cosmopolitan. A large Spanish-speaking city will give you a very different perspective on the native culture of your country than a small town or village will.

Consider the traveling you might be doing, as well. Do you want to be in continental Europe or near the Gulf of Mexico? Whether you want to be close to mountains or close to nightclubs, you can find a Spanish-speaking study abroad program that accommodates your lifestyle and offers the chance to try new things.

Culture and Customs

Each country and region has its own unique accent. For example, do you want to become fluent in Dominican Spanish, Chilean Spanish or Venezuelan Spanish? If you can, talk to people you know who have visited or lived where you are considering studying abroad. They can give you insight into living and communicating in that country.

Besides the Spanish language, what other topics do you want to learn about when you study abroad? If you’re interested in conservation and the environment, you might consider a country with abundant natural life, such as Costa Rica. A large city such as Barcelona or Mexico City would be a good place to study urban planning, political science or architecture. A rural location in Spain or South America might be ideal to study agriculture or biology.

Maybe a country’s literature, history or politics intrigue you – or you are curious about how an industry in a certain country works. Picking the right study abroad program can be a great way to practice your Spanish and improve your cultural knowledge at the same time.

But how can you find community service activities if you are a college student with a full schedule? Follow these tips to find out what options are available to you.

Ask for Community Service Opportunities

Two ways to start searching for community service projects are:

• By interest. What sort of volunteer work would you enjoy doing? Even if a group or agency isn’t actively advertising for volunteers, it never hurts to ask. If you pick community service that motivates and excites you, you’re more likely to stick with it over the long term.

• By need. What organizations or causes in your community have a great need for volunteers? If there’s a local shelter or nonprofit that consistently asks for help, you know you’ll be put to good use.

Larger organizations like schools and hospitals may have a detailed volunteer application process. Check and see what information, if any, you need to provide.

In general, be prepared to wash dishes, stock shelves, sweep floors or do whatever you’re asked to do – no task is too small!

Look for Schedule-Friendly Options

It’s helpful to determine whether you want to spend a few hours volunteering or commit to a community service project over a series of weeks and months. Make sure to honor your commitment, whatever you decide. Many organizations like to build relationships with their volunteers, and they may give them increased responsibility over time.

Join College Organizations

Well-known organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Key Club, Greenpeace and Big Brothers Big Sisters will often have college chapters. Chances are, your college has its own clubs and extracurricular activities dedicated to serving the community. Check bulletin boards, sign up for mailing lists and ask around.

Since you’ll be working side by side with other students, it’s a perfect opportunity to make friends. If you have friends already involved in community service, why not ask to join them?

Search Your Local Community

Whether you are in a tiny college town or a large city, you probably won’t have to look far to find people in need. Public libraries are a good resource for volunteer projects. So are community centers. Food pantries, animal shelters, local parks and other organizations will often welcome help, and in some cases may have a partnership with your college or university.

Find Special Events

Community festivals, holiday celebrations, fundraising marathons, building cleanups … all kinds of events may lead to a call for extra volunteers. These short-term service projects might require only a few hours. They can be an ideal way for a busy college student to get involved in the community.

Think Beyond the Obvious

If you enjoy working with kids, animals or the elderly, you have plenty of community service options. If your interests and skills lie in computers, political science or art history, you may need to get a little more creative.

For example, a nonprofit may need help organizing its finances or maintaining its computer system. A community bookstore may run entirely on volunteer staff. A grassroots publication may depend on volunteer contributors.

Academic skills can be used in community service, too. You may be cooking and serving large quantities of food at a homeless shelter or transitional living facility; you might also help residents write resumes and cover letters to find jobs. In addition to needing envelope stuffers, nonprofits might need volunteer graphic designers and photographers to help with their marketing campaigns.

A large part of community service is initiative and being willing and available to do what’s needed. This way, your college community service can be rewarding both to you and to those you serve.

Diploma translation is a job you should trust to a professional translator. Accurate translation isn’t simply the rendering of words from one language into another — it’s a specialized skill. Even with a straightforward document such as a diploma, good translation takes expertise. Here’s why a professional translation of your diploma, transcripts and other academic documents is best (if not absolutely required):

1. Your college requires a certified translation.

Not only will colleges appreciate the care and effort of a well-prepared application, they will most likely require your diploma translation to be a professional one. Many US colleges and universities will consider only certified translations of diplomas. Evaluation agencies often require certification, as well.

Certification creates a legal record of a document. But remember that different organizations have different requirements for certification. Choose a translation agency like University Language that follows that strictest standards of certification.

A certified translation may also be useful in the future if you decide to apply to graduate schools. Certain jobs might need a record of your graduation as well.

2. Professional translators know specialized vocabulary.

Professional translators understand academic terms and can easily relay the language in a diploma or a transcript. They have experience reading seals, stamps and other technical aspects of diplomas. Academic documents contain many significant details, and a reliable translation pays attention to them all.

Translation is best performed by an experienced linguist. A professional can catch the nuances of certain words and phrases and make sure the translation makes sense. Admissions officers won’t have to struggle with language interpretation. They can focus on the content of your documents instead.

Translators can also meet specific requests a college or evaluation agency might have, such as keeping the translation in the same format as the original document. Check with the colleges where you are applying about their requirements for diploma translation.

3. Professional translators are neutral.

The person translating the important information in your diplomas and transcripts needs not only expertise, but also neutrality. You can feel confident sending personal documents to a professional translation agency. As a neutral party, the translator will be concerned only with the accuracy of the translation.

Perhaps you are comfortable in both English and the language your documents are in, or you have a friend or family member who is bilingual. Even if this is the case, you (as well as colleges and other organizations) will want a neutral translator who has experience with diploma translations and their unique vocabulary.

A professional translation agency like University Language Services can provide you with an accurate diploma translation that meets your college application deadline.

It can be done! You can graduate college in four years.

According to the College Board, the US Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that only 44 percent of students graduated college within four years in 2007-2008. This number increased to 78 percent in six years.

Here are some tips you can take as a student to help ensure that you graduate on time.

1. If you are in high school, try taking AP or IB courses.

If you perform well in these courses, you can earn college credit at most universities.

2. College freshman should enter college with a plan.

If you feel confident about the major you have chosen, you should take requirements for your major as early as your first semester. If you are unsure about your major, you could take liberal arts courses that go toward your “general education” or “required core” classes. Though you may not have to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year, if you even remotely think that you may pursue a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) major, take classes in that area as soon as possible. Those majors may have more requirements.

3. Make a map for yourself.

Advisors are very helpful in college. They give you advice and recommendations based on their experience. They also are generally knowledgeable about the rigor of a particular course or manageable course loads. My experience, however, has been that an advisor deals with many students during the course of a semester. No one knows you or your capabilities as a student better than yourself. With this frame of mind, if you have declared a major or even a general area that you are interested in that may become your major, you can create a “map.”

Write out the classes you intend to take each semester for the next four years, considering the sequences of courses and required prerequisites (some colleges have already done this for their students). If you are confident in your major/general area, do everything you can to stick to your plan. By doing this you also become familiar with the classes you need. Do the classes you need follow a certain sequence? Are they “in-demand” classes which close quickly?

4. Register as early as possible.

This is one of the major causes of students not being able to graduate on time. Some students struggle to get classes that they need. There may be limited sections of courses, or a class may be closed before you are even able to register for it. Or even worse, a course you need may not be offered every semester.

5. Plan for the unexpected.

Events often happen that we have no control of. We may not have performed as well as we planned or we have to retake a class. Maybe you had to drop a class. Maybe you decided to change your major. Don’t be discouraged! You can still graduate in four years. Simply re-do your “map” and if it is necessary and you are able to, take winter or summer classes so you are able to graduate on time.

6. Do the math.

Say your college or university requires 120 credits for an undergraduate degree. Mathematically, in order to graduate in 4 years, that turns out to a minimum of 15 credits a semester. Try to take that many credits per semester while not overdoing your course load. Remember, you don’t want to drop any classes and you need to perform okay in your classes in order to obtain credit.

7. Look for a guarantee.

According to Fastweb, some colleges have “four-year guarantee programs” where students state in their freshman year that they are committed to graduate in four years. Some of these programs have requirements such as declaring your major early and not being able to change your major. If you are a high school student, consider applying to those colleges.

8. Don’t be discouraged!

Remember, college is a unique time in your life. Though there are many potential stressors, you are surrounded by a network of students that are going though the same things as you. Stay motivated and do everything you can to deviate from the statistics that say that a shocking majority of students do not graduate on time.

Karyn Haynes is a biological sciences and Spanish double major at SUNY-Old Westbury. When she is not studying she enjoys reading, writing and completing community service.

An eventual run for public office is an obvious step for political science majors, but it’s far from your only option. After you fine-tune your resume, here are a few careers to consider.

1. Paralegal/Legal Assistant

Law firms need organized, efficient paralegals to help get the job done. This is a good way to experience the inner workings of a law office without studying to become an attorney.

2. Lawyer

But if you do want to become an attorney, check out law schools. No matter what kind of law you want to practice, there’s probably a program for it. Do your research and find out which law school best fits your interests and needs. If it’s right for you, graduate school can be a great investment.

3. Journalist

Many political science jobs are found in print or television newsrooms. Publications need commentators, bloggers and editors with an enthusiasm for politics. If you enjoy a certain newspaper or magazine, why not check out its job and freelance opportunities?

4. Teacher/Administrator

Some private and charter schools don’t require a teaching degree. Political science majors passionate about their subject can find jobs teaching history, economics or government. Your knowledge can also be helpful in school administration jobs.

5. Public Policy Analyst

Use your academic skills to research trends in urban policy, international affairs and other aspects of public administration. If you enjoy problem-solving or you’re curious about how policies are created, you may want to read more about policy analysis and see if it’s the job for you.

6. Civil Service

Federal, state, and local governments offer careers in diverse fields. Political science jobs in civil service include law enforcement, foreign service, military intelligence and many others. You might even be able to work as an archivist or historian.

7. Financial Consultant

If you’re a political science grad with an affinity for numbers, you might enjoy a career providing financial advice to individuals and organizations. You’ve got the skills to analyze voting trends, and many companies need a skilled analyst to help them with their budget.

8. Nonprofit Worker

A nonprofit organization offers unique opportunities to work in areas such as development, fundraising, campaign organizing, and advocacy. It’s also a way to put your own interests and passions to work. Maybe there’s a certain cause you’re enthusiastic about; see if you can find nonprofits related to this cause and learn what job and volunteer opportunities they offer.

9. Marketing and Public Relations

If you enjoy working with people, you can combine analytical and social skills in marketing and public relations jobs. Marketing requires strategy, communication and research — the same skills you hone when you study for a political science degree.

You certainly aren’t limited to these choices. For example, consider alumni networking to find internships, jobs and careers that interest you. Political science jobs are as varied as the graduates who search for them, and there’s a good fit for everyone.

If you are an international student in the middle of choosing a college in the US, your search may feel overwhelming at times. This is understandable considering there are more than 2,000 four-year colleges in the US!

Visiting a college is the ideal way to find out if a campus is for you, but it’s not always possible. However, choosing a college is achievable without having to travel all over the country. Consider these ways you can strategize when choosing a college, spending as little money as possible during your search.

1. Find Resources in Your Country

Some countries try to make choosing a college easy for students, even when they want to go to school in a different nation. Check with your government or even your current school to find out if there are any resources to help, such as upcoming college fairs. This type of event usually features representatives from a range of schools, all of whom can give you the information you need when choosing a college.

One detail to note is that colleges that send representatives to different countries may be recruiting international students, which may give you an advantage in the admissions process. At the very least, you can rest assured that you would likely not be the only student from your country at the school.

2. Use the Internet When Choosing a College

You can make the process of choosing a college in the US less time-consuming than you might think when you use the Internet. Your first thought may be to visit the websites of the US schools you have in mind before choosing a college. In addition, though, consider related sites.

For example, if you want to know more about the sports at the college you are considering, note that many teams have their own website. The same goes for clubs at the school. If you are focused on extracurricular activities when choosing a college, look for sites devoted to school clubs and teams. They may be run by either students or faculty, and they should give you a look at campus life as you continue the process of choosing a college in the US.

3. Talk to Current Students

One of the most informative ways of narrowing down your search for a school is by talking to the students. They typically have nothing to gain or lose when letting you know the pros and cons of their school as you work on choosing a college, so you can usually expect honesty.

Consider searching social websites for the schools you have in mind, as most have a page or group. Then you can write a message to the students, asking any questions you have. Choosing a college in the US is also made easier by online forums where students may congregate, as this is a free, informal way of asking questions.

4. Contact the Colleges You Are Considering

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you may decide to visit a US college campus after all. If you do, many colleges are happy to provide tours of the campus and let you sit in on classes. Some can also connect you with current students who can show you around, and even let you stay in on-campus housing for a weekend so you can get a true sense of life there prior to choosing a US college.

Consider setting up such visits only toward the end of the process of choosing a college, once you have used the other tips to narrow down your options.

Most of these methods are free and fast. Therefore, instead of spending your time and money traveling all over the US in search of a school, use these tips for choosing a college before you ever leave your country!

Today’s post is by campus correspondent Allyson Vaughan, a senior at Boiling Springs High School, Boiling Springs, SC. Find out how you can become a campus correspondent, too!

The Freshman Fifteen is one of those things that often sneaks up on college freshmen, leaving them wonderstruck as to how it got there.

Being on your own for the first time gives you freedom to eat what you want, when you want. That fifteen pounds did not come just from hours spent studying in the library. It also comes from eating unhealthy cafeteria food, late night Taco Bell runs (come on, how could you resist that fourth meal deal?) and one too many sugary lattes from the campus coffee shop. It’s not surprising that all that junk food adds to the junk in your jeans.

The Freshman Fifteen can be outrun though, Nikes required.

Check Your Meal Plan Options

First, it may help if you survey the different meal plan options. Some colleges may encourage you to get a 21-meal plan, but what you can do is get the mid-sized plan and opt to use your microwave to whip up some healthier meals.

Microwaveable vegetables, popcorn, low sodium soups, 90-second brown rice and oatmeal are convenient and much better alternatives than pizza that’s drowning itself in its own grease. Your microwave is your friend. Go on, give it a hug!

Snack Smart

Unhealthy snacking is another culprit that affects college freshmen. It’s hard to not want to snack when you’re stressed out or in need of something to munch on while you study.

Avoid chips and honey buns, they’ll do nothing but get grease on your textbooks and add more jiggle to your wiggle. Most cafeterias have fresh fruit available. It’s also a good idea to keep granola bars or lite popcorn stocked in your dorm room. Popcorn is great if you need something crunchy, and string cheese is protein-packed and fits neatly in your mini-fridge.

Exercise!

To stay fit, take a quick jog or do some yoga, which is calming and space-friendly in your small dorm. Being physically inactive is a big problem for students. They often don’t want to spend their free time working out.

Colleges usually have gyms the students can use, but if not, try using workout DVDs, or grab your sneakers and go for a walk with a friend. Load your iPod with some fast beat tunes and dance around your dorm room! Anything that gets you moving is better than sitting around. Take the stairs, walk to class. Aim for a half hour, three times a week if nothing else.

The Freshman Fifteen can be beat if you try to live a healthy lifestyle. Eating right and working out will give you more energy and can help you feel better about getting up early for those classes. It can also reduce your stress when your work load builds up. Be in tune to your body, don’t eat unless you’re hungry and stay hydrated to keep yourself from mistaking thirst for hunger. Eating healthy and exercising will help you keep a good attitude, feel better and enjoy your freshman year.

Allyson Vaughan is a senior at Boiling Springs High School, Boiling Springs, SC. She will attend Anderson University in the fall of 2012 and will major in Creative Writing. Currently, she is President of the Psychology and Book clubs, historian of History Club and enjoys her involvement in her school’s Literary Magazine. Her dream is to be a successful writer.

Today’s post is by campus correspondent Devon Abelman,

I’ve grown up with the word “sorority” constantly being thrown around. My mom was a member of one and her “big sister” lived with us for some time when I was little. Joining a sorority always seemed like a natural step I would take once I started college.

When I received my acceptance letter to University of Florida, a school where Greek life is prevalent, I planned on rushing my mom’s sorority. Halfway through rush, however, I noticed that Greek life wasn’t for me. I quickly realized that just because every other person at my college seems to be a part of a sorority or fraternity, it’s not the only thing at school you can be involved in.

Find Your Passion

Take a moment to figure out what matters to you. Whether it is a political party, religion, movement, area of study or hobby, write it down. Focus on things such as your major, your favorite causes, your career goals and activities that you enjoy. This list will help steer you in the direction you will go to figure out what extracurricular activities you want to be a part of.

Seek Out Clubs at Your School

At a big university like UF, there are over 700 student organizations. There is everything from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club to Habitat for Humanity. No matter the size of your school, you are bound to find an organization that caters to one of the passions you wrote down on your list.

Go on your campus website to find out about different open houses and club fairs to learn more about organizations in a non-binding and open environment. Pick two or even three, depending on your course load, that mean the most to you and attend their meetings.

If sports are your thing, you are not limited to student organizations. Check out the recreation and fitness center on campus. Many colleges offer free instructional classes and intramural sports to get involved in.

Take An Active Role

Don’t join an organization just because it will look good on your resume or because it sounds cool when you tell people you are a member. Join because you have a passion to get involved and want to meet others who share your passion. Attend every meeting and event you possibly can along with socials so you can connect with other members. Think about applying for an executive position. It will give you something to do besides studying and you’ll feel like you are really apart of something.

Joining a sorority or fraternity may seem like the only way to make friends and get involved at a school where Greek life is big, but it may not be the right association for you. Follow your passion and find an organization that is the best fit for you and will help you get the most out of your college experience.

Devon Abelman is a sophomore at the University of Florida. She is involved with many student organizations, including UF Hillel’s chapter of Challah for Hunger, Society of Professional Journalists, and Reitz Union Board of Entertainment.