As the spring semester winds down, many college students will begin to look eagerly towards the summer. Spending time on the beach, not having to eat at the campus cafeteria, or traveling abroad are all images that would get anyone excited enough to power through those last few weeks of classes and finals. But for a small percentage of students, the end the spring semester also marks the end of their study abroad experience. And for those of you, we want to provide a few tips to help with the adjustment back to life in the US.

The first few weeks after you return home can be as challenging, if not more so, than your first few weeks abroad. This adjustment period, commonly known as reverse culture shock, can kick in at any time. Generally, the main trigger of culture shock is that your perception of home, the ideal version that you were picturing while abroad, may not be accurate. The stress of everyday life is waiting for you when you get back, and you might quickly realize that life has continued on without you. It's not unusual for it to be a bit difficult to immediately jump back into an unchanged routine when you have experienced enormous growth and change while away.

Another of the common frustrations from recent study abroad alums is that they always find themselves wanting to tell stories about their time abroad without anyone to listen. Your great story about the hostel in the south of France or the white water rafting trip in New Zealand might not resonate like you hope – you were they, they weren't. It's kind of like telling people your dreams: you can picture everything in such vivid detail, but it's impossible to relay that experience to others. Nobody but you can fully appreciate the impact that studying abroad has on you.

When you do things like this on a weekly basis, it's hard to summarize an entire experience abroad when asked, "How was it?"

It’s very easy to become disenchanted with life back home and irritable to the fact you can’t find your favorite Spanish cheeses in the local supermarket. But before you decide you simply aren’t going home and begin to apply for citizenship, know that there are some very successful ways to cope with reverse culture shock:

1. Keep your experience alive. More than likely there are ways you can still connect to your study abroad experience without going very far. Connect with other study abroad returnees in your neighborhood or on your campus. Participate in any cultural events your community may have. Join a language class or volunteer to tutor (this is a good way to keep your language skills sharp!).

2. Embrace the things you missed most while abroad. Just like it was easy to romanticize the aspect of home while you were abroad, it’s easy to do so about your host location overseas once you are back in the U.S. Appreciate the local sandwich shop, your family pets, or that you can watch your favorite sports team without waking up in the middle of the night to catch the game live.

3. Stay in touch with your friends from abroad. This is a great way to stay updated with the current events in your host location and to keep your memories fresh. You would also be surprised at how interested your friends from abroad may be about your seemingly “dull” life back home.

4. Talk to your study abroad office on campus. Reverse culture shock is fairly common among returned students and you won’t be the only one from your campus to experience these symptoms. Your advisor can also connect you with students interested in traveling to the city or country where you studied so you can share your knowledge and expertise. You can bet these students will want to hear all about your time overseas, especially that hostel story from France.

This article was written by guest contributor and CISabroad University Relations Coordinator (Mid-Atlantic), Tammen Nicholson. 

Have you experienced reverse culture shock? If so, what did you do to cope? Share with a comment below!

If you are heading to the England this summer one of the many things you should really start getting excited for is the food. Yes, the food.

By this point you’ve probably heard enough negative reviews about the British culinary scene that you are contemplating packing a couple pizzas and a box of frozen burgers in your suitcase. But before you begin squirrelling away pancakes and other comfort foods in your luggage, take some time to research what other foods Britain has to offer besides mushy peas and bile beans.

Start with breakfast and England’s most notable and straightforward named morning dish, the Full English Breakfast. A Full English Breakfast is a couple of eggs, ham (though the menu will say bacon!), sausage, toast, hashbrowns, grilled mushrooms and tomatoes, and beans. Beans for breakfast? YES! Before you judge, try some beans on buttered toast and tell us what you think. Think of a full English breakfast as healthier version of a Denny’s Grand Slam. More a fan of sweets in the morning? How about hot cross buns. This Easter treat originated in England. Think of them as the father of cinnamon buns.

A Full English Breakfast – yummy!

Like here in the US, the Brits love their sandwiches around lunch time. In England, you find BLT’s, and ham and cheese. But a couple that you’ll missing when you come home will be cheddar and chutney and a Ploughman’s Sandwich, which is pickles, onions, and cheese. As for iconic British lunch time food, don’t worry – meat pies haven’t gone anywhere. Sweeney Todd may have given these treats a bad rap, but meat pies come in various sizes and fillings. You can opt for a steak and kidney pie, or the ever popular beef and Guinness pie. For the really hungry there is always shepherd's pie: beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, onions, corn, and peas.

While it’s hard to ignore Fish and Chips as a staple of the British diet, remember that England is an island and that cod and haddock aren’t the only fish in the sea. You’ll see seared salmon, lemon sole, and even shellfish for sale in any supermarket and on the menu at most restaurants. In the UK you’ll find prawns everywhere, from sandwiches fillers, to served with garlic and butter, to prawn curry. Actually, with such a large Indian population, it’s pretty difficult to not find a good curry. Chicken Tikka Masala is the most frequently order meal in the UK and many consider it as England’s unofficial national dish.

Shepherd's pie

When it comes to dessert, again the United Kingdom is not lacking. Bread pudding and custard sauce is a popular post-meal treat. This treat is essentially a mixture of bread, sugar, milk, vanilla, and syrup covered in a bit more sugar, vanilla, and syrup. If you are a fan of chocolate, you’ll be happy to know Cadbury Chocolate began in England. Those mini creme eggs you see everywhere this time of year are in stock year-round across the pond.

Now, the myth about the weather? That one is true.

This post was contributed by guest author and CISabroad University Relations Coordinator (Mid-Atlantic Region), Tammen Nicholson.

If you've been to England, what's your favorite dish? Do you agree with Tammen about English food not deserving its bad rap? Leave a comment below!

If you're the adventurous type already, you'll be surprised how much more adventurous you'll tend to be while studying abroad! As the travel bug bites, it seems to also infect you with an itchy sense of adventure. You will likely find yourself uninhibited, eager to try new things, and exceptionally vulnerable to taking off on a trip at the drop of a hat. We've written a prescription for your "adventure fever" and it includes CISabroad sponsored excursions, as well as highly recommended activities we'll gladly help you execute.

Here are just a few examples of ways that you can get your outdoor adventure fix on some of our CISabroad programs:

• Zip-lining in Costa Rica: Explore the rainforest from a birds-eye view on a high-flying zip-line canopy tour. Participants strap into a harness attached to a cable and glide over miles of forest and river terrain at speeds of up to 100 mph.

• Scuba diving in Ecuador: The Galapagos Islands are a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling site, often referred to as one of the "Seven Underwater Wonders of the World." Swimmers can mingle with sharks and sea lion pups alike, while threading through schools of brightly colored fish, Manta Rays, and barracudas. A protected and largely pollution-free environment, the Galapagos are perfect for anyone looking to experience marine environments in their purest form.
  

  Zip lining in Costa Rica – heart-racing adventure with a view!

• Wildlife safaris in South Africa: South Africa has over 600 parks and reserves, one of the most famous being Kruger National Park. Whether taking a drive across the savannah or camping out under acacia trees, you’ll see the “Big Five”- lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffaloes and black rhinos, among other exotic wildlife.
• Hiking the Southern Alps in New Zealand: New Zealand was used in filming each Lord of the Rings movie, and it’s no wonder why. With beautiful beaches, grassy hills and majestic mountains, New Zealand has it all. There are tons of amazing hiking trails on the South Island and are perfect for camping and fishing.
• Surfing in Australia: You can find surfing is most places along the Australian coastline where you will have access to the Great Barrier Reef, not to mention enough miles of beautiful beaches to keep you happy for a very long time.

So whether land, sea, jungle, or mountain, there is so much to see and do on your travels abroad!

If you have traveled abroad, what was your favorite outdoor adventure or excursion? Share with a comment below!

For more information about CISabroad programs and what types of excursions they include, please contact an advisor.

It’s that time of year again! A time when the days get longer, jackets become lighter, and nature slowly awakens from its winter slumber. Of course, this doesn't apply to those who live in places where the sun shines year-round. (Lucky!) Still, Spring is a super exciting time to travel and study abroad or intern abroad. All around the world, countries are celebrating the arrival of spring in their own unique ways. And nothing says celebration like a culturally rich, fun- filled festival! Here are some spring festivals around the world where people from various cultures, religions, and nations gather together to welcome spring:

Spain
Las Fallas, March 15-19
Each year the city of Valencia, Spain celebrates the Las Fallas, a 5-day, non-stop party that celebrates the arrival of spring with fireworks, parades, fiestas, and bonfires. The main attractions of the festival are the “Fallas”- huge puppets made out of papier mache, wood, and cardboard and often represent Spanish social and political current affairs. The Fallas are filled with fireworks and are dramatically burnt on the last night of the festival.

Mexico
Feria de San Marcos (St. Mark’s Fair), Mid-April to early May
La Feria de San Marcos is a famous three-week festival that is held in Aguascalientes, Mexico and attracts several million visitors every year. It first started in the early 17th century as a simple agriculture and livestock show, but has now grown into the largest festival in Mexico.

The festival has something for everyone to enjoy. There are art exhibits, sports competitions, and colorful parades. Wandering musicians, known as mariachis, give concerts in the streets, and regional folk dance groups from all over Mexico perform in the San Marcos Garden. For those who are a bit more daring, there are plenty of bullfights and cockfights to attend.

Thailand
Songkran – Thai New Year, April 13-15
Looking for an epic water battle? Thousands of people take to the streets of Thailand each year to soak each other with buckets, balloons and water guns to celebrate Songkran, which marks the beginning of the lunar year in Thailand. The tradition traces back to the pre-Buddhist rituals of spring festivals, where the throwing water was seen as good luck to bring good rain for the crops.

Ireland
Saint Patrick’s Day, March 14-18
Everyone wants to be Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day. Sure, you can celebrate this holiday at almost any pub in any corner around the world. But we can’t think of a better way to honor Saint Patrick than to enjoy the fun and festivities on the Emerald Isle itself. The largest Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations take place in Dublin, Ireland and run from March 14th to the 18th. There are parades, traditional Irish step dancing, fireworks, music, exhibitions, and even a treasure hunt!

Why Study Abroad During the Spring?

If you're wondering when to study abroad, spring is a slightly more popular semester to study abroad during than fall for the following reasons, and more:

• You don’t miss football season if you’re on a campus with a good football program
• You miss the worst of winter (January and February) if you go from somewhere cold to somewhere warm
• You have the summer to research study or intern abroad options and the fall semester to prepare for your absence (course approval, subletting your housing, rubbing it in your friends’ and classmates’ faces, etc.)
• You have longer to travel, reflect and readjust before going back to school in the fall

However, it might be wise to consider studying abroad during the fall since it’s usually possible to extend your stay into the spring  semester if you choose to do so. And if you think now that an academic year abroad is too long, you’ll change your mind once you’re over there. Trust us Or, avoid the dilemma altogether by enrolling in an academic year abroad up front! All CISabroad semester-long programs can be extended to a year, and you'll save when enrolling in the second semester.

In any case, CISabroad fall 2013, spring 2014 and summer 2014 study and intern abroad programs are currently accepting applications. While some details may be vague this far in advance, you can still get started by applying, which will reserve your spot. Or contact an advisor with any questions you want answered before you apply.

Are you currently abroad, did you study or intern abroad during the spring, or are you planning on studying or interning abroad during the spring? Let others know why you chose to go abroad during the spring by leaving  a comment here! 

With the "March Madness" of the NCAA basketball tournament in full swing, you may be wondering how you could justify missing such thrilling competition if you were to study abroad or intern abroad. While we certainly hope television programming wouldn't keep you from the life-changing experience of traveling overseas, we understand a lot factors into your decision to go or not, and where and when to go. Below, you’ll find some unusual sports abroad that may or may not satisfy your inner competitor but will definitely leave you a bit perplexed.

Cheese racing
Courtesy of The Black Azar, Flickr

England
Cheese racing
Let’s start with cheese racing. Yes, you heard correctly. In England you can take part in the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake. It is a surprisingly dangerous event with participants chasing a 7 pound wheel of cheese down a steep hill. The person with the first cheese wheel across the finish line takes home a lot of cheese and other cash prizes.

Shin-kicking
If a large cheese prize doesn’t motivate you, head down the street to try your luck at shin-kicking, or “hacking,” a strength and endurance challenge similar to martial arts. The prize here we suppose: not getting your shins kicked…as much.

Ireland
Road bowling
A long-standing tradition in Ireland, road bowling involves hurling a small lead ball down country roads in as few throws as possible. Spectators gather along the road in hopes to get the best possible view without being on the receiving end of the lead ball.

Australia
Sheep racing
Every April, a small community in the Australian outback swells with tourists and sheep racers. It’s a fun, family affair and there’s even a prize for best dressed (sheep, of course).

Apple racing
Chuck an apple off a bridge and hope it floats down the river faster than the others! This fundraising event takes place on the island of Tasmania.

Zorb ball
Courtesy of Juan Guthrie, Flickr

New Zealand
Zorb ball
Zorbing, or rolling downhill inside a massive inflatable ball, has gained momentum recently (pun intended) as a new extreme sport in New Zealand. If you’ve ever wondered how your clothes feel in the dryer, this is your chance to experience that feeling yourself.

France
Parkour
You may not have guessed that the stunts performed in movies such as Casino Royale and The Bourne Ultimatum originate from the decades-old French discipline of “movement and holistic well-being.” The Office's Michael, Dwight and Andy have a different interpretation of parkour, as they repeat "hardcore parkour" while stunting around the office. Recently, parkour has even been included in the training of various military branches in the U.S. and Britain.

Have you observed or participated in any wild and whacky sports abroad? Leave a comment here to share your experience! 

This article features a CISabroad Customized, Faculty-Led Program. These programs are custom-designed in collaboration with college/university study abroad offices and the professor(s) leading the program. CISabroad coordinates all logistical aspects using our local expertise. We also provide full-time on-site support, allowing faculty leaders to focus on delivering their academic/experiential objectives. 

Joe Debiec, Associate Director of Programs at CISabroad, wrote in from Turkey with the following to say about the Customized Program he's leading for a Texas A&M course focusing on Global Perspectives:

"The Texas A&M International College group is having an amazing time in Turkey. On the first full day of the program they visited some of the best sites in Istanbul. The group started their day at Topkapi Palace then headed to Aya Sophia. They tasted delicious Turkish dishes like Kebap for lunch before heading to the Blue Mosque, pictured here, and the Hippodrome. Over the next few days the program will take them to the beautiful Princes' Islands near Istanbul, the WWI battlefields of Gallipoli, Troy, and Ephesus, among other great sites. All along the way they'll learn about the ancient ties of the land to Greeks and Romans, as well as about the emergence of Modern Turkey."

Texas A&M group at Blue Mosque
Click to enlarge

For more information about CISabroad Customized Programs, please visit www.cisabroad.com/customized-programs.

CISabroad is pleased to announce the launch of our new Summer in China program. The program deadline is this Friday, March 15, so if you are interested or know somebody that is, please visit the Summer in China page to learn more and apply as soon as you're ready.

This 4-week summer study abroad program takes place in vibrant Shanghai, China. Participants choose from international business courses taught in English, a Mandarin language class, and Chinese culture courses. The learning is a blend of classroom instruction, cultural trips and activities, and visits to multinational corporations based in Shanghai. Participants enjoy comfortable accommodations in shared hotel rooms, frequent social activities and excursions, and full-time staff support. International business courses are taught by Jacksonville University faculty, and culture and language courses are taught by local faculty at host university Shanghai International Studies University.

Students have the chance to interact with local Chinese students at the host university, allowing an exchange of Mandarin/Shanghainese and English. Many trips are included both within Shanghai as well as to other areas of cultural and historic interest such as Beijing and The Great Wall. International business courses make visits to interact with business executives of Chinese-based multinational corporations. The final project consists of a presentation given to Chinese business executives after learning about international business in the context of Chinese culture and history in the global marketplace.

Jeff Palm, Executive Director of CISabroad stated, “We are excited to be able to offer students a short-term summer program in such a vibrant environment – both culturally and economically – as Shanghai. Excellent faculty, great support, and comprehensive program inclusions all for under $5,000 make this a great value.” Jeff has visited China countless times and his children are currently enrolled at a Mandarin language immersion school, so he understands the importance of U.S.-Chinese relations. “Our goal was to offer a program that provides an exceptional learning opportunity for students to meet with leaders in Chinese firms and be able to discuss the current and future aspects of doing business in a global environment.”

For more information, please contact us or visit http://www.cisabroad.com/summer-study-abroad/china/summer-in-china.

CISabroad and Plymouth State University have been running a successful  First Year Abroad program together for years. First year students who are accepted into the program get to spend their fall semester at the University of Limerick in Ireland through our Semester in Limerick program. And now, we have our first student who not only participated on this program, but also returned to Ireland after graduation and just received her Master's degree! So, kudos to Heidi Van Curen (pictured below) in showing us that study abroad really can result in an international life!

Chinese culture and traditions may be some of the most unfamiliar to Americans compared to many other practices around the world. However, the numerous festivals that the Chinese celebrate as official government holidays are both fascinating and beautiful. One of the most special festivals for the Chinese is the Spring Festival, which you may know of as Chinese New Year. Given that this grand holiday is less than one week away I wanted to introduce you to some of the Chinese New Year traditions.

One thing many Chinese get excited about, at least one that many school children are bound to love, is that this holiday comes with 3 official days off! This year the holiday officially falls on February 10th however it will be celebrated for about 15 days. The festival marks the beginning of the Lunar calendar year, which traditionally is the calendar the Chinese follow.

Lanterns typical of New Year celebrations, Xi'an

This year, the Spring Festival will mark the beginning of the year of the Snake (which just so happens to be my year!). Were you born in one of these years: 1905,1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001? If so, you too are the Year of the Snake! Each year has a different type of snake. If you are a snake, go find out which kind you are! (I am an Earth Snake, 1989)

One custom of the festival that many Americans may not be so keen to get into is the tradition of a thorough cleaning of the home While it may not seem like the most fun part of a holiday, it is essential so that you come into the new year with a good foundation. On the upside, shopping is also necessary and not just for food, but for new clothes as well!

In Northern China a very traditional Spring Festival food is Jiaozi, or dumplings. It has many ancient origins and meanings for why they consume this food in particular, but it is largely for good luck; like Americans eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year's day! Spring rolls, rice dumplings, and especially fish are all very traditional Spring Festival foods as well. New Year's cake, Niangao, is the traditional glutinous cake that the Chinese will most certainly be consuming within the holiday! (YUM!)

Praying at a Chinese temple, or "pagoda"

Nian, which is also the word for “year” in Chinese, was a terrifying monster that terrorizes the people of China on the night before the New Year. To ward off Nian, Chinese wear red, set off firecrackers, hang up or paste couplets and illuminate many light sources and lanterns during the holiday so they can scare him away. If you would like an easy way to participate in this celebration, just wear red!

The obvious elements of family and food aside, celebrations in the days following the official New Year's day also include fireworks, prayers, blessings, parades, fairs and decorated lantern lighting festivals. It is a very exciting time in China during those days. If you are lucky enough to be in the country during this time don’t hesitate to get involved!

This article was contributed by guest blogger, Chinese language and culture enthusiast and CISabroad staff member Erika Roitblat.

 For information on CISabroad study abroad and intern abroad programs in China, click here or contact us. 

Last week, CISabroad welcomed one of our short-term, faculty-led groups with an Aussie tradition: a barbecue  or "barbie." Our site director, Jason, put grilled up some tasty meat (and veggie) sausage, with the rest of the group enjoyed the view (pictured here) overlooking Sydney Harbour. Students, Jason, and CISabroad staffer Jessica walked around Sydney and caught some amazing views of the Sydney Tower. Jessica, who studied abroad in Sydney, is SO happy to be back in Australia that she even wrote a poem about her favorite city:



Birds, Thai, spicy, Flatwhites, cliffs and harbour views.
Tim tams, mates, g'day, biscuits, thongs and kangaroos.
Darling Harbour, Bondi, Manly and the whistling cockatoos.
Oh Sydney with your splendor, ringing loud and clear, "true blue."

For more information on short-term, faculty-led programs, please visit here.

For more information on studying abroad in Sydney, please visit here.