Study Abroad Group: How to Do It

Costarica_group_tour9 Planning a group study abroad trip can seem like a monumental task, but with AmeriSpan’s expert guidance, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, leading a group abroad can be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience. Follow the 10 steps outlined below to ensure group success. Check out the timeline below for a handy reference tool.

1. Start Early
To get a successful start, we recommend leaders begin planning 6-8 months before traveling. This gives both the group leaders and AmeriSpan time to get every detail perfect. This also allows participants and parents enough time to make decisions, apply for passports, and raise money for the trip.

Read more on “Study Abroad Group: How to Do It” »

Calling Home: My Biggest Mistake Yet

Phone By Ashley C., guest blogger studying French in Lyon, France

 I bought a calling card, thinking that my card would knock down the price of my calls on my USA phone from $1/minute to just a few cents/minute. Not true. You have to actually buy a French phone and then use the calling card on the local French phone in order to use the calling card properly. I racked up a good $500 phone bill by making this mistake! Whoops.

Which brings me to my next point, try not to have a boyfriend/girlfriend when traveling to France! (or if you do, make sure to take the following advice):

Read more on “Calling Home: My Biggest Mistake Yet” »

Terremotos, Maremotos, y Mote con Huesillos

Santiago_meal

By Jonathon L., guest blogger studying Spanish and skiing in Santiago, Chile

Chilean Mixology 102 – Terremotos y Maremotos  (101 is for Pisco Sour, but this is more interesting) 

Directions (vary depending on location): 

-Take 2 scoops of pineapple flavored ice cream and put them in a 16(ish) ounce glass.

-Take cheap white wine, Vino Pipeño (it tasted a lot like sangria)and fill the glass nearly to the top.

- Top it off with about a shot’s worth of one of the following (everyone I asked has told me different things) Cognac, Rum, or Pisco

Read more on “Terremotos, Maremotos, y Mote con Huesillos” »

Video: College Study Abroad in Cuenca, Ecuador (Pt. 2)

AmeriSpan offers semester, short-term, and year-long college study abroad programs at top foreign universities.  Here is another great video from our College Study Abroad program in Cuenca, Ecuador:

 


 

To Homestay or Not Homestay..

Playa_del_Carmen_Solexico_offices By Alisa W., guest blogger studying Spanish in Playa del Carmen, Mexico 

Since living in Mexico, I have had a lot to consider about the choices concerning the school that I attend, the length of time I stay,  and choosing the homestay over other housing options.  I chose the homestay option with the belief that it would be the easiest way to spend my time here in Mexico.  After meeting others that are attending my school who had not chosen the homestay, I began to question whether or not I had made the correct choice.  Some of my friends are posted-up in the hotel that the school recommends, and some other of my peers are living in the student residence (which I didn't even know existed, probably because of my late sign-up). 

Read more on “To Homestay or Not Homestay..” »

An Introduction

Jennie in California_OLD By Jennie M., guest blogger studying Spanish in Heredia, Costa Rica

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, I’m currently living in San Diego.  I’m about to leave for four weeks of Spanish immersion in Heredia, Costa Rica.  I took Spanish for four years in high school and one year in college. 

I studied abroad twice in Europe during college; both programs focused on culture rather than language.  I loved my time there, but something was missing.   I found myself longing for more ways to communicate.  I would memorize words of every language I encountered and made meaning of whatever I could.  After a month-long art program in Paris, I started to understand French in certain contexts.  This came as a surprise to me, since I had never formally studied French.

Read more on “An Introduction” »

Video: College Study Abroad in Cuenca, Ecuador

AmeriSpan offers semester, short-term, and year-long college study abroad programs at top foreign universities.  Here is a great video from our College Study Abroad program in Cuenca, Ecuador:


 

 

Santiago Unfolds

Chile_Santiago_Highlights_021 By Jonathon L., guest blogger studying Spanish and skiing in Santiago, Chile

Today was Day 2 of Spanish classes.  We talked about indigineous people, our zodiac signs, and when to use saber or concer.  Did I mention that this was all in spanish?

After class, we went to lunch in the central market, at Mariscaria, and I hung out with some Americans, and even better; some non-americans. (Mostly from Brazil!)  We had a variety of food, and I watched a girl from Texas freak out when her crab cake arrived, complete with crab legs.  But she stepped up to the challenge, and attempted to eat her first bowl of sea food!  Her friends at home will be so proud! I had the salmon.  (I did try some of her crab cake, and my neighbor's mussels (the fishy kind, not her biceps). Sorry Rabbi, and Dad!

Read more on “Santiago Unfolds” »

Inexpensive Excursions Close to Lyon (Pt. 2)

Avignon By Ashley C., guest blogger studying French in Lyon, France

Avignon: I don?t think you can look at Google Images of Avignon, and get a feel for whether or not the place is worth visiting. Avignon is just an experience. Everywhere, there are people in costumes who hand out flyers to their next theatre performance.  There are people who sing opera in the street; there are people dressed up as bears, and people who play the piano down the side walk. You can definitely go to Avignon without a plan, and just wander around the central downtown. There are enough street
performers to see to last you an entire weekend! It?s one of the most colorful places I?ve ever visited, and I think if you get as far as Lyon, you should definitely spend a weekend here.

Read more on “Inexpensive Excursions Close to Lyon (Pt. 2)” »

Taking the Subway in Seoul

By Melissa E., guest video blogger studying Korea in Seoul, Korea

Getting around in unfamiliar territory is a challenge, so this how-to guide for public transportation in Seoul is a must-watch!

For details about studying Korean, see Korean School in Seoul

See all of Melissa's blogs from Seoul