By Nicole DeMarco, Class of 2015 at College of Charleston

If you’re planning to study abroad, you’ll likely need a cell phone (or some other reliable way to communicate with loved ones back home).

So, once you’ve bought your plane tickets, booked your accommodation and had your academic documents translated, you’ll need to research your cell phone options.

It’s rarely as simple as packing your existing phone into your backpack. Save yourself a lot of frustration (and expense) by thoroughly researching your options prior to departure.

There are many factors that you need to consider:

• The length of your study abroad program
• Whether your existing phone can operate in your destination country (see below)
• Whether you plan on using your phone for day-to-day use, or only in an emergency
• Your budget

Understanding International Cell Phone Standards: GSM vs CDMA (and Others)

Cell phone standards vary by country. Outside of North America, much of the world uses a common cell phone standard called Global Service for Mobile (GSM).

The US did not standardize – consequently, competing wireless standards exist on various wireless domestic US carriers. US cell phones are most likely to be the CDMA type, but there are several other competing standards, including AMPS, TDMA or iDEN.

A GSM phone generally won’t work in North America, and a CDMA phone generally won’t work outside of North America.

Network Frequencies Abroad

In much of the world outside of North America, cell phone networks operate on a common frequency – a cell phone that works in Manchester, England will work equally well in Melbourne, Australia.

However, cell phone networks in North America operate on a range of different frequencies – this is something you need to make arrangements for.

The best solution for you depends on both your home country and your destination.

Option 1: Taking Your Current Phone Abroad

Some carriers now provide multi-band world phones that can be widely used internationally – however, “roaming” usage can be extremely expensive.

This may be a viable solution for short stints abroad – but is not advisable for study abroad programs that are longer than a few weeks. If you choose this option, you should consider disabling data usage, as this can save you a lot of money.

If you plan on relying mainly on phone cards or Skype, you may consider taking your existing phone as an “emergency only” option.

Option 2: Buying a Local Phone

For many people studying abroad, the best option will be to purchase a cell phone that conforms to your destination country’s standards (whether GSM or CDMA), and to buy a local prepaid plan.

Some tips:

• Unlike many cell phones in North America, GSM world cell phones don’t come tied to the network service provider.
• Those studying abroad in GSM countries can activate their mobile phones by inserting SIM cards – these thumbnail-sized devices can be interchanged between different handsets. You can save contact numbers to your SIM card, rather than to your phone.
• Coordinate with other students in your study program – providers often offer special rates for calls between phones that both use their networks.
• If you purchase a prepaid SIM card for your destination country, you’ll have a local phone number.

For many students, a prepaid cell phone will be the best option for their time abroad: they can avoid worrying about unforeseen bills or additional charges.

Option 3: Skype, Facebook Chat, Gchat, Phone Cards

Skype – a video conferencing service – has changed the way many people keep in touch internationally. If Wi-Fi is ubiquitous in your destination country, this may be a great way to save money on your international calls.

Many students abroad choose to use exclusively use Skype for calling internationally, and purchase a cheap local prepaid phone for in-country calls.

Added bonus: You can actually talk face-to-face with your family and friends (or your cat!).

Chat Tools

Instant messaging tools such as Facebook chat and Gchat can be a hassle-free way to communicate with your friends and family back home. These can be perfect for casual updates about what’s going on back home. Of course, you’ll likely have internet access, so you can use all of your favorite social networks exactly as you would in your home country.

International calling cards are another option for students abroad: You’ll often get a much better per-minute rate using a phone card to dial home, compared to using either a domestic prepaid phone, or an international ‘roaming’ phone.

Using a cell phone while studying abroad provides a welcome security blanket – it’s nice to know that you can always contact your friends and family back home – just don’t forget to account for the time difference!

If you are looking at international graduate schools as a US student, you have the enviable opportunity to gain international experience while continuing your studies. But you will have to do some homework first.

You will need to assess which international graduate school is best for you, as well as evaluating other important factors, including costs and visa requirements.

Choose Where To Study

There are high-quality international graduate schools located across the globe, and the process of choosing one can be overwhelming. Begin your search by listing five countries you would be interested in studying in for at least a year.

Next, consider the practical issues. Think about whether there will be a language barrier, or if political or economic instability might place you in jeopardy. Watch the news to keep abreast of world events that may impact your prospective destination.

Friends and colleagues who have studied abroad are a logical resource when researching an international graduate school.

Once you narrow down your potential destination, you need to select some graduate schools to apply to. Consult a list of the international graduate schools available to US students who wish to study abroad.

Then look for the schools that feature graduate programs in your field of study. List the benefits of each school, and from that list, choose the one that best meets your needs.

If feasible, try to visit the international graduate schools on your shortlist. If you cannot afford to travel to several international schools, you should at least visit the school at the top of your list. If this remains impractical, you can still learn a significant amount from a virtual tour of the college.

Get Funding

Now that you know which international graduate school you plan to apply to, you need to be sure it will be financially feasible for you to attend. Find out the cost of tuition, and then consider the sources of funding available to you.

Your first step should be to contact the financial aid office of the graduate school you’re considering. You should find out what the packages are, and get an idea of how much you can receive for tuition. Try to get as many grants as possible since you do not have to pay these back, unlike loans.

You can also apply for scholarships and grants through private companies. Make sure you understand all of the available college financial aid opportunities. Research scholarships created expressly for students who seek to travel internationally for graduate school.

When contacting the school of your choice, ask about fellowships and research assistantships. Both of these positions can waive some or all of your tuition, and may even include a stipend for living expenses.

You will be expected to provide research, teach, or meet other requirements if you want the money, but this way you can pay for graduate school without getting a full time job or taking out loans.

Prepare to Travel

When calculating your costs, include plane tickets and lodging. Also, research the healthcare system of your destination country – and the cost of insurance. Be aware of currency exchange rates (and fees). You need to realistically assess how the cost of living in your destination differs from the cost of living in the US.

If you think you will need a job while studying, find out what documents are required, such as a work visa. Study visas will often place strict limitations on employment.

Thoroughly research these issues when you’re considering options for your studies overseas. Studying at an international graduate school can be immensely rewarding – and it can open up considerable opportunities for career advancement.

Wherever in the world you are thinking about studying, you will benefit from thoroughly researching high school exchange programs before you commit.

After all, you’re considering leaving your home for up to a year – there is a lot to think about first!

Here are some of the basic questions to ask before you sign up for a high school exchange program. Once you clear up these questions, you can focus on the details as you prepare for your time abroad.

Finding High School Exchange Programs

If you’re interested in participating in a high school exchange program, you should ask your guidance counselor if your school has a established program in place.

Some schools have very active programs with significant waiting lists, while others do not have enough interested students to have a dedicated program. Even if your high school lacks its own exchange program, there is likely at least one that serves your city.

Programs vary quite a bit. With some, your family will have to host an exchange student from another country while you are gone, while others offer this option but do not require it.

Look into the details of the high school exchange program available to you before you make a commitment.

High School Exchange: Academic Requirements

Your high school may have a particular policy when it comes to transferring credits after you study abroad. If you do not find this out first, you could end up having to retake any courses you complete in another country.

Therefore, it makes sense to ask your school counselor or the person in charge of the exchange program which credits will transfer.

If it turns out your credits will not transfer and you still want to travel to another country for your high school exchange program, you just need to ensure you make up the credits before you graduate.

This may require summer school or even staying in high school another year. Consider how you want to proceed with your classes before you sign up for the program.

Once you have a plan in place, you may need to get your academic documents translated to another language. For example, you may need proof of vaccinations and school transcripts before you enroll in high school abroad. Find out before this requirement before you leave for the exchange program.

High School Exchange and Culture Shock

Even if you choose a country in which most people speak your language, it can be difficult to grow accustomed to a new culture.

Of course, this issue may be even more noticeable when you are studying in another language you do not speak fluently.

One way to deal with culture shock is to immerse yourself in the customs and ask your host family any questions you may have. The more you understand about the culture, the more comfortable you may feel performing the country’s traditions.

By the time you return to your home country, you may end up having to readjust after studying abroad since it’s common for students to automatically continue some of the customs they learned in another nation.

It’s normal to feel homesick while abroad. If you find yourself yearning for your own home, you should find a few things that remind you of it. For example, surrounding yourself with family photos may give you a sense of feeling home again, however brief. Asking your host family to cook your favorite dish can also help, though you might need to provide the recipe!

You are also advised to talk to students who have studied abroad before since they will likely have some tips you won’t get from your guidance counselor. Ensure that you’ve done adequate research before you sign up for a high school exchange program.

But simple mistakes can affect whether or not you’re issued a visa. So it’s important to know in advance what missteps to look out for, and be sure to avoid them when applying.

Not Having Proper Paperwork

Make sure to stay on top of the sizable stack of paperwork that you’ll need for your student visa. It’s easy enough for an important document to get lost in all of your other school preparations. But it’s possible that you’ll have to say goodbye to your visa altogether if you don’t have your documents ready to go.

You’ll want to prepare a passport, a 2″x2″ photograph of yourself, all the necessary application forms and receipts that show you’ve paid the various visa application fees. But don’t stop there: the embassy or consulate will likely need to see lots of other documents.

This additional paperwork varies on a case-by-case basis. To be on the safe side, have school transcripts (including any college credits), test scores and financial information ready to be submitted as part of your application. You can always check with your embassy or consulate to see what is recommended.

If any of these documents are in a language other than English, you may be required to have them translated. That way, the officials processing your visa application will be able to see clearly what sort of information they’re receiving.

Not Keeping Track of Time

You want to make sure that you get started on your student visa application as quickly as possible. There’s a lot of background work that has to be done before your visa can be issued, and this can take weeks or even months.

And in case you forgot, you’re working with a firm deadline: you have to leave enough time to get your visa before the beginning of your school term.

But there’s no need to rush your application. The US State Department can only issue your student visa 120 days before you register at your school, so you won’t be receiving your visa any earlier than that.

Registering ahead of schedule isn’t a huge problem, though.  An early application will simply be held until it can be processed. However, you may want to use that extra time to make sure that your application is as good as possible.

Not Planning Out Your Visit

You need to remain aware of how long your visa allows you to stay in the US as a student. Your visa could end up expiring when you’re still pursuing your studies, so you’ll want to know how to renew it. Your school’s international admissions department should be able to provide you with this information.

Also, keep in mind that having a student visa does not necessarily mean you will be able to enter the country. You still have to get through customs, where the Department of Homeland Security has the final say in who will be allowed entry to the United States.

If you’ve ever gone through customs before, you’re familiar with the rules: don’t bring food, exotic plants or animals or other forbidden items. Just to be on the safe side, you may want to revisit some of those rules and regulations. It will at least give you some practice for all the studying that lies ahead!

There’s no need to be denied access to your dream school just because you forgot to hand in a document or because you waited to fill out your visa application until it was too late. If you keep careful track of your application and proceed carefully through the student visa process, you should end up studying in the US in no time!

Spring 2012's third-place scholarship photo by Jenna Lanzaro

College students – are you glad you decided to study abroad? Show us why!

Your photo could earn you one of three college scholarships from University Language Services, including our grand prize of $500.00.

If you’re currently studying abroad, will study abroad soon or have already returned from your time abroad, enter our newest scholarship contest by submitting your photo and accompanying description of no more than 200 words that illustrate together why you are glad you studied abroad.

Past winning photos have included a church in Italy, a tidepool in California, a train station in the Netherlands and a view out the window of a plane over the Pacific Ocean.

Whether it’s a bookshop in England, a savannah in Africa or a piece of art close to home, we want to know what makes you excited to broaden your horizons. Be creative!

How to Become a Scholarship Finalist

In addition to entering our scholarship photo contest, you can help decide the finalists for the awards!

The contest has 5 rounds. At the end of each round, a panel of judges will determine the 8 best entries submitted thus far. Then you and all visitors to our site can vote on your favorite!

The top 3 vote-getters become finalists for that round.

The sooner you submit your entry, the better. If your entry isn’t chosen as one of the top 8 submitted during the round it is submitted, it’s still eligible for every subsequent round.

All entries must be submitted by April 3, 2013. Learn more about the scholarship contest and submit your entry today!

Here are some tried and true study abroad tips that should help reduce your stress as you prepare to travel. In fact, you should start getting excited about your trip, keeping in mind that every task you check off this list puts you closer to studying abroad in a country that is new to you.

Make Travel Arrangements

• Obtain or update your passport.
• Apply for a visa when necessary.
• Find out if you need any vaccinations before going to your destination.
• Obtain copies of any medical records you need to enter the country.
• Find out if you need new credit cards when you study abroad.
• Have your mail forwarded to either your parents or your new address.
• Purchase your plane ticket as early as possible.
• Plan how to get from the airport to your hostel, dorm, or other study abroad housing arrangements.

Research Your Destination

• Before packing, research the weather where you have decided to study abroad.
• Learn the basics of the language if you are not already fluent.
• Get study abroad tips by reading guidebooks for the country you are going to.
• Find out if your current or future college can share any study abroad tips.
• Research the popular sports and entertainment options in the country before you get there.
• Find out if packing a voltage converter for electronics is necessary.
• Learn if there are any groups for study abroad students at your new college.
• Gather your insurance options and purchase coverage before you leave to study abroad.

Get Your Study Abroad Packing Done Early

• Make a list of everything you use regularly before you pack to study abroad.
• Determine how many suitcases you can comfortably travel with when you study abroad.
• Start packing clothes and shoes that are appropriate for the weather.
• Order and pack extra contact lenses and medications before you leave to study abroad.
• Don’t pack anything you can purchase for a reasonable price when you arrive.
• Check off each item as you place it in your suitcase.

Say Goodbye to Loved Ones for Now

• Be sure to tell your best friends and family how long you will be gone.
• Let other friends and acquaintances know about the trip.
• Ask for any study abroad tips your friends might know.
• Find out if anyone you know might be visiting the country while you are there.
• Exchange contact information with everyone, including your email address, new home address, and Skype name.
• Remind them that you will be posting or texting pictures to keep them updated!
• Take a picture with friends and family members shortly before you leave to capture your excitement.

Finally, one of the most important study abroad tips is to enjoy your trip, since it will go by quickly!

If you have studied abroad or are abroad right now, do you have any tips to prepare for the trip?

With English becoming more and more of a lingua franca by the day, there are countries all over the globe where you can get by without ever having to utter a single “parlez-vous” or “no hablo” (although it wouldn’t hurt to try!).

So if you want to study abroad but are worried about being able to communicate with others during your stay, fear no more. There are plenty of options out there, even beyond the obvious places such as Canada, England and Australia. Here is a list of a few of the best countries for English-speaking students to study abroad in.

1. The Netherlands

The Dutch are known for their open, friendly, carefree nature, so no need to worry about snobbery here if you approach someone with a question in English. In fact, if they notice you looking lost or confused, they may even approach you first and offer to help. Such was my experience during my short stay in the Netherlands — I had scarcely sat down on the train before a lovely woman began speaking with me like an old friend.

Whether you’re looking to traipse through the tulips, experience the hedonistic nightlife of Amsterdam or ride a bike past International Criminal Courts in The Hague, The Netherlands has something for everyone – English speakers included!

2. South Africa

South Africa is a melting pot of languages. From the Afrikaans language developed as a result of Dutch colonization to the Bantu languages such as Zulu, the country boasts 11 official languages. Luckily, one of them is South African English.

Though it may be slightly different from the English you are used to hearing and speaking, you shouldn’t have any more trouble communicating than you would in countries such as England or Australia. Offering a wide array of attractions, from wildlife to extreme sports, South Africa is a stunning, less obvious study abroad destination for English-speaking students.

3. Iceland

One of the leading countries at the forefront of scientific research, and extremely progressive in terms of LGBT rights, Iceland is a great study abroad option for English-speaking students interested in these areas. Though you may have trouble pronouncing the name of that pesky volcano, Eyjafjallajökull, you won’t need to learn a new language to communicate with the locals. As English is a mandatory part of the curriculum in Icelandic schools, more than 80 percent of the population speaks English – hopefully a little more clearly than Björk does.

4. New Zealand

Whether or not you’ve always dreamt of living the life of a hobbit, New Zealand is one of those countries that deserves a place on your bucket list. The natural beauty (whether or not it is accompanied by a soundtrack of Enya) is incomparably breathtaking and would provide a much more inspiring backdrop for your study sessions than the depths of your school’s library. And as English is the predominant language in New Zealand, speaking with the locals will not, in fact, require you to learn Elvish – though you’re free to try!

5. Belize

It may come as a surprise to you, but English is actually the official language of Belize – the sole country of its kind in Central America. History students will be fascinated with stories of the country’s British colonization, and archaeologically-minded students will drool over the Mayan ruins. With all of this located in a country with miles of beaches along the Caribbean Sea, what college student wouldn’t want to study abroad here?

6. Denmark

The home of Hans Christian Andersen is also home to one of the happiest populations in the world, which is also quite adept at speaking English. As such, the country’s capital, Copenhagen, is a great place for students who only speak English to study abroad. Extremely bike-friendly, like the Netherlands, and committed to environmental protection, students interested in environmental studies (or who simply enjoy living green) will feel especially at home.

What countries did we miss? Leave a comment below and let us know what countries you think are the best places for English-speaking students to study abroad in!

By Ava Macchiaverna, class of 2013 at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va.

For Ava Macchiaverna, studying abroad in Spain was a no-brainer due to her interest in the Spanish language. After all, her major at James Madison University is foreign language, with minors in Latin American studies and cultural communications.

But it was her trip to Switzerland, and the accompanying photo taken 450 feet above a lake in the Swiss Alps, that won her the grand prize in University Language Services’ spring 2012 study abroad scholarship contest.

Parallels Between the Photo and Studying Abroad

In the description of her prize-winning photo, Ava explained that the excitement and uncertainty she felt in the gondola above the lake in Interlaken, Switzerland, was similar to how she felt in the Madrid Barajas Airport in spring 2011.

Ava, who is originally from Seaside Park, NJ, attended the University of Salamanca for a semester. She attested that although she learned about art history, Spanish grammar and other information you would expect to learn in school, studying abroad in Spain taught her even more important lessons.

For example, she said, “I learned to appreciate the moment, walk slow, and absorb all the beauty around me.” Her trip to the Swiss Alps should have been a given then, since she was determined to explore not just Spain, but the many beautiful countries nearby.

In fact, Ava did not go home once the spring semester ended. Instead, she stayed in Europe for another month, taking in the scenery, sometimes from 450 feet in the air! Shortly after her return to the US, she took another trip, this time to Thailand for a month.

The Power to Change Perspectives

Ava said that she knew that studying abroad would be an adventure that could open her mind to new possibilities, but even she was surprised at the change in her perspective. The trip changed her view of everything from education and the Spanish language to international travel.

In fact, she stated, “My mind has been truly opened because of my experience abroad and my list of hobbies has doubled to include anything from knitting to surfing.” With her new knowledge has come increased confidence, as well as a newfound sense of independence.

Of course, that’s not to say that studying abroad does not have its challenges, especially for students who become anxious in unfamiliar settings. As Ava stated, “There will always be differences between the cultures, traditions, and even languages of your home country and the one you are visiting.”

However, these differences do not have to be considered bad. Ava admitted that while the variances could be scary, “traveling abroad is what you make it.” Apparently, she decided to make her trip a memorable experience that others could learn from, especially after viewing her prize-winning photo from Switzerland.

When asked what she learned during her trip, Ava said, “Studying abroad gave me confidence to live outside the box and follow my dreams.” With this kind of result, perhaps it is no wonder that she plans to travel to additional countries after college graduation in May 2013.

By Kotchaphorn Mangkalaphiban, class of 2015 at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Penn.

Kotchaphorn Mangkalaphiban came from Chiangmai,Thailand, to the US to study abroad. During her time in the US, she has been able to look past the many cultural differences, eventually gaining the life experiences she was seeking.

The photo by Kotchaphorn (who goes by Kotcha) was taken on an airplane above the Pacific Ocean on her way to the US, and it won second place in University Language Services’ latest study abroad scholarship contest. Her reward is a $100 scholarship.

High Hopes for Her Stay in the US

The soon-to-be sophomore at Pennsylvania’s Wilson College (majoring in biochemistry and mathematics) chose to come to the US to study abroad to master the English language while also learning about the culture in this country. After all, she mentioned, “In Thailand, if you can read, write, and speak English very well, you can easily get a decent job.”

She also wanted to become more independent through her travels. Regarding studying abroad in the US, she says, “It is a life experience. I realize that if I don’t leave my comfort zone, I won’t grow or gain the values I need to become a better person.”

In the description of her submitted photo, she explains that she did just that. Thanks to her experience studying abroad, she now has more friends and a broader mind than ever before.

Learning a New Way of Life

But just because Kotcha was excited to come to the US does not mean she never became anxious or even downright homesick. In fact, she admits to feeling alone and sometimes frustrated due to customs she did not understand.

Fortunately, when she began making friends, her worries turned to relief and happiness as she made new connections and started to understand more about American culture. Though values and priorities in the US are not always the same as those in another country, such as Thailand, Kotcha was able to set the differences aside.

In fact, she even learned to appreciate some of the differences. Kotcha attests that “before judging somebody’s opinion or action, first, I should try to understand why they think the way they do instead of immediately disagree(ing) with them just because it isn’t what I was taught to believe.”

Embracing Cultural Differences

Both Kotcha’s initial anxiety and eventual understanding of a different culture can be considered normal for students studying abroad anywhere. Few countries share all of the same customs and values with other countries, so world travelers need to be aware of the differences.

The best thing you can do is learn from the many differences you encounter in other cultures, and that’s what Kotcha appears to have done. But that’s not all she learned.

“Studying abroad not only helps me learn other cultures, but also makes me aware of my own culture,” Kotcha explains. “Before I came abroad, I was blind to my own culture.”

By Jenna Lanzaro, class of 2013 at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, New Jersey.

For Jenna Lanzaro, studying abroad in Italy has done more than just allow her to get to know her Italian-American heritage. This college student from Commack, N.Y., was struck by the relaxed feel of Italy, which contrasts with the fast pace of her home state.

This observation helped her win the third place $100 scholarship in University Language Services’ spring 2012 study abroad scholarship contest.

Jenna’s Photo

Jenna’s photo was taken in Italy, where she studied Italian at Florence University of the Arts in 2011. More specifically, the picture was taken in a lemon grove called Il Giardino di Cataldo, located in Sorrento.

During this time in her trip, she began to learn to live in the moment and enjoy her surroundings, which she attested was one of her goals when considering studying abroad in Italy. The peaceful lemon grove was not just refreshing and beautiful, but also a reminder to live in the moment, according to her description of her photo.

Her Future in Italy

Jenna expects to graduate from The College of New Jersey in 2013, but before that time comes, she will return to Italy to be a student teacher. She will live in Rome while teaching English to students at an international middle school.

Though Jenna has enjoyed Italy and plans to explore it even more in the fall, she still wants to see more of the world. In fact, she mentioned, “I have an insatiable travel bug now! I’d love to explore South America or Asia.”

Of course, everyone is subject to feeling homesick at some point while traveling. Jenna claimed she was missing her home toward the end of her trip but was able to stick to her goal of enjoying the moment before returning home.

Teaching English in Italy

With Jenna’s majors being English and secondary education, and her minor being creative writing, her desire to teach the language in another country is only natural. This opportunity should allow her to not only use her newfound Italian language skills, but also delve even deeper into the English language itself.

“I think that teaching English in a foreign country will expand my understanding of (and passion for) the language,” she said. “I also firmly believe that studying abroad has made me a more compassionate, curious, and creative individual, which I hope to use to present myself as a potential employee.”

Whether she continues down the career path as a teacher or eventually decides to take a different route, this attitude should serve her well, especially if she plans to travel more in the future. It appears that her experience studying abroad has taught her a lot so far, and her additional trip in the fall will likely help even more.

“Open-mindedness is so important to me, on both a personal and professional level, and I think that can best be achieved through immersion in another culture,” Jenna added. “In such a globalized and interconnected world, we need to expand beyond our own range of vision.”

This can be an important lesson to students or recent graduates planning to enter any field.