Words Of Encouragement From the CCC

Ata Movassaghi scuba diving- Melbourne, Australia

Hello there!

This week, we wanted to share some words of encouragement for all of you considering study abroad. It can be intimidating- choosing where to go, what program to go through, packing, and getting mentally prepared to travel somewhere you've never been to, especially if you don't know anyone else going! So to keep you excited and motivated, here are some general thoughts from IC study abroad alumni on the value of studying abroad and how it has impacted their lives.


One thing to note is that all the quotes here are from current or former members of IC's Cultural Connections Club. I've been a part of this club since the semester before I went abroad to Senegal and I love it. We have dessert and photo nights where we share our stories from abroad, go out to dinner, promote study abroad through high school presentations, and provide a space where students can get excited and prepared to study abroad. We can help you fill out paperwork, answer your questions about studying abroad, and share any tips we have with you.
Email me at swolfe2@ithaca.edu if you're interested in joining.

We also have an upcoming event- Study abroad for a night!
What? an event where different cultural clubs on campus are coming together to celebrate and educate each other about our respective countries/cultures
Where? Fitness Center Gym
When? Tuesday, December 1st from 7:30-9:30
Cost? FREE


One more thing before the quotes! I thought it'd be a good idea to start adding some of our photos to each blog post. I think it's kind of exciting to look at pictures from other places in the world; places that you can go to through study abroad. Enjoy!


"Going to Rome was definitely a wonderful experience, one that I believe changed me for the better as a person. I grew up a lot in Rome because I had to. Living in another culture for a period of time also allowed me to become bery adaptable. Though at times I did get frustrated...in the end I fell in love with the Italian culture. I fully believe that studying abroad is something every student should do. It's a life enriching experience that no one should miss out on, especially since once you've graduated it will be even harder to go live over there for months at a time."- Kristen Cassel

Kristen in Rome

"My study abroad experience definitely impacted my life in a huge way...It was a growing experience and I developed my independence and confidence. My travels to Honduras this past summer greatly improved my Spanish language skills...I was able to study the culture and religion of Hondurans. I have a real sense of appreciation for the US, our freedoms, safety, privileges, technology, and living conditions."
- Liz Wetmore, also studied in Australia

"Studying abroad has CHANGED my life...It was the best decision of my life! I learned so much about myself as a person...I definitely feel more confident in myself...I have been back to Australia a total of four times since 2006...I just can't get enough of the culture and beautiful landscape. It has inspired me to do some more traveling in the future after I graduate...my experience abroad has impacted my career route as well. Before I went to Australia I had the goal of becoming a doctor...From the people I met and the experiences I had, I realized that wasn't the right choice for me...after my schooling one will most likely find me settled overseas in Australia :) ." - Jess Farley

"I thought I understood the world and was open before I went, but I was wrong, and I am grateful that I now know that I will never fully understand each culture, but it is an absolute blast trying to figure them out...I especially love learning while I am traveling because I get a micro history or micro politics of the area I am living in, which you cannot get in any class in college. There is nothing like learning about socialist identities than from someone who has gone through it...I would encourage everyone to study abroad."
- Meghan Henry, studied in the Czech Repbulic and in Turkey





Ata white water rafting in Australia!

As always, leave a comment or email me at swolfe2@ithaca.edu if there's anything else you'd like to see in the blog or if you'd like to meet up with another student who's studied abroad where you want to go.

Peace,
Samantha

Packing List!!!

As some of you may be getting ready to go abroad this winter break or next semester, I thought it might be useful to include a packing list.

You'll surely receive some lists from your program and/or from the Office of International Programs at IC which will remind you to bring things like sneakers, clean underwear, and photos from home. But here are some important items that they might not mention and that us study abroad alumni found particularly useful while we were abroad.

• 3 oz. travel-sized container set and quart-sized ziplock bag (found for $3 at Big Lots); if you have your own containers and bag you're all set, but this is a convenient way to make sure you're abiding by the TSA guidelines about bringing liquids/gels/creams on the plane
• a pocket-sized calculator for currency conversions (can also use a cell that you bring or purchase there)
• Charmin-To-Go or tissues if you're not sure if the bathrooms where you're headed have toilet paper
  
• Purell! a life savor for when your hands get super dirty from travelling
• a plug adaptor (to change the shape) and a convertor (to change the voltage): You can find these at Radio Shack or potentially other electronic stores. The ones you want to buy depend on where you're going (they should specify on the back of the package). Also, check the electronic devices you're brining because some will need the convertor (as I found out after my battery charger went up in smoke) and some won't (my laptop didn't).
• peanut butter is hard to find in Europe and other parts of the world. Bring a huge jar if you can't live without it.
• a hat, sunscree, and sunglasses if you're going somewhere sunny
• a swimsuit no matter where you go- you never know
• extra pairs of contacts and/or glasses (if you have/need them)
• special shampoos or face washes if you need them and aren't sure whether or not they're sold where you're going
• snacks and other food for when you're travelling (you could buy this when you're there, but it's just a reminder so that you don't have to eat out for every meal when you're away from your home-base)
• a webcam with microphone if you plan on using Skype while abroad (www.skype.com), highly recommended and it's free!

Also, we wanted to emphasize some important items to bring that ARE listed in the Study Abroad Handbook you'll receive at the madatory study abroad information sessions before you go abroad.

• a good-sized, sturdy backpack for travelling
• souvenirs/small presents and/or photos from home from your new friends and host family
• a money pouch/fanny pack to keep your money and passport close to you at all times
• an umbrella
• a small, battery-operated alarm clock (you could use your cell from home or there for this)
• a small first aid kid (make sure to include ibuprofin, tums, antibacterial cream, bandaids, etc)
• comfortable walking shoes
• comfortable traveling clothes (Although you don't want to take up too much space in your luggage since you can always wash these while traveling. Also, you'll probably buy some clothes there.)
• medications

Planes don't allow you to bring more than 2 large suitcases and a caryy-on. This should give you more than enough space for the things you need to bring. It's true that you don't want to overpack. You'll probably buy souvenirs there to bring some so you'll want that extra space, and it really is a pain to drage around 2 huge suitcases with you when you're moving from place to place.

I hope this was helpful! As always, let us know if you have any questions or additional suggestions for the blog! You can either leave a comment on the post or shoot me an email at swolfe2@ithaca.edu.

Go forward with purpose!

-Samantha Wolfe :)

FUNDRAISING for your study abroad

So if none of those scholarship opportunities from the previous post work for you, here are some MORE ways to fund your experience.

Fundraising will help to make your trip more affordable and serves as a way to educate the public.

If you select a program that helps achieve your long-term goals, it will be easier to solicit funds from external sources. Keep in mind that local, regional and national groups, as well as individuals, are all possible contributors. They include:

• Heritage groups that have interests in specific countries (e.g. Japan America Society)
• Civic groups (Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Clubs)
• Agencies and foundations
• Travel agencies
• High school alumni associations
• Professional and business clubs
• Media (newspapers, radio and TV)
• Sororities and fraternities (local and national chapters)
• Vocational rehabilitation agencies (for students with disabilities)
• Charitable, ethnic, religious and campus organizations

Direct, informal appeals often work best. Be specific on how you intend to spend the funds (airfare, program fee, tuition, personal travel, special projects, etc.). Include a photo of yourself with your request so that the receiver will establish a personal connection with you. Make donating as easy as possible (cash or check), so that you’re more likely to get an actual donation rather than a promise to donate, and don’t be afraid to follow up if you haven’t received a response. Enthusiasm, creativity, and perseverance on your part - and not fearing rejection in some instances - will likely take you a long way. Remember every little bit helps!

In exchange for your financial support, you should pledge to "give something back," such as regular updates while you are abroad. Alternatively, upon your return you could:

• Write an article
• Show a video from your experience
• Create a Web site
• Sponsor a regional dinner or presentation
• Lead a discussion or seminar
• Organize a topical campus or community forum
• Promote educational and business exchanges
• Participate in radio and televised interviews and broadcasts
• Contribute community service and outreach
• Help others to have a similar international experience

Fundraising ideas that have worked:

• Waive holiday and birthday gifts and request financial gifts or loans instead.
• Write a creative letter to all your relatives, asking for financial support in exchange for monthly letters while abroad and a presentation and dinner upon return.
• Ask friends to join you in raising money by painting, cleaning or washing cars.
• Organize an event where you and/or some friends solicit donations by providing instruction for a couple of hours (cooking, quilting, yoga, karate, computer skills, dancing, sign language, stained glass, woodworking, etc.).
• Collect used books, CD's, computer software, etc. and have a sale.
• Ask your church, synagogue or temple to sponsor a special offering, dinner, or raffle and give the proceeds for study abroad.
• Organize a radio talk show and solicit contributions.
• Approach stores for donated supplies such as clothing, camping gear, etc.
• Find out if your parents' employers have a scholarship program for their children or find out if your employer will sponsor you or might be willing to make a cash advance to be paid back through payroll deduction. No harm in asking!
• Combine fundraising opportunities: sell T-shirts at a fundraising dance marathon.
• In exchange for the use of your car while you're gone, have a friend or sibling make all or part of your car payments.
• Organize a can drive in the residence halls.
• Collect cans during football tailgating (be sure to identify yourself and your purpose so fans will readily pass on their cans and bottles).
• Join friends and get paid to clean up the Breslin Center after an event (you'll need to sign up in advance).
• Work for the Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) for special event parking.
• Sell coffee and baked goods with a sign stating your purpose.
• Contact foreign exchange students you might know about staying with them, thus reducing your housing costs.
• Ask family members to donate frequent flyer miles.
• Save all your spare change in a jar – small amounts can really add up!
• SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!

Keys to successful fundraising: confidence and perseverance!

Keep careful records of who supported you and the amount. Be sure to express your appreciation for their support. Your energy and enthusiasm for an international experience will be contagious! Good luck!

- taken from this site

Financing Study Abroad + Scholarships!

Sorry about the delay between posts! From now on we're going to make weekly updates!

This week we're going to look at scholarship opportunities! Financing a study abroad can seem scary, but it's totally possible.

If you choose an exchange program all your institutional, federal and state aid transfers, this includes any scholarships you might be receiving. Your aid package might be adjusted to the cost of the exchange program. Aid may be reduced if allowable costs are less than IC costs. All your costs will be from IC, but you'll still want some extra money for travel and other in country expenses (transportation, souvenirs, activities etc).


If you choose an affiliated program, all or some of your financial aid may transfer. Again, your aid package might be adjusted to the cost of the exchange program and aid may be reduced if allowable costs are less than IC costs. Though, when I went to Senegal my program costs turned out to be $1,000 less and my aid wasn't reduced. Thus, you'll still be paying IC tuition but the room/board costs will come from your program and you'll still want money for travel and other in country expenses (transportation, souvenirs, activities etc).

If you choose a non-affiliated program you won't be paying IC tuition or IC room/board, but all the program costs. This can be a good option if you don't receive much financial aid or scholarships because only federal financial aid can potentially transfer for this kind of program. Again, the expenses mentioned earlier will apply so you'll need some extra cash. Also, a $415 administrative fee (semester) or $200 administrative fee (summer) must be paid to IC and a $400 deposit is required to hold your place at IC for following semester.

That all being said, your best bet to get the details on expenses will be to meet with Rachel Cullenen at the Office of International Programs; call (607)-274-3306 or email intlprog@ithaca.edu to set up an appointment.


now for SCHOLARSHIPS!!! :D

Check here first. This is where I found out about the Congressionally-funded Gilman scholarship that gave me $4,500! There are a lot of other scholarships here too.

A searchable study abroad scholarship database organized by region/country, field of study, program type (research/classroom/ internship), and student criteria, including students with disabilities.

Traveling to East or Southeast Asia? This scholarship grants up to $5,000 for one semester of study.

Average award of $5,000 for International Business majors studying abroad anywhere.

Scholarship for studying abroad in Germany

Study abroad loan website

scholarship for studying abroad in Turkey or Cyprus either through IC's summer & winter session programs or on a non-affiliated program, up to $1,000

DiversityAbroad.com Study Abroad Scholarship for those of you studying on a non-affiliated program that is a Diversity Abroad member organization or on an affiliated program through CC-CS, IES, or SIT.

receive 50% off the cost of the least expensive cabin for the non-affiliated Semester at Sea program.

Local Sources
You might check banks in your hometown to ask if they award monies to students for educational or international purposes. Funds may also be available from your parents’ or guardians’ employer or a large hometown business or civic organization.