Study Abroad at Ithaca: Tips From Your Peers

Getting Ready To Go!

2009-12-22T15:41:00.001-08:00

Hi everybody!

In this post I wanted to share some websites and tips that may be useful to you in your preparations for study abroad. Enjoy! :)

(Kathy Taylor at the Notre Dame in France)

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT INFO
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html Go here to select your study abroad destination and find out official government information on the country itself, required visas, safety tips, medical facilities in the country, and the location of the U.S. embassy.

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html This site tells you why you should register with the local U.S. embassy and how to do that.

HEALTH INFO
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx This site will give you health and vaccination information for whever you want to go in the world.

This info can also be obtained by making an appointment with Gannett Health Services' Travel Clinic at Cornell University (607-255-5155). This is where you can get all your shots and medications as well.

For background and general information on the country...

know your geography- it's good to know which countries border your destination, check out this interactive "name that country" game http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Geography.htm
to get a visual idea of the area where you'll be living, check out videos on YouTube
head to your local library! check out these picture books in the children's section... "Visual Georaphy Series: [country] in Pictures"; "Admit One: [country], Faces and Places; and "Enchantment of the Wolrd"

CHEAP AIRFARE
http://www.bt-store.com/

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA) REGULATIONS
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm This tells you what you can bring in your carry-on and in your luggage.

SKYPE www.skype.com is a FREE way to keep in touch with your family and friends while you're abroad. And if you want to be able to call any phone in the U.S. with unlimited minutes you can pay a small monthly fee (it was only $6 for me in Senegal).

TRAVELING TIPS
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/extras/planner/africa/index.html studying abroad somewhere in Africa? Here are some tips from the National Geographic's travel planner.

http://goafrica.about.com/od/africatraveltips/a/firsttime.htm
tips on traveling to poorer countries

CELL PHONE
You'll probably need one of these when you get there and it's likely that yours won't work (check on this beforehand though). You can buy one when you get there and buy minutes as you go. In terms of your plan back home...if you're with Verizon you can put your account on hold while you're abroad so you aren't paying for cell service that you're not using.

Finally, Megan Henry, who studied abroad in both Turkey and the Czech Republic has a few tips for those of you preparing to study abroad as well.

"Let your bank/credit card company know that you are traveling. Tell them to call your local branch/credit card office and tell them where your home base will be, and maybe places you plan to go and maybe some weekends you will go (if you know...if not, make it up but get their email and tell them). If you don't do this you run a HUGE risk of having your card frozen and you are left with no money.
Make sure you have some of the currency of your country before you get there if possible. You can order most currencies from Bank of America; their website is helpful.
Also, make sure you have the proper visa [not the credit card, this kind of Visa is a stamp in your passport] and do not leave this to the last minute. If you do not have a visa, it is annoying and difficult and getting it done is the most frustrating process, so get it done early and don't go without one!
Save money when traveling around your destination by packing a jar of peanut butter and one of jelly and some bread as well as some snacks so you don't have to eat every meal out when you are away from your home base.
Plan a trip or 2 in advance and find people to go with you when you get there. Flights are cheaper the more in advance you get them.
For Europe, get the ISIC Card (International Student Identity Card) that Ithaca College suggests you apply for- just do it. It is around $35, but it can be used a ton for savings on travel and other things.
Pack light! Bring only what you absolutely cannot live without and what you really need. If you use a speical shampoo or face wash, and especially medicines, bring enough for your trip because you might not be able to find it there.

If you have any suggestions to add to this list or have any other questions about preparing to study abroad, let us know! Post a comment or send me an email at swolfe2@ithaca.edu.

Peace and happy holidays!

-Samantha :)

Volunteer While Studying Abroad

2009-12-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

Hey There!

This time around we wanted to let you know about some opportunities to volunteer while you're studying abroad and share some stories from IC students who've done that. Volunteering can be a fun way to become more immersed in the culture, to meet some friends, learn some skills, and to give back to your host country. International service work can also give you some perspective on your future job opportunities and interests.

One way to get involved is by looking into what opportunities are available once you're there.

When I was in Senegal I learned from my Canadian friends about a guy named Papis who was starting a non-profit organization called Daara Vision Senegal. His goal is to improve the
(my friend's host sisters and I)

quality of life and education for young boys living in the Daaras, Koranic schools/ living quarters that have become very poor due to urbanization and increasing poverty over the years (click here for more info on this). When I heard that he was using student volunteers from Projects Abroad to tutor the boys in French and Math, I thought that he might like some extra help. Although I only went a few times, it really gave me a different perspective on what life can be like for people. Seeing these boys (referred to as Talibes) beg for money from everyone on the streets everyday (as they are required to bring in money to the Marabout who runs the Daara), it can be easy to become jaded. But being able to learn their names and interact with them at the Daara was so heartwarming; it made me recognize their childhood even though they're leading such hard adult-like lives. It also made me realize (yet again) how important knowing other languages is to communicate! Most of these boys spoke the local language, Wolof, not French. It's certainly difficult trying to teach a little boy in a hot, crowded shack how to subtract in a foreign language. While it was beautiful when we could connect in tiny ways, experiences like this made me realize how important it is for me to work in a setting where I know the culture and the language so that I can really give all that I have in supporting people.

If you'd like to plan a volunteer opportunity before you get to your location, I've found a few websites from WiseBread.com that offer free or cheap short-term volunteer experiences. These kind of volunteer programs could be done over a 2-3 week break from classes or before you start or after you complete the study abroad program.

A. Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) "places volunteers on organic farms around the world." "If you are interested in environmentally sound living, want to have hands on learning about biodynamics, composting, bread, wine, and cheese making, building with mud bricks, sustainable energy.......while living in the local community then volunteering with WWOOF might be for you." "While working, your room and board at the farm is free, though volunteers are responsible for all expenses involved in getting to and from the site. Volunteers must pay a small annual membership fee to join the organization in the county they wish to work in order to access the database of farms." WWOOF programs are operating from Argentina, to Australia, to Nepal, to Uganda.

B. "There are a number of 'work camps' worldwide that place teams of volunteers on a two or three week project. These can involved everything from farming to construction, education to art, every project is different. It costs about $300 for two or three weeks of room, board, and work. Not free, but not bad for two weeks of traveling. These projects are organized through clearing houses, the most popular being Volunteers for Peace and Service Civil International."

Volunteers for Peace (VFP), is about a 5 hour commitment per day and you live, work, eat and play with the other volunteers. In each 6-16 person VFP group there are volunteers from all over (2 Americans, 2 Spaniards, 2 Germans, and 2 Australians for example). Check out the sitehttp://www.vfp.org/index.html for more info. They have some great opportunities.
Service Civil International (SCI) is possible to do while you're taking classes if you're only taking a few. "Every year about 5,000 volunteers participate in workcamps in over 80 countries." You will live and work with an international group of volunteers and gain "a deeper understanding of problems that local communities around the world are facing, while at the same time, supporting them with concrete volunteer work...A typical workcamp can vary from...assisting Alpine farmers in the Austrian Alps, beach restoration in the South of Spain, building maintenance at an orphanage in the Ukraine, or helping on an organic tea farm in Japan." Their site is http://www.sci-ivs.org/new/index.php?ind ex.

C. Never hurts to check out www.idealist.org where you can search for volunteer opportunities, internships or jobs to enhance your experience abroad.

Finally, some study abroad programs have volunteer opportunities built into them. The affiliated program I went on through Hamline University offered "internship opportunities", but I think that as long as you don't receive internship credit for them on your transcript or resume they could definitely be considered volunteer opportunities as they were not paid. I worked with a non-profit organization called The Hunger Project and I know some students who have worked in an orphanage or taught school children English.

Arianne Templeton, who went on the Semester At Sea program also took advantage of volunteer opportunities offered by the program. She writes...

"My first visit was to a Dalit School in Chennai, India. [The work project was organized by the Human Rights Education Movement of India.] We were escorted to the school from the ship in a school bus...All of the children ran out of the building to greet us...It

(Ari at the school)

was really special and immediately we could tell that they had been looking forward to this day for a long time. After welcoming us with music...they put us to work! We were to paint the exterior of three of the buildings...after 4 hours I was absolutely covered in paint...After painting for about 3 hours (with very frequent interruptions by the little kids) they thanked us for all of our hard work and for simply coming to the village...the smiles on the children's faces were really all we needed as a Thank You...the school itself is in a Dalit neighborhood, which is the lowest caste system, also known as the untouchables...it was the poorest of the poor people in India, and the work that the Education Movement is doing is phenomenal. Every SAS group does service projects through them, but they move around so different children get to meet the students over the years. As we were leaving they were holding our hands and hugging us and kissing our cheeks- they were all so cute and we could have easily stayed there for a few more hours. It was exhausting but an incredibly rewarding experience."

Ari also had the opportunity to serve a Thanksgiving dinner in Honolulu, Hawaii and served in a center for people with disabilities in Malaysia. Check out her blog at www.ariatsea.blogspot.com.

I hope these stories and resources can help you out if you're interested in volunteering while studying abroad! As always, let us know if you have any questions about studying abroad or would like contact information for someone who's been to your future destination.

Peace,

Samantha Wolfe :)

Words Of Encouragement From the CCC

2009-11-24T14:55:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-11-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-01T12:03:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-11-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

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.

It's Finally Here!

2009-10-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

Want to hear more about IC students' experiences studying abroad? Feeling a little lost in deciding where to go, what to pack, how to pay for it?

If you've already been abroad, have you had a chance to connect with others about their experiences? Do you want to share some advice with future study abroadees?

Then you're at the right place! This blog is designed to open up communication between Ithaca College's study abroad alumni and every other student that's considering study abroad. The Office of International Programs (located on the first floor of CHS) is a great place to start and the director of study abroad, Rachel Cullenen, is super helpful throughout the process. But if you want to get a picture of what studying abroad really looks like and how to prepare for it, here's where you'll hear from students who've been all over the world who want to help you get as much as you can out of your time abroad.

In the upcoming posts you'll find information about study abroad scholarships, photos from other students' experiences, tips on how to get ready, useful websites, and answers to your pressing questions about study abroad. Speaking of which, please leave a comment with any question you might have about studying abroad. It could be anything from what was your favorite memory, to how do I get a visa (or what is a visa in the first place, hint: it's not a credit card), to what's the weather like in Nigeria. We really want this to be an interactive community that encourages and excites you to study abroad. If there's ever something you want to know more about just let us know.

Also! One of the best ways to get an idea of what your experience will be like is to meet with a student who's been there. Leave a comment and let us know if you'd like to meet with someone who's been on your program and we'll hook you up.

So don't forget to keep checking back for new posts with the tried-and-true methods and tips from your very own IC study abroad alumni!

-Samantha Wolfe
Class of 2011
Sociology Major, French Minor