Study Abroad in Spain

If I were back in college, and had the opportunity to study abroad, I would be hard pressed to find a better study abroad destination than Spain. Having traveled through much of this beautiful and diverse country, I can definitively say that Spain is an amazing place with a lot to offer any traveler or study abroad participant.

One thing that I noticed that defined the Spanish culture for me was the escalator etiquette. In the London, if you stand on the right side of an Tube station escalator, you’ll get run down by a mob of briefcase-wielding business men and various other frenzied pedestrians. It is very organized – stand on the left, walk on the right, and don’t screw up! In Spain, the scene is quite different. People stand with legs and arms spread, in defiance. The mindset seems to be, “if the stairs are moving on their own, why should I walk up them?” And trying to push past is almost a futile endeavor. You’ll get that look that says, “where do you have to be that’s so important?”

Beside the Bob Marley-mellow vibe, Spain also has some interesting culture, amazing food, beautiful beaches, great weather, and the nightlife, well that’s a whole other blog. Anyone interested in studying abroad in Spain should still intend to take their classes seriously. You’ll be able to get a lot out of your time abroad in Spain if you work hard at your classes, learn the local language, and put aside a bit of time for fun as well.

The laid back atmosphere doesn’t mean that it’s all one big party, but if you study abroad in Spain and don’t sample the tapas bars and all-night clubs, you’ll be missing out on one of the most fun parts of the Spanish cultural experience!

For more information on study abroad in Spain, check out Student Traveler’s study abroad section.

Next time: Study Abroad programs with internships

Study Abroad in Italy

If you’re looking to study abroad, study abroad in Italy is as good a choice as any. There are now study abroad options in just about any country that you would want to go to. If you do study abroad in Italy, you’ll be able to enjoy the Italian culture, the Italian food, and you’ll be immersed in the Italian language. This is a major benefit and a major difficulty to studying abroad in a country that doesn’t speak your local lingo. You’ll have to learn on your feet, but it will be worth it in the end.

There are loads of study abroad programs in Italy, just check the web and see what you can find – try Student Traveler’s Study Abroad page for starters.

Here are what some of our readers had to say about Study Abroad in Italy:

Lincoln said, “I wouldn't trade my year of studying in Italy for all the tagliatelle ai funghi in the world! I would say the most important aspect of the study abroad experience is to keep an open mind…Remember: you are a guest in another country. Respect your host and be thankful for the invite!”

Katie said, “Most study abroad opportunities fade after college. Not mine. I searched for international American-accredited Master’s Degrees and found a perfect solution in the heart of Italy.”

After Studying abroad in Italy, Kristen said, “Flooded with questions upon my return, my favorite was, ‘What did you study while in Italy?’ My simple reply: ‘How to live in Italy and I have so much more to learn.’”

Next Time: Study Abroad in Spain

Study Abroad Internships

If you’re tired of your pencils, books and all the collegiate shrapnel of university life, you might want to consider taking a semester abroad. Not only will you get a break from your worn-out college routine and get to travel some exciting new (hopefully sunny / beachy) location, but study abroad can also give you a workforce advantage for those post-college years.

Students who study abroad can add international experience to their resumes, even if they don’t complete internships or job training overseas. The fact that they were willing and able to adjust and learn in a foreign environment, and the fact that they have experience and knowledge of other cultures makes them more attractive to employers.

If you want to really boost your resume status, try looking for an internship to go along with your study abroad program. Check the career center at your host college, or hop on the web and do some searches. Study abroad internships are a great way to further your cultural immersion and really learn something about the place you are living, all while boosting your resume. You’ll meet people on a professional level as well as a social level, and you’ll learn a thing or two about international corporate culture. Internships while studying abroad can open some amazing opportunities for future employment, at home, and abroad.

But if you’re not thinking about the post college years yet, you should still study abroad. You should study abroad to break out of the monotony of frat parties and physics classes and go experience a new culture, a new bar scene, and make new friends in foreign lands!

Next time: Study Abroad programs in Italy