Ready. Set. Pack to Go Abroad!

By Mollie Caselli | Published: July 30, 2010

Fall is slowly approaching. For some, summer and freedom will end. For others, fall study abroad will begin! Imagine cruising along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, learning Chinese in the heart of Asia, or strolling the streets of Greece.  Before you get there you need to know what to pack. Use this checklist as a starting point for your journey.

Clothing:

Don't Forget the Essentials When Going Abroad

Organize before you Pack

  • Underwear (Two week’s worth; the more you bring, the less laundry you have to do)
  • Socks (Two week’s worth plus some wool socks)
  • Undershirts
  • Thermal underwear (Check the local weather abroad, know your new home!)
  • Long sleeved shirts
  • Short sleeved shirts
  • Sweatshirt/ Sweater (2-3)
  • Jeans/ Khakis (2-3 pair)
  • Shorts/Capris
  • A belt or two
  • Skirts (for the girls)
  • Workout clothes
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit
  • Coat/Jacket (One for cold weather and one that is water resistant)
  • A nice outfit for formal occasions (Keep in mind: some countries dress more formal than others)
  • Flip flops/ Sandals (Easy to pack and useful for hostel showers)
  • Sneakers/ Dress shoes/ Boots/ Rain boots (Don’t bring too much)
  • Any cold weather gear (Gloves/ mittens, hat, scarf)

Toiletries: (You’ll also be able to buy these abroad)

  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Deodorant
  • Feminine Products (One month’s worth- make sure you’re always supplied)
  • Brush/Comb
  • Razor/ Shaving supplies
  • Contact lenses and solution
  • Nail clippers
  • Makeup
  • OTC medicines
  • Contraceptives (Better safe than sorry)
  • Tissues/ toilet paper (It can get nasty when this runs out)
  • Prescription Drugs (Make sure you are allowed to bring them into the country and you have documentation, either the prescription or a doctor’s note)

Extras

Books & iPods are Essential for a Long Flight

Books & iPods are Essential for a Long Flight

  • A few hundred dollars in local currency (Exchange money before you leave the states)
  • Money pouch/Passport holder (Have a safe, hidden accessory to hold important stuff)
  • Important documents (Passport, visa, itinerary, plane tickets, ISIC card, etc)
  • Sunglasses/ Extra eye glasses/Contacts/ Contact cleaners & cases
  • Cell phone (See if you can unlock your phone; research international plans)
  • Phone Numbers for any family living abroad
  • Laptop and charger (Pick up an international outlet adapter for your charger)
  • Camera w/cords and charger (Again, make sure you have an international adapter)
  • MP3 Player/ iPod (Long plane/train rides)
  • Tour Guides/ Maps/ Books (Learn your new home & leisure time)
  • Sheets/ Bed linens (Not entirely necessary - check with your program)
  • Bath towels (Check with your program)
  • Sleep sack/Sleeping bag (Most hostels have sheets. Others will charge)
  • Journal/ diary (Best way - besides photos- to document your travels)
  • Backpack (For daily use, your laptop, and to carry while traveling)
  • Water bottle/ Canteen/ Nalgene bottle (Water bottles are expensive abroad; A Nalgene bottle is plastic and might be easier to get through airport security)

These are only suggestions. Some will bring more, others a lot less. Keep these in mind as you pack so you don’t forget something important. You’ll find most essentials abroad, but you’ll save money and time if you don’t have to hunt for things when you get there. Last note, before you hit the airport (in the US and abroad) always check your baggage weight! Don’t find yourself wasting money due to over-sized luggage!

Have a great time studying abroad this Fall! Remember, if you need help planning your trip check out Gulliver’s Prepare to Go section for advice on last minute scholarships, visas, driving tips, food, and living like a local!

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Universities Make Studying Abroad Easier

By Mollie Caselli | Published: July 2, 2010

If all this World Cup action has you dreaming of going to South Africa - it’s time to consider studying abroad! Next school year could be your chance! There’s no time like the present to start researching. One of the biggest obstacles with study abroad is whether your school offers programs. Lucky for you, there are plenty of universities that welcome students from other institutions. So what are you waiting for?

Learn Futbol from the Pros

Learn Futbol from the Pros

Start your study abroad search with Gulliver! Why is Gulliver a great resource? Because you can search programs approved by your own university. This doesn’t pertain only to programs offered by your school, but those you’ll receive credit for even if you go abroad with your rival institution (might want to avoid that!)

Interested in looking at other universities? Here are a few to check out: St. John’s University will send you to Paris, Rome, or on a journey around Europe for your spring or summer semester. Institute for Study Abroad - Butler University offers programs in Argentina, Australia, China, India and Peru, to name a few. Duke University and Syracuse also have plenty of programs around the globe. Arcadia University is another top school for study abroad.

Don’t forget you can also directly enroll in foreign universities in Greece, France and many other countries. Direct enrollment is often cheaper than applying through a university or program provider.

Talk to your college advisor before making any long term decisions. Happy Travels!

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Study Abroad 2010: Argentina!

By Mollie Caselli | Published: June 6, 2010

School’s almost out! For some, that means freedom! While others are still planning out fall schedules. One important question to consider: where will you study abroad next year? Ever dreamed of learning the tango, exploring Mesopotamia, or visiting the glaciers, forests and lakes of Patagonia? You’re in luck! Argentina is open for study abroad year-round! Time to start packing!

Getting Around Argentina

Iguazu Falls Dazzles the Coast

Iguazu Falls Dazzles the Northeast

For starters: brush up on a little Spanish! Argentina boasts unique culture, art, and architecture around every corner. The heart of Argentina lies in its capital, Buenos Aires. The city also serves as a hub for national and international travel. There is plenty to see outside Buenos Aires. Fan of water sports? Consider fishing, kayaking, and discovering new wildlife in Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) at the southern tip of South Africa. Don’t miss Iguazú Falls in the Northeast, a World Heritage Site with over 200 dazzling waterfalls between Argentina and Brazil. Prefer hiking? The Andes mountain range on the western border is every adventurer seeker’s paradise. Don’t stop there, Patagonia (no, not the clothing company) is riddled with sea life (whales, penguins, seals!) The glaciers are also a cool spot for international skiers.

With so many places to go, how should you travel around? Buses will take you virtually everywhere on the map. If you start in Buenos Aires, you’ll take the central bus station (in Retiro). Check out The Bus Station for an exhaustive list of bus carriers and websites. A word to the wise: you will get what you pay for. Except during the peak holiday season, you shouldn’t need to book tickets in advance.

You can easily go by air as well! Get to know Buenos Aires’ domestic airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (or simply “aeroparque”) as well as its international airport, Ezeiza. Aerolineas Argentinas is the most popular domestic airline. Lan offers daily regional flights from Buenos Aires to Córdoba, Mendoza, Bariloche, and Iguazú. American Falcon and Southern Winds are two cheaper domestic airlines to search. You can also check Kayak.com for good fares.

A few things to keep in mind before you leave: carne, red wine, empanadas, and the super poncho.

Study Abroad

Hold Buenos Aires in the Palm of your Hand

You'll have Buenos Aires Figured out in No Time

Argentina is a perfect spot for studying history, architecture, business, Latin arts, Spanish, and anthropology. Phew! That’s not to say anyone can’t enjoy a semester or year abroad. Consider going abroad with CIEE at the Universidad de Buenos Aires; IFSA- Butler will bring you to the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Mendoza, at the foot of the Andes; or you can take your international business skills to the next level with AHA in Rosario, Argentina’s third largest city. As the world’s eighth largest country, Argentina entertains both geographical and academic pursuits. It’s no wonder why Buenos Aires is called the “Pearl” of South America.

Still skeptical about the whole “study abroad” idea? Explore Gulliver for cool facts about Argentina – and dozens of other countries. Once you figure out where you want to go, sit back, relax, and let us take over! Find information on visas, scholarships, housing, internet, cell phone service, and traveling around South America in Gulliver’s Prepare to Go section. Our only request is that you have fun and invite others to go abroad!

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Study Abroad 2010: Costa Rica!

By Mollie Caselli | Published: May 12, 2010

Want to study in paradise? Here’s your chance! Costa Rica awaits. Where else can you explore a beach, mountains, and a jungle… in one day. Surf in the morning, take a hike before lunch, snorkel during a beautiful sunset and spend your weekend in a rainforest. Get swept away by the warmth and friendliness of local Costa Ricans.

Getting Around Costa Rica

Not Your Typical College Campus

Not Your Typical College Campus

A few quick notes on the weather: summer is December through April! The highlands are chilly, the cloud forest is misty, the capital city of San José and the Central Valley are peaceful and both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts stay pretty toasty year-round.

Before going to Costa Rica- make sure you have the proper documents (ID, passport, etc). You can find more information in our Prepare to Go section. How do you get to Costa Rica? Depends on where you start. Coming from the states? Fly into Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría, in the town of Alajuela, northwest of San José or Aeropuerto Internacional Daniel Oduber Quirós in Liberia. The national airline Lacsa flies all over Latin America, including Cuba. Rest assured, the FAA requires Costa Rica’s aviation authorities to be in compliance with international safety standards.

A note to budget travelers: Costa Rica borders Nicaragua and Panama and many travelers prefer the bus. An extensive bus system links the Central American capitals and it’s cheaper than flying. International buses go from San José to Changuinola (Bocas del Toro), David and Panama City, Panama; Guatemala City; Managua, Nicaragua; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Where will you go? Keep in mind Lonely Planet’s top six adventures: canopy tours in Monteverde, river kayaking, surfing the Caribbean, white water rafting, surfing the Pacific, and scuba diving. If you brave the canopy lines or ride the rough surf of the Pacific you might write home to mom after you survive in one piece.

Study Abroad Costa Rica

Relax with Some of the Most Beautiful Creatures

Relax with Some of the Most Beautiful Creatures

Costa Rica is the perfect spot for students to improve their Spanish, promote sustainable tourism, and interact with biological sciences. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty for everyone else. Check out programs in San Jose, Heredia, La Selva, or Monteverde.

With its national parks, Eco-farms, and rainforests, Costa Rica is a top choice for volunteering and internships. Discover how to save the sea turtles or help build communities. AmeriSpan offers popular programs in Alajuela, Flamingo Beach, Heredia, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Samara Beach, San Joaquin and San Jose. You’ll also find great programs with Academic Programs International, College Consortium for International Studies, and the University Studies Abroad Consortium.

Always remember to start your study abroad search with Gulliver and fine tune your travel plans in our Prepare to Go section. Have fun in paradise!

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Study Abroad 2010: United Kingdom!

By Mollie Caselli | Published: April 26, 2010

Maybe learning a new language isn’t your cup of tea? Don’t stress. You can discover a new culture while speaking a relatively familiar tongue.  If Ireland is a little too cold, consider the United Kingdom. Of course, if you want to indulge in foreign treats, the UK is a travel hub for most of Europe.

Getting Around the UK

London Offers Many Treasures

England Offers Many Treasures

Narrowing your search down to the United Kingdom still leaves much to debate. Do you want to explore the beautiful coastline of Wales, dine at a castle in Scotland, learn the turbulent history of Northern Ireland or swing by a pub in England? Tough choices.  England is the only country in the world that welcomes more international students than the U.S.  Northern Ireland takes fame for its rolling pastures and endless green grasslands. Don’t miss Glasgow in Scotland, which often rivals Dublin, Ireland. Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful towns in the world. Or visit Wales, which boasts its own language (Welch), culture, and music.

The United Kingdom is pretty big. London alone is tough to conquer. So, learn the best ways to get around. Check out each city or town’s individual subway systems, the train (it’s only 2 1/2 hours from London to Paris on Eurostar!), cheap airlines (easyJet and Ryan Air), and the ferries. The rail network in Great Britain is the oldest such network in the world. Consider hopping on the National Rail or the Northern Ireland Railways.

Study Abroad

England: Impress everyone back home and spend a semester or academic year at Oxford or Cambridge. You’ll receive a first class education, meet some of the most intellectual students in the world, and may learn a little polo. Whether you’re into history, art, literature, business, science, or have a good sense of humor – you’re bound to find a great program. Don’t forget to visit Liverpool (home to none other than the Beatles!) Some top cities include: London, Oxford, and Brighton.

Watch the Sunrise in Scotland

Watch the Sunrise in Scotland

Wales: Music, Literature, and Outdoor exploration drive most students to Wales. Don’t miss Dolwyddelan Castle, the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, and the university towns in Cardiff and Swansea.

Scotland:  Study in 15th Century universities like: University of Glasgow, the University of St. Andrews, Dundee University and the University of Aberdeen. Check out these great university towns: Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Scotland offers everything from historic castles to quaint city pubs and lush mountain scenery. Don’t forget to keep your eye out for Nessie!

Northern Ireland: Walk in the footsteps of author C.S. Lewis, actors Liam Neeson and Kenneth Branagh, or musician Van Morrison. Learn the turbulent history of this area in the northeast of Ireland. Explore Dunluce Castle and Harry Avery’s Castle as you study in Ulster or at Queen’s University in Belfast. The largest city in Northern Ireland, Belfast is home to some of the country’s best restaurants, pubs, and urban life.

Once you figure out where you want to go, leave the rest to us! Find information on visas, passports, scholarships, housing, internet, cell phone service, and traveling around the UK in Gulliver’s Prepare to Go section. We do the hard work so you can focus on having fun!

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Tips for Learning the Language

By James Yin | Published: April 8, 2010

Learning the local language when studying abroad is daunting and challenging, but it’s a necessary step in understanding the culture of your host country. Much time should be spent brushing up on your language skills and we have some tips for you below.

Watch Movies and Listen to Music

It’s really interesting how much of a language you can pick up by listening to music and watching movies.  Since music and movies can have similar themes (romance, tragedy, revenge, etc.) across cultures, your language comprehension can improve by watching and listening.

If you like to listen to music while studying, it can set the mood by focusing your mind on the language. For this reason, listening to English music isn’t advised when you’re studying for French, for example. Just download some local music at the beginning of your trip and take some time to listen to it. You’ll be surprised how much it can help.

608px-bilingualdictionariesGive Yourself Daily Challenges

Studying the language in your dorm or at your homestay is excellent, but it should always be accompanied by real world interaction. Give yourself a daily challenge to complete after class. This can be as simple as inquiring about food at a local food stand. As long as the challenge forces interaction with locals and helps you practice your vocabulary, it has done its job.  When I was studying Chinese in Beijing, one of our assigned challenges was to ask about and find the nearest post office. After class, we all dispersed and looked on our own.  Ultimately, the destination was only 3 blocks from the University, but we had spoken to many people while searching for it. One student cleverly managed to hitch a ride with the delivery truck and saved himself the walk.

Write things Down

Everyone knows that carrying a pocket dictionary can be great, but it’s also important to carry a small notebook. Whether you come across an interesting local, or a shop with a fun name, having a notebook is important to keep records. For language retention, writing in the notebook will help you remember overheard phrases you didn’t quite understand at the time and is great for recording new vocabulary words.

Relax

Learning a new language is stressful and it’s easy to be self conscious about your performance when you’re in the presence of native speakers, so relaxation is very important. When you’re speaking with friends or practicing with locals, just take a deep breath, relax, and let it rip. Being inhibited will prevent you from speaking, and not speaking will make it harder for you to learn the language. While we don’t advocate too much drinking, having a beer can calm the nerves and it can also put you in touch with other people who will make interesting conversation.

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Enjoy the Academic Side of Going Abroad

By Mollie Caselli | Published: April 7, 2010

Thinking about studying abroad, but still skeptical as to whether it’s right for you? The first time I went to Italy I was initially homesick. Instead of feeling sorry for myself I made friends, traveled, and involved myself in university-affiliated programs. Although we want to explore new territory, try to keep in mind the academic importance of going abroad. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Be Flexible and Accommodate New Academic Surroundings

Sorbonne: My Home Away from Home

The Sorbonne: My Home Away from Home

Students will quickly discover studying abroad is a 24/7 experience. Not only will you have morning, afternoon, or nightly classes, but each time you walk around your host city you’ll dig deeper into the language, culture, and local traditions. Some students find difficulty in new cities when they cannot communicate properly. Don’t let this hold you back. Practice your new language. If you study in an English-speaking country, learn the local customs, terminology, and way of life. In school, reading assignments are extensive. Take time to get them done. Class participation will not only help you academically, but you’ll obtain a stronger grasp of your surroundings. Not all universities teach the same. Let yourself adapt as soon as possible.

Maintain Integrity and Academic honesty

Learn your host country’s standards of academic honesty and incorporate them in your own work. Express your own, non plagiarized, original views in the form of papers, class discussions, and research. Students abroad are continually evaluated on performance, not just at end of the course. The last thing you want to do is screw up in class and restrict yourself from enjoying the best part of going abroad: life outside the classroom.

Ask for Help and Volunteer

The best way to remedy any tough situation: ask for help. Every study abroad program offers guides, mentors, or professors with years of experience. Get to know them. They love their jobs and welcome questions and concerns. If you want to further connect with your host community - try to volunteer. You’ll interact and discover people you might not meet otherwise. Remember, you may never return to your study abroad location, get the most out of your experience the first time.

Although these tips won’t guarantee a life-changing experience, you will learn a lot about yourself and your academic strengths. Whether you’re just starting your search or have already chosen a place to go, let Gulliver help you plan your travel and life abroad. Get a better idea of your host city before you leave home! Good luck!

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Study Abroad 2010: Italy!

By Mollie Caselli | Published: March 23, 2010

Studying Italian language and history in Florence, Italy was one of the best decisions I ever made. I learned the culture in restaurants, gelaterias, museums, and at train stations. I formed strong friendships and even met distant relatives during my travels.  As one of the most popular travel destinations, it’s easy to adjust to the Italian way of life.

Getting Around Italy

Filmmakers Love Rome's Trevi Fountain

Filmmakers Love Rome's Trevi Fountain

From its ancient roots to its exciting present, the “boot” of the Mediterranean offers a dream locale for visiting students. The hardest part: deciding where to go. Visit the famous Uffizi Gallery or Michelangelo’s David, at the Galleria dell’ Accademia in Florence; the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City; or the Coliseum in Rome. You don’t have to love art history to appreciate the works of Bernini, Raphael and Caravaggio at the Borghese Gallery in Rome or Da Vinci’s The Last Supper in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Italy houses many of the world’s artistic masterpieces. Film buffs can visit Cinecittà near Rome, where many famous Italian movies were shot.

Need fresh air? Explore the country’s three active volcanoes- Mount Vesuvius, Mount Etna and Mount Stromboli. Ski in the Alps. Learn bocce ball from the locals. Chat with elder Italians outside a café. Walk through the ancient city of Pompeii. Soak up the Mediterranean sun on the white sands of the Venetian beach of Lido or on one of the numerous islands in Sicily, Capri, or Elba.

Food Navigation

Treat Yourself to Italian Delights

Treat Yourself to Italian Delights

The best way to learn Italian – taste its cuisine. Regions define themselves by their dishes. Italian cuisine dates back as far as the 4th century BCE. Going to Veneto (Venice)? Try its risotto; Lombardy serves up a mean osso buco or gorgonzola; Emilia Romana prides itself in pasta dishes like tortellini, lasagna, and tagliatelle. Don’t miss the savory Florentine Steak in Florence, pesto in Genoa, pizza in Napoli, or buffalo mozzarella in Campania. Wherever you go, it’s a sin not to sample a little vino. Head further south to Sicily for eggplant, swordfish and unforgettable cannoli. Italians take their food seriously. As Clemenza says in The Godfather, “Leave the gun, take the cannoli.”

Study Abroad

Italy offers some of the oldest universities in the world: the University of Salerno was established in the 9th century, while the University of Bologna opened in 1088. Study at St. John’s University in Rome; perfect your language skills while indulging in gelato in Florence; or study in the business and fashion capital of the world: Milan. Check out programs offered by Arcadia, CEA, and ISA.

Once you figure out where you’re going, leave the rest to us! Find information on visas, passports, scholarships, housing, internet, cell phone service, and traveling around Italy in Gulliver’s Prepare to Go section. We do the hard work so you can focus on having fun! Buon Viaggio!

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How Your Embassy Can Help You

By James Yin | Published: March 22, 2010

A few years ago, my sister called me looking for help. Her purse had been stolen on the train and she lost her passport, camera, and money. Luckily she wasn’t traveling alone and her friends were able to lend her enough money to get to the bank and to the US Consulate for a replacement passport. There are several lessons here, but the one I want to focus on today is the Consulate. While studying abroad, you might have to head to the US Consulate at some point, so you definitely need to know what it can and can’t do to help you.

The US Embassy in London

The US Embassy in London

What they CAN do:

  • Passports - The Consulate or Embassy is the place to get a replacement passport if yours is stolen or lost. If you need a replacement while traveling, they can usually rush a temporary passport for you, but you’ll definitely have to have it replaced with a regular passport at a later date. This can be done when you return to the US or at another Embassy at a less time sensitive date. In the event that you find your lost passport, do not attempt to use it. Once your passport is reported lost, it gets red flagged for any future use. Don’t forget to file a police report when your passport is stolen. Even though the local police aren’t likely to find it, you’ll need the report when you head to the Embassy.
  • You are a Victim - If you are a victim of a crime and you want to pursue legal action, the consulate can work with you to arrange for a lawyer and translator. They will not pay for any of these services; they can only put you in touch.
  • You are Arrested - In such a case the Embassy can arrange to find you a lawyer and translator, and will contact your relatives. As before, they will not pay for any of these services.
  • You are Hospitalized - The Embassy will contact your insurers and relatives if you find yourself in the hospital and let them know of your condition.
  • You Pass Away - In the event of your death, the Embassy can confirm your identity, contact your family, and act as the intermediary for the necessary paperwork. They cannot pay for funeral expenses or the transportation of your body back home.

What they CAN’T do:

  • Bail you out of jail - If you’re arrested for a crime, the Embassy cannot get you out of jail and they cannot interrupt foreign criminal proceedings.
  • Shield you from local laws - The Embassy cannot shield you from local laws so it’s best to stay out of trouble.
  • The Embassy generally cannot help you with legal matters if you are a citizen of the host country, regardless of any dual-citizenship.
  • Pay for Services - It is your responsibility to pay for any lawyers, translators, or advisors that you find through the Embassy. They are providing references only and will not pay for these services for you.
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Navigating your Host Country

By James Yin | Published: March 9, 2010

While reading Slate.com the other day I came across a series of articles about signage and how the public interacts with various signs in airports, train station, and subways. The second article in the series discusses Penn Station in NYC and its mismatched signage, which leaves visitors scratching their heads while locals stroll by. Like most men, I believe that I cannot ever be lost and that my internal cartographer makes Google maps look like a child’s crayon drawing, but the truth is when studying abroad, I too needed a little help in the orientation department.  Getting around a new city is very tough, and getting around a foreign city is even more difficult, so here are a few tips to help you more easily navigate your host city.

Make sure your internal map is more accurate than this one!

Make sure your internal map is more accurate than this one!

Subway Maps:

Subways, metros, and undergrounds can be confusing for one simple reason: you don’t see where you’re going. There’s no point of reference for distance, so when you emerge from a station you could be 100 yards or 10 miles from the last station; you really don’t know for sure. To all to this, make sure to remember that subway maps are never drawn to scale. Some subway stops are within easy walking distance, while others are not. Keep this in mind when going from station to station.

City Maps:

City maps are an excellent idea when you’re first orientating yourself. At home, someone in the group invariably has an iPhone and access to Google Maps, but there are issues with this when abroad. Google Maps has included many of the biggest cities, but some areas abroad are still without much detail. No one wants to walk around looking like a tourist, but the fact is you will need that map at first. It’s good to memorize a general layout of the city and some of the more prominent street names. If you need to take a map along, try to look for a pocket sized map, like the famed A-Z London. Alternatively, you could print out a small map for the section of the city you’re visiting.

Getting Lost:

Common wisdom to “get lost” in a certain area of town can backfire and be unnecessarily stressful, especially if you’re still nervous about your language ability. On the other hand, one does need to explore to really see a city, so take it slowly based on your own abilities. If you have a poor directional sense, definitely explore as much as you feel comfortable rather than getting really lost.

Getting to know your city takes time and patience so take it slowly and soon you’ll be moving about like a local.

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