Seek and Ye Shall Find: Where to Look for Study Abroad Opportunities

Maybe you’ve heard students or professors mention studying abroad in passing, maybe you’ve seen friends’ study abroad/ travel photos on Facebook or InstaGram, or maybe you’ve read this blog and are in the process of or have just received your passport. Your interests in studying abroad have sparked so now what?

There are a number of places both expected and unexpected to look for opportunities to study abroad. If you are in college the first place you can go is the Study Abroad or International Programs office. This is the hub for all things study abroad. The professionals that work in this office have a wealth of knowledge about the different types of study abroad programs that your school offers, the countries and universities your home school partners with, the length of the programs offered, places students live whether it is with a host family, in a dormitory, off campus apartment, etc. This office can often help you with passport information, student visas, health insurance, and other documentation that you will need during your time abroad. This is a great place to receive guidance about how to make sure that your credits transfer from the university abroad to your home university as well.

Word to the wise: Make sure you speak to the Study Abroad office and your advisor for your major to make sure that all of your courses are approved and documented before you study abroad.

I suggest building a relationship with those who work in the study abroad office. Are there ways in which you can be of service, if so maybe volunteer there. There are many opportunities that flow into and out of the study abroad office and if those who work there have a genuine relationship with you and know your interests you may be the first to find out about opportunities that may interest you or other students you many know.

KoMiSa, what if my school does not have a designated Study Abroad Office?

That is a great question. Sometimes the study abroad office can be under or the responsibility of other departments such as the Foreign Language Department, the International Education Center ,etc. Seek out these departments and ask the professors and administrators about the types of study abroad opportunities that are offered. They can often lead you in the right direction and assist you in your quest to study abroad. They may be just the people at the university who run the program if there is not a designated separate office. I went through the Modern Foreign Language department for two of my study abroad experiences at Hampton University. For my study abroad trip to Mexico the Modern Foreign Language Department connected me with Old Dominion University (ODU) for a program ODU had with the CEPE School of the University of Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico. Working with both the Hampton University’s Modern Foreign Language Department and Old Dominion University Study Abroad Office lead to a very successful and fun experience abroad.

Individual departments in your university are another great resource for studying abroad. See what the Business School, the Biology Department, the Journalism School may be offering, etc. The marketing department at Hampton University offered a study abroad trip to Paris, France during the summer of my junior year, although I could not go because I was in Mexico, my classmates had a great experience learning about marketing from Parisian perspective. Although I was not an architecture major and had graduated from Hampton University the year before, I had the opportunity go on an architectural study abroad trip to Brazil with my alma mater. Not only was I exposed to yet another culture, language, and place I was also exposed to various facets architecture and made connections with another department at my alma mater all do to my love for studying abroad. Remember, opportunities are out there whether you are a current student or not.

Don’t forget, the internet is often your friend when trying to study abroad. Organizations such as CIEE (www.ciee.org) and IES Abroad (www.iesabroad.org) are the reputable sites that I am most familiar with that offer a wide variety of study abroad opportunities. If you choose one of these programs and need/want to get college credit make sure you get the study abroad program approved first, them proceed to getting your classes you plan to take approved by your advisor, dean of your department and anyone else your university specifies to ensure that you receive the transfer credit in advance like I previously mentioned.

Last but not reach out to your fellow students and alumni who have studied abroad. This may be the best kept secret. The students/ alumni have an abundance of knowledge about the process and the programs your school offers and accepts. They can give you suggestions on where to study, the departments in your school that are the most helpful and the programs that may be a good fit based on their experiences and your interests.

For those who have already graduated from college but want a study abroad experience reach back to your alma mater, other universities in your current area, or the websites mentioned above to inquire about opportunities that may interest you.

There are plenty of opportunities and options if you know where to look. Now that you have a few starting points from this blog, keep eyes, ears, and mind open and see what you find.

KoMiSa’a Take Away Thoughts: “Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and ye shall find” Matthew 7:7 Ask questions and do your research.  You never know what you will find or where your exploration and diligence will lead. So explore your study abroad opportunities and enjoy the journey.

If you have any other suggestion or want to share your experience feel free to leave a comment. J

Hasta el proximo vez,

KoMiSa

Career Corner - A Chat with Joia Starks

Studying abroad is an amazing experience and can lead to various personal and professional opportunities. This blog is a representation of that for me. I would have never thought to become a Study Abroad/ International Programs Professional had I not wanted to learn another language and study abroad. I was not the only one who felt that way. Meet Joia Starks, a Foreign Services Officer and one of my travel inspirations. We studied abroad together in Guadalajara, Mexico after our junior year at Hampton University. Since then Joia continues to thrive in international settings. Today on KoMiSa’s World we will get a glimpse into Joia’s international profession, her experiences learning foreign languages, and studying/working abroad.

KoMiSa: What is your current position and what does your position entail?

Joia: I currently work for the Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer (aka, a diplomat) at the U.S. Embassy in Barbados.  This embassy is responsible for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean islands, which includes St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and a few others.  It’s a broad mission with a big job and I am just one small but important part. 

KoMiSa: Is this your first experience working abroad?

Joia: No.  My first time working abroad was in 2007 when I taught English for a year in South Korea.

KoMiSa: What characteristics does one need to pursue a position such as yours?

Joia: My path to the Foreign Service was paved with perseverance!  People from all walks of life embark on a career in the Foreign Service so there are no required characteristics.  However, I was driven by my love for challenges, foreign languages and cultures, and a desire to give back to my country in a non-traditional way.  I think having strong interpersonal and communication skills are helpful, but these and many other traits comprise our diplomatic corps. 

KoMiSa: Have you studied abroad during your undergraduate and/or graduate school experience?

Joia: I studied abroad during both undergrad and grad school. During undergrad, I studied in Mexico and France and during grad school, I interned in South Korea. I spent 5 weeks each in Mexico and Paris and 2.5 months in South Korea. 

KoMiSa: What was your experience like?

Joia: Each experience was very different, but they were all eye-opening and exciting for me.  Some of the best times of my life have been spent abroad.  In Mexico, I got to live with a host family and my fellow classmate from Hampton University (Miss KoMiSa herself!).  This was a great introduction to living abroad because I already spoke the language and I had a built-in network because of my host family and friends.  When I decided to study in Paris, it was a bit more daunting. I spoke little French and I went through a different school and did not know anyone before arriving.  However, the school environment felt familiar so I adjusted quickly.  When I decided to go to Korea, I knew I wanted to push my limits personally and professionally by trying something totally different and unfamiliar.  It was scary at first, but once I “jumped” and made the commitment, I felt incredibly alive.

KoMiSa: How has studying abroad changed your life?  You as a person?  

Joia: Studying abroad has opened my eyes and stretched my mind to places, ideas, and people I never thought possible.  And there is plenty of room for more growth and development.  In fact, studying abroad is what led me to my current career as a diplomat.  The seeds were planted when I first traveled to Venezuela as a teen and my thirst for travel grew when I studied in Mexico.  As a person, travel really defines who I am.  It defines how I view the world and myself within that world.  It provides perspective that I could not have gotten any other way.  

KoMiSa: What is your experience like living/working in another country?  

Joia: I truly enjoy living and working in another country.  I like to travel, but sometimes, I just need more time to settle in and explore a place.  I interact with people and talk about life and history, find common ground and points of difference.  It gives me a rush.  And of course, you can do that while traveling, but living for an extended period of time provides an entirely different set of joys and challenges.  So far, life in Barbados has been wonderful.  There are minor bumps in the road, but I remind myself that I took up this career to have differing experiences from those back at home.  Nothing’s perfect anywhere, but I have learned to be happy in many different environments.  And so far, I have no regrets! 

KoMiSa: Do you speak any other languages?  If so, how many?

Joia: My language skills have deteriorated considerably because I do not use them enough, but I speak Spanish and some Korean.  I am hoping to learn French for my next assignment in the Foreign Service.  

KoMiSa: How has studying abroad impacted your language skills?

Joia: There is nothing better for language development than studying abroad and being immersed in the language.  When I returned from Mexico after 5 weeks, my skills were so advanced.  I found myself walking around Spanish Harlem and being able to have full conversations with people.  I was listening and understanding everything and it felt amazing.  Korean is quite challenging, but the fact that I could read and write fairly well also improved my speaking skills.  As I grew more confident, I noticed my language skills did as well.

KoMiSa:  How has speaking another language or your willingness to learn the native tongue of the country impacted your abroad experience?

Joia: Language is a sacred part of any society – it reveals so much about how we relate to each other, how we express our feelings, and how we live.  So, if your goal is really to understand any culture, you have to begin with understanding how its people communicate.  I have always been captivated by languages so whenever I have traveled, I attempted to learn some of the local language, even if it is just hello, please, and thank you.  It is surprising how receptive people become once you demonstrate some effort to know their culture.

KoMiSa: Do you have any advice for others who want to study/work abroad?

Joia: Everyone’s situation is different, but here are a few minor regrets I have about my path to studying/working abroad:

- Start early:  I wish I had started studying abroad in high school.  And if I could have studied abroad for longer periods during college, I would have spent a semester abroad or an entire summer.  I was so focused on working and making money that I missed valuable opportunities to create new experiences.  

- Step outside of your comfort zone:  My most enriching and enlightening experiences abroad have come from unexpected places (a French-African student in Paris, a homeless child in the Philippines, a whirlwind friend in Seoul).  That does not mean to let down your safety net and do stupid things.  But it simply means to think about studying or working in places that will challenge you physically, mentally, and socially.  Don’t hold on to irrational fears of the unknown.  Go and see it for yourself. 

- Make connections before you go:  With all the different websites available, you are never truly alone in taking a journey somewhere.  Get on message boards to connect with people already doing what you want to do.  If you want to teach, there are hundreds of websites at your disposal.  If you want to do a semester-at-sea or work on a farm or do a volunteer vacation, you have resources. Doing your research about a place will put your mind (and your loved ones) at ease about you leaving the nest. 

KoMiSa’s Take Away Thought: Let the examples of what Joia’s determination and diligence to step outside of her comfort zone to accomplish her dreams and goal be a true example of what can be achieved when stepping out of your own country/ culture/ and/or learning a new language can do when you open yourself up to the various experiences and lessons that the world has to offer. A huge thank you to Joia for being my first interview for this blog and for sharing a bit of her expertise with all of us!!!

Enjoy the World Around You,

KoMiSa

Keeping Your Little Blue Book (Passport) Safe

So now you have a passport, which is great. (If not check out my previous post The Little Blue Book – the Passport). Now it is time to know how to keep it safe. An American passport among other prominent countries are often hot commodities on the black market. They can yield a substantial amount of money when sold illegally. During my study abroad trip in Brazil my friend’s passport was stolen from his suitcase in the hotel while we were in Rio de Janeiro, the last city we visited before heading back to the United States. I don’t think he realized he did not have his passport until we were all headed to the airport to fly home. He and one of the professors had to stay in Brazil a couple extra days but was able to return home thereafter.  

Having your passport stolen especially while traveling abroad is not a fun ordeal by any means of the word. However there are some things that you can do to try to prevent this from happening.

1. Many people put their passport in their suitcase so they don’t have to worry about being pick pocketed. Lock up your suitcase to deter thieves from going through your things. We would all like to think that the housekeeping staff and others who may have access to your room would not go through your things or steal but taking precautionary measures are good to take just in case. If a thief is not deterred by the lock on your suitcase then it will make it difficult, hopefully so difficult that the thieves mission to steal your passport will fail.

2. Make it hard for someone to find your passport in your suitcase. Hide it between clothing in a smaller bag, like a cosmetic bag or something like that to throw the thief off. If your suitcase has a hidden compartment that may be a good place to hide it as well.

3. Use an under the clothes hidden travel pouch. Other names for this are under clothing waist wallet, hidden leg wallet, and leg and arm wallet. They are made so that your passport, wallet, credit cards etc. are camouflaged  under your clothing while traveling. This was a must have for me when I was backpacking in Europe during my spring break trip when I was living/studying in Spain last year.

4. Make copies of your passport. Put them in your suitcase(s), your carry on luggage, book bag, wallet, purse etc. and leave a copy or two at home with a family member and/or friend. Having the copies in multiple places will insure that you have at least one copy with you if needed. Copies can also come in handy if you have to give one to the university where you are studying, the resident hall management or apartment landlord you are renting from may require a copy of your passport. If you are traveling in a large group with a specific company they may require a copy of your passport as well. Having extra copies would allow you to give the necessary information without having to figure out where extra copies can be made. Be mindful that your passport has important information is linked to your identity so make certain that if you do give out a copy that it is indeed necessary and will be used in confidentiality much like you would treat your driver's license or social security card.

Sometimes things happen and as much as we try to avoid and prevent something the inevitable happens. In this case it would be a stolen passport. Having copies of your passport will be helpful when dealing with the authorities, U.S. Embassy/ Consulate, University and anyone else who are trying to help you either get a new passport or the necessary travel documentation to continue your travel or return home.

For more information on lost or stolen passports check out the following link to the U.S. State Department’s official website. http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/lostpassport/lostpassport_1197.html

KoMiSa’s Take Away Thoughts: In regards to your passport it is definitely better to be safe than sorry. Through out my international travels I have never lost my passport not that it couldn’t happen. I would like to think it is because of the precautions that took. Think about incorporating these tips when you travel. If you have any other suggestions for keeping your passport safe feel free to share them in the comments section.

Happy Travels,

KoMiSa

The Little Blue Book - the Passport

Many people used to talk about the little black book. Before cell phones one of the most popular address books, the little black book was used to store phone numbers of friends, family, etc. There have been movies that have been made in which couples make a huge deal over the little black book, for all sorts of reasons.  However, there is another color book that deserves a lot more attention and that is not obsolete like that of the little black book. This other color book may hold the key to a whole new world, yes just like the song from the Disney movie Aladdin. This little color book is the little blue book, most often known as a PASSPORT (a US Passport, other countries use other colors for the cover of the passport.)

While studying marketing at Hampton University, I took an Organizational Behaviors class with Dr. K. Jackson. Everyone in the School of Business knew that if you had Dr. K. Jackson for Organizational Behaviors you better have your passport for her class. It was a requirement and stated in the class syllabus. Dr. K. Jackson wanted to make sure that all of her were well prepared for business careers whether those careers lead to domestic or international travel. She would say “ You never know when your job will need to send your overseas or if your potential job requires a passport and you don’t want to loose an opportunity because you don’t have one”. We had most of the semester to show Dr. K. Jackson a valid, updated passport to receive our points for that assignment. Expired passports were not accepted.  If you did not turn in a valid passport during her class you could basically expect your overall grade to drop by one letter grade.  Yes, solely because of a passport!!!  

I want to place that same level of emphasis on all of you who are reading this blog post. Use this as an call to action to get your passport if you do not already have one and to renew it if it has expired. A passport is not only a great document for identification purposes it is a key that unlocks your ability to travel the world. A passport is also a great way to keep track of where you have traveled due to the stamps that you accumulate as you visit different countries.

It can take 4 to 6 weeks to get your passport and costs $135 for a new one and $110 for a renewal as of 2/2/12 (expedited more expensive). It is no fun waiting on pins and needles praying that your passport gets to you in time to take that overseas trip that you already paid for. Your passport is good for ten years so why not get it now and be prepared for that next opportunity for international exploration. 

See the link below for more information and to apply or renew your passport.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_4855.html

KoMiSa’s Take Away Thoughts: A passport opens the door to a whole new world. Think of it as an investment. If you don’t have one it is time to get one.

Happy Travels,

KoMiSa