College Gloss: Study Abroad

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Study Abroad: Europe's Best College-Friendly Getaways

It’s almost winter break, time for much-needed rest and relaxation for busy college girls everywhere. Maybe you’ve been studying in London or you’re finishing up research in Italy. Either way, you should take advantage of travel opportunities while in Europe. Take a look at a few of these budget-friendly ideas.

The hardest part of a European trip is getting there. With flights and hotel reservations on student budgets, it can be hard to determine how to get the most bang for your buck.

The best places to find deals are on websites that allow you to set up a fare watcher. These sites keep track of your planned itinerary and find the best deals for you! Try Last Minute or Travelocity to find awesome flight deals.

London and Paris

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If you’ve always wanted to see London and Paris, you can! First, head to the United Kingdom to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of London. You can see the national art gallery, the London zoo and take your time browsing through all the shops in Soho. Once you’re finished in London, jump on the train, pass through the channel and experience the romance of Paris. Try the truly delicious bread and pastries, visit the many high end boutiques and shops, take a spa day and of course drop in to the Louvre scope out the ever-enchanting Mona Lisa.

Train tickets from London to Paris cost between $25-65. Check Eurostar once you get to London to book your trip and get the best deal!

Ibiza

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For the club-goer, Ibiza is the perfect location to get lost in the music and party hard. Ibiza is world famous for its clubbing scene. Low Cost Holiday is your best bet at finding a good deal.

Rome and Pompeii

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Get lost in one of the most legendary cities on earth. Book a trip to Rome and then take a day tour to see the infamous city of Pompeii. Rome will offer you the allure of the past as well as some delicious food. Take a stroll down the city streets to people watch, spend your weekends in the markets and when you’ve tired of relaxing, take an exciting trip to the countryside! Train tickets cost between $30 and $300.

No matter where you end up traveling during your breaks there is always something new and exciting to experience!

By: Danielle Mair | Image: Source

Study Abroad: How to Find New Girlfriends Abroad

The number one problem most of my newly abroad friends have isn’t loving the architecture, enjoying the delicious food or even getting lost in the fabulous shops ... it’s making local girlfriends. British women seem to be in a whole different world: great fashion, an awesome accent and a pick of the greatest restaurants and nightlife the world has to offer. Making British friends can be tricky, especially with girls.

1. Use an online forum
Join Meetup or CitySocialising and find groups for women that target your hobbies. Since moving to London, I’ve joined these websites and have found wonderful girlfriends by simply attending events. There are groups dedicated to book clubs, going out on the town, vacationing abroad and simple movie events! It’s all directed at your personal taste. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by joining in.

2. Avoid tourist hot spots.
The best way to meet local girlies is to completely avoid local events, hotspots and venues. Tourist areas may be hopping, but they are hopping with fellow tourists!

3. Go out after work.
Unsurprisingly, your local watering hole is one of the best social gathering places in the U.K. Scope out which pub has the “younger” crowd and stop in after the closing bell. Pubs are relaxed and you’re sure to meet someone while you’re there! If there’s football (soccer for us North Americans); you’ll be sure to meet even more people.

4. Talk to people while you’re out!
I recently met a really good girlfriend simply by telling her I was Canadian while in line at McDonald’s! The surprising thing about chicks in their 20s is that they are fairly open and eager to meet people that are cool and easy going. Most are happy to welcome someone new into their group of friends.

No matter how you choose to find local girlies, remember that if you feel like you’re out of your comfort zone then you’re doing something right! Making friends is never easy, but you can do it!

By: Danielle Mair | Image: Source

Study Abroad: The Benefits of Staying in Hostels

I recently read an article that discouraged backpackers and unfledged travelers from staying at hostels as they travel abroad. Although the author shared some valid points while explaining his personal preference for hotels, he failed to recognize the wants and needs of most young travelers looking for a cheap, fun place to bunk for the night. So, in rebuttal to the points made in the article, I’ve gathered a list of reasons why hostels function as the best lodging for students travelling abroad.

Price

Most students travelling in other countries don’t have the convenience of their daddy’s credit card to fund their expenses while they see the world. Finding a cheap place to sleep is, therefore, much more preferable, so that they can spend their money on travelling rather than splurging on expensive hotel rooms. I have never spent more than $15 for a night at a hostel in South America, although European hostels are slightly more expensive. Most hostels will serve you breakfast as well and are fully equipped with kitchens and cooking materials, so that you don’t have to spend unnecessary money eating out.

Community

Hostels have a certain sense of community that I have never seen at any hotel. Fellow travelers are almost always friendly and eager to share their adventures abroad and hear about yours as well. If you are travelling alone, staying in a hostel is a great way to make friends—you may even find a new travel buddy! Boston University freshman Ellen Lesserman was happy to have made a friend at her hostel while travelling solo to Machu Picchu.

“The first day I got to Peru, this girl from England showed me where the markets were, cool places to go, and I went out to dinner with her after,” Lesserman said. “It was a really cool experience.”

While some people enjoy the privacy and seclusion of a private hotel room, I doubt you’ll ever feel as welcomed and comfortable as when you stay in a hostel.

Practicing the Country’s Language

In hostels, you will encounter people from all over the world who speak a variety of different languages. The one language you will (or should) have in common though is that of the country you are travelling in. Whether it be Spanish, French, or Portuguese, you will feel much more comfortable practicing the local language with a fellow traveler than a more discerning native and can have a laugh as you work through difficulties together.

Special Deals & Connections

Many local tourist companies have connections with hostels that offer guests special deals. I recently visited the mountain town of Bariloche, Argentina, and got a hook-up with kayaking and white water rafting trips through the hostel I stayed at. The hostel booked the trips for me and had the adventure touring groups pick me up right at the front door. Having this connection through the hostel alleviated the stress of planning my own excursions and finding information about the best prices by myself.

While older, more seasoned travelers have the means to be selective with their lodging, young college students on a budget should definitely consider hostels as their main accommodation while travelling. Hostelworld.com is a great resource for booking hostels and includes reviews from people who have stayed there. They also have ratings based on cleanliness, character, security, location, staff and fun. How awesome is that? I doubt if you’ll ever receive the same low prices and open arms from a stuffy hotel than in any hostel around the world.

By: Kimberly Suchy | Image: Weheartit

Four Things You Should Know Before Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is one of the best opportunities to take advantage of during college. You have the chance to explore new cultures, meet amazing people and travel more in several months than you probably will throughout the rest of your life. However, before jetting off to a foreign continent for four months, there are about a thousand tiny details that need to be ironed out.

After getting transfer credits approved, obtaining a passport and visa, haggling with financial aid and booking flights, it is almost surreal that all this preparatory work leads to an actual destination. Relieved to have conquered the tedious steps, it’s easy to breeze through all the other preparatory steps and center your focus on your destination.

I am currently studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I can testify about how difficult it is to be completely prepared for a semester abroad. There are many factors I hadn’t considered before leaving, and I often wish I had someone to consult about what to bring with me or how to better prepare myself for my time away. So reaching out to all those potential travelers, here are a few valuable tips to help you plan for studying abroad in any country.

1. Bring outlet converters and adapters.

Once you leave the U.S., electrical outlets will no longer resemble the face of those at home. I suggest purchasing universal outlet converters and adapters before you leave, as they can be expensive in foreign countries and are often difficult to find. The adapter will change the foreign plug so that you can connect your device to the outlet. This does not change the voltage, though, so you will definitely need a converter or transformer to make the wattage of your device compatible with the country’s power supply. You should also consider leaving expensive hair straighteners or blow dryers at home. They generate a lot of heat, and even with a converter, the differing voltage can blow them out.

Kara, a junior at Quinnipiac University, regrets bringing her GHD straightener with her to Spain.

“I was using an adapter, a converter, and even a surge protector, and my straightener still blew out. If you absolutely need a flatiron, you should just buy a cheap one once you’re abroad.”

2. Don’t leave your phone at home!

Many students opt not to bring their smart phone while studying abroad, worried about loss or theft during their travels. If you are careful with your belongings though, these devices are great tools to communicate with fellow study abroad friends and loved ones at home. Some popular texting apps I’ve encountered are What’s App and textPlus, which both allow you to send text messages for free through Wi-Fi. Another App I highly recommend is Skype for iPhone. Even if you’re off in Amsterdam for the weekend, you can use this free app to call, instant message, or video chat friends and family. Another variation of the Skype app costs about $7 and enables you to call any phone in the U.S.

Cara, a sophomore at Emerson College and current study abroad student in Brazil, swears by the Skype app.

“Having Skpye on my iPhone has helped me keep communication with my grandparents, who don’t have computer access. And I don’t have to worry about spending minutes like friends with international phones.”

The Skype app is perfect for those who don’t want to bother with an international phone and have loved ones back home who aren’t so technologically savvy.

3. Stock up on tampons.

When I arrived in Argentina, I faced a rude awakening in the feminine products department. Tampons are very limited here, and I had to scour about six different drugstores before even finding O.B.’s (the kind without an applicator tip). Many countries, such as Egypt, don’t sell tampons at all, and most will not provide the brand or type that you are used to. So for a word to the wise, you should definitely stock up on Tampax before boarding the plane.

4. Keep your mind on your money.

Getting used to your country’s exchange rate is tough enough, but the foreign transaction fees your bank charges on purchases in a different currency are really a killer. Each time you swipe your card or pull cash from an ATM, the money you’re being charged but not spending begins to rack up. Before leaving, check to see if your bank at home has international branches in your abroad destination so that you are not charged a fee each time you visit the ATM. If you do not have the advantage of an international bank, I suggest withdrawing the maximum amount of cash per ATM visit. This way, you will only pay a nominal fee and will have enough money to last you a few weeks. Just make sure not to carry all your cash with you—pickpockets are very common in countries outside the U.S.

If you want more advice about your specific country of study, some great resources are LonelyPlanet.com or Fodors.com. I found a lot of useful information by researching student blogs who had studied in Buenos Aires last semester and actually based a lot of my packing decisions on their suggestions. My only other piece of advice before embarking on the greatest journey of your life: make the most of every opportunity, and take as many photos as possible! This is an experience you will want to remember, so don’t let anything or anyone hold you back.

By: Kimberly Suchy | Images: Pinterest

Jet Setter: 8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Travels

I spent my spring semester studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland. Now that I am back in the United States, I am missing my adventures in Ireland and all across Europe everyday. For those of you planning on studying abroad traveling around Europe, follow these eight tips on how to make the most of your experience. With this information, you'll be set to go out and see the world!

1. What would Magellan do?

This was a saying my friend and I constantly said while we were in Portugal. We would say this when we couldn’t decide where to go, or which direction to take. Why Magellan? He was an explorer.

I know it sounds cliché to go off the beaten path, but I must say it is the best way to go. Having this attitude, I was able to see so much of different places. In Portugal alone, I went to a traditional chorizo dance hall, and I’ve learned to make traditional Portuguese chorizos on a ceramic grill. My advice? Go out and explore, and don’t always follow what the guide says.

2. Always travel in (small) groups

For your safety, it is best to travel with someone you trust. Traveling with a very large group of people, however, can become really frustrating. People will want to go one place and other people will want to go somewhere else; you will be stuck debating where to go. I went to both Portugal and England in small groups, and it was much better. We were flexible, and just wanted to learn and explore. Two to four people is a nice amount of people to travel with.

3. Pack Lightly

One thing that I found to be essential in traveling for a weekend or even a week is how easy it is to make so many different outfits out of a few items of clothes. Some airlines are a really cheap, but they make up for the low prices by charging for pretty much everything! The carry on bag restriction is very strict with the rule of just one bag. If you carry a backpack and a purse, you’ll need to stuff your purse in your bag. If you are traveling for more than a few days, this can be difficult.

Here is my suggestion on what to pack for a week of traveling: 2 Jeans, 7 pairs of socks and underwear, a dress, tights, flats, sneakers, t-shirt to sleep in, and two tank tops to wear under other shirts, a coat and a sweatshirt. I managed to pack all of this into my small backpack and I also had a small purse jammed inside. If you can plan your outfits and not wait to the very last minute, you will be set to have clothes for the trip that make you comfortable and stylish.

4. Ask the locals

If you want to find something to do, or learn about a good affordable place to eat ask someone who lives there. In our hostel in Portugal, one of the men who worked in our hostel wrote and circled all the places to go. In Porto, we went to a restaurant where there were just locals, and unlike the other restaurants we went to, the menu was just in Portuguese. We had to guess what we were ordering, but the food was delicious. Locals usually love to help show off where they live! Just make sure you don't wander off with one alone (safety first!)

5. Smile and say hello

If you are worried about not knowing the language, look up some phrases before you leave. People will appreciate that you learned their language, even if it’s just a few simple words. An important thing to remember is when you travel to France, remember to say hello first. If you have a smile on your face and say hello, you should be fine when it comes to meeting new people!

6. Have an open mind

Expect the unexpected. When traveling, things happen. You may miss your flight or run out of phone credit (both that have happened to me), but you need to smile and be positive. It’s all a part of the experience. Be ready to experience new customs and traditions. If you want to eat at six and restaurants don’t open until eight, then you have to wait. It only gives you more time to explore where you are visiting.

7. Take pictures

Take a lot of pictures, so you can look back and remember your time spent, but also remember to not leave behind the camera. Make sure you look around and take everything in! Then when you get back you can reminisce and show everyone your pictures!

8. Have fun!

Don't get so caught up on the stress of traveling that you forget to have fun!

By: Brooke Stuart | Image: Source

Study Abroad Blog: Falling in Love With Lisbon, Portugal

Follow Brooke as she studies abroad in Dublin, Ireland and travels Europe.

For our spring break, my friend and I traveled to Portugal. We began our journey in Porto, and headed south to Lisbon, or Lisboa in Portuguese. We left Dublin, where I am studying abroad, at 4:00 a.m. Being students, we wanted to find the lowest airfare possible, so we found a flight leaving at 5:50 a.m. We had a three-hour layover in Germany and headed into Porto airport. We asked a taxi driver about finding the metro, and he was one of the friendliest people I have ever met! He knew little to no English, but showed us the way by motioning with his hands.

At the Travellers House, they offered a wine testing night. It was so fun learning about the different Portugese wines. Porto is known for their wine caves, or cellars, and you can find them on the bank of the river as you walk along. One type of wine that can only be found in Portugal is Verde Vino, green wine. This is made by taking the white grapes before they are fully developed, giving it a very strong bitter taste that should be eaten with fish.

After Porto, we headed on the train south to Lisbon. It is such an energetic city, filled with so much history and sprinkled with modern touches. Lisbon is in a valley. The old city, Alfama, is on the right and the newer city can be found on the left. If you are there for a few days, I recommend take a day to see one side and another to see the opposite side.

The first full day in Lisbon we spent the day wandering around the newer section of the city. One of the men who worked at our hostel saw us looking at a map and came over and circled and drew all over it, showing us the best of Lisbon, which included places tourists don't go to. We started our day bright early and headed around the corner to a beautiful lookout point. We could see the terracotta roofs, the Castelo De Sao Jorge (a beautiful castle) and Tio Tejo (the Tagus River).

There is one traditional appetizer and or meal that almost every household serves: chorizos (Portuguese smoked sausages) marinated green olives, sheep's milk cheese, fresh bread, and some red wine. What is so unique about this meal is that the chorizos are cooked on an open flame grill made out of clay. This grill is hand made and looks a little bit like a casserole bowl. They take alcohol and put it on the grill. Then you take your Chorizo and dice it, this way the juices are released to help keep the fire ignited. In a few minutes, you take them off the grill and eat them with some bread and cheese. Believe me when I say it is absolutely delicious!

Later on, I visited Alfama, the old city. It is known as a place that's meant for you to get lost in. With this in mind, I felt free to wander the small windy streets and marvel at the incredible tile work, old cathedrals, and orange trees. It looks so much like what you mind find in a story that it almsot does not seem real. I then traveled to the local castle, Castelo De Sao Jorge, where I walked around the ruins with incredible views of the city and peacocks all over the lawns.

Lisbon is truly an enchanting city, and I encourage everyone to go there. Not only are the people friendly, the food is great, the views are amazing, but you do not feel like a tourist. There are many tourists around, but if you just wander around and find those off the path hole in the wall restaurants, you can learn so much about a culture. I truly had an incredible time and already want to go back, there is just so much to see and do there!

By: Brooke Stuart | Image: Credit to Brooke Stuart

Study Abroad Blog: Kicking Off Spring in Dublin

By Brooke Stuart

Follow Brooke as she studies abroad in Dublin, Ireland.

This past weekend I explored Dublin’s outdoor markets and parks. Until a few days ago, I never set out to Temple Bar, Phoenix Park or the Co-op, all which are in close walking distance to my apartment. On Saturday morning, my friends and I went to Temple Bar market in search for cranberries, and an adventure.

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