Study Abroad

[pierce2walker]

Alright so I currently looking into studying abroad during the next academic year (a year from now) and I am trying to figure out the best country to do so. So I was hoping some people here would have some good stories or advice from previous abroad experiences or anyone with any good travel stories is more then welcome to share input.

[Gay Ork Wang]

any specific Continent?

[pierce2walker]

mainly looking at Europe because it provides more opportunities to travel around, but I'm relatively open...just hoping to hear some stories or opinions

[Caddy]

Come to Australia. I hear Forenci and APS are coming out here so you may as well join! (Unless you have ginger hair like vikes)

[The Dynasty]

My cousin got an opportunity in 2006 from his university to go to England and study at Oxford University and it was for like a whole semester and he really enjoyed every minute of it. He use to be a shy kid but now he is a really outgoing kid because of the trip. He has told me numerous of times to try to study abroad as well but I haven't had the chance to go on one yet.

[CashmoneyDrew]

My best friend is about to come back from Japan from his semester abroad. He loved it over there.

[RAVENS/WIZARDS/ORIOLES]

How much do they usually cost?(to go to Europe)

[pierce2walker]

Ive heard Australia is awesome, but also really similar to Southern California, which is where I go to school (UC San Diego).

I have also heard good things about Japan, but a lot of the programs offered are very technical (engineering, math, science...etc) and I'm a double major in Communications and History (not so technical).

Cost really depends on the program. Most of the ones offered through my school are around 20-30k for the year long program, which is relatively comparable to my current tuition.

I think I may be looking to go somewhere that isn't one of the most common places to go abroad (I feel like Spain, Italy, UK, and Australia are the most common). Kinda looking to go somewhere a bit different. Maybe looking towards Denmark, the Netherlands, or maybe even South America. But like I said I'm open to anything if it is the right program.

[the decider13]

I lived in Germany, and it is absolutely fantastic. I would reccomend there for sure. Germans were always extremely nice and there are lots of places to travel to. Beautiful country, and beautiful girls in the big cities. Just don't live in the middle of no where like I did...bunch of ugly girls there.

[CJSchneider]

I was so hoping this thread would be about this

http://www.danegerus.com/weblog/images/ObamaCheckinSomeAss2.jpg

study a broad

[MetSox17]

Lol you beat me to it. I was gonna make a joke about studying a broad also.

[pierce2walker]

Germany has been a consideration being that I took German in high school, but that isn't too much of a factor because I want a program with classes in English anyways.

And in regards to studying a broad...I can assure that will be an integral part of the experience.

[GB12]

I'd go to Austrailia since there is no language barrier and it's cooler than England.

I'd feel so uncomfortable living in a place where I couldn't understand everyone. Sure you could still take classes in english, but what about everything else?

[TitleTown088]

Go to this school in Italy( Rome or Florence) if you're only looking to have fun and not learn. haha
http://www.johncabot.edu/

You go to class mon-thursday ( if you want) and it is a cake walk. You can travel all you want on the weekends.



If you're looking to actually learn I got some spots for ya too.

[NotRickJames]

Depends on your major. What's yours?

[pierce2walker]

GB12- I've actually been to Europe once before and was shocked at how many people spoke great English, so I'm not too concerned about getting around. Also most programs include a 3-4 week intensive language program at the start so you can learn enough things to get around town.

Titletown088- please do elaborate on whatever else you know or have advice on.

NotRickJames- I'm a double major in Communications and History

[TitleTown088]

I'd go to Austrailia since there is no language barrier and it's cooler than England.

I'd feel so uncomfortable living in a place where I couldn't understand everyone. Sure you could still take classes in english, but what about everything else?

Everyone in europe speaks english unless you go to small towns in Italy/spain ect. Besides its fun to try and communicate in the vernacular language with the locals.









Titletown088- please do elaborate on whatever else you know or have advice on.

NotRickJames- I'm a double major in Communications and History Well... I studied abroad in Rome for a year and loved it. I would probably go there or somewhere in Germany/Austria if I had the chance to go back. Let me know if you have any specific questions about any schools in Rome. I would know most. I am a double major too, history being one of them. And I went to school in rome strictly for history and Italian.
Girl wise I would rank the countries as follows.

1. Sweden
2 Italy
3. Germanic countries.
4. spain.

[Eaglez.Fan]

I'm not sure if you've ever been to Rome or not, but it is actually very easy to get around only on English. I've been to Spain and France, and Rome was probably the best city in terms of English, I didn't go to one restaurant that didn't speak English. Rome is also an awesome city.

[Rob S]

I actually work at a study abroad office and have studied abroad myself. Honestly, I would do Europe. You will be traveling with the most other students and travel is easier in Europe than anywhere and you can see a ton of countries (I got to 9 during my semester). If not Europe, I would go to Japan (but only if you know Japanese, if not its really stupid) or Australia as it attracts a fair number of students and Australians are a good bunch to party with. Seriously tho, do Europe if its a full semester. You will be traveling with a ton of people and see the biggest landmarks in the world. The people generally speak English, travel is easy. They are on America's level (for the most part) technology wise, etc. You cant go wrong. If it was for just a winter or summer program (which are like 2-3 weeks) I would recommend something more exotic, but I have been to some exotic places and for an entire semester it would be hairy. Not even in the typical way......stuff like internet, phone issues, etc......

[pierce2walker]

Well... I studied abroad in Rome for a year and loved it. I would probably go there or somewhere in Germany/Austria if I had the chance to go back. Let me know if you have any specific questions about any schools in Rome. I would know most. I am a double major too, history being one of them. And I went to school in rome strictly for history and Italian.
Girl wise I would rank the countries as follows.

1. Sweden
2 Italy
3. Germanic countries.
4. spain.

Yea I would most likely take mainly history courses (they seem to be commonly taught, an in English, at European universities) and also classes to fill some basic GE's

[Rob S]

And as far as cities, I would go to Rome or Paris for my central location. I think they are the two cities with the most to do. More importantly tho, they are good central locations for travel.

*** Some people hate on Paris a lot btw, I personally loved it tho.

[Rob S]

PW,

are you doing an exchange or a program through your school with other people?

[pierce2walker]

PW,

are you doing an exchange or a program through your school with other people?

Its a program through the school. More specifically through the University of California school system. I am also leaning towards going for a whole year abroad as I feel like it would deepen the cultural experience, although a semester is definitely still in play. And Rome and Paris both would be nice, but I have already been to both and honestly I'm kind of looking for somewhere that isn't where a lot of people go (I feel like France and Italy are quite common). I've been looking a lot into Denmark and the Netherlands lately. Any advice or opinions on either of the two?

[Brent]

Germany, ftw.

[Rob S]

Its a program through the school. More specifically through the University of California school system. I am also leaning towards going for a whole year abroad as I feel like it would deepen the cultural experience, although a semester is definitely still in play. And Rome and Paris both would be nice, but I have already been to both and honestly I'm kind of looking for somewhere that isn't where a lot of people go (I feel like France and Italy are quite common). I've been looking a lot into Denmark and the Netherlands lately. Any advice or opinions on either of the two?


Where in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is tremendous, but for a whole year idk. I am sure other cities would be great, I have only been to Amsterdam tho. Ask Wicket. Denmark I have heard is really nice, but again and entire year there might be meh. I did a program where I spent 6 weeks each in Paris, Dublin and Rome and that worked for me. I liked the movement.

But, a year would be cool. Sounds like you have been all over Western Europe tho. In that case I would switch it up tbh. Either go somewhere you havent been in Europe (I assume Denmark fits) and use that location to explore new countries (Scandanavia region I would guess). Outside of Europe tho, if you have Japanese, I would go there hands down. Australia is also really awesome. India is an awesome country, I loved it, but I wouldnt go there for a semester. Other non European options that are awesome: Beunos Aires in Argentina and Brazilian cities. Africa is kinda tough, I would recommend it for a year altho it would be awesome for a winter or summer program (I will actually be heading to Egypt this winter).


*** Actually, Buenos Aires is an epic win. Strongly consider that if you want to go outside of Europe, but still be in a city with a European feel.

[bhaarat316]

I wanna try japan for the summer. Maybe London or Italy for a semester, that is where my school offers it.

[TitleTown088]

Oh yeah, make sure you go fall semester so you can go to Oktoberfest. It's a blast.

[Rob S]

Yeah I went spring and missed out on Oktoberfest. That sucked. I did get Carnival in Nice tho.

[TitleTown088]

Yeah I went spring and missed out on Oktoberfest. That sucked. I did get Carnival in Nice tho.

Nice was cool. I loved it there. Paris was fun as well, but way expensive. My favorite place in France was Strasburg.

[Rob S]

Paris was expensive as hell, but man, the museums and architecture were amazing imo. I loved it there.

[Brent]

Germany is the ****. Don't let any one else persuade you to believe otherwise.

[TitleTown088]

Paris was expensive as hell, but man, the museums and architecture were amazing imo. I loved it there.

Yeah it was, I thought the louvre was overrated, well, at leased the mona lisa.

Germany is the ****. Don't let any one else persuade you to believe otherwise.
Bavaria is probably the best place in the world.

[nrk]

My best friend is about to come back from Japan from his semester abroad. He loved it over there.

My friend was over in Japan for a year doing his and said it was awesome.

[pierce2walker]

Where in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is tremendous, but for a whole year idk. I am sure other cities would be great, I have only been to Amsterdam tho. Ask Wicket. Denmark I have heard is really nice, but again and entire year there might be meh. I did a program where I spent 6 weeks each in Paris, Dublin and Rome and that worked for me. I liked the movement.

But, a year would be cool. Sounds like you have been all over Western Europe tho. In that case I would switch it up tbh. Either go somewhere you havent been in Europe (I assume Denmark fits) and use that location to explore new countries (Scandanavia region I would guess). Outside of Europe tho, if you have Japanese, I would go there hands down. Australia is also really awesome. India is an awesome country, I loved it, but I wouldnt go there for a semester. Other non European options that are awesome: Beunos Aires in Argentina and Brazilian cities. Africa is kinda tough, I would recommend it for a year altho it would be awesome for a winter or summer program (I will actually be heading to Egypt this winter).


*** Actually, Buenos Aires is an epic win. Strongly consider that if you want to go outside of Europe, but still be in a city with a European feel.

In the Netherlands most likely either Leiden, Utrecht, or Maastricht as my school does not offer a program in Amsterdam. And in Western Europe I have only been to Paris and Rome (although major landmarks), I have only been to each for a week respectively. I like Rome significantly more then Paris, and neither have an ideal program for me. I am also looking at a school in Berlin (although they do not offer a full year program). And then Denmark (Copenhagen) is appealing to me, but my only concern is that it is not as centrally located as the other options, making travel a bit more difficult (although more accessible to Scandinavia). I just didn't want to go somewhere that is a frequented place for abroad students (while staying in Europe) and as a result right now I think the Netherlands and Denmark are the front runners. I have heard amazing things about Buenos Aires, and that is in the consideration although travel would be limited and finding a good program there is abit more difficult then in Europe. I also considered Japan (as I think it would be awesome to visit), but I don't speak any Japanese and also many of the programs are very technical (engineering, science, and math centered) and that's really not what I'm looking for. All the input is really appreciated Rob, thanks for the help and keep going if you got any other advice or ideas.

I wanna try japan for the summer. Maybe London or Italy for a semester, that is where my school offers it.

All of those would be awesome, research those programs and definitely do it.

[Gay Ork Wang]

If u come to germany, its not that hard to visit Amsterdam :)

germany is pretty close to all the big countries too.


Also funny Rob brought up Strasbourg. Reminded me of a story:

We went to Strasbourg with our class of like 20 people in 10th grade. so we had like 3 hours of free time till we had a tour in the dome or whatever. So we went out checking for a supermarket to get some beer. we were like 15 or so, so we went into the streets, drank some beer, chilling.

So after 2-3 Hours we went to the dome and we were sitting inside. next to me was that other asian kid. He was sleeping. you could clearly tell that he couldnt process alcohol as well as we did being asian and all. So i woke him up and was like "dude, the teacher is gonna kill you", he is like "man, i feel bad" so i tell him to go to the bathroom. He just tells me right in the face "its too late" turns to the front and just pukes all over that other kid right into the dome. I saw like every bit of him turning away from my face and just starting to puke. it was the closest to getting puked in my face ever.
It was just weird, everyone staring at him, i mean we were in the ******* church. We later told the teacher that he had like 2-3 bad döner kepabs and the teacher believed us.

Till this day we still mock that guy for that

[wogitalia]

Paris is good if you speak French or have someone with you who does, but the French are very "snobbish" for lack of a better word and really don't like people who don't speak their language and by speak it, I don't mean a few words, I mean fluently.

Sweden is good if you can take the cold.

Germany can also get really cold but in Summer it was great and would certainly be fun, Germans as a whole are a hell of a lot more liberal and fun loving than the major English speaking countries, though that goes for all of Europe really.

Australia has great weather, especially in Perth or Brisbane and is a really laid back place, I would highly recommend it if you are only staying for 6 months, though if you come to Perth it is pricey to get anywhere else, I would strongly recommend Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne if you are coming and spend a week over in Perth on a break rather than trying to do the opposite.

[no bare feet]

I wanted to study abroad : (

[UKfan]

England!!!

[Rob S]

All I will say is that I wouldnt go to Berlin. The museums are awesome, people are alright, food is great, nightlife is popping, but there was like an aura over the city (at least to me). The darkness of the period from WWII was still eminent imo. "Dark" is the way I would describe Berlin. Go to Munich instead and visit Berlin.

Also, travel from Germany can be incredibly long to some Western European places. I know the train I took was like 11 hours from Paris to Berlin. If you wanted to explore Poland and more Eastern European places tho, its money while still not being too far from the usuals.

[themaninblack]

I think I'm gonna go to London next summer for a class. We're only going to be there for 2 or 3 weeks but I cannot wait. Never been to Europe though I plan on visiting much of it at some point.

[TitleTown088]

If u come to germany, its not that hard to visit Amsterdam :) Amsterdam was less than advertised I thought.




Also funny Rob brought up Strasbourg. Reminded me of a story:It was me, not robby. Just for the record ;)

[Rob S]

On a side note......has anyone been to Egypt? I am going this winter. The program is pretty structured (based in Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor), so traveling will be rare (on my own anyway). But if anyone has some advice on just how life goes down there I would appreciate it. I have been to India so you can spare me the malaria/water/haggling advice haha.

[pierce2walker]

If u come to germany, its not that hard to visit Amsterdam :)

germany is pretty close to all the big countries too.


Also funny Rob brought up Strasbourg. Reminded me of a story:

We went to Strasbourg with our class of like 20 people in 10th grade. so we had like 3 hours of free time till we had a tour in the dome or whatever. So we went out checking for a supermarket to get some beer. we were like 15 or so, so we went into the streets, drank some beer, chilling.

So after 2-3 Hours we went to the dome and we were sitting inside. next to me was that other asian kid. He was sleeping. you could clearly tell that he couldnt process alcohol as well as we did being asian and all. So i woke him up and was like "dude, the teacher is gonna kill you", he is like "man, i feel bad" so i tell him to go to the bathroom. He just tells me right in the face "its too late" turns to the front and just pukes all over that other kid right into the dome. I saw like every bit of him turning away from my face and just starting to puke. it was the closest to getting puked in my face ever.
It was just weird, everyone staring at him, i mean we were in the ******* church. We later told the teacher that he had like 2-3 bad döner kepabs and the teacher believed us.

Till this day we still mock that guy for that

yea Germany's central location is definitely a plus. And I definitely know about the mixture of asians and alcohol being that my school is 45% asian, for sure some funny stories especially when people drink for the first time.

Paris is good if you speak French or have someone with you who does, but the French are very "snobbish" for lack of a better word and really don't like people who don't speak their language and by speak it, I don't mean a few words, I mean fluently.

Sweden is good if you can take the cold.

Germany can also get really cold but in Summer it was great and would certainly be fun, Germans as a whole are a hell of a lot more liberal and fun loving than the major English speaking countries, though that goes for all of Europe really.

Australia has great weather, especially in Perth or Brisbane and is a really laid back place, I would highly recommend it if you are only staying for 6 months, though if you come to Perth it is pricey to get anywhere else, I would strongly recommend Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne if you are coming and spend a week over in Perth on a break rather than trying to do the opposite.

agreed the French are more insistent on speaking French compared to other countries. And in reference to the Australian weather...the warm weather is nice, but I already go to school in San Diego, so to be honest I wouldn't mind experiencing a new climate. Although nice weather is never bad. But yea I have heard good things about the Scandinavian countries, and am definitely considering them

England!!!
Any advice on England? Any particular places or universities you would recommend?

All I will say is that I wouldnt go to Berlin. The museums are awesome, people are alright, food is great, nightlife is popping, but there was like an aura over the city (at least to me). The darkness of the period from WWII was still eminent imo. "Dark" is the way I would describe Berlin. Go to Munich instead and visit Berlin.

Also, travel from Germany can be incredibly long to some Western European places. I know the train I took was like 11 hours from Paris to Berlin. If you wanted to explore Poland and more Eastern European places tho, its money while still not being too far from the usuals.

Yea I have actually heard similar things about Berlin. Glad you can also attest to that. Berlin the only realistic German option that my school offers though, which is unfortunate and probably a reason I am leaning away from Germany.

[pierce2walker]

Some new places I'm considering for study abroad are Dublin and Manchester. Anybody have experience with these places? Any opinions?

[YAYareaRB]

I heard Switzerland is like God Land. I hear they breathe air that hasn't been breathed before. I hear when it snows.. you can eat it and it tastes like white chocolate.

[Vikes99ej]

I'd probably go to England or Germany.