Stats and Scholarships

The Stats

In the last 5 years the number of students studying outside of their home country increased by 40%.

While 1 of every 16 students in sub-Saharan Africa studied abroad only 1 out of every 250 North Americans studied abroad; the lowest rate in the world.

As globalization through technology continues to bring countries together more closely, the importance of cross-cultural experiences and communication is crucial to moving forward socially and in business. What does this mean for US students? We have a lot of catching up to do! However, the price tag on a global education can often be daunting. Below are a few scholarships to aid you in your path overseas. Many have fast approaching deadlines, so don’t delay!

The Scholarships

Gilman International Scholarship Program

Deadline: Oct. 9, 2007

When: Spring 2008

What: Up to $5,000 for undergraduates. An additional $3,000 for those seeking to study: Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and specific dialects of Turkic, Persian, and Indic.

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia

Deadline: Oct. 17, 2007

When: Spring 2008 and early 2008-2009 Academic Year

What: Up to $3,000 for summer, Up to $5,000 for a quarter/semester, Up to $7,000 for an academic year. All for undergraduates studying in East or Southeast Asia.

Marshall Scholarship

Deadline: Oct. 3, 2007

What: All expenses for graduate study at a British university.

George J. Mitchell Scholarship

Deadline: Oct. 5, 2007

When: 2008-2009 Academic Year

What: All expenses for graduate studies in Ireland.

Fulbright Program

Deadline: Oct. 19, 2007 *Your school may have a different deadline.*

What: All expenses for one year to teach, research or study in over 100 countries. Must have a bachelor’s degree to apply.

Information courtesy of Abroad View Magazine.

Posted by Susannah.

The Price is Right

One of the most exciting and enriching parts about living abroad is having the opportunity to travel while you are there. On a budget? Don’t worry! If you can afford dinner, you can afford a flight from London to Rome. With airlines such as Ryan Air and Easy Jet offering flights for as little as about $1 USD before taxes one way flights within Europe (total flight cost can often be as low as $20 USD), how can you afford not to go? So hop online and then hop on a plane. You never know how close (and affordable!) your next Grecian vacation may be.

Posted by Susannah

Bazaar Bargaining

I’m not sure what it is, but the folds in my wallet seem to stiffen when I'm abroad, and the once stingy contraption remains open for the entirety of my trip, ready at the first hint of anything cool to cough up all its possessions on the spot. To combat the problem of overspending, I've written down a few ideas and tactics that help me keep my wallet relatively full, even if I am finding it open more than usual.

1. Don’t buy anything right away! Even it you “just gotta have,” you can most likely “just gotta have it” somewhere else, and it might be cheaper. Take a walk through the entire market to see prices from a few vendors. Chances are that they sell similar things and have different feelings about offering you a lower price.
2. Once you pick out the item and the place to buy it try to engage the owner in a general conversation. Shopping is more a social event than business transaction. If you can speak the same language ask how long he or she has been selling the goods and other questions about his business or the area. If you are unable to have short conversations then ask the price of a few items. Don’t look overly eager to buy any one thing or they will hike the price up.
3. After you ask the price don’t be afraid to shake it off with a laugh or look of disbelief. Make a face like you just ate a batch of sour grapes. Ask the price of something else before returning your interest in the original item. If you’ve gauged the market price and know what you are willing to pay for the item, it’s perfectly fine to let the vendor know that you think he’s boosted his prices.
   
4. Venders will not show you any respect or offer their best price if you respond to his initial offer with a ridiculously low number. Remember, you’re not trying to rip anyone off, just get a fair price. Keep your lowball offers at about 50%, maybe 25% if you're going to buy a few items.
   
5. Lastly, don’t be afraid to walk out. But be sure not to just rush out in a huff. Take it slowly. Gived the vendor a chance to stop you or at least offer a lower price. Even hesitating just before you walk away to briefly inspect a different item works wonders. Always thank the vendor for his time and remember that you can always return if you realize that whatever the price, you “just gotta have it.”

Posted by: Marc