Summer school has traditionally punished under performers and laggards. Doing math in a stifling classroom in July was brutal and deterred even the most ardent lay abouts!

But some interesting evidence emerged from this misery. The most important is that students who continue their studies through the dog days of summer performed better when school reconvened in September. The brain, like the body, needs to stay in shape and ten weeks away from formal learning is a setback for most.

This is particularly important for students entering grades 11 and 12. If students get off to a slow start it may be too late to make it up and accumulated grades too weak to allow them entry to the colleges and universities and their courses they want.

Our summer programs provide a great bridge from one academic year to another and almost always a strong start to the next academic year. Not only are students provided an extra credit, but students embarking on Grade 12 in Ontario need only take 5 more to graduate. That creates extra time and space to focus and excel.

With 95% of our summer students applying to top universities in Canada and the US, students are part of a peer group headed to success. At GSA we say the two most important elements to education are the teachers in the front of the classrooms and the quality of students in it. We are fortunate to have both.

To this, of course, we add some of the richest and most exciting learning settings in the world from Renaissance Italy to the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica.

Sam Blyth MA(Cambridge)
Chair, Global Summers Academy

Global Summers Academy offers an amazing array of programs in some of the world’s most amazing countries. Call 1.844.357.2621 or go online and see where we can take you!

The post Why Summer School? appeared first on Global Summers Academy.

While the opportunity to travel and learn is a fantastic one, there are a few do’s and don’ts to remember so that you can get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Yes, you are there to learn, but also to become immersed in a new culture and way of life, which could teach you more skills than any lesson plan in a classroom could.

1. DO Make Sure The Course Is Right For You

It’s easy to think that any opportunity to learn away from home is beneficial, and while the chance to explore the wider world is never one to be missed, make sure that you select a course that will actually benefit your career and further education choices.

Choosing a course to study Ancient Greece won’t help you to further your dream of becoming a doctor, but it would help someone interested in archaeology. Make sure the course material is right for you and that you will get the marks and credits you need. Keep in mind prerequisite courses while making your decision as well.

2. DON’T Expect The Same As Everyone Else

You have your reasons for choosing this particular course and opportunity, but not everyone will get the same out of it as you will. Expecting to have the same experience as other classmates or even people who took the course before you, will limit your experience and can remove some of the value of the course.

If you read about people having a horrible time or not liking the food, this can sway you from forming your own opinions and becoming biased during the program, if you even still decide to go.

3. DO Plan And Budget Ahead Of Time

With school fees and spending money while away, there is a lot to budget for, so it’s best to start this as early as possible. Talk to the school to see what they recommend you have with you as essentials, and make a plan to ensure things like travel insurance are dealt with in enough time prior to departure.

The last thing you want is to find out your passport expired the day before you go.

4. DON’T Wait For Things To Come To You

If there are things you need before you travel, don’t wait for them to magically come to you. You may need to follow up with a phone call or email to make sure you have everything you need. Leaving things to the last minute usually spells disaster.

The more you can be prepared for your time away, the better!

5. DO Create The Best School-Life Balance Possible

There will be lots of studying and classroom time while you are away, but if you don’t take the time to enjoy the country you are in, the experience is wasted.

Take the time to enjoy your downtime, explore the local area, take part in local events, and get to know the people around you. This is when you can learn much more than what you do in the classroom, and you can gain the most incredible experiences.

6. DON’T Treat It Like A Vacation

It’s not a holiday. You are still required to take part in lessons and group activities, and even study in the evenings and on weekends. This is not a reason to take as many photos as possible for your social media and thousands of followers.

Have a balance of learning and playtime to make the most of this experience.

7. DO Indulge Yourself

There is nothing wrong with trying new foods and experiences. That’s part of the benefit of the program: you can indulge yourself to a point. New culinary adventures await in the small cafes and restaurants. Street performers display stories and cultural references you won’t see anywhere else.

These indulgences will give you stories to tell for weeks when you get home.

8. DON’T Follow The Crowd

While there is safety in numbers, especially in a new country, don’t limit yourself to full-group activities. You have the option to take the road less travelled and explore with a small group of fellow students.

By stepping away from the crowd you can explore and discover things on a more intimate level and at your own pace.

9. DO Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone

New things are always scary and yet exhilarating at the same time. By having the confidence to step out of your comfort zone you can see and explore so much more of the areas around you.

Maybe you wanted to try the local street food, but the group moved on too quickly, you can go back and take in the sights and smells later and take that bite. You may even like it.

10. DON’T Fear The Unknown

Going on a trip like this with preconceptions of what others have experienced before can lead you to becoming fearful and putting up barriers. This means you could miss out on all the amazing things the country has to offer and prevent you from learning more.

11. DO Explore On Foot Or By Bike

By taking a walk or even renting a bike, you can begin to explore what surrounds you and helps you to get to know where you are. This is a great way to get your bearings and also overcome homesickness.

Learning where you are early on helps you to settle and enjoy the program.

12. DON’T Forget To Buy Some Souvenirs

Souvenirs are more than trinkets; they’re tangible memories of your journey, capturing moments and cultures. Choose items that reflect your experiences and support local communities, allowing you to share and relive your adventures with others.

We Can Show You The World

There are a lot of people who go to other countries and become so stressed with money, exploration, and the culture that they forget to have fun.

By planning ahead, and being open to the experience, you can gain so much and have the most amazing time of your life.

Global Summers Academy offers an amazing array of programs in some of the world’s most amazing countries. Call 1.844.357.2621 or go online and see where we can take you!

The post 12 Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Abroad appeared first on Global Summers Academy.

Doing so through a study-abroad program can give you invaluable experiences that go far beyond social media posts. Still, by looking deeper into the reasons to undertake a study-abroad program, you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to take up this once-in-a-lifetime chance.

Experience a Country Firsthand

Most people only get to see the world through TV shows and internet searches. They may often dream of what the sights, sounds, and smells of a new country would be like.

Studying abroad not only allows you to see a new country, but also gives you the experience that regular tourists don’t get. As most programs discourage you from tourist resorts, you can experience the country like nothing you see in travel brochures.

With the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path areas, you get to see more of the world and experience its true cultures, often not seen by tourists.

View the Living Culture

Experiencing new foods, customs, and daily ways of life gives you something that no textbook could ever teach. This is education on another level.

While you can explore and learn about a country’s history at home, actually living through it daily allows you to expand your education. This education will also be delivered in methods you are not used to back home.

By joining classes at the partnering school, you can see how and what other students learn about the rest of the world. This learning approach gives you a wider knowledge your classmates at home miss out on.

Practice a New Language

One of the great things about travelling the world and visiting other countries is that you can practice your native language and really test your skills.

While a lot of countries can and do speak English, many are more comfortable in their mother tongue. This gives you an invaluable chance to learn a new language by speaking daily with the people of your host country.

Classroom settings are a great place to start, but holding conversations regularly in this new language actually helps the language to develop and stay in your mind for longer. Learning French in France? It doesn’t get much more immersive than that!

Learn New Hobbies

Being immersed in new cultures gives you the chance to experience unique things, and you may find that you gain new interests at the same time.

Activities that may seem mundane at home to some, like macrame (the art of knotting cords or thick strings to form decorative patterns) or cooking, can take on a new life when experienced in another country.

Being exposed to how other cultures pass the time, you can learn new skills and find different interests that you can continue with at home. These talents can shine a new light on things, and you may find that you can interest others in them.

Make Life-Long Friends

With study-abroad programs, it is very possible to make new friends who will stay with you for life, even after you return home.

Real connections are sometimes hard to make with people you spend all your time with, especially if you have different interests. Getting to know people through study-abroad programs gives you the chance to meet others who may enjoy them.

These connections can last a lifetime, and with the internet being such an accessible tool, there is no reason that you cannot remain in regular contact.

Post-Graduation Benefits

Aside from the amazing experiences you gain while being in this new world, the benefits will continue after graduation.

School admissions look favourably on people with more to show under “Extra Curricular Activities”, and this goes a long way for most universities. Once you have completed further education and know what you want to do for a career, you may be able to return and find employment where you went to study.

Students who have had this opportunity state that they have a new perspective on life. In fact, their personal development changes; they become more accepting of different cultures and gain a drive to learn more.

Our personal development is typically dictated by our experiences. This is not to say that people who study abroad are better, but they can be more rounded and have a more open mind.

Experience It for Yourself

Global Summers Academy has a team of experts in travelling and studying abroad. Working with well-travelled teachers with firsthand knowledge, your study-abroad program will be like no other.

With amazing opportunities and experiences planned out so that every student can get the most out of their time away, and with programs to help you learn what you want, such as language or history, there is no better school to guide you.

Whether it’s the Parthenon in Greece or the rainforests of Costa Rica, you can explore these regions and other amazing and breathtaking countries that are rich in history, science, and culture.

For more information, call our dedicated team at 1-844-357-2621, or contact us here to see our current programs, and get excited about travelling and learning all at the same time.

The post Are Study-Abroad Programs Worth It? appeared first on Global Summers Academy.

Engagement

Learning outside the sterile environment of the classroom has a much better chance of engaging the student and when students are engaged, they learn. Conversely, when they aren’t engaged nothing gets achieved.

A recent study from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education also shows that students retain much more of what is taught if the educational settings change. “Oh, I remember, we talked about that in the cathedral in London”, is a typical comment.

Some of our courses never use a classroom and we have seen some of our best outcomes from those.

Class Size and Student Quality

Last year our average class size was 12. This is half or less than students experience at home and allows for personalized, experiential education where teachers have time, flexibility, and space to address individual learning styles and provide extra care.

Overall, about 98% of our students are on a track for university, and many to the best ones in Canada and abroad. This makes classes easier to teach at a higher level than most students experience at home. And this provides better university preparation.

Block Teaching: One Course: One Month

Unlike at home where students are taking four, six, or eight courses simultaneously, ours are doing just one. This helps maintain focus, avoids scheduling issues, and particularly helps students who have anxiety and/or organizational challenges.

Quality Teaching

For many teachers, the experience of delivering their courses in context is a dream come true whether that is French in France, Biology on the Great Barrier Reef, or Classical Civilization in Greece. Not surprisingly, we have huge interest in these positions and can select the best whether they come from private or public school settings. We then use student, family, and administrative feedback to assess the teachers and hire back the best.

Support

These are anxious times and students need more academic and personal support than ever. Our faculty and staff are available 24/7 for our students whether that is to talk about an essay or personal struggles. As well, we place a very high value on kindness and peer support, and we have seen lifelong friendships built during these programs.

Global Summers Academy programs are available for students from grades 9 to 12 and offer a wide range of secondary school courses in Europe, North America, Central America, Oceania, and Asia. We will continue our tradition of experiential learning, teaching mainly outside of the classroom walls. Reach out today by calling us at 1-844-357-2621 and speak to one of our friendly and professional course leaders, or visit us online to find out more.

The post Why does Experiential Education work? appeared first on Global Summers Academy.

However, it’s not as simple as grabbing a bag and jumping on the first plane. To make sure you get the most out of this experience, it’s best to plan ahead and go with someone who will make sure you can balance study and play.

For international summer programs, Global Summers Academy has some of the best opportunities for students who are 13-19 years old to earn an Ontario credit. When looking to travel and study anywhere, though, there are some key factors that you should think about before you book. These include the following:

1. Eligibility

Some programs may require certain requirements before you can book, including, for example, prerequisite course completion. Reach out to the school directly or check out their website to confirm their requirements.

2. Cost

Travelling abroad is not cheap. So, you need to make sure that you can afford the trip and look at how you can save up the money ahead of time. When booking, a deposit and administration fees are required upfront, and then the balance is due at a certain date to secure your place prior to travel.

Ask about funding: is there any assistance depending on your circumstances, or maybe a scholarship or bursary you could apply for?

If not, there are some fun ways to raise the money to help pay for the course. Remember, you will need to take some spending money so you can enjoy things while away, such as fun leisure activities and buying gifts for friends and loved ones back home.

3. Visas

Requiring a visa for travel and studying abroad will depend on certain aspects, including the following:

• Where you are going
• How long you are going for
• The destination’s international travel requirements

Every country has different requirements. Your school or travel provider will be able to advise you in more detail about what is needed, especially at the intended time of travel. With COVID-19 still being an issue in some parts of the world, travel requirements are constantly changing. Many travel programs will assist in the Visa process as well, so please ask!

4. Plan ahead

For any type of trip, you should always plan ahead. For studying abroad, the more time you have to plan, the better! This allows you time to save some money and make the required payments.

You can also research the different courses available and the class sizes. This way, you can choose the one that most appeals to you or is the most applicable for future learning or work experience.

Additional research into where you are going ahead of time will also help you adapt to the different cultures and customs you may not be aware of. For example, making sure you don’t offend people while you’re in a foreign country is always a good thing.

5. Housing

Depending on the program and the arrangements the school has with its international counterparts, housing will vary. Ask what to expect, as residences can range from dorm rooms to private homes to hotel rooms.

This will help you better prepare and plan what you can take and leave behind. This can also help you to get ready for things like homesickness and culture shock ahead of time.

6. Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for all travellers. This coverage protects you against financial loss in terms of cancelled or delayed flights, lost baggage, and medical expenses should you get sick or injured on the trip.

Some programs will cover such loss or have it as an additional option. Find out what the program covers and see if getting personal travel insurance would be better or not.

COVID-19 is still at the forefront of many people’s minds. Does the school offer additional insurance regarding this issue? Is this coverage necessary for the destination you are going to explore for a few weeks or longer?

Your school will be able to recommend if any other insurance is required, either by them or the country you are travelling to. It’s always best to find this out before you go.

7. Language barrier

Most countries will speak English. However, depending on how far you will be venturing away from the usual tourist locations, English may be less widely spoken in certain areas.

If you are learning the native language of your destination, then this is a great opportunity to improve and use it daily. If you have never learned the language or are unsure what language is spoken, check to see how much this will be a barrier in your studies.

8. Leisure time

Ask how much time you will spend studying and doing school activities compared to how much free personal time you will have.

Aside from learning about another country and its lifestyle, you need to take a break and explore or unwind during your off-time. This will help you focus on your studies when it’s time for some serious work.

Of course, studying is the reason why you are there, but the life experiences you receive from travel and exploring are just as important. It’s all about balance!

Enjoy Your Travels!

At the end of the day, you need to enjoy the learning experience and your time away. When you consider the above-mentioned factors carefully, you can better prepare and find the course that will benefit you the most.

By asking about everything from class sizes to visas, housing, and language issues, you can prepare ahead of time as much as possible. Remember, though, to have fun with the experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive into new worlds and cultures, and you should soak it in and enjoy it as much as possible.

Global Summers Academy is your studying abroad school that will put the fun into learning and help you have a safe and enjoyable trip with memories to last a lifetime. For more information on our programs, you can call us at 1-844-357-2621 or contact us online.

The post 8 Factors to Consider Before Studying Abroad appeared first on Global Summers Academy.

This is now becoming more popular in other countries and is opening up the world to more students who are looking to expand on what they have already learned, see history come to life, or talk to someone in their native language. 

Being submerged in another culture that is vastly different from your own forces you to learn things such as language or culture quicker. It also gives you experience and allows you to learn more about a country’s history and people.

For example, you can learn conversational French in Paris, or how to make the perfect pasta dish in Italy. You can explore the ancient ruins in Greece or walk through the rainforest in Costa Rica. With the opportunity to explore the world, students can now learn more than a textbook can teach, make new friends, and see the wonders that other countries have to offer. 

This can also help with college or university applications, proving that you are interested in the subject and providing you with a new perspective and understanding that you do not get from textbooks.

The Benefits of Studying Abroad

A textbook can tell you about events or things that happened, or it can explain how to form grammatically correct sentences and hold a conversation in another language. Textbooks can even take you through the steps to prepare your favourite meal. 

However, there is something special about learning all these from experiencing interactions with the culture and people directly. Learning how to hold a conversation in the regional dialect with the locals can be more valuable than simply reading about it.

Some students have found that this immersion has allowed them to progress in their studies and understand the language easier and, therefore, start to speak it and understand it quicker. When they return home, their grades and studies continue to improve. 

Case studies have shown that history students surrounded by ancient ruins, such as the Parthenon in Greece, are able to visualize the history that surrounds them and get a better understanding of how people lived, worked, worshipped, and what was deemed as entertainment. 

English students are another example. Studying literature develops a deeper understanding of not only the author’s intentions in a book but also the political aspects of society and of the time in which the book is set. This leads to more complex answers on exams, thus showing a better understanding of the course materials.

Spending as little as two weeks in another country can vastly improve a student’s knowledge and understanding, leading to improved grades and a better educational experience.

Improved Academic Scores and Achievement

There have been several studies over the years into how students improve on a personal and social level, becoming more outgoing or more fluent in a new language. 

However, until recently, there were no actual studies on the impact that studying abroad has on grades and GPA scores. 

While many people see the benefit of students travelling to explore new places and see the world, there are now studies showing the advantages that this has on an academic level.

A recent study carried out by the GLOSSARI, the Georgia Learning Outcomes of Students Studying Abroad Research Initiative, has shown that students that get the opportunity to travel abroad are able to improve their GPA scores from 3.24 to 3.30. For students with an already perfect score, it is of course difficult to measure them. However, for the students who have been particularly struggling, they start to show vast improvements and get the most from travelling overseas.

This is also reflected in essay writing. In this case, the writing style of the student shows improvement in the way it’s structured, as well as in the evidence given to support and answer the question.

While studies are still ongoing, there is evidence that the students who get the opportunity to carry out their studies abroad do show improvement when they return and are able to explain and understand things in more depth than other students. Graduation rates have also been shown to increase and students are better prepared to go on to further education.

Many university programs are now looking more favourably at students who have travelled and studied in other countries, especially when it is in relation to the courses they are looking to take and their career choices.

Sending Your Child on a Student Travel Program

With student travel programs and dedicated teachers accompanying them, all students can benefit and improve their knowledge. Such programs assist students in the long term with applications to post-secondary institutions, and even in some work placements. 

With Global Summers Academy, students get to travel to different countries with teachers who are extremely knowledgeable about the country that they are visiting and the courses they are teaching. Students can surround themselves in the culture, language, and history, and take learning beyond the textbooks.

Well-planned itineraries allow students to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the local cuisine, dialects, and structure. They get to experience everything in a structured manner, allowing them to learn as much as possible in different ways.

Activities are designed to be interactive and excite the students, making learning fun. The students are encouraged to use what they learn daily, such as speaking in the local language, to help retain and develop their skills and knowledge. 

There are programs from grades 9 to 12. With these programs, parents are able to stay in contact with their children and learn about what they are experiencing while away.

For more information about how Global Summers Academy can help your child grow and learn, contact us online or call 1-844-357-2621 and speak to an advisor about the programs available. 

The post How Learning Abroad Helps Academic Achievement appeared first on Global Summers Academy.

Sending your child abroad for a summer or semester can definitely be nerve-wracking. You want to be well-prepared and to make sure that your child will make the best of the opportunity. As a parent, this is a normal concern and you should try to make the experience as stress-free and interactive for your child as possible. 

It’s important that students don’t just go through the motions of sightseeing and tourist activities. Have them engage in continuous learning throughout the summer by offering them challenges and a chance to reflect on each experience. In the article below, we will delve into some of the best ways that you can make sure your child is learning and keeping engaged while abroad on their student trip.

Prepare for the Destination

Once your child books a summer trip abroad, you will want to make sure they are well-prepared for the destination they are going to. This will certainly involve some background research on the country and its demographic, languages, and customs. 

Make sure your child understands and reads up on certain traditions and expectations when visiting the country they are travelling to. They should also have an idea of the area they are staying in and where to find food, groceries and essentials. 

This preparation will help ease them into the experience and take away some of the stress so that they can learn in a positive and comfortable manner. They will also be more educated before even stepping foot in the new country so that they can appreciate the culture and customs even more.

Get Them Outside

In order to make sure your child has a good time and appreciates learning in their new environment, you should encourage getting outside more often and moving around. Whether it be walking, hiking or trying a new activity that involves the outdoors, your child will definitely enjoy and remember the experience more than if they were cooped up inside of a classroom. After all, the sights, weather and people you encounter are all a part of the experience.

Sometimes the best learning comes from outside of a traditional classroom. Global Summers Academy students are able to be fully immersed in their curriculum. Whether it’s learning about biology in Costa Rica, history in Rome, or photography in various cities across Europe, our study abroad summers programs allow students to be fully engaged with their education. 

Challenge Them

In order for your child to learn effectively and to enjoy doing so, they should be challenged. If they are not stimulated enough, it could lead to boredom and indifference. Activities such as trivia with questions about sights that they’ve seen or challenge them to a physical activity like a hike in a new area they haven’t been before. Challenging your child will get them out of their comfort zone in a fun and effective way. While you won’t be present with your child during their summer adventure, there are likely additional activities they can participate in with the rest of the group. 

Learn a New Language

It’s always beneficial to learn (or begin to learn) a new language. Learning new languages opens up your mind to other methods of communication and to seeing the world through a new lens. Children will be better travellers and communicators when they know more than one language. Start them early and encourage them to learn the language of the country they are visiting. Their experiences will be much more enriching!

Reflect on the Day

It’s a great idea to have an open line of communication while your child is abroad in a new country. Remember to speak with them daily and give them an opportunity to reflect on the day and their new experiences. Ask them about foods they ate, sights they visited and what they liked/disliked. 

This will help them understand what works and doesn’t work for them, and help them establish a better self of identity and independence. It will also teach them and help them practice introspection, which can be a great tool for learning.

Ask Them Questions 

Of course, you want to ask your child the type of open-ended questions that will help enhance their learning experience abroad. Ask them questions about the history and culture of a location and what they’ve observed about a destination. This will help them to become more aware of what they are experiencing and to develop better critical thinking skills.

Provide Positive Feedback

Your child will do well with some positive reinforcement every once in a while. Constructive feedback can also be just as effective. Don’t miss the chance to tell them how proud you are of them and what a great job they are doing. They’ll appreciate the feedback and feel encouraged to continue on the path they are taking.

Choose a Student Travel Program

If you really want to ensure your child is learning, making friends and experiencing new things, choose a student travel program that includes effective teaching opportunities and a well-planned itinerary that takes the guesswork out of planning. Here at Global Summers Academy, we value your child’s education and always prioritize learning when we develop and execute our summer travel programs.

Ultimately, learning doesn’t have to be boring. Your child deserves fun, interactive learning opportunities that will create a positive impression in their mind. After all, learning is a lifelong pursuit and they should come to love it without feeling bored or uninvolved. For more information on 2023 student travel programs and summer programs, please contact Global Summers Academy at 1-844-357-2621 or contact us here. We believe in interactive, engaging summer programs that are far from your regular trip abroad. Please contact us for more information and to answer any questions you may have.

The post How to Make Sure Your Child Is Learning on Their Summer Abroad Program appeared first on Global Summers Academy.

Costa Rica July

France

Grand Tour Europe

Greece

Rome & the Greek Islands

The post Global Summers Academy Photo Blog appeared first on Global Summers Academy.

Experiential Education: How to Assess Value 

Deciding on your summer program starts with honestly assessing what you hope to gain. When assessing the merit of something experiential, it’s important to truthfully determine what you want. If you want a deeply interpersonal experience, your priorities will differ from the adventure of outdoor excursions. Someone planning to go into environmental sciences will likely have different priorities than an aspiring novelist. 

Start by asking yourself how studying abroad is going to impact your future. You’ll carry the memories and experiences with you forever, using them to inform your later decisions. Analyze how you want the study abroad program to affect both your personal and academic future. As long as you take your time, you can savour the choosing process. The world is a big place, and structured summer programs let you explore it safely. While you’re looking at the options, be sure to keep the following metrics in mind: 

Language: Learning and Skill Reinforcement 

When travelling abroad, one of the main factors in your experience lies in how you interact with the local language. Sure, some destinations may rely on your native tongue, and if you plan to focus on other experiences, choosing a country that relies on a language you know can be a good approach. Determine how much of the program relies on linguistic ability to ensure that you have a positive experience abroad.

Conversely, you can plan to use the summer to enhance your language skills. Different languages enable students to see the world from the perspectives of others and become immersed in the culture without any translation confusion. It’s important to be genuine in your assessment of your language skills — but don’t let them hold you back. Look for programs that focus on communication or take a class in advance.

International Culture: Safety, Independence, and Education

Much of the reason experiential education while learning Ontario courses is so popular is the opportunity to discover new cultures around the globe. There are three aspects to assessing the value of a program in terms of culture: 

• Activities and learning: Look at what the program has to offer in terms of excursions and classes. The idea of a study abroad program is to contribute to your resume while enhancing your abilities as a person. The best way to learn by experience is to balance structure with independence, with preset curricula that include academic interests and personal priorities.
• Safety and cultural expectations: Before you decide on a location for your study abroad journey, start by assessing whether the culture is compatible with you as a person. Each different area has unique expectations of character and laws specific to the region. Consider the regulations and political circumstances of the destination country. 
• Opportunity for independence: Because no two people are alike, experiential learning through a study abroad program requires some room for self-discovery. The program should have sufficient supervision while still allowing participants to experience the area independently. Find a program that strikes a balance that’s comfortable for you.

Financing: Weighing Value Against Cost

A key factor in assessing whether the study abroad program works for you is the monetary aspect. It’s an investment in yourself, something that’s realized through the experience you gain. There are several financing opportunities, most notably in scholarships and awards. Another option is to save ahead of time through part-time employment. A major component of savings is to set a goal, so establish a price point that makes sense to you and your financial landscape. Use this as a benchmark metric for how much you plan to spend on the venture. 

Be sure that the cost is worth what you get. You might be able to get an affordable experiential learning opportunity, but you may lose some valuable accommodations as a result. Investigate any extras, including support services, medical insurance, and supplementary excursions that the program includes. From housing to transportation, finding a program with a good value-to-cost ratio is paramount. 

Time Constraints: Responsible Scheduling 

Planning in advance can prevent any timing issues, ranging from getting your passport to completing your paperwork and prerequisite courses. In some cases, you may need to meet an age threshold to participate in the program. There are plenty of opportunities to study abroad within your schedule, provided you factor in time. 

Some programs are shorter, freeing you up to meet any obligations at home. Others extend for longer but add benefits through the extra experiences. Consider how much time you want to put into the program. Spending 17 days in Whistler differs significantly from 24 days travelling in France. Opt for something that has a duration that suits your needs, in the month that suits you. 

Be sure to factor in any supplementary expectations, including preparation and follow-through. A major aspect of studying abroad is confidence and responsibility. Ensure that you have the time available to you for all aspects of the travel program. 

Concluding the Comparison

There is no shortage of ways to analyze and assess your study abroad choices. While prudence is key to responsible choices, studying abroad is all about experiential learning, and that means getting out there. Eventually, you need to take the leap and embrace the journey. So long as you go with a trusted and reputable organization and be honest about what you want, the world is at your fingertips. 

For more information about how to select the perfect study abroad opportunities, call Global Summers Academy or send us a message here. Happy travels!

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