Study Abroad Resources
Most programs have websites, so once you know where you want to go and the program, you can look specifics up on the web. The websites listed below are the best to help you get started. For more information you can check out Internet Resources for Education Abroad, http://www.umich.edu/~icenter/internet2000.html, a 13 page bibliography on everything you could ever want to know about study abroad.
- Study Abroad Search Engines
- Financial Aid Information for Study Abroad
- U.S. Government Information
- Miscellaneous Information
Study Abroad Search Engines
- IIE Passport: Living and Learning Abroad - http://www.iiepassport.org/
The Institute of International Education publishes the most comprehensive data on study and work abroad programs available anywhere. This online version offers the best search capabilities by far. IIE Passport is a user-friendly search engine which lets you check off the program characteristics you’re interested in, such as location, language of instruction, whether other participants in a program are US students or from the host country, or if the program offers a special “format” such as internships, volunteering, or field research. IIE Passport includes the entire contents of the IIE books Academic Year Abroad and Vacation Study Abroad.
- Studyabroad.com - http://www.studyabroad.com/
Comprehensive database lists study abroad programs as well as special databases for language courses and experiential programs. Information limited to location and academic subjects (does not provide cost information, for example). Don’t miss the site’s Study Abroad Handbook. Also includes country-by-country travel information.
- GoAbroad.com - http://www.goabroad.com/
A very comprehensive and up-to-date website with excellent search provisions. Website’s design allows continuous updates by program providers. Most listings give extensive information. Search possible by country, subject, or both. Provides addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses for all programs. One of the best sites for those looking for a broad range of education abroad options.
- Council on International Educational Exchange - http://www.ciee.org/
CIEE website with information and links to Study Abroad, Work Abroad and Travel Programs.
- Transitions Abroad magazine - http://www.transitionsabroad.com/
Transitions Abroad is unique in its coverage of all education abroad options, from study and work abroad to educational travel. Online version includes vast amounts of information such as annotated guides to resources, country-by-country listings of programs for study, work, internships, volunteering, language study, living abroad and more, along with articles from a first-hand perspective. Search functions available for entire site.
Financial Aid Information for Study Abroad
- Fulbright scholarships - http://www.iie.org/fulbright/
There are actually several different Fulbright scholarship programs, all of which are described on the IIE site. Fulbright Student programs are for graduating seniors, graduate students, and alumni; Fulbright Scholar programs are for university faculty and international education administrators; the Fulbright Teacher Exchange is for currently-employed K-12 and community college teachers.
- Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program - http://www.iie.org/gilman
This scholarship program is for students who have never studied abroad and who receive Pell Grants. Up to $5,000 for semester or academic year study abroad. Deadlines for Fall/Academic Year is April 15, for Spring the deadline is October 15.
- · National Security Education Program (NSEP) - http://www.iie.org/programs/nsep/nsephome.htm
Information on NSEP scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study in less-traditional regions, as well as institutional grants. Note that NSEP grants have a service obligation.
- Freeman-ASIA - http://www.iie.org/programs/freeman-asia/
Scholarships for U.S. students planning to study in Asia and who receive Pell Grants. Deadlines for Fall/Academic Year is April 1, for Summer the deadline is March 1..
- · Rotary Foundation Scholarships - http://www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/
The Rotary Foundation provides the largest single US scholarship program for study abroad. Scholarships are available for all levels of study, from high-school, undergraduate and graduate students to alumni and professionals. Generally not for use with study abroad programs sponsored by U.S. institutions. Application possible only through local Rotary Clubs. Deadlines (locally-determined) may be as much as one and one-half years in advance. Web site provides scholarship information and lists Rotary Clubs worldwide.
- Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals - http://www.cdsintl.org/cbyx/cbyxfromusa.htm
The sponsor provides funds for a one-year cultural exchange, involving work and study, to give participants an understanding for and knowledge of the everyday life,education,and professional training in Germany. The program is directed to young adults in business, technical,vocational, and agricultural fields. The deadline is December 1st, 2004. For more information, click on the link.
U.S. Government Information
- US Department of State - http://state.gov/
Essential help from the US government, for everything from travel safety advisories to crisis assistance for US citizens abroad, as well as contact information for all US embassies and consulates abroad. Also lists foreign embassies and consulates in the US. Frequently-consulted parts of this very comprehensive website include the following:
- Travel Warnings and Information, http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html
- Travel Tips for Students, http://travel.state.gov/travel/livingabroad_studying.html
- Online US Embassies, Consulates, and other Missions, http://usembassy.state.gov/
- American Citizen Services and Crisis Abroad http://travel.state.gov/travel/overseas_whoweare.html
- Passport services, http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html
- Foreign Consular Offices in the US (for visas), http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/
- A Safe Trip Abroad, http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_safety.html
- Drugs Abroad, http://travel.state.gov/travel/livingabroad_drugs.html
- Registration with U.S. Embassy, http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_registration.html
- Background Notes (country information), http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/
Miscellaneous Information
- Online Cultural Training Resource for Study Abroad - http://www.pacific.edu/culture
A great website to help you prepare for a new culture and to help you comeback home.
- Lonely Planet - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/
Great travel information, particularly for those on a budget.
- Country Studies Series - http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cshome.html
The Country Studies Series (commonly known as Area Handbooks) presents a description and analysis of the historical setting and the social, economic, political, and national security systems and institutions of countries throughout the world and examines the interrelationships of those systems and the ways they are shaped by cultural factors.
- Employment - http://www.cie.uci.edu/iop/work.html
There are numerous opportunities to work abroad as a student or recent graduate through short-term work exchange programs. The Center for International Education’s focus is to assist students to find these exchange programs, as opposed to permanent career positions abroad. This page contains links to work abroad related web sites, as well as listings of some of the more well-known programs that exist.
- Money Exchange - http://www.x-rates.com/
- E-mail - http://www.cybercaptive.com/
Will help you find the cyber cafe where you are going or where y’at.
- Newspapers around the world - http://library.uncg.edu/news/
Read Local World newspapers from the major cities of the world.