What to Pack When You Are About to Study Abroad

| Posted in

The idea of international students is becoming more popular as the years pass by. Now, there are hundreds of thousands of students globally who leave their home countries to go to another to earn undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Many students aim to study abroad due to several reasons.

First, such foreign students feel the excitement of going to a different environment. Because they cannot travel and stay in another country, being a student is a good enough reason to stay abroad, as students abroad have the times of their lives. They are able to party and act independently despite their need to do homework and study for forthcoming examinations.

If you are aiming to be an international student, you should initially take note of the things you should bring with you. Because going abroad to study is like any form of offshore travelling, you will have to prepare and pack your baggage. Here are some tips you should take note of if you are preparing to pack your things prior to a trip abroad to study.

- Make sure your baggage is huge and spacious enough to accommodate the things and items you need to take with you. Principally, you are expected to pack sets of clothes, underwear and various body accessories.

- Bring toiletries. These items are basic objects for travelling. Bring your own toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, shampoo, soap, perfumes and other items for personal and hygienic use.

- It is advisable to bring biscuits, noodles and canned goods to provide staple food during at least your initial few days or weeks in the host country. While you are still familiarizing yourself with the place, it will be better if you would have your own supplies so that you don't starve yourself when you realise there isn't anything you initially like.

- Bring cash. Take your ATM card or credit card so that in abrupt purchases, you will be able to pay for goods.

Nick Sanders is the owner and founder of Supaproofread.com, an online proofreading and editing company, specialising in student, business and ESL proofreading and editing services. For more Articles, Resources, News and Advice about international study, you should visit the site.

Study Abroad Programs and Scholarships

| Posted in

For all those who are fascinated by the beauty of the unseen, adventurous enough to explore the mysterious lands and ambitious by nature, study abroad programs become the first choice when it comes to pursuing education. The advancement of technology and increasing liberalization have also elevated education abroad as a viable option for many. However, what has made these programs popular among the students of developing countries and other hitherto marginalized sections of the population is the availability of numerous study abroad scholarships and International fellowships.

Over the years, USA seems to have captured the imagination of the youth who wish to pursue higher education abroad. Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, New Zealand and Singapore are some other places that have witnessed tremendous flow of International students. India and China are two other countries that are attracting a growing number of foreign students at present.

However, taking the decision to go abroad for studies is not an easy one as it involves considerable expenses. But with numerous education loans and scholarships around, it has become much easier today. Most of the countries that seek to attract students from other countries offer scholarships on a wide variety of study abroad programs that may include courses in medicine, engineering, arts and humanities, science, management, law, fashion design & technologies, and various other courses. For example, if you are willing to study in USA, you can think of applying for Fulbright Scholarships, Marshall Scholarships, Miss America Scholarships and so on. In order to qualify for certain scholarships you may have to fulfill certain criteria like merit, need, ethnicity etc.

For specific information on a country's study abroad programs, it is always helpful to visit the local office of the country embassy or the office of the High Commission. Moreover, certain countries has also opened office specifically to cater to the needs of the International students. Certain good educational websites also provide information about the study abroad programs that are available in a country and other related information. Another option to take the right decision is to go for professional help and visit an experienced education consultant.

http://www.indiaedu.com/
http://www.indiaedu.com/scholarship/international-fellowships/index.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vishal_Bansal

Disney Vacation Cruise, Safety First

| Posted in

The dream vacation for every child is a Disney Cruise vacation. The great thing about a Disney cruise vacation is that not only do the children have a blast, but also the parents get to enjoy all the great benefits of a cruise. Whether you opt to take the Disney Magic Cruise or the Disney Wonder Cruise, rest assured you will receive all the 5 star benefits from 24 hour room service, delectable food, entertainment for all ages, and some of the greatest memories ever thought possible to make with your family.

Disney Cruise lines take you and your family's safety in utmost importance. From any of their exciting itineraries from a 3 or 4 night cruise to the Bahamas to a 7 might cruise to the Eastern or Western Caribbean you can rest assured that your safety is always being considered from the moment you step foot on the ship until they safely return you back. Even when docking at exciting retreats such as Castaway Cay, safety checks are put in place to ensure everyone is accounted for.

Disney Cruise Lines offer family estate rooms so your family stays together. If extended family is coming along to enjoy the experience, Disney Cruise Lines will do everything possible to make sure your rooms are all located adjacent to each other. No child under the age of 18 is allowed to get off the ship at any port of call unless an adult is with them showing proper kinship, or the responsible adult party signs for them to go ashore. The day care center aboard ship is equipped with pagers so at all times the parents can have piece of mind in knowing that if their child or the staff needs them they will know immediately. You cannot even get that piece of mind in a land based daycare center.

Before the ship will even leave dock to start your exciting adventure upon sea, required by Coast Guard and the International Safety Regulations, and highly supported by Disney Cruise Lines, every passenger must participate in the compulsory safety drill. Other safety guidelines that are strictly followed are the picture identification system. Even adults are required to show picture ID to embark or disembark at any port.

On top of highly secured railings on the decks, Plexiglas is also in place for the safety of all passengers and especially children. There is onboard physician and nurses available 24/7 for any medical needs that may arise. However, as a passenger you are required to make sure that you bring along an ample supply of any maintenance medication you may medically need in the original prescription bottle.

Common sense goes a long way when vacationing anywhere so before embarking on any cruise talk with your family and make sure you have your own personal check systems in place as well. Disney Cruises does everything in its power to ensure you a safe and enjoyable cruise filled with wonderful memories; however, nothing can compare with using your common sense and having your own safety check practices in place.

George Edmondson is an accomplished writer about Disney Cruises and vacations. For more information about Disney Cruises, you can visit http://www.disneycruiseguide.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Edmondson

The Best Tropical Vacation Places

| Posted in

A beach bum must have a list of beaches to visit, while a person in need of a real tropical vacation must be seeking for the same beaches. For your benefit, here are some of the best tropical beaches around the world. These beaches must be included in a beach lover's hall of fame.

The countless movies featuring the Caribbean beaches should give you the same number of ideas on what kind of vacation you are going to have in this prime summer destination. Considered as one of the best beaches in the world for the temperature, marine biodiversity, and cerulean blue oceans, the Caribbean should be on top of your vacation location list. The Bahamas, Cuba and Guadeloupe beaches should have reached your ears for their promising vacation offers. Also, a series of secluded cloves with fine sandy beaches is worth visiting, especially if it is your first time in the Caribbean.

If you are looking for a place that is not very far, but can offer you a unique vacation holiday, Hawaii should be a top consideration. The pristine islands and surf-worthy ocean and beaches feature their natural beauty. You can even hold your dream wedding in these fantastic islands. In addition, it is one of the prime destinations all over the world so you will not find it hard to arrange your most awaited tropical getaway. Every airline drops by Hawaii, but you will be surprised that this destination does not seem to get beaten by the number of vacationers each year.

Are you looking for a vacation spot apart from the Caribbean or Hawaii? If you are a beach bum, you have probably frequented these beaches already that you are now looking for a different summer escapade. If you want to experience a more exotic vacation, travel to any of the Asian beaches that are mostly recommended by word of mouth. Thailand may be in your list as the Ko Phi Phi beach has been immortalized in the movie, The Beach. You can further delight yourself over the sandy beaches and islands, as well as Thai's spicy delicacies.

If you are opting for the most beautiful beach and white sand in Asia, then Philippines' Boracay is the best choice for you. Experience the extraordinary powder-soft sand that does not seem to get hot even if it is noon time. Its waves invite year-round activities, such as kite boarding and windsurfing, which makes it a prime destination any time of the year. In addition, you should not miss the night life in Boracay as it is regarded as legendary.

The 3 Gili islands of Indonesia are also among the beaches that you must visit as they exude a promising tropical feel. Aside from the serene and lovely views at the coasts, you will also find reefs worthy of exploration. Diving and snorkeling are common water activities that you must not dare miss. There is also East Timor's Pasir Putih for those who love peace and adventure at the same time since this beach is almost deserted, so much for real privacy and serenity.

Matthew Kepnes has been writing about tropical islands and tropical vacations for years now. His work has appeared in many online publications. You can find out more information on tropical vacations as well as Bali vacations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Kepnes

Planning Travel to a Foreign Country

| Posted in

People like to travel or take a trip to a foreign country or city for their vacations and holidays. Adequate research and planning are very important to assure a pleasant and risk free trip for a couple or family with children. There are many resources and websites on the web for people to do their research and to help with planning for the trip.

Do research for the destination especially in a foreign country like their culture, transportation, accommodation that usually are unfamiliar for the people going there. Understanding of the culture of the destination country will avoid embarrassment when dealing or speaking with their people, because of the cultural differences. It will also be helpful to learn a few words that are helpful while in the foreign country. Words like asking where is the taxicab or bus stations, where to find the hotel or restaurant, or anything that will be helpful for the trip.

Prepare yourself for the foreign currency for the country you are going like the exchange rate. It will also be more convenient where are the financial institutes like banks or places where you can exchange or obtain the foreign currency. Check if the credit cards that you carry can be used and acceptable in the country or city, most of the credit cards should be ok with most countries. One of the advantages for using credit cards is that you can carry less money and improve the security while in the foreign place.

Research and plan the order which cities or places to visit first, in the middle, or last. A well ordered or planned trip will make it less tiring and more pleasant for everybody on the trip. It will be common sense to go from one city to the most adjacent city and then the next adjacent city, and so on.

There is also a consideration if you are taking a connected flight, it may also apply to other transportation methods too if you will need to go from one boarding area to another one. If the airport you are arriving has the departure gate which is far away from the gate that you are arriving, like from one end of the airport to another end. It will easily take a long time to walk there. Find out a head of time to see if that is the case, then take the airport shuttle and it will help a smooth connection from one boarding gate to the next gate.

Finally, try to avoid carry large luggage that will require airport or any custom checks. It will save much time for check just to carry the hand carry luggage with you.

Teeny is a writer for finance, computer, travel, cars, shopping and other subjects for many years, please visit http://www.fidetips.com/travel for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teeny_Ingberg

Business Travel Tips For Your Family

| Posted in

Business travel tips often focus on how to make the actual traveler's trip easier. But what about the family that is left behind? Often times depending on the age of the kids, it can be just as stressful for them and your spouse. While you are planning out your next trip, take some time to plan out how you are going to spend quality time with your family both before and after the trip.

One thing to plan is something to do when you return so everyone can look forward to that activity and not on the absence. Plan for a trip to the zoo or some other age appropriate activity for your children.

Help your spouse do any chores before you leave, like grocery shopping or laundry. Being a single parent for a couple of days can be challenging, especially when you are not used to going it alone.

Play with your kids before you leave as well. Before trips we are usually just focused on preparing for the trip itself and not on preparing the family.

Call often while you are gone. When on the road don't forget to check in even more often then when you are in town. This helps maintain a constant reassurance that things are okay.

Families are often the forgotten factor when talking about business travel tips. There is a whole industry focused on the traveler but not on the family. If you are a frequent flyer, take some time to focus on your family.

For more great info visit: Family Stress and Business Travel.

Also be sure to visit my blog at Business Travel Tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nickolas_Carroll

Tips to Plan Your Family Vacation

| Posted in

Family Vacation is a great way to spend good time with those who are closest to you in your life. It is time to laugh, to fun and to re-connect with your family members. But in order to make your family vacation a golden memory that will never be forgotten, you have to carefully planned and well-organize it.

Planning your Family Vacation is not an easy task. It is a big responsibility. There will be frustrations along the way. There will be disagreements along the way because everyone has different opinion and different way of thinking.

So in order to make everyone happy and reduce the amount of frustration, you have to prepare yourself in advance. Here are some simple tips to make your family vacation a pleasure instead of sting.

1- Make sure that the date of vacation is convenient for everyone. Contact every family member and asked them whether the date is convenient for them or not. The best way to do this is to choose couple of potential dates for the vacation and contact everyone regarding their availability.

2- Now decide where you want to go for vacation. There are so many beautiful places around the world. So it was indeed a difficult to choose one from so many places. Use internet to do your research. Go to various websites and choose a destination as per your need. Also, do not forget to get inform everyone about your decided destination.

3-After deciding your destination, find a good hotel in your decided destination. Book your hotel in advance so that you don't have to face any problem later on and you can comfortably enjoy your tour. Thanks to Internet Technology, now you can easily book your hotel online within a couple of minutes.

4- Now one of the most important thing and often ignored by everyone is packing. It is something that is taken lightly by everyone. But it is an important thing. Good Packing is a good start. It requires good planning. Make a list of things you need to pack for each family member. Start packing your luggage according to your list and check off each item as you pack. When preparing to leave, review the list one last time to make sure you didn't miss anything.

5- Sometimes things don't go the way as we have planned. So you need to be flexible. Have fun, enjoy and make sweet memories with your family which is unforgettable.

Karan Kapoor is the webmaster of Famous Family Quotes and Food Quotes websites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karan_Kapoor

Going Green Even on Vacation

| Posted in

There are many reasons to drive hybrid cars these days. The high fuel costs of last summer are still fresh in everyones mind as gas prices topped four dollars a gallon. Even though the price per gallon dropped over the winter, gas prices caused some commuters to reconsider their gas guzzling SUVs and look into the economical benefits of hybrid cars.

Hybrid cars not offer lower fuel bills at the pump but also give consumers a sense of helping out the environment as hybrids have better gasoline mileage and fewer emissions than standard gasoline engine powered cars. Although the cost of buying a hybrid is often between six to eight thousand dollars greater than buying the same model with a gasoline powered engine the cost of driving a hybrid are far greater than driving the gasoline counterpart.

Hybrid car owners wanting to go on vacation are concerned about being able to rent a hybrid car while traveling. Whether for the environmental impact issues or for the sheer savings on fuel over their vacation, conscientious people want to rent a hybrid. The popular Toyota hybrid makes a great vehicle for travelers that want to rent a Prius. The roomy and economical cars make vacationing for the whole family a possibility. Although availability in some areas may be limited it is becoming easier to find and rent a hybrid car while traveling out of town on business or pleasure. With a little research finding the right hybrid to rent while on vacation is possible for those that have gone green and want to stay green on the road.

Rent A Hybrid Car is a source of information for those that are looking for a hybrid car rental. Environmentally conscious travelers looking to rent a hybrid car can find resources to aid in their search. Whether for business or pleasure travelers that wish to rent a hybrid will find where they can go to rent a Prius. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billings_Farnsworth

Medical Travel - Precautions You Need to Take

| Posted in

There are fewer regulations, regarding health in India, applicable to foreign tourists. These regulations are more of the nature of prevention than anything else.

* WHO website for International Travellers.

* WHO India

Yellow Fever

Any person (including infants) arriving by air or sea without a certificate can be detained in isolation for a period up to 6 days if arriving within six days of departing from an infected area or has been in such an area in transit, or has come by aircraft which has been in an infected area and has not been disinfected in accordance with Indian Aircraft (Public Health) Rules, or those recommended by WHO. Various countries in Central and South America and Africa are regarded as being infected, enquire at the concerned Indian Mission for an up to date list. When a case of yellow fever is reported from any country, that country is regarded by Government of India as infected with yellow fever and is added to the above list.

Malaria

Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country excluding parts of the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim. No certificate is required, but a course of anti malaria pills is recommended for all travellers to India.

Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4 hour intervals), and wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.

Cholera

Travelers proceeding to countries that impose restrictions for arrivals from India or from an infected area in India on account of cholera are required to possess a certificate. In any case, an inoculation against cholera is recommended.

General Tips

* Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, make water safer by both filtering through an “absolute 1 micron or less” filter AND adding iodine tablets to the filtered water. “Absolute 1 micron filters” are found in camping/outdoor supply stores.

* Buy bottled water from respectable outlets to guard against stomach upsets. Some of the better known brands are Bisleri, Kinley, Aqua Fina, Himalaya etc. Make sure that the seal of the bottle is intact.

* Watch out for spicy dishes, especially at the outset of your tour. Avoid eating food from road side stalls. Eat unpeeled fruits and avoid fresh salads, especially in small hotels. If you are forced to eat food at some place that you have doubts about, make sure the food is served hot.

* Always use an insect repellent if you find yourself in a mosquito-prone area. But remember, not every place is mosquito-infested and low temperatures in winters (when most tourists come to India) kill most bugs in the northern plains and hills.

* If traveling in scorching heat, remember to drink enough water, use hats, sunglasses & UV lotions. Do not venture out in the mid day sun.

* Pharmacies or chemists are available in every little town and village and you can buy medication. In case you need to see a doctor for a specific condition, ask for help from your hotel (most have doctors on call) or your tour operator. The cost of visiting a doctor is fairly low(less than a dollar) compared to western countries.

Health Kit

In India, most modern medicines are available over the counters in drugstores, but it is wise to travel with a reserve stock. If any prescription drugs are required, bring enough for the duration of the trip. It is advisable that you carry a small health kit which should include remedy for upset stomachs, some antiseptic cream, mosquito repellant cream, suntan/uv lotion, etc.

Caution: This document is not a complete medical guide for travelers to this region. Consult with your doctor for specific information related to your needs and your medical history; recommendations may differ for pregnant women, young children, and persons who have chronic medical conditions.

This article is brought to you by Medical Tourism India's website which is a service provider for medical tourists coming to India.

Medical Tourism Advice available at India Medical Tourism website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nakul_Jain

Today's Cheap Travel Secrets Revealed

| Posted in

International travel does not have to be expensive these days. The lowering of prices has helped to make travel infinitely more affordable for everyone, but if you are on a budget then you are still restricted as to what you can do for a vacation. Cheap travel tips and secrets can really give you options as to where you can go and what you can do.

International travel has many travel secrets associated with it today. This is a result of more and more people being bitten by the travel bug and wanting to experience the world one step at a time. In order to provide and care for this demand, tourism operators and hoteliers have been more than happy to drop their prices and take on a more commercial outlook! There are some tips that can help you to make your adventures that little bit more affordable, and nobody can resist the offer of cheap travel, so read ahead to find out how!

• Choose cheap travel in an easily accessible country. South America and Western Europe are both cheap to get to because airlines so often have deals on, especially if you are travelling in the off-season or on an off-peak flight. There are so many flights available that it is easy to find a cheap one if you look hard enough.
• Book your vacation from a cheap travel website rather than a travel agent because websites, like Expedia and lastminute.com, often have great deals for flights and hotels that travel agents do not get. If you do insist on booking through an agent then go for the last minute deals instead. Booking a week or so before can save you hundreds!
• Cheap travel is often dependent on how cheap the country that you are going to is. Again, South American countries are extremely affordable, with complete meals costing as little as one or two dollars. Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia are perhaps the best in terms of cheap travel affordability. It costs little to get to these countries and little to be able to eat, travel and survive there!
• Staying in smaller hotels or hostels can also save money, but the latter tends to be for the students rather than the adults. Staying in smaller hotels will often enhance your experience because you are often made to feel like royalty, especially if the hotel is a family run business!
• Purchase a guidebook and read it before you go. A guidebook will highlight the beauty of the area without pushing you towards the most expensive attractions in town. If you want cheap travel then you should always seek out the free tourist attractions first, of which there are plenty in most cities and towns.
• Smart travel is also about becoming one with the place you visit and you can do that by eating in cafes and restaurants that the locals eat in instead of the expensive ones aimed at tourists. You will save money because local eateries are cheaper and get to sample some of the fine food.

Cheap travel makes the world more accessible to everyone, but by looking at the local area and making the most of what is there, you need not spend a fortune. Instead, you can spend your money on the next cheap travel trip!

Sam Serio is contributor to two websites that focus on Chincoteague Island on the Eastern shore of Virginia. http://www.chincoteagueislandvacations.com and http://www.chincoteagueoutlook.com take the visitor on a fascinating journey to this family oriented, eco-friendly vacation destination second to none. Through Blogs, videos, informative articles and in-depth interviews these sites make it fun to Discover Chincoteague Island, Virginia- "the beautiful land across the water."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Serio

Why Study Abroad Programs?

| Posted in

Studying abroad is when a pupil travels to another nation in the search for academic opportunities. A number attendees relish the idea of studying overseas - business, engineering sciences - or some other highly sought after skill overseas. This approach can have numerous benefits for a student and generally counts for degree points to a postsecondary higher education, but quite a few students who study abroad do it for the experience and not much for credit. Where study abroad in Europe is concerned, there are usually overseas learning programs to choose from presently, depending on the focus point the students are leaning towards and on the favored location goal.

For instance, if a student seeks to learn abroad for aquatic biology, he or she will travel to a nation where practical training can be obtained. There are over 20 plus subjects an individual can study abroad, as well as over 50 countries a student can journey to. For example, a pupil from China who is interested in business can get into the Rochester Institute of Technology program in the US. Several programs offer various advantages such as college credit, scholarships, and internship to a plethora firms. People often confuse students who study abroad with foreign exchange students, but there is a huge distinction between the two.

Many academies prefer their enrollees to be involved with study abroad programs rather than student exchange programs because it is easier, since international programs are more flexible. A student exchange student on average does not earn credentials and is purely there for the experience and in order to gain knowledge about the foreign language and culture. For example, if a student in the US wanted to learn French, he or she would exchange with an attendee from France who seeks to learn English. Many students who are a part of study abroad programs do it during the summer or some type of school break. It is very popular to travel to Europa-based countries such as Germany, Sweden, Holland, England and France.

Of course the list is continuous, but most of these offer training, awards and grants. To find out more about study abroad programs in Europe, ask your nearby university for a database of study abroad programs or even better start your internet search at our no cost resource site. study abroad programs in Europe.

Get useful review info on colleges and universities in Europe and to learn why study abroad is good for you. Visit TuitionFreeColleges.Mtnhome.org - find out what study abroad programs can give you the overseas living experience of your dreams today.

Tips For Studying Abroad in Beautiful Asia

| Posted in

Asia, home to approximately half of the world's population, offers prospective study abroad students many educational opportunities within colorful societies vastly different from the West.

Under the broadest definition, Asia encompasses more than 30 countries in East Asia and South & Central Asia, with some of the largest study abroad destinations represented by China, Japan, India, Thailand, Korea and Hong Kong. Asia is a welcoming, exciting and contemporary destination for students from North America. However, proper planning and good preparation can improve the experience immensely.

If you're thinking of studying abroad in Asia, consider these tips:

Outline your goals and purpose for studying abroad. Are you looking to study language only, language and culture, or a mix of language and cultural studies, as well as classes related to your major?

Consult with your university's study abroad office about available programs and internal requirements.

Program options may include:

Student exchange - an agreement between your university and a foreign institution allowing payment of your regular home university tuition fees and direct enrollment in the host university. (Often, best suited for independent students comfortable and knowledgeable about the prospective country and host university.)

Direct Enrollment - similar to student exchange, but allows you to apply and pay fees directly to the overseas university. (Well suited for independent students comfortable and knowledgeable about the prospective country and host university.)

Faculty-led - developed and run by your university, generally as a short-study program comprised of participants from your university. (Often appeals to students who don't want to spend a full semester abroad and value the leadership of their own faculty and participation of university peers.)

Program provider - international education organizations providing a variety of study abroad opportunities, including language/study centers and facilitation of direct enrollment at host universities. (Often best suited for students seeking additional information, assistance and support for their study abroad experience.)

Consider your academic needs in consultation with your home university advisors to ensure your overseas studies are applicable to your degree.

Test your own cultural IQ by mentally preparing for your experience. Set your expectations against your knowledge and identify where you will face challenges.

Seek out other students who have studied in the countries you are considering and ask them for advice.

Research the health risks or recommended/required immunizations or inoculations for your intended country. A good resource is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Familiarize yourself with crime statistics, laws and penalties of the countries you are considering. This will help you avoid becoming a victim of common crimes or committing crimes unknowingly. Laws and regulations may differ significantly from those in the United States, ignorance of laws is often inexcusable, and violations and penalties can be severe. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information.

Begin at least a survival language program prior to your departure overseas so you develop a basic vocabulary and are comfortable navigating your local area.

Learn the destination country's systems and services, whether money and banking, healthcare, transportation and entry and exit requirements.

Anne is director, student services and programs, for AsiaLearn. Their China study abroad program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the study abroad Hong Kong program.

Bangkok Sightseeing Vacation - Frugal Tips

| Posted in

Have you been planning a Bangkok sightseeing vacation but always holds it back because of budget constraints? Don't worry because there are many ways to enjoy Bangkok even with limited vacation funds.

Bangkok is really one of the best places to visit if you want quality but inexpensive vacation. It has numerous tourist attractions that are usually accessible by public transportation. So before you cave in to the luring sales pitch of the tour guides that charge hefty fees, it is worth to read the following frugal tips for your future Bangkok sightseeing vacation plan.

Use the Map. You can ask a free copy of Bangkok map at the hotel concierge. If you cannot find any, though rarely, you can always refer to the maps located in the public transportation stations of the metro train or express boats.

Also, majority of the tourist attractions have tourist information booth nearby that you can approach.

Research Earlier. Guided tours are always expensive because you pay for their service and knowledge. Tour guides will provide you with the history, its significance and other related information of the sights you wish to go.

But why spend a dime for information that is widely available with no cost at all. Before you pack your things, do some little homework. Research and read about those famous tourist attractions that you plan to visit. This will save you a substantial amount of money while you will enjoy the thrill of exploring unguided Bangkok sightseeing tours.

Take Express Boat. This is the great way to get around in Bangkok because it is cheap and fast, away from the congested roads. Express boat is also known as the public boat. With regular trips and several routes, you can visit major tourist attractions using express boat.

Here are few local tourist attractions that you can reach through Express boat.

• Emerald Buddha & Grand Palace
• The Golden Buddha
• The Reclining Buddha
• The National Museum of Royal Barges
• Wat Arun

Tour guides will approach you in every sightseeing site. Don't succumb to their overcharged fees as most of the local attractions are just walking distance from the pier (where the express (public) boats dock).

For instance, Wat Arun is located just across the pier Tha Tien where you get off for the Reclining Buddha. There is available ferry that will take you for five minutes or less to the Wat Arun from the Tha Tien pier for only 3 bhat per way.

Bangkok Mass Transit System. It is also known as BTS Sky train, a quick and convenient way to reach shopping malls and other tourists destinations. Aside that it gives you a top view of the city, BTS Sky train is also clean. It will cost you between 30-40 baht per trip per way.
Here are few places you can go using the BTS Sky train.

• Siam Square (Bangkok's shopping heartland)
• Victory Monument
• MBK Shopping Mall
• Chatuchak or Weekend Market

Pack Extra Traveling Bags. Bangkok is always associated with shopping because there are so many things to buy at reasonable prices from clothes, shoes, silk, tailor-made suits, jewelries to souvenir items. You will definitely end up with an extra travelling bag on your return.

To pack all these new shopping goodies, you will need an additional suitcase on your return but why you have to buy an extra suitcase when you can pack some old folding traveling bags you keep in your closet back home.

Now that you know few Bangkok sightseeing vacation frugal tips, it's about time to let go your travel qualms and enjoy the thrill of exploring frugally the various local attractions in Bangkok.

Cyra Miles Valdez is a freelance writer living in Abu Dhabi, UAE and her areas of interest are travel, events & holidays, health, culture & society, human interest stories and education. Her writing services include SEO writing, webpage content, article writing, blogs, essays and feature writing.

Visit her at http://www.cyramiles.com/ or take a peek inside her mind at http://www.anintimateconversation.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cyra_Miles

Summer - The Perfect Time For a Meat Vacation

| Posted in

It's summer, and summer is vacation time. So if you're staying home this summer, take a vacation anyway-a food vacation. You've been careful all year to eat less meat and more legumes. Now is the time to get out the grill and enjoy your steaks. The news media are telling us to take a "stay-cation." Well, turn your "stay-cation" into a "steak-cation!" And who is the king of the steaks? King Porterhouse! This cut of steak has plenty of marbled fat to make it juicy and flavorful and, most important, tender. Porterhouse is one of the most tender cuts of beef. Picture the porterhouse steak in your head. It's that nice, thick triangular steak with the bone down the middle. The bone divides the steak into two neat sections.

The larger one is classic, wonderful porterhouse, a treat to eat. But the smaller one is the treasure. It is even more flavorful and juicy. If someone divides the steak and gives you the choice of pieces, follow your mother's etiquette instructions and take the smaller piece. And that leaves the bone. Meat processors these days always want to remove the bones. Supermarket meat departments don't give us half the bones that our parents could buy. But where's the flavor? Next to the bone. You know not to gnaw on the bone in a restaurant (Mom's etiquette again), but if you are in your backyard, anything goes! Chew! Gnaw! Lick! Slurp! Enjoy every fiber of flavor on that porterhouse bone.

There are a couple of schools of thought when it comes to cooking steaks. The first is gas grill versus charcoal grill. The second is marinated versus gloriously naked.

This is just my opinion, but, if you're going to use a gas grill, you might as well broil your steak in the kitchen. You won't have to wave off the flies, mosquitoes, and yellow jackets, and the steak will taste pretty much the same. I know, you put the lava rocks in the bottom of the grill. Supposedly, the fat drips from the steak, hits the rocks, and gives the steak a grilled flavor. But, to me, it doesn't work. A charcoal fire is a lot more mess and work, but it is worth every bit of the bother. You absolutely have to be sure to allow the fire to die down to ash-covered embers, and you need to keep a spray bottle of water handy to put out the licking flames, but the result is an aroma that will call hungry carnivores from hundreds of feet and a flavor like no other.

The second question is to marinate or not to marinate. In my opinion, the native flavor of the charcoal-grilled steak is so satisfying that adding other flavor via a marinade reduces the perfection of the pure steak flavor. So, sprinkle on a little salt (go on, salt it-it's vacation, remember?) and maybe a little pepper, but that's all the perfect porterhouse needs.

Chuck R. Stewart purchased a case of porterhouse and other steaks online for a family picnic later this summer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_R_Stewart

Best Deal Travel Packages

| Posted in

In the contemporary world, life has become very hectic and tiresome; and everybody is in need of some sort of vacation that will take him or her out of the daily chores of life. These vacations should be properly planned and accordingly implemented, however, to make sure that they are going to be worthwhile. To start, you can search for the best deal travel packages.

Travel or vacation packages are offered by numerous online travel companies, which is definitely convenient since you do not need to go anywhere else just to book yourself to a vacation. This will also speed up the process of looking for the best one, a travel package that gives you everything you need all throughout the trip.

Here are some tips that you can use:

1. Choose a trustworthy and dependable online travel agency. This should form the important point in your check list. You should look for a travel agency that is reliable and, at the same time, offers you an all inclusive travel packages to your place of liking. A certified travel website would not only offer you the best deal travel packages but would also not compromise on the quality of the services provided to you. Make sure that the hotels, cruises, flights, cars rentals, and other services provided to you do not fall into the poor category. If possible, check out the reputation of the travel agency with other travelers.

2. Ensure that you can properly select the inclusions in your travel package. The travel website should contain options for extensive searches to numerous travel-related issues like pricing, destination, and schedule, to name a few. This is important as you would definitely like to make the most out of your meager budget.

3. It should have an excellent customer support. There can be potential problems and issues that you want to be addressed immediately, or perhaps you have some inquiries. Most of all, you may need the help of the travel agency even when you are already in your destination. Thus, ensure that it has a 24-hour support, complete with a hotline that you can call anytime and anywhere you are.

4. Determine the inclusions in your travel packages. The best deal travel packages are those that offer more than just an accommodation and an air fare. If you can just be persistent enough, you will discover that there are actually some of them that may also give you a tour around the different attractions in your point of destination or perhaps free dinner or breakfast.

5. Always listen to an advice. Before you even decide to select a travel package, you may want to conduct a background check first. You can read forums, groups, and message boards. You can check out blogs and perhaps articles about the travel agency. If they say that the travel package you are thinking about is not that affordable, then most likely it is not; thus, you are still not getting the best deal travel packages.

After you have considered these tips, book a package with Best Deal Travel Packages. You may even consider reading up on some last minute travel ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Janice

Travel Insurance For Seniors

| Posted in

If you are a senior considering traveling, it is absolutely crucial that you buy travel insurance for seniors. When traveling, seniors are at greatest risk of having a medical emergency. Getting the right insurance package for your age group can protect your health and give you peace of mind.

Travel insurance for pensioners is something you should really consider. The older you are, the more at risk you are for having something bad happen to you while abroad. If you are not covered by some comprehensive insurance, you could have some serious problems.

The major concern is that if you have a medical emergency abroad, you will end up in a foreign hospital with no medical coverage. You could end up paying thousands of dollars in medical bill. There are cases where people have had their entire life savings wipeout while abroad, just having to pay for critical medical support.

Since you are a senior, you fall under a special category when being considered for insurance. This category can included insurance for over 60, insurance for over 70's and travel insurance for over 80's. There are different insurance packages because each decade you age, there are additional risks for the insurance companies.

If you sign on to a insurance package not specially catered to your age, you may find that you are NOT covered for many clauses. This is the last thing you want: assuming you have insurance when you actually don't.

So make a point to talk to an insurance agent or look at some online insurance websites to find a package that fits your age.

Travel Insurance for Seniors is important because if the right insurance package is not chosen for older people, they will not be covered. That's why it's critical that you make a point of getting travel insurance for pensioners before you go on a long trip. The last thing you want to find out is that your insurance won't cover your medical needs in a foreign country!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_K

Study Abroad Programs In Italy

| Posted in

Italy is popular for its rich culture, fabulous food, and diverse region. Universities in Italy are known for the quality of education they offer at an affordable price. Many students prefer to enroll themselves in different study programs with these universities. Each Italian university approaches the needs of students in a different manner. Italian study programs offer degrees and diplomas for general management or specialization. They offer courses for a duration of one or more years.

Duquesne, Gonzaga, Hamline, and Tulane are some of the popular universities that offer study programs for students from abroad.

In Italy, the Palazzo Rucellai Institute of Fine and Liberal Arts is situated in the heart of Florence city's historical center. This historical environment is considered a suitable inspirational setting for an institution of higher learning. This institute concentrates on the Florentine tradition of art. The Institute offers an accredited US study abroad program that meets the American belief of academic brilliance and higher education. Palazzo Rucellai offers individuals with an exceptional prospect of participating in the collaboration of great traditions as well.

Universities in Italy provide a full learning experience. The program and syllabus is up-to-date, practical, and challenging. It is designed and constantly redesigned to meet the needs of the aspiring students.
Students can also enroll in courses relating to business, photography, literature and many more. They are all taught in English. If students have specialized in art, history, architecture, Italian language, or business, they will come across suitable programs that are designed to complement their studies.
Students who are not acquainted with Italian language can take advantage of learning Italian language. Many universities train students to speak this language fluently. All the study programs in Italy include 6 to 18 (semester) credit hours. Students can accommodate themselves in student's apartments, which are shared by two or more students. Nearly all the universities conduct orientation program before or in between the semesters. They also include weekly cultural programs and access to computer labs. These management study programs may also assist interested students with visas and travel issues.

There are International Education institutes that are afflicted with abroad study programs in Italy. They offer loans as well as information relating to different programs. This is done for the very fact that it is becoming necessary for many institutions to expand their study abroad options. Many online sites provide information regarding the various study programs available.

Italy provides detailed information on Italy, Italy Vacations, Map of Italy, History of Italy and more. Italy is affiliated with Italy Travel Guide.

Preparing To Study Abroad

| Posted in

The thought of leaving home to study abroad brings about feelings of trepidation, excitement and nervousness all at the same time. But if you plan for it well in advance, you can enjoy the experience and make the most of it as you head out into an unknown country.

Make a start by jumping online and finding out all you can about the college or university you will be studying at. Getting to know the history of where you are going will help you to become familiar with the place before you even arrive. This will reduce the feeling of being in a totally strange place and not being grounded.

Research the local area as well. Find out exactly where you will be living, what services are available locally and make a list of essential services such as the local chemist, doctor and dentist in case you need them while you are away. Download or print out a local map too and pack it in your hand luggage so it’s available if and when you need it.

You should also find out what items you are expected to bring with you when you begin your course. Certain books may have to be purchased in the country you are visiting, but you may be able to take some with you. Consider the practicalities of taking a lot of stuff with you though – you’ll need room for all those personal items as well as your study materials.

Don’t forget to double check your passport is well in date for the whole of your stay, and obtain any visas or other required paperwork in plenty of time before you depart.

Leaving home to study abroad may be the first time you have ventured overseas on your own. It’s a good opportunity to discover a whole new world on your own however – so make the most of every second of it.

Academia International is a leading international college providing cooking courses, hospitality management training, hairdressing courses, and beauty courses. For a free brochure please visit Hairdressing School.