In today’s economic market and job climate, it really helps to have a little something extra on your resume. In fact, many employers look for potential hires that not only have relevant experience, but who can also provide a competitive advantage. Whether you are currently studying business, management, or international business, going to study business abroad will not only improve your resume, but also provide a wonderful educational and cultural experience. Studying business and management abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advance your skills and gain practical and applicable experiences on an international level.

Where to Study Business Abroad

One of the more difficult parts about studying abroad is deciding where you are actually going to study. Because the world is full of great colleges and universities that you can attend, the decision can be a little difficult and overwhelming. Ultimately, there are a few things you should consider when thinking about studying business or management abroad.

Study Abroad Checklist

• Location: Do you want to study in a major city or in a smaller college town? More likely than not, you will find most of the universities and colleges that focus on business to be in major cities around the world. After all, that is going to be where most of the major businesses are located, and when you study abroad, you want to live in that environment. Whether you end up in a larger city or smaller town, you will most likely experience at least a bit of culture shock, which is totally normal! However, if you take the time to acclimate, you will no doubt have a great time. A blogger at Blogging in Barcelona has this to offer: All in all, I am so happy I decided to go through with studying abroad and I couldn't be more satisfied with the city I chose and all the friends I made.

• Language: Do you already speak a foreign language? Are you interested in learning a new language? As you begin searching for universities, find out if the programs offered are taught in your native language, a foreign language, or a mix of both. If you already know a foreign language, then you might want to consider universities located in a country that speaks that particular language. For those who are interested in learning a new language, then studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to expand your language skills. If learning a foreign language is not on your priority list, then find a school in a country that speaks your first language.

• University: If location and language are not first priority, then you might want to find a top university or college for business or management, and apply to that school. However, it is in your best interest to keep all three of these factors in mind as you research your study abroad options. Knowing where to study business and management abroad ultimately comes down to what you want. Think about location, language, and the university before you make the final decision.

Internships

Something to consider while studying abroad is taking advantage of any internship opportunities that are available. An international internship experience will not only give you new perspective on your host country, but provide practical experience applicable in future careers. For some, the entire study abroad experience may be based on an internship opportunity. For others, it may be an added bonus to any classroom experience.

Language Immersion

Another great benefit of studying abroad is having the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in a foreign language. No matter your proficiency in another language, it is an entirely different experience to actually use that language in a native setting. While knowing a second language is a terrific way to intermingle with locals, it is also a skill-set that could help you land a job in the future, and, depending on your career path, help you excel at that job.

Using Your Experiences

Studying abroad can positively impact not only your self-being, but also your outlook on the world. By studying abroad, you open doors to your future. The acts of moving to a foreign country, assimilating into a new culture, learning a new language, meeting new friends and adjusting to new circumstances tell future employers that you are adaptable, inquisitive and are willing to see different views. There’s no reason not to use your study abroad experience to your advantage!

For tips on where to study business abroad, check out this infographic of the top places to study abroad! Happy travels.

After first deciding to study abroad, the next step might be one of the most exciting: choosing a destination. You may be lured by where your friends want to travel, but it’s important to choose a country that fits your academic needs and has a history and culture that interests you. Whether you’re studying biology, sociology, or art history, there’s a perfect fit out there for you. Unfortunately, the search can be tedious and a bit overwhelming. After all, the host country you choose could make or break your trip. To help ease the process, we’ve compiled a list of the top places to study abroad for each major. For more details, click here to read the full infographic. Good luck in your search process!

Europe

With nearly 150,000 student visitors every year, Europe is by far the most popular destination for studying abroad. With a variety of historical sites and cultures as well as dozens of countries that are easy to travel to and from, Europe is a great place to get a diverse experience.

Try the United Kingdom! Students can visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and British Museum while visiting the birthplace of the most widely used language in the world.

If you are interested in Renaissance art and culture, there’s no better place than Italy. With The Galleria Borghese and the Colosseum right at your fingertips, you will never run out of things to do. Not to mention the incredible cuisine!

Whether it is experiencing the art works of Picasso, learning the third most used language on Earth, or living the nightlife of Barcelona, Spain has everything a Sociology or Humanities major would be interested in. Roam the streets of La Rambla or visit Barcelona’s famous basilica Sagrada Familia on your semester abroad.

Many would consider France as the center of political thought and history. Moving from the “Sun King” Louis XIV to the influence of Voltaire, Rousseau and Napoleon, France is rich in political history. Visit one of the world’s largest museums in The Louvre or the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Latin America

Rounding in at about 40,000 students visiting from abroad each year, Latin America has a wide variety of Spanish speaking countries that would be a perfect destination for students who have already taken Spanish classes in college.

Mexico is an incredibly popular destination for students majoring in Spanish or simply looking to improve their Spanish language skills. Get real-life language experience with locals while visiting Teotihuacan, the home to many Mesoamerican pyramids.

Home to some of the most diverse natural reserves on the planet, Costa Rica is a wonderful place to explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserveor study the Arenal Volcano.

Experience the rich history of European and Mesoamerican traditions in the wonderful country of Argentina. One of the emerging political and economic forces in South America, Argentina is the perfect study abroad destination for students interested in Global Education. Visit Mataderos on Sundays to take in all that Argentinian culture has to offer and stop by the Plaza de Mayo, home to some of the most storied political gatherings.

Asia

Just below Latin America is Asia, with over 30,000 students studying abroad there each year. The world’s largest and most populated continent, Asia has impacted the Western world in many ways.

Whether it’s the beautiful Hong Kong skyline or the historic Great Wall of China, China has always been known for its incredible urban planning background. Don’t forget the local Chinese cuisine! You won’t be eating your local Chinese take-out anymore.

Japan is one of the leaders in international business, so what better place to study abroad than the Land of the Rising Sun? Make sure to stop by the Tokyo Stock Exchange or Nishi-Shinjuku, home of the tallest buildings in Tokyo. 

India is home to some of the most innovative development ideas on the planet. Known for its diversity in economic standings throughout the country, India would be a great place to get hands-on experience with the struggles of being in the business world in a third world country. While there, stop by New Delhi to visit the National Gandhi Museum, a real treat for anyone interested in history.

Africa

Africa comes in fourth on the list with just about 15,000 students studying abroad there each year. With more unique and abstract study abroad opportunities, Africa is still a great destination for those looking to become more cultured in their knowledge.

South African politics is known around the world for its tribal and international politics. Anyone interested in studying international studies or politics would find a safe haven in South Africa. Cape Malay and Cape Flats are both great travel destinations that will immerse you in South African culture.

Rather than flipping through hundreds of pages of travel books, we have compiled everything for you right here with a Study Abroad Checklist with all of the tips you’ll need when preparing to study abroad. Read up and enjoy your trip!

• See Full Infographic Here

The student visa application process can be confusing and time consuming. There are certain steps and procedures than must be done in a certain order; otherwise, you could end up having to start the process over again. With the prospects of studying abroad, you are undoubtedly excited, ready for adventure, and do not really want to spend all your free time filling out paperwork instead of planning those adventures. The first step you should do before you begin filling out your application and before you begin the process is to take a deep breath.

When to Apply

Not only is it recommended, but it is also encouraged that you start to file your student visa application as soon as possible. Because of wait times and application review processes, it can take a while to complete the entire application. Embassies and Consulates can only give you your visa 120 days or less before your study registration date. If you begin the application process and are approved before that 120 day mark, then the Embassy or Consulate will simply hold onto your visa until they are able to issue it to you. You should also be aware that you cannot enter the US more than 30 days prior to the school start date that you provided unless you also file for a Visitor Visa. In short, it is best to begin the visa application process as soon as you know that you are going to study abroad.

How To Qualify

Before you begin the process, it is extremely important to make sure you actually qualify for a student visa. Schedule time to meet with a consular officer, who will ultimately determine if you qualify or not, but you must meet these requirements:

• Accepted to an approved school
• Prove sufficient funding to pursue your proposed study
• Prove that you have prepared for studying abroad
• Intention on leaving the US once study is complete

Interviewing for a Visa

3 Visa Application Tips

• Transcripts and any diplomas that you have
• Standardized texts scores like the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, and GMAT
• Evidence that suggests you or a parent sponsor has sufficient finances to support you while you are studying abroad. This should be in the form of income tax documents and bank statements.

What You Need to Submit

Aside from scheduling an interview and the materials for your interview, there are also several forms and documents that must be submitted to the Embassy or Consulate in order to process your visa application.

• You must fill out the I-20 form that will be provided to you by the school you will be attending. An official from the school will have to sign the form, as will you.
• You must fill out and complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, or form DS-160. This form is submitted electronically and used by Consular Officers to process your application. They may also use it for your interview.
• You must have a current and valid visa before you can travel to the US. The visa must be valid until at least 6 months beyond your desired period of stay.
• You are required to provide a 2x2 photo of yourself. The photo needs to be in color, of your face, less than 6 months old, and with a neutral facial expression. You can learn more about the photo requirements by visiting this page.
• You must pay the I-901 fee and bring the MRV (application) fee receipt showing that you did pay your application fee.

The process of filing a student visa application may be stressful, but do your best to take it in stride. When you take your time, do everything correctly (the first time), and file all of your forms, then the student visa application process will go much more smoothly.

The decision to study abroad can be a life-altering one. Spending an extended period of time on your own in a foreign country changes your outlook on life and exposes you to things you would never see had you stayed home. If you have made that decision and are looking for a destination, consider Japan. The research required to learn How to Study Abroad in Japan can be more difficult than other countries, but the experience gained can make you glad you did the extra work.

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While life in Indiana may be cheaper than some other states like New York or California, you will find that work and study in Indiana may still be costly. Whether you need to pay rent, tuition, or other bills; you may find that having a job is a great solution. Not only can you earn spending money, you also may make connections that could help you land a job. It is no secret that studying abroad looks great on your resume, but studying and working abroad could look even better.
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Students who choose to study abroad make the decision of a lifetime. While studying abroad offers a lot of awesome experiences, it can also be extremely expensive. While you think about studying abroad, consider looking into study abroad scholarships for students. There are many scholarship programs for international students. If you choose to use an independent study abroad program, then there is a good chance that program offers some sort of scholarship:

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England is consistently one of the top places for study abroad students to extend their travels and studies for many reasons. One of the top reasons to study abroad in England is that it is an English speaking area, and saves students the hassle of a language barrier. Once you have made you last final decisions on your future in study abroad, the next steps in your plan to study overseas may be confusing, stressful, and possibly complicated. Depending on what program you choose, some students need to take more steps to reach their goals than others. Here is some advice from a study abroad alumnus on how to be proactive on tackling your study abroad experience, and also even more specifically on how to study abroad in England.
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There are plenty of universities and organizations that provide scholarship programs for international students. Whether you are looking to study in the U.S. or on the opposite end of the world, each program is different and provides a unique experience for each individual looking for a well-rounded educational and cultural learning experience. Many universities provide scholarships for incoming international students, but there are also other programs that provide aid and scholarships. Other grants and scholarships can come from the federal government, state government, or nonprofit organizations depending on what you are eligible for. Below are the basics about scholarship programs for international students.

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We interviewed a Michigan State University Alumni, Elizabeth Kelley, who had recently studied abroad to study German in Germany. She graciously allowed us to share her thoughts on studying another language in another country for those who are curious about doing the same.

Q) Why did you choose to Study abroad?

I decided when I was in high school that I wanted to study abroad. My German teacher was a big advocate of it and always brought in old students who talked about their experiences abroad. Hearing them talk about the new things they learned, the challenges they went through, I knew I needed to go abroad.

Q) Why did you choose Germany?

After my first trip to Germany in 2007, I fell in love with the country. My grandparents both emigrated from Germany and I remember when I was about 7 years old, sitting next to my Omi, reading My First 50 Words in German. I was so excited about the aspect of learning another language, and that passion stuck with me throughout college when I decided I wanted to study German.

Q) What did you study in Germany?

When I was in Munich, I mostly took courses regarding the German culture and language.

Q) Do you think studying German in Germany helped you improve in the language?

Studying German in Germany was definitely beneficial to learning the language. There is no better way to learn a language than be completely immersed in it. Constantly hearing, reading, and speaking German helped my language skills tremendously and I gained confidence in my German.

Q) Do you think you could have studied German in another country

I could have studied in Austria or Switzerland (both German speaking countries), but I was so in love with Germany. Thanks to my previous visits and knowledge of the country, I knew Germany was where I belonged.

Q)What specific German courses did you take?

The majority of my classes were related to German studies. Literature, culture, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (well known German author), writing. Some of the classes I took through the University (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen) were in English. My favorite was an English literature course called Representations of Evil in Literature.

Q) Was it worth it?

The entire experience was definitely worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Not only did I get to make friends, I experienced many different aspects of the German culture. During my semester break, I spent a month working on a sheep farm with a German family. Through a volunteer program called WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), I learned about a completely different culture. Farming was completely new to me, so I was miles away from my comfort zone.

Q)Would you recommend it?

I continue to recommend studying abroad or just traveling in general. Everyone should experience a different culture, it’s a very different experience. I grew as a person, being placed outside of my comfort zone. I gained confidence, as well as a sense of independence, by being placed in new and odd situations. Now, I’m constantly in the mood to travel somewhere new.

Q) What are you doing to further employ your German study?

I continue to read and study German books and read articles to keep up to date with current events. I keep up with friends and family who live in Germany. At the moment, I’m looking for a job where I can utilize my German skills.

The significance of the Olympic Torch goes back in history to the ancient Olympic Games in Olympia, Greece. According to the old myth, a flame was ignited by the sun and kept burning until the closing of the Olympic Games.
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