Education Abroad Office - Closed Friday, July 31!

The Education Abroad Office will be closed tomorrow, Friday, July 31! We will reopen Monday, August 3!

10 Study Abroad "Rookie Mistakes"!

Traveling abroad this summer? 

Be sure not to make these "rookie mistakes"! 

huff.to/1ycTzOA 

By Jenna Rice, University of Central Florida.

Not Staying In Youth Hostels.

If you've never traveled abroad, the idea of staying in a hostel might seem a little scary (thank you, horror movies). But in all seriousness, it's just the opposite. Not only will staying in hostels save you some major cash, but you'll also meet really interesting people from other countries. During my first youth hostel stay in Paris, my friend and I were the only two girls in this six-bed room with four guys. And to be honest, it was a blast! We ended up hanging out with our German and Australian roommates the entire weekend, and in turn we learned a lot about their cultures.

Overdoing The Partying.

If your mission is to party until dawn at the hottest nightclubs, then by all means, rage on. However, I'm pretty sure most of us sign up to study abroad to see beautiful sights and immerse ourselves in different cultures. I'm not saying you shouldn't drink, but just use your best judgement and pace yourself or risk wasting a precious day in Europe lying in bed with a hangover instead of gallivanting alongside the Ponte Vecchio or Eiffel Tower.

No Indulging.

This might be a given, but trying to diet while spending a semester abroad is probably the worst form of self-torture one can endure. During my time in Italy I ate all of the pizza, pasta and gelato my heart desired. And trust me, I don't regret a single bite. Plus, the amount of miles I walked each day helped to burn off some of the extra calories. Despite stuffing my face, I actually lost a couple pounds when I returned to the states. Imagine that!

Missing Your Flight.

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it's easier than you think. After a long night of partying in Barcelona (reference #2), my friend and I pressed our snooze button a few too many times and had to rush to the airport. Upon entering, we realized we were at the wrong terminal and had to hop on a shuttle to the correct one. With less than an hour until our departure time, the airport personnel wouldn't let us even go through security. So, we had to pay for a new flight (ouch!) and waste four hours in the airport. Make sure to leave plenty of time to ensure you catch your plane, train or bus to avoid a major headache while abroad.

Showing Up With No Idea Where You're Going Or How To Use A Map.

Before you take off for a weekend trip, make sure you do your research. Plan out a few things you want to see and look up where they're located on a map. My friend and I learned this the hard way when we showed up to Amsterdam with no idea how their public transportation worked or how to interpret, let alone read Dutch for the life of us. Unless you want to be that frustrated foreigner staring blindly at a map, I'd suggest you do some much-needed googling before you leave.

Bonus tip: If you're ever seriously lost, duck in a free wifi spot, map out walking directions to your desired destination and take screenshots.

Not Flying RyanAir.

I'm going to be honest. RyanAir is basically the Spirit Airlines of Europe. And if you've ever flown Spirit, you know that's not a compliment. With that being said, RyanAir costs about half as much as other European airlines. Yes, you can always take a train or bus to and from your weekend destination, but that's going to add hours onto your travel time that you could spend sightseeing. For both efficiency and cost-effectiveness, choose RyanAir.

Not Splurging (At Least Once)

Whether it be taking that trip to Paris, trying the expensive restaurant you've heard raving reviews about, or buying the 100 percent Italian leather jacket you've been eyeing, everyone deserves to splurge on at least one thing during their study abroad experience. And trust me, you won't regret it. My leather jacket is probably one of my favorite pieces of clothing!

Fearing The Locals.

When studying abroad, most people avoid asking the locals questions because they're afraid they'll annoy them. In my experience, this definitely isn't the case... Unless you run up to them shouting, "English?!?" Even if you aren't fluent in their native language, a simple "scusi" or "ciao" to catch their attention goes a long way. Most locals are happy to point you in the right direction, help you find the correct train route, or recommended a good place to eat. Think about it this way; when someone visits your native state and asks for help, you're almost always willing to give it, right? The same concept applies abroad.

Getting Too Comfortable.

No matter how much your study abroad destination begins to feel like home, never forget that you're still in a foreign country and need to be aware of your surroundings. The moment you let your guard down is the moment you become vulnerable to pickpocketing and other dangerous situations. Aside from making sure your valuables aren't within easy reach, never separate yourself from the group. In other words, don't be the drunk wanderer.

Avoiding All "Touristy" Things.

I know wearing those audio players and walking around with a huge group looks awful, but I promise you'll miss out if you don't go on a guided tour in each new place you visit. Your study abroad program will most likely include a handful of scheduled tours. Take advantage of them! Weekend trips with companies include many tours as well. Yes, sometimes they seem to drag on. However, I probably would've missed half of the things my tour guides pointed out had I visited places like the Vatican and Coliseum myself and I definitely wouldn't have appreciated cities like Pompeii and Barcelona as much if didn't know about their history.

Regardless of whether or not you end up making these same mistakes, you're going to have the time of your life. Studying abroad is a huge learning experience and the blunders are part of what makes it so memorable. And while missing a flight or getting lost might seem like a big deal at the time, once you get home you'll probably forget it ever happened.

#studyabroad #MGoAbroad

Apply by January 31 | International Business Course in India

Undergraduates of all majors,

Study Business in India this Summer!

Final Application Deadline: January 31^st, 2014, 11:59pm EST
Start Your Application Today on M-Compass
(mcompass.umich.edu, search “Ross”)

Study in India this coming August on an exciting, new international business course. Gain a deeper understanding of Indian cultural attitudes, economics, political history, social issues, and the subsequent implications for business strategy. Explore three different cities throughout India. See the Taj Mahal, Bollywood, Heritage Village, and more. Engage in discussions with Indian entrepreneurs, U-M Alumni, students from Indian universities, and renowned business scholars. Expand your international business knowledge while having an experience that will positively impact you on personal and professional levels.

Find more information and start your application today on M-Compass:
August International Course in India

Connect with Us

Visit the Global Initiatives staff in K3340 (third floor of Kresge Business Library) during walk-in hours:
         Tuesdays, 10:00am-Noon
Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm

E-mail the Global Initiatives staff at ross-globalinitiatives@umich.edu with any questions or to schedule an advising appointment. 

Connect with Ross Global Initiatives on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest

Course offered during Winter 2014 | Interdisciplinary Course on Global Health

The School of Nursing is offering students of all majors the opportunity to take an interdisciplinary global health course on campus next semester. See below for details:

• N421: Perspectives in Global Health: This 2-credit elective seminar, taught on campus in the winter term, has an optional 2-week faculty-led field extension in Quito, Ecuador (download: PDF flier) for an additional 2-credits. Travel to Ecuador will take place in June. The interdisciplinary seminar is open to all undergraduates with at least sophomore standing. Intermediate level Spanish proficiency is required for participation in the field experience.

If you've having trouble viewing this information, check out the School of Nursing Global Opportunities website:

http://www.nursing.umich.edu/global-outreach/going-global-students/undergraduate-global-opportunities

Fully-funded Service Opportunity Recruiting at U-M: Intel for Change

Intel for Change at U-M

Intel for Change is a program being piloted based on the value that education is a fundamental right for everyone. University of Michigan was one of 10 campuses chosen nationally to submit applications! YOU could be one of three young people selected to work on girls’ education around the world. Girls, who are disproportionately denied access to education. Through this program, Intel seeks to empower young people with knowledge, first-hand experience, and platforms to scale solutions to ensure that equal access to education is available for all.

Intel for Change will select THREE individuals dedicated to making a difference in girls' education around the world to participate in this fully-funded program.

Three sites are available for Summer 2013 in Ecuador, India, and Kenya.

More information about the Intel for Change contest can be found here.

U-M In-Person Recruitment Dates:

Monday, April 15th - Tuesday, April 16th*

Where? Ginsberg Center Living Room (1024 Hill Street)

To schedule an appointment:  Sign up for a time here, and we’ll expect you:   http://www.doodle.com/u6t4drx6azb9s595

*We have some openings for our two days on campus Monday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 16 and we're sending this in case you wanted to claim one of them.

 

As you may know from your brief introduction to the program, the three-minute video application for the program is a little unconventional, so we want to help you submit a strong application.  

You may also remember that Take Part media will be helping the selected participants to document the trip - which may result in a web series or video clips which are used to raise awareness. For this reason, Intel is looking for applications who are passionate about girls education and who are comfortable on camera.

Meet Your Recruiter:

Keith Bouck works for Break Away, a non-profit that is a leader in the field of student service programming, which is why he's coordinating recruitment (on behalf of Intel) for this project.

The Interview Basics:

While you're welcome to dress casually, please consider not wearing a t-shirt.

You are not required to bring a resume. This will be a non-traditional interview, focused on your passions and interests.

 You will be asked to introduce yourself - name, major and year - and you will also be asked some version of the following questions:

1)What about this opportunity made you want to apply?

2) Under the broad topic of girls education, which of the follow barriers (as identified by Intel) are you most passionate about or interested in (it may help to do a few minutes of research beforehand): 

           - Access to clean water.

           - Human Trafficking

           - Graduation Rates

           - Early Marriage

           - Classroom Access and Supplies

           - Health and Sanitation

3) Choosing one of the three countries (India/Ecuador/Kenya)- which would you be most interested in and what type of project would be particularly exciting for you to engage in?

4) What makes you stand out from other applicants?

5) Additionally, there may be follow-up questions to the answers you provided on the questionnaire.

Because Intel wants to make sure you'd be comfortable talking on camera (remember, these service trips will be documented), a short, 3-minute portion of the interview will be filmed to submit with your application.

So, when you arrive for your appointment with our staff at the Ginsberg Center please have considered this information. When we meet, I'll answer any questions you have, help work through your thoughts on the application questions, and then help you record and upload your video.

At U-M we'll be updating Intel and Participant Media on the applicants that worked with us to let them know you took the time to come and apply with us.  It’s a great way to show your interest to them since they will not be doing “in-person” interviews.

On behalf of myself and the Intel for Change team, we look forward to meeting you on Monday or Tuesday!  If you have any additional questions, please email me (keith@alternativebreaks.org).

All the best,  

--
Keith Bouck
Community Partner Coordinator
Break Away: The Alternative Break Connection
800.903.0646 (toll-free general line)
www.alternativebreaks.org

Info Table Today 11-3 PM | IES Abroad (Summer 2013 programs still available)

   INFO TABLE TODAY

What does IES Abroad offer? Study & internships abroad!

Info table location: Michigan Union, Ground Floor Lobby (near U-Go's and the bookstore)

Time:  TODAY, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

See announcement below for Summer 2013 programs that are still open! 

Application deadline: Monday, April 1, 2013
Program	Term	Application Deadline
Amsterdam Summer - Society, Culture & Gender in Amsterdam	Summer 2013	Monday, April 1, 2013
Barcelona Summer - Intensive Internship	Summer 2013	Monday, April 1, 2013
Barcelona Summer - UPF Language & Culture	Summer 2013	Monday, April 1, 2013
Cape Town Summer	Summer 2013	Monday, April 1, 2013
Melbourne Summer - Internship	Summer 2013	Monday, April 1, 2013
Quito and Galápagos Islands Summer - Environmental Studies	Summer 2013	Monday, April 1, 2013
Rome Summer - Internship	Summer 2013	Monday, April 1, 2013
San José Summer - Language Intensive	Summer 2013	Monday, April 1, 2013
		Monday, April 1, 2013
Shanghai Summer - Internship	Summer 2013	Monday, April 1, 2013
Vienna Summer - Intensive Music Performance: For Vocalists and Collaborative Pianists	Summer 2013	Monday, April 1, 2013
Vienna Summer - Music	Summer 2013	EXTENDED TO Monday, April 1, 2013

Program	Term	Application Deadline

Application deadline: Monday, April 15, 2013
Program	Term	Application Deadline
Arles Summer	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Barcelona Summer - Language & Area Studies	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Barcelona Summer - Language Intensive	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Beijing Summer - Language Intensive	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Berlin Summer - Metropolitan Studies & Architecture	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Berlin Summer - Language & Culture	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Dublin Summer - Irish General Studies	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Dublin Summer - Intensive Acting	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
European Union Summer	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Kunming Summer - China & Southeast Asian Development	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Kunming Summer - Environmental Studies	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
London Summer - UK Today	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Madrid Summer	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Melbourne Summer - Cross-Cultural Currents	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Milan Summer - Made in Italy	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Paris Summer - Advanced Language	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Paris Summer - Beginning Language	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Paris Summer - Intermediate Language	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Rabat Summer - Francophone Studies	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Rome Summer - Language & Culture	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Salamanca Summer - Session I	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Santiago Summer - Health Studies	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Siena Summer	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Tokyo Summer	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013
Vienna Summer - Psychology	Summer 2013	Monday, April 15, 2013

Program	Term	Application Deadline

Application deadline: Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Program	Term	Application Deadline
Salamanca Summer - Session II	Summer 2013	Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Internships for French-speakers: Travailler en France cet été?

If you have very good conversational French (235+) the LSA International Internship Program has several opportunities in France this summer.

1.  Tours, France (one hour from Paris).  Event planning company.
Interns work on planning large scale events and also work at the
events.  Paid position: May 6- July 10.

2. Winery in Pézenas, France (south).  Work in reception, on documents
in English and French, some marketing, run the "salon de dégustation"
and show visitors the site.  Unpaid position. Free housing. Must be
able to drive a manual car. Timing flexible (approx 6-8 weeks).

Please send an email to Rachael Criso (rcriso@umich.edu) if you are
interested.  We hope to fill these position very quickly.

Rachael Criso PhD

International Internship Liaison ~ LSA Dean's Office of Undergraduate Education

2256 LSA Building

French Lecturer IV ~ Department of Romance Languages & Literatures

4040 Modern Languages Building

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI   48109