Real Advice for Study Abroad Part 6: Five Simply Free Ways to Improve Your Foreign Language Skills

As promised, here is the 6th installment of the Real Advice for Study Abroad Series. It has finally been published today (January 28, 2013) at this link.


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After a (not so) brief hiatus, “Real Advice for Study Abroad” is back in action! Thanks in advance for reading my humble articles.

Studying abroad and learning a foreign language oftentimes go hand in hand. However, becoming fluent, or even conversational in a new tongue can be an arduous task. If you don’t feel quite ready to communicate in your destination, or simply want to improve your comprehension before you go, check out these five simple ways to improve your foreign language skills for free.

1. Keep a Word Journal:  Dedicate a notebook to your foreign vocabulary. This way the words, pronunciations and conjugations you often forget will be at hand for reference, new vocabulary can be kept for practice, and phrases you need to translate can be jotted down all in one place. The more effort you put in to recording words and rereading what you write, the more vocabulary you will retain through the use of this simple but effective tool.

2. Learn a Word a Day: Signing up to receive “word-a-day” emails is a quick and easy way to add to your language cache. Just like it sounds, each day one new word will be sent to you. Scribble the little suckers into your word journal, write five sentences about them and say hello to a bigger, better vocabulary! Try web searching “[language] word-a-day” to get started.

3. Label Your Life: Stick translated labels on everything you own. Your parents or roommates may not really appreciate it, but you will learn a ton of practical vocabulary that is custom-fit to your environment and personal possessions. This way, when it comes time to ask for silverware, borrow your roommate’s flat iron, or buy a new phone charger abroad, you will have all the vocabulary you need to accomplish the task.

4. Change Your Tech Settings: With as much time as we all spend glued to our devices, switching your phone, Facebook, Email, etc. to display in the language you are learning can help you to start thinking in that language. Hands on learning, seeing the words associated with an action (i.e. pressing send), will improve your vocabulary comprehension. Also, translated ringtones can add a quirky personal touch to your device!

5. Find a Pen Pal: Search online for pen pal programs in your language of study, as there are lots of free options to choose from. Make sure to indicate your skill level and whether you are willing to reciprocate language lessons or just want to correspond in your language of study. Steer clear of sharing overly identifiable or personal information with your pen pals, though. After all, they are still strangers. Plus, having a “nom de plume” (or a creative, made up name) can add a whole new dimension of fun to exchanging emails from abroad.

Thanks again for reading. Please join us next time for more ways to boost your language learning potential. To catch up on previous articles, click below.

Part 1: Ten Worthwhile Reasons to Study Abroad
Part 2: How to Find the Perfect Program
Part 3: Where to Look For Financial Aid
Part 4: Scholarship Essay Tips and Tricks
Part 5: Pre-Departure Reminders

À bientôt!

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Real Advice for Study Abroad Part 5: Pre-Departure Reminders

I wrote this fifth RAFSA post for NSCS's TalkNerdy2Me. It was originally published here on May 29, 2012.

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Photo Credit: http://international.appstate.edu/
With finals FINALLY over with and school wrapped up for summer, it’s easy to get distracted from the mundane tasks that are still between you and your study abroad trip. Here are 10 important things you can do to stay on track.

1. Talk to your academic advisor to ensure you will be getting credit for the classes you will be taking. If they don’t, be sure to find out how this can effect your graduation date and what you can do to get caught up (i.e. taking an online summer class to catch up).

2. Visit the financial aid office and fill out any paperwork necessary to have your funds applied to your program cost. Also, like I’ve said before, mark down the dates for when your aid money should hit your account so you aren’t taken off guard, or left penniless somewhere.

3. Make your travel arrangements once you know exactly when you are supposed to arrive at your host institution or home study. You will save money and peace of mind buying any tickets you need before you’re on the ground, even shuttle busses or train tickets. Ask your program provider if they offer airport pick up, too, to save you some hassle.

4. Get your original documents in order and make 2 sets of copies. Keep one set at home with your family, bring one along and keep a digital copy on your computer just in case. Also, my list may be incomplete, so be sure to double check with your home and host institutions.

• Passport (and copies of the picture/signature pages)
• Student visa

• Acceptance letters from host university AND program provider
• Medical/Immunization records
• Prescription list (including glasses/contacts)
• Proof of insurance (often times your school and/or program will require additional insurance, as well)
• Copies of program payment receipts
• Financial aid information
• Course selection forms
• Official transcripts
• Travel itinerary/reservations
• Credit cards (and copies of the front and back in case they need replacing)
• List of phone numbers and addresses of your financial aid advisor, study abroad/academic advisors, residence director, program provider, airlines, consulates/embassies, friends/family members, etc. (for post cards, souvenirs and emergencies)

5. See your doctor if you haven’t already had a study abroad physical as required by most universities and program providers. Discuss the legality of your prescription medications abroad, and get a supply long enough to last your trip. Don’t forget to ask if you need additional immunizations or preventative treatments (for malaria, etc.) before you travel.

6. Notify your bank that you will be spending time overseas. This will keep them from freezing your account due to suspected fraud when they see international transactions. Discuss the costs of exchange and any other fees associated with using your account abroad, as these fees can really stack up. To be on the safe side, pull out $100 or so in local currency, too, to hold you over until you can access an ATM machine.

7. Make a master calendar! I know, I’m obsessed, but, really, it is a great tool. Mark all of your travel dates and itineraries including flight/ticket numbers and estimated time of arrival. Also note orientation and placements test times, class times and travel plans. Keeping it online and updating it often can help keep your friends and parents in the know, as well.

8. Get your bearings early. Get a guidebook or do online research about your area of study, and their customs. Print a map, or download one to your phone, iPad or laptop and note the location of your classroom buildings, school offices, the local police department and hospital, the American embassy/consulate, public transportation, shopping etc.

9. Study up and take the time to freshen up your language skills by going over old assignments, listening to local music, watching foreign films sans subtitles and doing language activities online. Make a list of important phrases that you may need if you will be traveling through other countries, as well, such as on a layover, or on a weekend. If you are still not confident, invest in a translation app that doesn’t require Internet access, or get a handheld translator to bring along.

10. Relax! You are almost ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime! Though the process has been long and hard, the payoff will be well worth it. Give yourself a pat on the back and for making a meaningful investment in your future.

If you have any questions, or want to shout out where you’re studying abroad, leave a comment below.

Thanks again for reading, and good luck!

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New Features

Bonjour mes amis!

I hope you've enjoyed your holiday breaks -  I know I have mine.

I have finally gotten to finish a few of the little projects that I have been putting off all semester, like finding a Francophone penpal, organizing my scholarship binder, printing off essays, restarting the RAFSA column, and making a French word journal. Also, I was able to start putting together a business wardrobe with help from my grandmother.

In addition, I have added several new features to the blog. Below is a breakdown of these features:

Donation Kitty: On the top of the right-hand sidebar there is a kitty through whom you can donate towards my study abroad fund using Paypal or any major credit card!

My Learning Tools: The first tab in the tab bar links to the Learning Tools page. This page is full of mobile apps and websites I use to practice French. I provide this information solely to encourage my readers to practice their own language of study through these extremely helpful tools.

My Financial Aid: Also located in the tab bar, this page is currently under construction. Eventually, it will list some of the scholarship and grant awards I have applied to, to date, and what I have won.

My Calendar: My Calendar page will display current school events, study abroad related dates and deadlines, and my travel schedule for when I'm abroad.

RAFSA: The RAFSA page is for those of you who could care less about my personal posts. It's just a no-fluff compilation of the entire Real Advice for Study Abroad series as written to date.

That's all folks. Comment below if you have any suggestions on what you would like to see on the blog or have me write about.

Thanks again for reading!

-Jess

Real Advice for Study Abroad Part 4: Scholarship Essay Tips and Tricks

Bonjour! This is the 4th post I wrote for the RAFSA series on NSCS's TalkNerdy2Me.org. It was originally posted on April 24, 2012 here on the TalkNerdy2Me website.  

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Last time on RAFSA, I told you where to find financial aid opportunities to fund your study abroad adventures. Now it’s time to write the essays for all of those applications, but you don’t just want to write, you want to win! While I can’t guarantee you’ll win 100% of what you’ve applied for, I can tell you that a strong essay will personalize your applications and make you stand out to the judges. Here are 8 steps to making your writing rock.

1) Read The Directions: Don’t miss out on this opportunity to find out what the committee is asking of you. If you don’t read them, you’re doomed from the start. To insure your understanding, summarize them in your own words. Stick this summary and the application deadline right on your master calendar for quick reference. Also, if there’s something you don’t understand about the prompt, don’t be afraid to call and ask the organization that is offering the award. If anything, this will give you a competitive edge on other writers.

2) Consider Your Audience: Think about who will be reading your paper. What are the ideals and values of the company, association, or program? What do they stand for? Try to reflect these ideals in your writing. If you’re applying for a conservative scholarship, don’t focus your essay on your involvement in the Campus Democrats… Don’t lie or mislead the judges – just try to be tactful.

3) Create an Outline: Taking word count and/or page length requirements into consideration, map out the skeleton of your essay by writing out main points you want to include. Be sure to include all the criteria from the directions. Your outline may look something like this:

Attention Grabbing Intro
Thesis (summarizing sentence. Point you’re trying to make.)

Body Paragraph
Opening sentence (smooth transition from par. 1)
Detail, point or criteria
Detail/point/criteria

Body Paragraph
Transition/Opening sentence
Detail/point/criteria
Detail/point/criteria

Conclusion
Reiteration of thesis
Thanks

From your outline, you can flesh out the remainder of the essay by elaborating on the points you have made.

4) Highlight Your Accomplishments: Brainstorm a list of noteworthy things you have done or been involved in, including academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, memberships and volunteer experience. If the prompt leaves room, include one, or some, of these successes and how they make you an ideal candidate for the award. If the prompt is very specific, leave these out or risk sounding insecure or narcissistic.

To go a step further, collaborate your list into an academic resume, and include one with each of your applications. Contact your school’s Career Services department if you need extra help.

5) Use a Thesaurus: Upgrading your vocabulary can make your paper sound more professional and sincere. Don’t overdo it, though. Keep it realistic and subtle, and let your personal voice shine through your work.

6) Be Specific, Yet Concise: Adding descriptive details can breathe life into an otherwise bland paper. However, don’t be longwinded. The judges, who will likely have read many essays before yours, will be looking for quality over quantity. Don’t muck up your paper with frivolous or vague information. Include only what is necessary to get your point across in a colorful and convincing way.

7) Be Honest: Draw from real-life experiences and concentrate on what differentiates you from other applicants. Don’t over embellish and avoid sob stories unless they stem from truth. Guilt-tripping your readers into awarding you a prize isn’t the way to go. When talking about academic achievements, memberships, and the like, keep in mind that the awarders will likely double-check your credentials before paying out.

8) Edit, Edit, Edit: Don’t just proofread your own essay, as you will likely overlook simple mistakes. Go to a site like Paperrater.com to get the lowdown on your spelling, grammar, and word choice, among other things. Once that’s done, e-mail it to a few qualified people such as:

• A parent, family member or friend: to ensure your essay gives its readers a good idea of who you are as a person. 
• Your study abroad advisor: to make sure you are addressing the criteria in a satisfactory manner. Chances are she can help you, if it’s SA related, not to mention she has probably served on a scholarship committee. 
• A non-biased person, such as someone in your school’s Writing Center: to tell you if your points make sense without having any knowledge of your back-story, and to give an outsider’s opinion of your writing style. 

Of course, whom you send it to is up to you, but be sure to have your work thoroughly proofread before sending it in. Typos are the nemeses of scholarships!

Minding these simple tips can help you conquer your required writings in a captivatingly effective way, to capture judges’ attention and bring you closer to big bucks. Once again, thank you for reading RAFSA. Stay tuned for more tips relating to your dreams of international education

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Merçi d'avoir lu!

Scholarship Search Sites Part 1

Bonsoir everyone,

Since I'm still up searching for scholarships to apply for for next term I thought I'd give you the scoop on two scholarship database sites, Zinch and Cappex.

Zinch is an ok search engine, but it definately has its flaws. Like most sites, it tries to match you with scholarships based on your GPA, interests and major. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem very picky about location. Even though I specified that I currently attend, and intend on finishing my degree, at WIU it still gives me scholarship results for Berkely, Ol' Mis, etc.

However, on the brightest of bright sides, Zinch offers a "double your money" guarantee where, if you win scholarships through them, they will match the payout amount of the award(s) up to $50,000. They do the same thing if you refer a friend and he/she wins award money- you get a matching payout.

I just emailed Zinch about a scholarship I won this fall through their website, so I'll let you know if it works!

Cappex is a lot more specific than Zinch, with many more criteria used to narrow your scholarship results. Naturally, though, this leads to less results meaning you may miss out if you strictly use this site. The layout is very streamlined and user friendly, though, and you can sort your results by the amount of effort required to apply or the amount of competition there is for the awards on a scale of 'very quick' to 'grueling'. There is no money match feature, but the ease of use and quality of results has me coming back to Cappex time after time.

I also use MoolahSPOT, Scholarships.com, Scholarhippoints and many other sites I find through these five to make sure I'm getting well rounded search results.

What are your favorite scholarship databases? Have you ever won an award you've found through one? Leave your comments below!

Bonne nuit!

Happy New Year!

Bonne année et bonne santé mes chères!

May your year be filled with unparalleled fulfillment and joy!