FTF offers guidance on how to prepare students for study abroad programs, so parents can maintain the maximum peace of mind.
Although strict new regulations from America’s INS Department have made obtaining student visas very difficult for foreign students interested in studying in the United States, there has been an increase in the number of US and international students studying abroad in other countries. According to the Institute of International Education: Open Doors 2013 report, there was a 40% hike in the number of international students studying at US colleges in 2012/13 from that of a decade ago. The number of U.S. students who studied abroad for academic credit increased by three percent in 2011/12, a higher rate of growth than the one percent increase the previous year.
Some experts say this trend stems from the increased need that American students feel, in a post-9/11 world, to understand other cultures and experience them firsthand. Some also attribute the trend to the upsurge of globalism and global careers: careers in which post-graduate students work in multi-national teams. Therefore, students must understand cultural and historical diferences, which a semester abroad will provide.
Another reason the number of students is increasing may be that the focus of student travel programs is getting broader. For example, just as Road Scholar has long served senior citizens with a global range of interests, they now offer summer travel and study tours for grandparents with children aged 7 to 12 in a vast variety of programs. Teenagers also are welcome on such trips as the Family African Adventure: Wildlife Encounters with Your “Pride” which offers a multi-generational trip to African countries for grandchildren up to age 17. Costa Rica’s Pura Vida: An Environmental Family Adventure is a program for grandparents and younger teens, ages 13-15 to travel to Costa Rico for volcano exploration and more. Check out their extensive list of multigen trips on their site.
Organizations like the CIEE are now developing language and cultural immersion programs for high school as well as university students. The different study abroad programs seek to develop fluency in a foreign language and its culture through community interaction. Programs include sojourns to Europe, Africa, South America and Asia and are ranked Beginner to Advanced depending on language skills and interests. The site has financial aid information; CIEE informs that it spends $3 million in grant and scholarships.
Easing The Transition For Loved Ones
While traveling for a semester abroad is very exciting for students of any age, it can often be a worrisome time for parents and guardians who remain at home, sometimes far away.
Founded in 1865, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts is known for its project-based undergraduate curriculum and global projects program based on five continents. In the first 30 years of the WPI Global Perspective Program, more than 4,000 students have completed off-campus projects. At present, WPI claims to send more undergraduate engineers and scientists abroad for academic projects than any other private American university. 50% of their students are sent overseas for project work.
“Good communication and preparation can help greatly reduce a parent’s apprehensions,” says Ms. Natalie A. Mello, WPI’s director of Global Operations. “Be sure to talk with your children to let them know what your expectations are while they are abroad, and discuss any issues you might be concerned about, such as alcohol consumption or letting people know where they are at all times.”
After working with foreign study students and their families over the years, Ms. Mello is able to offer advice on some key topics:
- Communication — Establish how you expect to hear from your child — phone, e-mail, etc. Will they contact you when they get there? How often will they call or e-mail? Consider setting up an international long distance calling plan for your home phone and/or your son’s or daughter’s cell phone. It may save you a lot of money in the long term.
- Medical — Make sure that your child has updated immunizations; your personal physician will recommend whatever is necessary for their particular study location. If your son or daughter is taking prescription medication, it may be beneficial to purchase enough for the duration of the semester; however, make sure the medication is in the original, clearly marked, containers to avoid problems with customs. Contact your insurance company to find out if medical care is covered internationally. If not, there may be options you can arrange through your student’s university or outside insurance companies.
- Money — Contact your child’s credit card company and bank. Credit cards can sometimes be declined unless cleared for international use first. Also, debit cards from a U.S. bank will not necessarily be compatible to overseas ATMs. Have a reserve fund of money that can be wired to a student in case of emergency (card is stolen, bank card is declined, etc.)
- Visiting — If you are considering visiting your child, plan a time that is best for him or her. Student’s course work may not allow them to drop everything for several days to be your tour guide. Visiting just before or after the semester or term typically works best. Parents should be sure to get a passport so they can visit on short notice.
Making Friends Abroad For All Ages
Students of virtually all ages, from elementary, to middle school and high school can learn abroad through People to People, which has a Student Ambassador Program for such academic groups. Student Ambassadors not only travel abroad for a semester, but have one-on-one experience with local overseas families. The program gives the students a behind-the-scenes access to the countries they visit. Students are asked to prepare for this experience in advance, keep a daily journal and participate fully in all activities for academic credit. Students build their leadership skills while working as a team with other students and making friends in a well-supervised environment of cultural exploration. The People to People Ambassador Programs’ mission is to promote culture comparisons for global awareness. Also, the program emphasizes community service to countries affected by natural disasters and seeks to better the world through hands-on work. They boast more then 100,00 service hours for projects such as reforestation efforts in Malta and tsunami-relief in Japan.
Academic credit is based on grade and program. The tuition for the Student Ambassador programs ranges from $3,999-7,999, depending on length, destination, and itinerary. The tuition is all-inclusive and covers pre-program education and preparation, program activities, accommodations, transportation, supervision, program apparel, academic credit, three meals per day, and group insurance.
Student & Family Resources
One good resource for investigating student programs abroad is www.TransitionsAbroad.com. The site provides more than merely educational programs for high school and college students, but also includes travel abroad, work abroad and living abroad programs.
Teens will enjoy browsing at Internationalstudent.com a website/community space designed to help students embarking on a study abroad program with monetary support. Many useful resources include financial aid information, student visa and immigration support, a university/college search, an English language school, international scholarships and more. Student blogs from students who have travelled abroad animate the site and give prospective students a glimpse at their experience.
Travel Guard, which offers international and domestic travel insurance, includes student travel insurance for students under age 29. Plans include student medical travel insurance for valuable medical coverage, trip interruption coverage, optional upgrades to emergency medical evacuation coverage and 24/7 travel assistance services to name but a few. You can obtain a quote by entering the specifics of your trip; first there are three options classified by the duration of the student’s trip. Click on FTF’s Family Travel Insurance story to learn more about selecting the best coverage for your student traveler and how to enroll on line.
Teens & Travel Safety
“Be careful.” How many times have you said this to your teens as they leave the house? Grave, sometimes fatal accidents are not unheard of during teen tours, student travel abroad, summer enrichment programs, spring break trips and even at county fairs, where attractions such as the popular rock-climbing walls are not always properly maintained. In fact, a lawsuit brought by the Missouri family of a 22-year-old woman who was killed on a portable climbing wall has prompted the Consumer Product Safety Commission to review these supposedly safe attractions.
According to a 2004 Travel Weekly report about travel law, students traveling in the United States and abroad have been hit by automobiles, received inadequate medical care for their chronic diseases, and even drowned while hiking away from home. In many cases, parents have pursued litigation against allegedly irresponsible tour operators, hotels and foreign doctors, but this is certainly something we all want to avoid.
Remember, as mature as your teens seem, many are risk-takers, and are often irresponsible or oblivious to danger. Don’t remind them off-handedly; before they travel, be sure to have a serious discussion about possible dangers, safety measures and most importantly, prevention.
Fran Falkin
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“We could change our clothes less often and the world more often.”
Wow. Just… wow.
Congratulations :]
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Thanks for writing. I hear you and respect your view point. I guess it's all in the attitude and approach. Just concerned that the spas may promote a self-centered attitude, but you don't think so and that's cool.
Best
I love holidays and weekend breaks. Recently we stay at an authentic Castle in France.
It would be good to have more chains like Premier Inn, especially in Europe
Inn
Give Kids the world
Dreams for some, Nightmears for others
Everyone that visits Give Kids the World comes out very please, that's because of the great treatment and better yet for its facilities, well thats what people see from the outside what goes on inside is a different story. The worse this that could ever happend to any one trying to provide for their home, I am a ex-employee and I want the world to know while you may see all of us with a smile in our face, thats not what we truly feel. In this company there is what's called competition for power, also hatred between employees and most of all ethnic racism there is no such thing as employee relationship due to the bad administration that depends on what people can say there for approving of those they like and getting rid of those that they don't that many not occure with all hispanics only with those thats are not liked.The sad part about all of this is that every conversation White American has with their Group is no simpler then how they are going to get rid of the next guy without even investigate anything about that person as has happend in the past few months all put together but a group whos leader is Richard Bortula (profecional racist) and has use people like Jhon Bushko to put together stories about all the hispanic which get carried out to the person in charge of executing their employees no matter how profecional or respectful they are whith out any respect the person I am talking about is Neal McCord Acompanied by the person in charge of human resorces Taberi Scott(another racist). She is in charge of dismising inocent hispanic for no operant reason yet the other American who have been know for several offences and untocheble for these two people. The last thing is when Richard Bortula uses two other latins to accuse another latin of racism that leading to his dissmisal and not giving him any explanation not even the benefit of the doubt. Ladies and Gentelments unfortunately this is an institute were the main goal is to provide well being and happy relationships but all of this happenings is due to the administration once again. All I have to say is, what kind of dreams is a kiss going to have when his or her dad cant buy them a chritsmas present, This is not a dream this is a Nightmear.
I know a natural supplement for flu and colds. It is not like cough and cold preparations in the stores which only deal with symptomatic relief. It strengthens our resistance to the viral infection.
This natural supplement is Sinus Eliminato Complex.
Sinus Eliminato complex is made up of Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam) buds, Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) young shoots, Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) buds, Populus Nigra (Black Poplar), Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) and Juglans Regia (Wlanut) buds.
Fecka (2009) has isolated tannins and polyphenols from Rosa Canina. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body. In addition, polyphenols also activate the key enzyme (AMP kinase) that can exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of inducible inflammatory proteins that normally occurs once the innate immune system has been activated.
A study done by Roschek et al (2009) has shown that Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) has flavonoids which bind to and prevent H1N1 infection.
Also contained in Sinus Eliminato are a variety of plant growth hormones and vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, which can certainly fight off infection and boost immune resistance during the cold months!
WHY WASTE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS during this economic recession for only temporary symptomatic relief when you have a natural supplement which you can buy for $ 30 a bottle and experience relief after 1-2 weeks and boost immune resistance as well to prevent repeated viral infections which can cost you thousands of dollars in clinic visits, medicines and hospitalizations? NOT TO MENTION your lost time in work.. and the time you can spend with your kids and loved ones!
Sinus Eliminato Complex can be purchased at PSC Nutrition’s website: http://store.plantstemcells.net.
For more top tips and advice on fun family holidays and breaks in London, including family friendly hotels and things to do visit http://www.takethefamily.com
I don't get why Brian Head is up there – it does have a lovely ski school for kids but it can't even come close to the other areas you mention or many other western US resorts for a family experience. It's really a day trip for people who live in Las Vegas!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. You make some great points and I hope to have the experience you did one day.
I especially like that you wish that kind of eye-opening experience for the people you care about too.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy golden russet apples.
Thanks
I did my essay on Honduras too! How refreshing 🙂
Vanessa, great article! Another great source of both domestic and international vacation condos/resorts/villas/homes is http://www.VacationValuesClub.com With over 2 Million weeks in 200 countries, there are a lot of choices at prices that are really affordable- especially for a family. Check it out
I love Europe!
We get many questions from parents about their kids traveling within the US, over state lines, with guardians other than their parents.
It is illegal to cross U.S. state lines with a minor without custodial parents' consent, and the age of "minors" varies across the states. However, the families within this travel community have never complained about having a problem when inviting friends of their children along on a trip, for example, so we have little experience with this issue.
Therefore, this article is for travel outside the United States, where there are clear international laws in place to prevent international child abduction.
Within the US, temporary guardians should use the same permission to travel letter as well as medical treatment authorization letter noted at the end of the article, when possible.
Keep in mind that these laws are in place to allow authorities to investigate a traveling party if they notice suspicious activity (such as children who resist going with adults). Of course, the majority of travelers will never be stopped and questioned. For most of you, if the birth parents are easily available by phone, then making a daytrip should not be a problem.
nice to know 😀
What a great article! We went to Tulum a few years back, before we had kids, and loved staying in the $15 cabanas on the beach but always wondered how to go back with the little ones … you have given us an option!
I would like to know if a permission letter from my son and Daughter inlaw and my grand Daughters birth certificate is enough to take my 10 yr old grand daughter
on a day trip in to the U.S.A
I agree that these ski trips are expensive, and although I enjoy going with the family I don't ski, and have no urge to learn at my age. I love going with the family however, but spend all my time at the spa and the lounge in front of the fire.
In this article the author comes across as the typical 'progressive' who feels apologetic about their country.
I found online trip planning tools to be a great resource when i wsa planning our reunion. Nice sites for planning are http://www.triporama.com and tripit.com. We planned out our hotels through http://www.groople.com and once through http://www.hotelscouter.com All the resources can be found with simple searches online. It used to be much different when we were growing with actual maps and stopping for directions.
Planning an event, whether large or small, can be a challenge
Hi, a tutu is what we would call a taxi in Anerica. They get you from one place to another and they are mad so different. They don’t have doors on them, they can fit about 3-4 people in them. They don’t have a steering wheel what the driver drive with is made like a motorcyle steering wheel. They are so fun and amazing… If you would visit the website at the bottom of my article you will get a chance to see one… Thanks for your interest in my article…
We are off to the Whitsundays with our two girls for ten days and the article sounds great. We're provisioning ourselves though, as we save alot of money each time we sail from Shute Harbour. We've also practised man-overboard procedure in our pool and have increased the frequency of our girls swimming lessons and have stinger suits.
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Nice article. I have traveled Ireland many times and loved staying in Self Catering vacation rentals. It's like having a home form home and provides lots of space for the kids.
"parents …will find that the special infant fare is currently offered on all major domestic airlines;" Not all of them. "Delta does not offer discounted infant and child fares for travel within the domestic U.S." according to their website.
Made my mouth water. A great piece. Can't wait to return to discover the places you did and we didn't.
Great piece! Very insightful!
what a fascinating article
it certainly makes the cove palace come to life
seems like a great place to go
alison you brought it to life
We did a similar trip when our daughter was 6 at Club Med. However, that was much more costly and with fewer options.
This sounds great.
I loved reading your article. Our family tends to vacation your USUAL way (that is, no big all- inclusive resort package) yet reading your piece I realized how much our teenage kids would enjoy that type of experience- whoa! A teenage LOUNGE? Cool!! So if indeed such a holiday can be had as you say at an economic price- why not? Who knows, maybe next time we might just head down to Mexico ourselves- the easy way!
PS: We are interested in Eastern Europe and are considering a family holiday in Serbia or Croatia- Any suggestions? Maybe there are some good family deals over there?
Indy is a great place to visit … so many things to do, yet very walkable and convenient. And affordable.
"Chinggis" Tourist Camp is located in the Southern Part of Terelj National Park ( GPS: N47°49.893', E107° 31.339') in the beautiful natural Tuul river Nomad's Sacred Valley of streams, pine trees with mountains and steppes in the background , just 55km (25miles) from Ulaanbaatar city."Chinggis" Tourist Camp is Highly recommended by "Lonely Planet Mongolia", by the author Michael Kohn and Mongolian Tourism Board. "Chinggis" Tourist Camp, was inaugurated in July 2002 in memory of "Chinggis" Khaan's 840th Birthday Celebration!.This lovely traditional tourist camp owned by Samar Magic Tours LLC, lies on the bank of "Tuul" river between 107°31'29" Longitude and 47°49'32'' Latitude. The average altitude is 1446m (4338 feet) above sea level. "
-A 40 meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of "Chinggis" Khaan on a big horse on Tsonjin Boldog Hill is located just ~3kms (~1,5miles) to "Chinggis" Tourist Camp.
-Around 15km (~7.5miles) Southeast of the "Chinggis" Tourist Camp is an 8th-century Turkic Stele of Tonyukuk.
Hi Shamita,
What’s a tutu… it sounds pretty funny.
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Whew!*sigh of relief* Fathers are really amazing, they can comfort you whenever possible. This post made me realize that diffrent people has diffrent cultures, it just that, sometimes, we need to trust others, as one saying goes “If you’ll never learn to trust, how can you find the good guys?” 😉
Life’s really like that, sometimes, learnings come from unexpected places. Good for you atleast that experience made you a better person.:)
hi to all my family?
The author mentions 2 highly regarded companies, Nabila Tours and Sonesta, an American hotel chain that has boats on the Nile. Both companies have links in the story, and both can help with land arrangements as well.
Another author traveled with Oberoi Tours, an Indian hotel chain with Nile boats, and loved her trip. You can read about it on http://www.travelBIGO.com.
For more help, please fill out a Custom Trip Plan request form at this link: http://www.travelbigo.com/trip_plans/new and we'd be glad to help you.
Wish all the family have a nice time in China.
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Halong Bay Kayaking: Halong bay cover the area of 1600square km with 3000 plus islets rising above the emerald water. This 3 day trip is not only for the adventure- bound traveller but also for those who appreciate seafood or time on the water
Sapa Vilage Walking: This unique trek itinerary suitable for most active traveller. The remote northern Town of Sapa close to the Chinese border offers some ofVietnam's most colorful experiences. Layer upon layer of blue ridges fade into the distance, edged by sharp, rocky peaks and lust green rice paddies in between highlight the beauty of the region.
Festival Hue: Visit Hue by the waterway. The all day boat trip give us a chance to visit the ancient capital of Vietnam: tomb of the Emperor, Perfume river, Pagodas… Hue own its beauty to its narrow treet, tranquil garden houses and old pagodas
Vung Tau Golf tour: Located just 100 km in the west of Hochiminh City, Vung Tau is perfect relaxing place for the locals in the City. The trip combine golfing and relaxing in the top resort of Vietnam.
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RoomSaver's website says that they are available in all of the lower 48 states, so they are no longer limited to 33. I love using them myself, both for the discounts as well as the free maps! I even follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Who can you recommend to book us an organized tour for a family of three. Travel would be between December 21, 2009 and January 1, 2010.
This is such a good story and you make a really good point about how people — often more than places — make up the travel experience. I hope I sit next to you on a plane some day.
hello, i would like to spend ma holidays in engaging in that forum, so i need an invitation letter. Hope to hear from u.
Ruth.
I'm goin to travel to another state to see my family, and my cousin wants me to take her 6month baby boy so the family can meet him. What kind of form would I need in order for me to travel with my cousin's baby?
Please e-mail me and I woild appreciate your help.
wonderful!!
Please send me a copy of letter of concent so that I may use it to travel with my children Thank you