Intern Abroad

I was surfing the web searching for exciting things to do abroad when I came to this website: http://www.studyabroad.com/internabroad ... I was instantly intrigued. I've already study abroad during my time at Rider, and I thought about teaching but what if I wanted to intern at an international company in my field? This idea is right up my ally. On the website they have opportunities listed for every country and language you can think of, for every field you can think of. Of course you have to apply and be accepted but it's a step in the right direction if you want/need an internship and you want to travel. I say, have your cake and eat it too.

Travel Opportunities Post-Graduation

Travel doesn't have to end after college. Why not teach english in Paris? Or Rome? Rider can help you do that. Rider works closely with the Fulbright program to offer scholarships and grants to graduating seniors and recent bachelor’s degree graduates that want to teach abroad. The only requirements are that you are a U.S. citizen and are in good health. Rider is holding an information session for interested students on Monday, April 28, 8 a.m. to noon in front of Starbucks in the SRC.

For more information about the program:
http://www.rider.edu/2529_14708.htm

http://us.fulbrightonline.org/thinking_general.html

Interview with former study abroad student, Brooke Goldstein

Explain what made you want to study abroad

I've always loved to travel, and I figured that studying abroad would be a great opportunity to take advantage of my love for traveling. It was financially beneficial, because it is the cost of tuition and I just had to pay for airfare. I was accomplishing a whole semester in school, in another country.

Tell me a little bit about your experience, where you studied, what it was like etc

I studied in Siena, Italy. It was nice to study in a small town because I got to know it so well over such a short period of time. I also got to travel to different cities in Italy as well as different countries. When I was in Siena,we took classes on the differences of culture in Italy versus America, and we took Italian Classes and art classes. We experienced life as an Italian.

Did you ever get home sick? If do what things did you do to get over it?

I did get homesick, especially after I was in Siena for a while. The things I got homesick about were things I never thought I would care about. For example, I missed English movies, and different types of cuisine. However, I told myself to enjoy where I was while I was there because it wasn't going to last forever, and those things disappeared.

What was your favorite part of the trip?

My favorite part of the trip was the traveling. I was able to go to Ireland on a quick flight for a short weekend at way cheap. I loved that!!

How did you benefit from your travels abroad?

I understand different cultures, and am definitely less ignorant about life. I now know there are different people all over the world who practice different beliefs, and I appreciate that.

What were some of the major differences of the culture and classroom of the country you studied in and here?

It was definitely more laid back abroad. The lines between the relationship between student and teacher were more blurred. We hung out with our teachers, and were treated as adults, and that made me respect them even more.

How did you adapt to a new language and culture?

It was surprisingly easy. When you are thrust into a different lifestyle, you almost have no choice but to adapt to their ideals and ways of living.

What kind of advice would you give a student that was planning to study abroad?

Pack PLENTY of comfortable shoes. And remember to bring school supplies esp flashcards (they don't make them there, because you are going to school

Would you do it again?

In a heartbeat.

Biography

A native of Hillsborough, New Jersey, Mary-Jo Giovannucci, 22, is in her senior year at Rider University and will be graduating in August 2009. Currently, she studies journalism and public relations. Also Giovannucci works part time as a waitress at Old Man Rafferty’s in Hillsborough. In the spring of 2008 Giovannucci spent a semester abroad in Italy. Her interests include travel, music, and cooking. In the future, Giovannucci hopes to get a job that would allow her to travel the world.

Don't want to study abroad for 3 months? How about for 2 weeks?

To busy to spend a semester abroad? Why not spend 2 weeks in a foreign country? Rider offers a number of 2 week study abroad programs in many different countries like China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, and Spain. Not to mention most of these two week programs offer credit in all majors (theater, music, business, art, communications etc). If you don't need the credit and you want to help to make the world a better place then why not go on a 2 week community service project like the one coming up this May to Costa Rica to help build a playground and tutor kids at a local school. These programs are conveniently scheduled during spring, summer and winter breaks and they aren't completely unaffordable. There are many options to help pay for the trip including fund raising, financial aid, working extra hours etc. Plus the trip is well worth it. I know it was for me, I went on 3 of the programs myself, one to London and Paris, one to London and Athens and finally one to London and Prague. It's money well spent and who else can say they've seen Big Ben or the Parthenon? Not many.


To get more information on these programs go to:
http://www.rider.edu/15478_15110.htm

Tips for preparing your trip abroad

When departing for a big trip there are many things to take into account, making sure you have the right documents, packing everything you need, making copies of your passport and so on. Here are some tips to consider while getting everything together.

1. Make several copies of your passport, you never know what could happen. Keep one in your check luggage and one in your carry on. Also Rider asked for a copy as well.

2. Bringing an umbrella is a must.

3. Check the weather conditions of the months you will be staying of your country. You don't want to get there and have summer clothes when really you need winter clothes. Having clothes that you can layer is a plus.

4. Since you need to pack a suitcase for up to a 3 month span leave many of your tolietres at home or bring travel size shampoo, conditioner etc. It only takes up room in your suitcase and you can buy it while your in your country anyways.

5. Call your credit card company and tell them that you'll be abroad for such and such amount of time so that they don't cancel your card because of fraud reasons.

6. Also call your cell phone company. If you have AT&T they have global plans that you can purchase but I would use your American phone as a emergency basis only. If you have Verizon and you don't have a Blackberry (because that's the only phone that has a global plan) you can buy an international phone while abroad, there are many companies like Vodaphone, Wind... they're all good. However, your best bet is a phone card because odds are you will have a land line in your room.

7. Bring your laptop. Download movies for the plane and for leisure while your abroad because TV isn't the same overseas, you'll miss your favorite TV shows and movies especially if your in a non-english speaking country.

8. Pack a journal. I think it's important to document your time there and all the memories you will have.

9. Bring books to read for long train rides, plane rides, bus rides, bus rides or for your leisure but they are always good to have.

10. Before going on any of your own independent excursions find out what you want to do there instead of just showing up and winging it because odds are you'll just be walking around aimlessly not knowing what to see and do.

11. Whatever you do only bring one check on luggage! When you arrive in your destination you may still have to trek a ways before you get to your exact location which means hauling 2 check luggage bags and a carry on and a purse all over the world and that is not fun. I suggest bringing one big sturdy check luggage with wheels and a backpack so that it is easy to get around. Plus a backpack will be good for weekend excursions where you want to pack light.

If you follow these tips you will have no problem getting around and getting to your destination. Good luck!

Study Abroad Q&A

Q&A with Dr. Materna Director of the Center for International Education

If you are looking to study abroad Dr. Materna is the person to talk too. She's the head of the center of Education and helps run the study abroad programs. I talked to her about the study abroad options offered at Rider:

Q: What portion of Rider undergrads go abroad?
A: 1% (the lowest among Rider's competitor and peer institutions) go for a semester (this year 2008-09 it was only 34 students, so slightly less than the 40 (1%) the year before; 3-3.5% if short-term faculty-led and summer study abroad are included.
Q: How much does it cost to study abroad?
A: The cost varies as do the inclusions. But many programs cost no more than Rider tuition and some include housing and even meals at that price. If students live on campus, it is obviously even cheaper.
Q: What are the requirements to study abroad?
A: 2.5GPA (though some programs have a higher requirement), 2 recommendation letters, good disciplinary status and good financial status are requrired.
Q: How many credits can you earn on a study abroad excursion?
A: 12-18 (18 if you are approved for 18) for a semester; summer programs of 4-6 weeks duration usually offer 6-9 credits.
Q: Do you need to know the language of the country you are going to?
A: Depends upon the program. Some accept students with no language study. I recommend at least one semester before going, and RosettaStone!
Q: What types of programs are offered and for how long?
A: Semester, year-long, summer; study and some have internships and/or service learning components. Again, please see the website.
Q: How do students receive credits for their requirements?
A: They have courses approved by their advisors and we help them secure course syllabi or at least descriptions. Many courses abroad count for major, minor, or core requirements and even have Rider course equivalents. But the real message to students is to plan early--as freshmen--and SAVE elective credits, as they are the most portable and will let you go whereever your dreams will be fulfilled. Credits taken abroad are PASS/FAIL, but students must get a C to Pass.
Q: Is financial aid offered to study abroad students?
A: Financial aid can be applied for study abroad and adjusted if needed.

For more information go to: www.rider.edu/studyabroad

Study Abroad at Rider University

As a study abroad student myself I find it in my best interest to persuade the rest of you to take the opportunity of a lifetime and take up on some of Rider's different travel options. Everything and anything you needed to know about the study abroad programs are on the website at http://www.rider.edu/15478_352.htm along with a number of different links which include 2 week study programs, semester programs and what to look for in a study abroad program. Also you can seek information from the International office in the BLC or talk directly or the coordinator, Dr. Materna. Most importantly, I would love to offer any advice and help needed to gain insight about traveling overseas. The purpose you ask of studying abroad? That is a never ending answer, at least for me, for new friends, experiencing a new culture, meeting people of all different walks of life, awesome food, a different point of view on life, gain perspective, learn more about yourself and it's fun!