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!