A little late, but just as good! Your monthly update about everything study abroad. As I promised, I've introduced a few new blogs, and of course you can always refer back to old posts for other great study abroad resources. Here's what's happened in Study Abroad during the month of October!

What's new in the world of Study Abroad on The Study Abroad Blog:

Beijing Opera: A Show Like No Other…Seriously

October 22, 2011

This was originally part of  “Beijing Bites Back: A Little Adversity Abroad “, but I realized that not only was it put-you-to sleep-long, but also that Jingju is so awesome, I was doing it a disservice by not giving it it’s own post. So here it is. Last Friday, CET took us to see Beijing Opera at the Liyuan Theater. Word around China is that Beijing Opera is like nothing you’ve seen before; you either love it or hate it (you’ll see why). Luckily, I loved it. (Video included)

Beijing Bites Back: A Little Adversity Abroad

October 19, 2011

It happened. This week, for the first time since I’ve been here, there were actually a few days when I didn’t feel like I was on that ecstatic high caused by the drug known as “loving everything about China”. I had to tango with Customs and Fedex a few weeks back, but that doesn’t really count.  Granted, this is the exact time when you’re supposed to start feeling the affects of culture shock, but I’m going to say that wasn’t it.

10 Tips For Improving Your Language Proficiency While Studying Abroad

October 5, 2011

Having already been in Beijing for over a month, I can confidently say I’ve experienced almost every up and down that’s associated with studying a new language. That being said, the personal victories I’ve achieved (e.g. having a full conversation with a native Beijinger) far outweigh any of the difficulties I’ve encountered. While difficulties will always arise when you’re learning a foreign language in a new country, I’ve come up with a list of 10 reasons why your progress is slower than you had assumed it would be, but also how you can improve upon it.

Happenings on the Academic Programs International (API) Blog:

API named GoAbroad.com “Blog of the Week”

October 14, 2011

API was honored as a GoAbroad.com’s featured “Blog of the Week" on October 14. GoAbroad.com cited their in-depth articles and utilization of student, staff, and industry voices as a strong, “multi-dimensional resource” for study abroad. The featured "Blogs of the Week" section is filled with great blogs dishing out otns of great study abroad and travel info, so while you're there, feel free to browse through other features!

Missing American holidays while abroad – how to deal…

October 31, 2011

It is completely normal to feel a little left out when you miss American holidays while abroad, so don’t try to ignore your feelings. Feeling guilty about homesickness is never a good idea—everyone experiences it, especially when triggers like favorite holidays are being completely skipped over in your host country. Something I learned, though, was when I was feeling homesick for holidays, I could adapt to my new surroundings by bringing a little bit of spirit to my Parisian Halloween weekend.

GoAbroad.com's GoAbroad Blog:

GoAbroad Interview: Amy Ruhter McMillan of IES Abroad

October 25, 2011

Thinking of studying abroad through IES Abroad? GoAbroad features an interview with Amy Ruhter McMillan, Assistant Vice President of Marketing of Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad). This article discusses the importance of the cutural imersion aspect of studying abroad, as well as what makes IES Abroad unique among study abroad programs.

Top Tips for Choosing a Study Abroad Program

October 5, 2011

Are you interested in planning and getting a jumpstart on a study abroad experience? Are you at the point where you know you want to go abroad, but are struggling to decide what program will be the best fit? This is a challenge many students run into and it can be an overwhelming research process in trying to find answers.

Study Abroad 101 from the Abroad101.com Blog:

This Week in Study Abroad: Graduating Sooner When You Study Abroad

October 18, 2011

One of the most common misconceptions of studying abroad is that it will prevent you from graduating on time with all your other friends who chose not to study abroad. This week, the University of Texas-Austin released a study in their student newspaper that supports the notion that studying abroad can actually help you graduate sooner than your non-study abroad classmates.

American Identity: The Values We Hold Dear, For Better or Worse

October 15, 2011

"I recently read “The Values Americans Live By” written in 1988 by Dr. Robert Kohls. For something published over 20 years ago, I was astounded by how relevant it was, and think we (Americans and the Internationals that have to deal with us) can benefit greatly from reading this and thinking about the types of values we hold dear." - Michelle of Abroad 101

Just a reminder - International Education Week is November 14-18, 2011!

Nate Nault is the Study Abroad Editor for Wandering Educators