Bring on the heat...the heat of Spring that is! The weather is finally changing for the better here in Beijing, as I'm sure it is just about everywhere else, and I hope some of these posts and articles will inspire you to take advantage of the warm weather. In this Top 10, we've got a new blog added to the mix, as well as a number of posts (coincidentaly) related to cultural immersion and comparison. Enjoy!

Happenings on the Indiana University "From:I To:U" Blog:

Adaptation

March 30, 2012

During my lunch break on Friday, Julie, Jack and I wandered throughout the streets while taking in the fresh air. I thought to myself how lucky I am to study in this city and how I am able to live as close to a German life as possible. I am at such an incredible moment in my life where I am always reminded how traveling enhances not only my understanding of other cultures but an understanding of myself as well.

Welcome to Hogwarts: Academics in Barcelona

March 28, 2012

‘Holy shiza, I’ve transferred to Hogwarts. Without exaggeration, I now attend Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.’ These were my initial thoughts as I walked though the giant, antiquated, wooden doors of my new school in January. It is one of the most ancient universities in the world, over 500 years old, yet still bustling with students from around the world, full of a frantic fervor only found in Spain; it is the one and only Universitat de Barcelona. P.S. I didn’t spell ‘universidad’ wrong, the name, as well as a majority of classes, are taught in Catalan, the regional language spoken in Barcelona.

The Downsides to Studying Abroad

March, 2012

I am nearly done with my academic year in Aix-en-Provence. I have about six weeks of class left (which means I only have six more sessions of each class!) before Spring Break and finals period. When I look back at the months I’ve spent here, my time seems to have flown by. However, I’m not always living in rainbow land, jumping from country to country, drinking wine and tanning on a beach in Nice. It’s easiest and most fun to talk about all that in blog posts, and it’s definitely what convinces other students to try out study abroad programs. I mean, don’t get me wrong: I’m aware that I am extremely lucky to have had an opportunity to come here. I’m not denying that. However, it has been difficult at times.

New This Month The CET Academic Programs Blog:

Getting Roman in Beijing

March 30, 2012

Beijing street fashion is really unlike any fashion I have seen on a walk down any Main Street in any American city. It’s hard to capture Beijing fashion in a few words. Many think cute when they see the bows that frequent many shirts (male and female alike). Others observe the blazer top–sweat pants look with confusion. Even more debate what kind of statement short shorts over leather tights accompanied by the ever popular high heels make, and if that liberal expression of one’s identity is worth braving the 20 degree F winter temperatures.

Top 10 Ways to Score Italy Points…

March 27, 2012

When I studied in Florence, Italy almost a year ago (yikes!) my friends and I came up with an interesting system to keep our days spontaneous and exciting. Although it started with someone joking that if a friend ate another gelato she’d “get 10 Italy points,” these Italy points soon became a real thing with real tallies. We counted them and sought them out, and all the while had an incredible time. So today I share with you our most common and most memorable ways to earn said points.

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

Why I Avoided Teaching English Abroad And Why You Shouldn’t Too

March 28, 2012

I just want to start by saying this isn’t a cliché post about the negative impact teaching English can have on learning Chinese. In fact, after struggling a bit to complete the final task on my list of major things I needed to get done in order to stay/survive in Beijing (i.e. make some sort of income), I actually decided to seek out an English teaching job. Long story short (although you should continue reading the long story below), after 2 months, I had “taught” a total of 2 students English, and had earned a total of $63.29 USD – oh, and I no longer teach English.

Secrets To Saving Money While Studying Abroad – Cheap Travel

March 23, 2012

This is Part 3 of my series, “50 Ways To Save Money While Studying Abroad”. Let’s be honest, the number 1 reason you are/went abroad wasn’t to take classes. I would venture to guess that for most people (myself included) studying abroad is maybe your first, and probably your best chance to travel the world. Of course, travel can sometimes come with a pretty hefty price tag, and when you’re on a student budget trying to visit as many places as you can in a short amount of time, spending those dollars wisely becomes important.

My Favorite Beers From Abroad - A little liquid cultural immersion

March 17, 2012

This probably goes without saying, but most students have a beer or 10 when they’re abroad. If you’ve read “The Ultimate Study Abroad Guide“, you’ll know that alcohol has a different place in cultures outside of the U.S., and that bar hopping and socials (which usually turn into bar hopping) are actually a important part of most clubs, sports, and activities. Not to mention alcohol usually has a connection to a country’s history, so visiting a place like the Guinness Storehouse and having a beer actually has an academic/cultural benefit. Here are my favorite alcoholic beverages from my time abroad.

Study Abroad 101 from the Abroad101.com Blog:

“India: My Visit to My 5th Continent!” – Theresa on Semester at Sea

March 28, 2012

I have now been to 5 out of the 7 continents! Bucket list: get to all 7. Day 1: Our ship was docked in Cochin, which is in Southern India. We got off the ship and there it was: the hot, humid, sticky, sweaty feeling…yay! My roommate and I paid a rickshaw driver a total of $6 to drive us around and be our personal tour guide all day…try and find that kind of deal in the states. Our itinerary went sometime like this: we saw the Chinese fishing nets and the beaches, we went to Jew Town, Fort Cochin Beach, Siva Temple, the Ginger Warehouse, some cemeteries, the Spice Market, the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church and we visited some schools. Not too bad for $3 a person, right? Lal (our ‘tour guide’) even bought us necklaces made of jasmine, they smelt incredible!

Culture in Contrast: From America to Taiwan

March 22, 2012

When we travel abroad and encounter a different culture, our default reaction is to compare it to the culture we know. Jake is from a small town in Illinois, the following are some of his observations of everyday life in Taiwan.

Nate Nault is the Study Abroad Editor for Wandering Educators