Foreign Exchange Student - What Country?
Tl;wr (Too long; won't read) What country should I go on for my exchange? _________________________________________________ Hey there, I plan on being a foreign exchange student my senior year of high school through the Rotary's Youth Exchange program. I haven't been accepted ... yet, because they do that in December, but I have though about which country I want to go to but would like some input :) These are the countries I am able to choose from: Africa Exchange Programs * South Africa Asia Exchange Programs * India * Japan * Russia * South Korea * Taiwan * Thailand Australia Exchange Programs * New Zealand Europe Exchange Programs * Austria * Belgium * Czech Republic * Denmark * Finland * France * Germany * Italy * Latvia * Lithuania * Norway * Poland * Slovakia * Spain * Sweden * Switzerland * Turkey North America Exchange Programs * Mexico South America Exchange Programs * Argentina * Brazil * Chile * Ecuador So far my top 3 choices are Norway, South Korea, and Russia. I want Norway because I heard it is a magnificent and beautiful place to be, and I am part Norwegian, but ... my main reason for going on this exchange is to learn a new language, and Norwegian isn't really useful in the USA or for that matter, anywhere but Norway! I also wanted South Korea because I've studied the language some, and my good friend is Korean and she's taught me some. The language is a great one to know because of business, and Korea's economy is strong; they also do a lot of trading with the USA. And... Russia? I'm not sure. The language seems pretty cool, but I'm not too sure about the country? So, what country do you think I should go to?! Give me good reason! :) (and preferably pick between my top 3, but if you see a different country that is awesome, list some reasons why and I might have a change of heart!) Thanks for everything! ... & reading this. :P P.S. The only country in which there is a language requirement is France, which is 3 years.
Studying Abroad - 4 Answers
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1 :
Well, if you are looking for a country for the language and business, go to India. There are tons of indians in the US now and also we do a TON of business with them, besides the fact that we also outsource to india A LOT. You'd be a head of people here if you learned hindi and about the indian culture in general. but...sure south Korea sounds nice?
2 :
go to Sweden!
3 :
The only problem with just picking any old country (I'm not sure about this program either personally as I never researched it) is that there might be language requirements. If that's the case, then that severely limits where you can go. Make sure that you have the language requirement (if there is one) for these countries before you set your heart on them.
4 :
Well my pick would definitely be Korea, amazing country, completely different culture so it's a cool experience plus Korea is fun and Koreans are cool and outgoing plus you can learn Korean easily as you already know some of it. Also, Koreans like americans (probably only country, lol). But dude, you can't except that once you speak a second language you can become some international business man, language really isn't everything. Millions of Koreans speak english and they are just regular people. And you're also wrong about Norwegian. Swedish and Danish are almost the same languages so you can speak there Norwegian too and people will understand, plus most people in Norway speak good English. Climate isn't exactly pleasant in Norway either and it's like dark and depressing for most of the time. And dude, you don't want to go to Russia. Not only the language will kill you, plus nobody there speaks English, maybe except a some young people but that's about it. Also, Russians are not exactly used to foreigners and I think that at some point you might not feel welcome in Russia. Plus it's not exactly rich country, if that matters to you. So yeah, I would probably go to South Korea, my second choice would be Italy (awesome people, good food, lot of nightlife and fun). When I was your age I went to Australia (to learn English). I'm European - not from any country I mentioned. PS: don't listen to the chick who talks about india. India has probably more english speakers than united states, so even if you by some miracle learned the language you're never gonna use it, maybe not even in india.
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Sunday, April 14, 2013
Sunday, April 7, 2013
can i travel to Switzerland with a Belgian temporary identity card??
can i travel to Switzerland with a Belgian temporary identity card??
i am an exchange student in belgium.i am from turkey.i have a belgian identity card and it is useable for all schengen countries as a european union passport.but switzerland is not a schengen country but on the internet it is written, with a valid schengen visa or a european union passport i can travel to switzerland for 3 months.can i go there for 3 days??
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
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1 :
It depends on your nationality: If you are European citizen and Belgian even better, it is ok. If you are Turkish, you need a visa and a passport. There is no "temporary identity card", I believe you have a temporary right to travel in all Schengen countries but you unfortunately do not have the rights accorded to European citizenship during that period. You may double check Belgian embassy in Switzerland but this is what I understood. http://www.diplomatie.be/Bernfr/default.asp?id=22&mnu=22 Hope this info helps
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i am an exchange student in belgium.i am from turkey.i have a belgian identity card and it is useable for all schengen countries as a european union passport.but switzerland is not a schengen country but on the internet it is written, with a valid schengen visa or a european union passport i can travel to switzerland for 3 months.can i go there for 3 days??
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
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1 :
It depends on your nationality: If you are European citizen and Belgian even better, it is ok. If you are Turkish, you need a visa and a passport. There is no "temporary identity card", I believe you have a temporary right to travel in all Schengen countries but you unfortunately do not have the rights accorded to European citizenship during that period. You may double check Belgian embassy in Switzerland but this is what I understood. http://www.diplomatie.be/Bernfr/default.asp?id=22&mnu=22 Hope this info helps
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Monday, April 1, 2013
International student from MN, USA planning eurotrip?
International student from MN, USA planning eurotrip?
I'm an international student and I got the schengen visa last year/visited poland through a study abroad program from the University of Minnesota (they took care of most of the visa formalities for me). I want to travel to Western Europe on my own (France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech) between August 6 and September 7 with a total budget (Airfare+Europass+everything else) of $3000. I know where to get international travel insurance from. I have sufficient balance in my bank account. The cheapest airfare I'm getting is about $1000 roundtrip incl tax. Upon checking the italian/french consulate site, I realized they require applicants to their chicago office in person. I have a summer internship and its pretty tough for me to take a day off....is there anyway to work around it? The application also requires that I show where I'll be staying. My plan is to cut cost as much as possible by staying in hostels. Do you think I should book a random hostels for this purpose? Is there a chance that they will rip me off? Also, ARE THERE CHEAPER FLIGHTS? Should I wait till the last moment or buy now? Anything else I should be concerned about? Please let me know. Thanks!
Other - Europe - 2 Answers
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1 :
Cheaper flights: you can try last-minute deals. Airlines don't like to fly with any empty seats. So at a certain point (typically 24 hours) they decide to cut their losses and declare the seat available for much cheaper. This means you have to have your bags packed in a wait-and-see mode, but can result in good deals. Look for this option on any travel website such as travelocity, etc. Also, if you're willing to travel with multiple connections this often cuts down on costs. I've noticed irish carrier Ryan Air gets you from Ireland to the continent pretty cheap if you can get to Ireland.... Good luck.
2 :
Maybe try changing your arrival destination: flights from Zurich to NY cost CHF 650, about $560, also, not flying directy might makle it cheaper.
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Thursday, March 28, 2013
What should I do with my german student?
What should I do with my german student?
This September, I am getting a German Exchange Student, and I have no clue what she will be like! Since I love nyc, as long as the director of exchange students at my school is okay with it, I'm taking her to nyc for the day.Though I hate sight seeing and been to nyc like a million times, I don't know where to take someone who has never been there. - Would she want to see the Statue of Liberty or Empire State Building, or do you think she'd be okay just walking around and get lunch and go shopping like I normally do.. - And what kind of food do germans normally like? My favorite place is Belgium/French cuisine. Do you think she'd like that? - Anything else i should know about hosting a german student that is important? thanks in advance! : )
Languages - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
do what you like, the point of an exchange is for them to experience a different country after all! plus she might feel awkward telling you what she wants because she doens't want to impose so have a plan.
2 :
Since you're in a different area, some of these things may be different, it's also a different girl that we had, obviously, haha. Our school had a whole class of German students come over for three weeks, and one stayed with us. I live about 45 minutes out of Atlanta, Georgia. It's highly likely if your girl hasn't been to NYC before, she IS going to want to see the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, and tourist-y things around the area, but I can almost guarantee you that it's not all she's going to want to do. It's like, if you went to Paris would you not even want to go up and look at the Eiffel Tower? What we did was, visited the big things, like the GA Aquarium, Stone Mountain, ATL Underground, World of Coke, but did it spread out, that way it was kind of spread out and just kinda went with the flow. If she's into shopping more than she is interested in the history and things of New York, then work with that,if you have money, go see a play or something. Really, the best thing to do is just to talk to her, find out what she's interested in doing. Be the best host you can. She's there to try new things, so try to encourage trying to get her to eat some new things she wouldn't usually eat in Germany, and make suggestions on what you really like and she if she wants to give it a try, though she'll probably want to anyway. People don't usually spend a lot of money to travel overseas just to not sightsee at least a little, or try new things. I hope this was somewhat helpful. Communication is your best key here. Hope you two have a good time!
3 :
Take her to the Statue of Liberty, if there's one thing she thinks of when she thinks of New York it's that. Other than that, let her see NYC as you would see it.
4 :
Well I am a German and if I had the opportunity to see NYC I would definitely want to see the sights. One can go shopping in Germany. A lot more shops in NCY and classy ones but still they are shops. I would want to see the most important things for sightseeing because then I could take photos and say I have been there and maybe you can get a photo taken with the two of you together and if you get on really well she will like to keep that memory and a German eats what everyone else eats. At least I do. I definitely wouldn't want German food if I visited America. I would eat whatever. I would also maybe enjoy a typical BBQ because that's something one doesn't see often in Germany. Any food should be fine.. or just grab a hot dog.. As a tourist of course she will want to see sights rather than shopping. For you I can understand it's different as you know the city so well but Germany is about 3000 miles away from NYC so I believe I definitely would want to see the sights and if there is time. Go on a shopping spee some other time.. she won't have that opportunity again to see all the places worthwhile seeing for which most tourists come to NYC. She will be able to talk to you and tell you maybe what she prefers. If you are of a similar age group there is no reason why you two shouldn't get along well. It's a different culture but she will read up about NYC I am sure and maybe ask you questions and you can feel free if you are interested to ask her questions about life in her country.. and what she likes doing when she is in her home country.. You will find a lot to talk about and learn about each others culture. I don't know but most likely she will bring a little gift for you along. Most people would do that if she lives with your family.. and she will also like to go shopping but she would be so overwhelmed by all the posh shops in NYC if you take her too soon that she would have to write home to her parents and write ''Mom, dad, I saw wow so many great shops.. I spent all my money please sent me more... she will want to take gifts back to her family so she wants to have money before she goes back home...
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This September, I am getting a German Exchange Student, and I have no clue what she will be like! Since I love nyc, as long as the director of exchange students at my school is okay with it, I'm taking her to nyc for the day.Though I hate sight seeing and been to nyc like a million times, I don't know where to take someone who has never been there. - Would she want to see the Statue of Liberty or Empire State Building, or do you think she'd be okay just walking around and get lunch and go shopping like I normally do.. - And what kind of food do germans normally like? My favorite place is Belgium/French cuisine. Do you think she'd like that? - Anything else i should know about hosting a german student that is important? thanks in advance! : )
Languages - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
do what you like, the point of an exchange is for them to experience a different country after all! plus she might feel awkward telling you what she wants because she doens't want to impose so have a plan.
2 :
Since you're in a different area, some of these things may be different, it's also a different girl that we had, obviously, haha. Our school had a whole class of German students come over for three weeks, and one stayed with us. I live about 45 minutes out of Atlanta, Georgia. It's highly likely if your girl hasn't been to NYC before, she IS going to want to see the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, and tourist-y things around the area, but I can almost guarantee you that it's not all she's going to want to do. It's like, if you went to Paris would you not even want to go up and look at the Eiffel Tower? What we did was, visited the big things, like the GA Aquarium, Stone Mountain, ATL Underground, World of Coke, but did it spread out, that way it was kind of spread out and just kinda went with the flow. If she's into shopping more than she is interested in the history and things of New York, then work with that,if you have money, go see a play or something. Really, the best thing to do is just to talk to her, find out what she's interested in doing. Be the best host you can. She's there to try new things, so try to encourage trying to get her to eat some new things she wouldn't usually eat in Germany, and make suggestions on what you really like and she if she wants to give it a try, though she'll probably want to anyway. People don't usually spend a lot of money to travel overseas just to not sightsee at least a little, or try new things. I hope this was somewhat helpful. Communication is your best key here. Hope you two have a good time!
3 :
Take her to the Statue of Liberty, if there's one thing she thinks of when she thinks of New York it's that. Other than that, let her see NYC as you would see it.
4 :
Well I am a German and if I had the opportunity to see NYC I would definitely want to see the sights. One can go shopping in Germany. A lot more shops in NCY and classy ones but still they are shops. I would want to see the most important things for sightseeing because then I could take photos and say I have been there and maybe you can get a photo taken with the two of you together and if you get on really well she will like to keep that memory and a German eats what everyone else eats. At least I do. I definitely wouldn't want German food if I visited America. I would eat whatever. I would also maybe enjoy a typical BBQ because that's something one doesn't see often in Germany. Any food should be fine.. or just grab a hot dog.. As a tourist of course she will want to see sights rather than shopping. For you I can understand it's different as you know the city so well but Germany is about 3000 miles away from NYC so I believe I definitely would want to see the sights and if there is time. Go on a shopping spee some other time.. she won't have that opportunity again to see all the places worthwhile seeing for which most tourists come to NYC. She will be able to talk to you and tell you maybe what she prefers. If you are of a similar age group there is no reason why you two shouldn't get along well. It's a different culture but she will read up about NYC I am sure and maybe ask you questions and you can feel free if you are interested to ask her questions about life in her country.. and what she likes doing when she is in her home country.. You will find a lot to talk about and learn about each others culture. I don't know but most likely she will bring a little gift for you along. Most people would do that if she lives with your family.. and she will also like to go shopping but she would be so overwhelmed by all the posh shops in NYC if you take her too soon that she would have to write home to her parents and write ''Mom, dad, I saw wow so many great shops.. I spent all my money please sent me more... she will want to take gifts back to her family so she wants to have money before she goes back home...
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Thursday, March 14, 2013
Student Exchange in Sweden?
Student Exchange in Sweden?
I was looking at the student exchange programs that are given by my college/university and I was wondering if Sweden is a good place to study abroad? From the research gathered it seems, that most of the subjects offered will be taught in English, (particularly science, which is great because my degree is a science degree) and was wondering if there were any other European counties like that? (besides the UK) Also, I am aware that Sweden is in northern Europe, but is it easy (cheapish - most likely no plane flights, just trains) to travel to other places around Europe on weekends or breaks? (such as France, Italy, Belgium, Spain etc) If not, what do you think would be the best Europe to study abroad for a science student that doesn't speak any other language besides English? Thank you all in advanced.
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
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1 :
I have had friends study in Sweden and they loved it. It was a completely different culture (we're Irish), and they found it fascinating. None of them study science, but they enjoyed their classes, and the Universities as a whole. Traveling is very difficult if you're based in Sweden, especially to the areas you mentioned. You would be restricted to areas in Scandinavia, and very northern continental countries- such as Denmark, Brussels. If you haven't considered Ireland, I would look into it. I know I may be biased, but I have a lot of friends studying science degrees here and they seem to enjoy it.
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I was looking at the student exchange programs that are given by my college/university and I was wondering if Sweden is a good place to study abroad? From the research gathered it seems, that most of the subjects offered will be taught in English, (particularly science, which is great because my degree is a science degree) and was wondering if there were any other European counties like that? (besides the UK) Also, I am aware that Sweden is in northern Europe, but is it easy (cheapish - most likely no plane flights, just trains) to travel to other places around Europe on weekends or breaks? (such as France, Italy, Belgium, Spain etc) If not, what do you think would be the best Europe to study abroad for a science student that doesn't speak any other language besides English? Thank you all in advanced.
Other - Europe - 1 Answers
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1 :
I have had friends study in Sweden and they loved it. It was a completely different culture (we're Irish), and they found it fascinating. None of them study science, but they enjoyed their classes, and the Universities as a whole. Traveling is very difficult if you're based in Sweden, especially to the areas you mentioned. You would be restricted to areas in Scandinavia, and very northern continental countries- such as Denmark, Brussels. If you haven't considered Ireland, I would look into it. I know I may be biased, but I have a lot of friends studying science degrees here and they seem to enjoy it.
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Thursday, March 7, 2013
How easy is it to get a work permit in Brussels, Belgium?
How easy is it to get a work permit in Brussels, Belgium?
What is the easiest way to do it. I'm only 18 years old. I feel like the best way would be just to go there and look for a job for three months. What someone needs to do is find someone to hire them and then the employer would have to apply for you to get a Visa so you can work for them.(That much I know) Is this considered to be very inconvienent for employers? Especially to be doing it for someone who is only 18 with not much work experience? I feel like they have plenty of people like me excep that they are legal already and that they can hire that they wouldn't have to apply for a work permit for.. It's too late for me to get a student visa now and I am trying to think of any possible way of legally living in Belgium for a year... Any advice?
Belgium - 1 Answers
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1 :
Sorry, but I don't have any good advice for you. Your employer in Belgium must request an employer permit and a work permit (permis de travail B/ arbeidskaart B) from the relevant sub-regional employment service depending on where the company's head office is established (VDAB, FOREM or ACTIRIS). Apart from certain exceptions (e.g. highly qualified staff, researchers, trainees or au pairs), employer permits are only issued if there are no workers or not enough workers on the Belgian labour market for the sector in question due to its specific characteristics and if there is an international agreement. Nationals from countries in the European Economic Area do not have to have a work permit. Based on the above facts vacancies are filled by the Belgium and European workforce without administrative burdens. Non-EU citizen only have a chance if they are highly qualified in an area of high demands. At the current economical situation there are none..
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Friday, March 1, 2013
Exchange Student From Alaska - Pointers?
Exchange Student From Alaska - Pointers?
Allo, as the title says, I am from Alaska. I'm 13, homeschooled, and currently looking to be an exchange student in my Sophomore year(or Freshman if I can). I registered on this forum to get some advice on where to go, and what group to go with. I know there are some Alaska specific groups, but I am not in Alaska right now so can't research them. I'm currently looking at Belgium, Denmark, France, Hungary, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Austria, Egypt, Russia or New Zealand. As you can see, pretty varied. Belgium and Denmark are really screaming out to me, but I don't know much about these countries(Denmark, Germany and Japan are the only ones I've really researched). I've been researching it on places like cultures shocked, and many people are suggesting gap year or senior year instead of sophomore, why would this be? Also, where are good places to go and why(from my list)? Are there any other sites you know of that would be handy?
Studying Abroad - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Gap year is before HS and uni. Studying abroad senior year might be tough. As to your list, all are good places, it would depend on what you want. Check out www.studyabroad.com and make sure your parents know about prices.
2 :
Hi, most important is that you find a nice family to stay with and that you make friends locally. If you go to the UK or Ireland there will not be so much of a culture shock, Japan, Egypt, Russia will be very different from what you know. But like I said: key is that you find a family you feel comfortable with. I did a private student exchange, because I did not have thousands of dollars to spend on an agency and I had the best time of my life: I went to London, then to Paris plus I spend some time close the beach in Spain - it was the best summer ever! Try Best Exchange Student, they have hundreds of families online who want to exchange, and the membership fee is peanuts
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Allo, as the title says, I am from Alaska. I'm 13, homeschooled, and currently looking to be an exchange student in my Sophomore year(or Freshman if I can). I registered on this forum to get some advice on where to go, and what group to go with. I know there are some Alaska specific groups, but I am not in Alaska right now so can't research them. I'm currently looking at Belgium, Denmark, France, Hungary, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Austria, Egypt, Russia or New Zealand. As you can see, pretty varied. Belgium and Denmark are really screaming out to me, but I don't know much about these countries(Denmark, Germany and Japan are the only ones I've really researched). I've been researching it on places like cultures shocked, and many people are suggesting gap year or senior year instead of sophomore, why would this be? Also, where are good places to go and why(from my list)? Are there any other sites you know of that would be handy?
Studying Abroad - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Gap year is before HS and uni. Studying abroad senior year might be tough. As to your list, all are good places, it would depend on what you want. Check out www.studyabroad.com and make sure your parents know about prices.
2 :
Hi, most important is that you find a nice family to stay with and that you make friends locally. If you go to the UK or Ireland there will not be so much of a culture shock, Japan, Egypt, Russia will be very different from what you know. But like I said: key is that you find a family you feel comfortable with. I did a private student exchange, because I did not have thousands of dollars to spend on an agency and I had the best time of my life: I went to London, then to Paris plus I spend some time close the beach in Spain - it was the best summer ever! Try Best Exchange Student, they have hundreds of families online who want to exchange, and the membership fee is peanuts
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