The First Facebook

On our New Europe Tour Paris we learned the story behind the Pont Neuf, which is french for the New Bridge. This "new" bridge is actually the oldest bridge in Paris. If you look closely you can see that the bridge has hundreds of faces sculpted into it.

As the story goes, King Henry IV loved to party so much that he would throw massive parties full of entertainment and all the food and drinks you could consume. One of the entertainers he hired was an artist that would draw sketches of all his guests.

 As the night went on many of the guests had consumed way too much wine, the artist still continued to sketch the funny characters all the guests were becoming. In the morning King Henry found all the sketches and found them so hilarious he decided to have each guests sketch carved into the bridge.

Now this bridge is considered the first Facebook, everyone was able to go to the Pont Neuf and see all the Kings friends and see what a great time they all had together.

-Amanda

Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad

                        

 Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad

1. See the world and broaden your experiences. Try seeing the world through someone else's perspective.

2. Gain a new perspective on your own country. Being immersed in your own country tends to give you a limited view of the world.

3. Explore your heritage. Learn about your roots and explore your ethnicity.

4. Learn a language and immerse yourself in it.

5. Amp up your resume. International experience is an impressive part of any resume.

6. Gain new insights by developing new relationships. These might be some of the deepest relationships you'll ever form.

7. Put a rest to stereotypes by educating others. Don't allow the same stereotypes from home follow you over seas.

8. Personal Growth. You will truly better yourself by being open to this experience.

9. Educational experiences. You can't even possibly begin to imagine all the things you will learn and the life lessons you will gain.

10. SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU CAN!! If you're lucky enough to be given this opportunity, take it!



- Danielle

Don't be Afraid

To take that leap of faith and study abroad!

When looking for a program to sign up for to do study abroad, I knew no one, not one single person! but i still signed up.

Why?

Each person going on a study abroad trip has the same goals in mind... meet new people, gain more knowledge and have a good time. But really, MAKING NEW FRIENDS, is something that everyone knows is going to happen!

Many people on our 5 week study abroad trip were in the same boat...or plane, but really, most people didn't know anyone else going so we all were feeling the same.

the group on a boat

From the time we left the airport in Fargo on September 18-- we were all ready to make the best of our 5 weeks overseas and with each other.  I came home with 13 of the best friends I will ever have.  We spent on average 14 hours days together every day. And had so much fun, that still we talk about it every day!  They are people you will always have this experience to share with.


I can that yes, I was scared, nervous, second guessing, anxious, about having to sign up for a study abroad program without knowing a single person.
But thus far, it is the greatest thing I have done in my 21 1/2 years and I would not change a single second.

So take that leap and sign up for study abroad! If you have any questions at all about a program or want to know more detailed how our 5 week program went feel free to get a hold of me and ask ask ask!! Also check out this website to find a program for you and check out more blog posts about studying abroad!


-Sharon

Here is a video on Studying Abroad in the words of Sharon and Amanda

Group photos courtesy of Dr. Wright

-Amanda

When visiting another country remember to CHANGE YOUR LENSES.

By lenses I don't mean prescription lenses; instead try to see things through someone else's perception, or take a walk in their shoes. You cannot fully grasp their culture without fully allowing yourself to relate to them.

Things may seem backwards at first but that doesn't mean it's wrong. Things are going to be different for you, you might even be completely out of your comfort zone. If this happens don't get

ANGRY just be accepting, if you don't like you wont have to do it again, but you will never know if you like it or not if you don't try it the first time.

 

Just because you aren't use to it doesn't mean you can't get use to it. TRY new things!!! The food is different, their attitudes may be different, their values, their lifestyle, their culture, their language, clothing, style, but it's all beautiful and amazing and you will never be able to see how great it is unless you are open and willing to experience it.

 

 

 So put on those new lenses, and look at everything through the eyes of those who live there. Go to student hangouts and meet new friends, with all the technology there is today you can keep in touch long after your vacation is over. Be understanding, don't get mad if they don't speak your language YOU ARE THE OUTSIDER.  Get the most out of your time there, it's a chance of a lifetime, love every minute of it and make lots of memories.

-Amanda

Looking for Love? Maybe you should studyabroad in PARIS

Paris has always been known as a breathtaking city. I've been to Paris before, but I was also a lot younger and was unable to see how romantic this city is. Nothing can compare to Paris at night, but what really impressed me was none other than the Locks of Love.

This is the Locks of Love Bridge in Paris. Lovers walk down this bridge, lock their lock onto the bridge and throw the key into the water vowing to be in love for eternity.



Some write their names or initials for the whole world to see



 Another trick is for all you players out there, you can lock a combination lock on the bridge, then take it off later and reuse this lock over and over instead of buying a new lock for each girl.

If you are looking for love or just want to show the one you love how much you love them, I highly recommend Paris!

-Amanda

Ireland/Northern Ireland/Scotland Adventure

While on our 5 week European Adventure we took a trip over to Ireland where we then went on to explore Northern Ireland and Scotland.  Here is a brief video of our adventures through these three countries!

                                         Group photos courtesy of Dr. Wright


Find the right adventure for you here!

-Sharon

Thinking of studying abroad?

Well here are some questions you will need to consider:

Why do I want to study abroad?

Will studying abroad enhance my employability after graduation?

When should I start planning?

How long do I want to study abroad for?

What program is right for me?

Do I need to know a foreign language?

What will I be doing in this program?

Can I afford to study abroad?

What type of living accommodations will be available?

How do I apply?

These are all important questions you’ll want to get the answers for before committing to studying abroad. Check out the Center for Global Initiatives at NDSU for more information.

http://ndsu-studyabroad.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/cgindsu

Studying abroad is truly an experience you won’t regret.

- Danielle

Students with food allergies, vegetarians/vegans, picky eaters, or students with religious dietary restrictions, as well as those prone to eating disorders should be cautious of their dietary needs while studying abroad. Just because the U.S. has to label products that are contained in the food doesn’t mean that other countries follow that same guideline. For example, some countries may not label food containing nut products. So if you’re allergic to nut products, you’ll want to be careful about what you’re eating. For those fellow vegetarians/vegans, many countries don’t understand the concept of vegetarianism, so you may have a difficult time finding a meal that doesn’t contain animal products.  

For those picky eaters, it can be hard to try new and unfamiliar foods but it’s a good idea to be open to this experience. You obviously can’t be forced to eat anything, but you would hate in insult the person who prepared the food for you. Be open to trying new things, and maybe you’ll realize that they aren’t that bad. Who knows, you may even find something that you enjoy. Just remember to be open to trying new things and if you find something you don’t like, be polite about it and you won’t have to eat it again.

-Danielle

This one's for the Ladies

So you're leaving for a week long trip. All you can bring is a backpack full of everything you need for 7 days of traveling, how do you manage??  Here's how to make 2 shirts, 2 pairs of shoes, a jacket, and a pair of pants give you an entire weeks worth of outfits!


First let's start with the essentials:

Cute tank top

Favorite graphic tee

Light fall jacket

Nice pair of jeans

Comfortable tennis shoes

    

Favorite boots

Next we can add a few more items for accessorizing:

Scarf

Necklace

Earrings

Now let the fun begin! Time to mix and match and figure out what to wear for the week! 



Throw the two most basic pieces first, it's simple, but yet comfortable, and still stylish.  Pick either to wear your tennis shoes if you know there will be a lot of walking, or boots if you want more of a fun cute look.  Good for everyday wear.

Touring during the day, but going out for a nice dinner at night? Bring along your jacket, necklace, and earrings to dress up the outfit for night-time.

Hot day out? Wear the tank for during the day, take along your jacket for when it cools off at night.

Fall taken you by surprise? Roll down the cuffs of your jacket and pull out the scarf to keep you warm!

More ideas:

*Switch between your boots and tennis shoes to mix up the outfits
*Other jewelry: bracelets, other earrings/necklaces always help to change up a look
*If you're unprepared for hot weather, roll up your jeans into capris and wear with tennis shoes
*Tuck your jeans into your boots or wear over top for two different but very simple looks
*There are lots more outfits you can make with these few pieces!

Looking for somewhere to take your week trip too?
Check out the NDSU College of Business Blog page here to find the perfect study abroad place for you.


-Sharon

Going Abroad? Get Ready for the Metric System

A good rule of thumb is, if you're traveling anywhere outside the US, you'd better be ready to use the metric system. But getting used to a whole different system of measurement can be difficult.

First, you ought to know the basic, everyday units:

Length:
Centimeters (cm)
Meters (m)
Kilometers (km)

Weight:
Grams (g)
Kilograms (kg)

Volume:
Milliliters (ml)
Liters (l)

Temperature
Celsius (C)

Second, don't bother with the math!
When you first try to get used to the metric system, you may me tempted to learn it by conversions to the English system. All this will do is make things too difficult. The best way to learn it is to become familiar with it.

Use reference points
Learn what you weigh in kilograms, and your height in centimeters. This gives you an idea of what that weight and height means. Know that one liter of water is one kilogram. One-thousand meters is one kilometer. Zero degrees Celsius is the freezing point, twenty to twenty-five is room temperature. Keep these reference points, and you'll be used to metric measurements in no time!

Packing is Hard!!!! What should I bring????

Okay everyone, so you have bought your suitcase, your carry on, your extra bag for souvenirs, and your space saver bags, so what are you going to put in these bags? Here are some helpful hints that include what we were happy we packed, what we forgot, and what we wish we would have forgot. 

The biggest thing to remember is DONT OVER PACK!  You may have to carry all your stuff a long way... and how will you get everything home if you buy anything?!

What we brought: 

Space Saver or Travel Bags- these are a must, if you want to know why read our earlier blog about them.

Food-(for all you picky eaters or cheapskates out there) granola bars, peanut butter, easy mac are all good ideas. Not only does it save money and provide a small taste of the states but after you consume it you have more room in your suitcase for the ride home.

Umbrella -even if you never use one in the states, it’s very hard to go on a tour in the pouring rain without one.

Water bottle- now this one is for all of you who do drink a lot during the day, if you never carry one, don’t own one and don’t drink that much then you really don’t need to go out in buy one just for this trip.

Ipod, Laptop(or IPad), Digital Camera - These are important electronics to remember they help pass time while traveling, they help you keep in contact with your friends and family back home and help you share your memories.

First Aid Kit- Band-Aids, rubbing alcohol, Tweezers, Nail clipers, Advil, Cold/Flu Medicine, cough drops, allergy medication and travel sickness medication. Pack it if you don't need it, someone will. You may end up with blisters from walking so much, motion sick from the planes, trains, subways, buses, boats, etc that you ride on, or you may just catch something.

What we forgot:

Extra Camera Batteries and/or Extra SD cards- you are going to take a lot of pictures. Be prepared! I went most of the trip without a Camera because either the battery was dead or my memory was full.

What we wish we forgot:

That extra sweater you thought you “might” wear- Really think about the clothes you are bringing are you really going to wear it? When you are constantly traveling, most of the time you aren’t checking a bag, you may go a week with only a carry on size bag, so leave the extra clothes in the states they just end up taking up weight.

Extra shoes/ scarves/ purses/ sunglasses/ hats- You are traveling to another country, you will most likely find these items over there and will want to purchase them. I don't know many people on the trip i went in that didn't buy one of these items, don't pack what you will end up buying.

Alarm Clock- If you can wake up to a phone alarm or a roommate yelling at you to wake up, you really don’t need to pack an alarm clock, it takes up space, weight and you might not ever use it. I didn’t use mine.

Travel Iron- If you are going to iron your clothes then fine bring one, if you aren’t don’t pack it. You aren’t going to be professionally dressed very often so if you’re only going abroad for around a month, you will be fine without it.

Just remember to think about everything  you want to pack not just once, maybe not even twice but three or four or even more times before you actually put it in your suitcase. Weight is expensive, you don't want to leave to Europe with a 50 pound bag unless its filled with multiple pounds of things you will be leaving behind. 

-Amanda

Tips for using your credit card and accessing your bank account

                                             
Here is an interesting article that I wanted to share. It was posted on the Ilovestudyabroad.com website back in July 2011. Here are some tips for using your credit card and managing your bank account while studying abroad.

1. Call your credit card company and let them know where you’ll be living and traveling so they don’t freeze your card. If you are planning any quick weekend trips, you'll still need to let your bank know.

2. Sign up for online banking. Money can fly out of your hands abroad so its best to be aware of exactly how much you’re spending.

3. Research. Be aware of foreign transaction fees and if your credit card company has relationships with certain banks. Some students have also found that if they call the company ahead of time and ask if they will waive certain fees, they will.

4. Change your pin to 4 numbers. Some foreign ATMs only let you enter 4 digits.

5. Bring more than one card incase you have a problem using one.

6. Make copies of your cards or write down the numbers in case they are lost or stolen.

7. Let family members know not to mail you personal checks abroad. If you're running low on money, It would best for them to directly deposit the money into your account.

8. Dollars are pretty useless once you leave the U.S. Bring the foreign currency to the airport for transportation and food the first day and just some U.S. currency for an emergency.

9. Bring proper identification. Some foreign merchants will not accept the U.S. magnetic strip cards without backup I.D. since they now use a more advanced pin and chip system.

10. Be aware of currency rates. For example, you might take out 600 Korunas at an ATM in the Prague airport, only to realize later that is equal to just $35. Check out this list of iPhone apps for a currency converter.

11. Make sure your credit card limit is sufficient for your trip. You might need to ask your credit card company to increase it.

These are all excellent tips. Some people may not even consider their money sources before they leave the country, and let me tell you, when you run out of money, all the fun adventures stop. So don't let that happen to you!

Interested in studying abroad? Check out the Center for Global Initiatives program at NDSU
http://ndsu-studyabroad.blogspot.com/2011/09/cheapskates-guide-to-antwerp.html


-Danielle

Space Saver Bags

Space Saver Bags

 Think you need more room in your suitcase? Travel space bags are used by filling them with your clothing and squeezing, rolling, kneeling on, and hugging until you get all the air out.  I had never used any kind of travel bag before and was given the Original Space Bag as a present for the trip.  The box says it doubles the space in your suitcase. I did not think it quite doubled it but it definitely did help out other than having no space bag at all. I got a pack of 8 bags-- 3 "suitcase size" (large), 3 "carry-on size" (medium), and 2 "pouch size" (small). These were bought at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for around $18.  The six medium and large bags worked great for clothing, while the smaller bags worked fine for that but also can be used to store shampoos, conditioners, etc, or other small personal items.  In one large bag I could fit multiple t-shirts, a pair of jeans, and light jacket. 
 

Large Bag Before

After

 Amanda also had her own travel bags which she got at T.J. Maxx.  She purchased 2 big bags for under $10.  They were made of a slightly heavier material than the Original Space Bags.  They were also both larger than my "large" bag. 

Before

After

All in all, if you are not a light packer, and are looking for something to help you out, travel bags are a great item that can help you out.  If I were to go again I would look to find the 2 large travel bags from T.J. Maxx.  They were able to compress more clothing and make more room for other things (like all the souvenirs you didn't expect to buy)! So pack those 2 extra shirts you might have had to unpack and get yourself some space saver bags!

Looking for somewhere to go to use the travel bags? Check out http://ndsu-studyabroad.blogspot.com/p/study-abroad-programs.html to find the right place for you!

-Sharon

If I Went Abroad, Where Would I go?

While NDSU offers wonderful study abroad programs visiting multiple countries, if I were to go abroad, I feel I'd go for a summer session or a full academic year in Sweden. But why Sweden? Not only is it a place I've always wished to visit, but it's also something different. When Americans go abroad for a full year, most may assume the United Kingdom or Australia. When you say Sweden, you get that satisfaction of seeing the strange look of confusion in their face as they never saw that one coming.

As for the school I would choose, it would have to be Stockholm University. Stockholm is a magnificent city and I wouldn't even have to study Swedish to go there (though I certainly would)! There are fantastic vacation opportunities and once in a lifetime events to go to such as the Nobel Prize Ceremony. And now I realize that after writing this the opportunity seems even exciting.

-Chris

What kind of Suitcase do you need before you study abroad?!?

It is very important when choosing the right suitcase to remember:

1. Bigger does NOT mean better.

2. How are you gonna carry everything by yourself?

3. What about souvenirs? 

360 degree suitcases are good: the largest ones they sell are bad.

 

1. First lets start with the size of your suitcase

Checked Baggage: Even though you are thinking you may need the biggest suitcase you can find and the biggest carry on, you really don't. These bigger suitcases may be harder to carry, take up most of your weight limit and may be too hard to use once you are in Europe. Remember your suitcase can never be above 50lbs or 23kg unless you want a large fine so the lighter the suitcase the better.

Carry-on: Many different size rolling bags may say they are carry-on sizes...this does not mean they fit on smaller planes, or are considered carry-on size in Europe so remember to keep this in mind.

  A fold up duffel can be purchased at Target or Wal-Mart for around $15.00 For anyone wanting an extra suitcase but is on a budget.

2. The next thing to remember when considering what bags you want to bring along is to remember you have to carry all your bags yourself. That means throughout your trip, this may become very difficult, as I have learned, if you are packing too much, or have awkward size bags. Wheels are a must for most of your luggage. When choosing a wheeled suitcase you might also want to think about if it would be easier to push or pull your suitcase. If you chose push the 360 degree wheeled suitcases might be your best option, but again remember even though they come in very large sizes, the largest sizes are more trouble than they are worth. Backpacks also work great especially when traveling throughout Europe.

3. If you are like me you are probably thinking about all the cool things you are going to buy over in Europe. It's probably best to put an extra suitcase inside your checked baggage so that when you return home you have room for your souvenirs. If you are thinking you will have enough room in your suitcase for all your souvenirs then remember the weight aspect again, if you are close to 50lbs on the way there, you would be better off bringing an extra bag inside, its cheaper to check a second bag then to pay for an overweight bag. If you don't do this you may end up throwing away a lot more than you thought you would at the airport.

Remember these helpful hints and you will know what suitcases are the best to bring.

-Amanda