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Internet Resources for Study Abroad
Prepared for NAFSA's Education Abroad Knowledge Community at the request of the Education Abroad National Team
Please send suggestions and comments to:
Email: bnolting@umich.edu
Updated November 2006. Original edition September 1998.
Disclaimer: Inclusion of a resource in this list does not imply endorsement by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, or by NAFSA's Education Abroad Knowledge Community.
* denotes a highly recommended resource
Index to sections within this document:
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION ABROAD ADVISERS & ADMINISTRATORS:
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, PUBLISHERS & GRANTS
AFRILIST (a listserv discussion group on international education issues and Africa)
Free to subscribe. Send message “subscribe AFRILIST yourfirstname yourlastname” to: listserv@listserv.utk.edu (omit the quotation marks and leave subject blank). Maintained by volunteer Jim Gehlhar. This discussion group is the unofficial listserv for NAFSA's Africa Special Interest Group but also is for advisers and administrators who desire to encourage the development of education abroad programs in Africa. Though most subscribers are members of NAFSA (http://www.nafsa.org), this is not a requirement.
American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), www.aacrao.org/
Web site of the main U.S. professional association for admissions and credit evaluation. See also NAFSA's Knowledge Community for Recruitment, Admissions & Preparation.
American Council on Education (ACE), www.acenet.edu
ACE represents top-level university administrators (e.g. presidents). See ACE's Center for International Initiatives Program.
Association of American Study Abroad Programmes in the United Kingdom, www.aasapuk.org/
Professional association includes over 70 U.S. study abroad programs located in the UK.
Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), www.aieaworld.org
AIEA is a professional association primarily for senior-level administrators of international programs, who typically have responsibilities in multiple international areas, e.g. for both international students and study abroad. Conferences are held annually in February. To become a member of AIEA, go to www.aieaworld.org. Membership includes access to the aiea list serv and a subscription to the Journal of Studies in International Education.
Canadian Bureau for International Education, www.cbie.ca
Canadian counterpart of NAFSA. Professional association offers information about study abroad and work abroad, worldwide and in Canada, www.destineducation.caintro_e.htm.
Center for Global Education (SAFETI Clearinghouse), www.lmu.edu/globaled/
By Gary Rhodes. Currently housed by Loyola Marymount University, previously housed at the University of Southern California. An extensive collection of web resources for education abroad administrators. Much of the content of this site is available nowhere else on the web, and external links seem carefully chosen.Website developed with support of a FIPSE grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
* Centers for Disease Control, CDC Travel Information, www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm
Official U.S. government information about health conditions worldwide, including recommendations for immunizations and locations of travel clinics.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, http://chronicle.com/international/
The Chronicle is the premier periodical specializing in coverage of U.S. higher education. It reports on international education in its International section. The Chronicle also lists jobs in academia, and offers a jobs e-mail notification service available even to non-subscribers (try "international programs" under the "administrative" category).
* Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), www.ciee.org
Web site provides information about CIEE's annual conference, and CIEE's own programs for study and work abroad. CIEE is part of a consortium which publishes the Journal of Studies in International Education.
* Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), www.csiet.org
An essential () organization for those involved in international programs at the high school level, CSIET sets standards for high school-level programs and publishes an annual list of programs which meet those standards.
Culturegrams, www.culturegrams.com
Each Culturegram gives a brief overview of the history, politics, peoples and customs of a country. Available for most countries, Culturegrams can be ordered from this website as a set or individually.
* The Electronic Embassy, www.embassy.org/embassies/index.html
Site provides links to the web sites of foreign embassies in Washington, DC, or addresses for embassies which do not have web sites. Sites of individual countries provide official information about visas, cultural exchanges, and more.
European Association for International Education (EAIE), www.eaie.nl
European counterpart of NAFSA, EAIE is a professional association for international education advisers and administrators. Two EAIE sections which focus on education abroad are SAFSA (Study Abroad and Foreign Student Advisors) and SWING (Stage, Work Placement and Internship Group).
* Forum on Education Abroad, www.ForumEA.org
The Forum on Education Abroad is an association whose members are educational institutions, consortia, agencies, organizations, and individuals that provide, director or manage educational opportunities in the field of education abroad. By providing opportunities for discourse and information sharing, The Forum promotes high quality and effective programming through advocating standards of good practice, promoting excellence in curricular development and academic design, encouraging outcomes assessment and other reserach, facilitating data collection, and advocating education abroad at all levels.
Foundation Center, www.fdncenter.org
Non-profit publisher of comprehensive information on private-sector grants to institutions, including guides to grants for international programs. The hard-copy directories are available in many university libraries. Site has links to International Trends.
* Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, www.frontiersjournal.com
Journal features research articles, essays and book reviews on issues and concerns in study abroad. Many articles from back issues are available on this website. Editorial board is headed by Brian Whalen
* Institute of International Education, www.iie.org
Non-profit organization is publisher of the standard reference directories for study abroad offices, Academic Year Abroad and Short-Term Study Abroad, which are available as books or online at www.iiepassport.org. Open Doors (opendoors.iienetwork.org), another IIE publication, provides comprehensive, up-to-date statistics about international educational exchange. IIE also administers NSEP undergraduate scholarships (www.iie.org/nsep), Gilman scholarships (www.iie.org/gilman), Freeman-Asia scholarships (www.iie.org/pgms/freeman-asia), several Fulbright scholarship programs (www.iie.org/fulbright) and many other exchange programs. See web site for benefits of membership.
Intercultural Press, http://www.interculturalpress.com/store/pc/mainIndex.asp
The leading publisher of cross-cultural books also distributes related books from other publishers.
International Education Research (IERES), www.geocities.com/ieres
By Jim Gehlhar and Greta Couper. Website and discussion list, IERES-L, for those interested in conducting formal research on international educational exchange. To subscribe (free) to IERES-L, send message "subscribe IERES-L yourfirstname yourlastname" to: listserv@listserv.utk.edu (omit the quotation marks and leave subject blank).
International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA), www.volunteerinternational.org
IVPA is a professional association for administrators of international volunteer programs, as well as advisers and students interested in this type of international experience. Their website lists programs for volunteering abroad and has extensive links to relevant resources. Organizations that are members of IVPA are encouraged to follow IVPA's Principles and Practices.
Lesbigay Special Interest Group of NAFSA, www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay
By Kathleen Sideli. A very comprehensive web site on issues of concern to lesbian and gay participants in international exchange and travel. Also intended for advisers and administrators of both education abroad and international students. For student perspectives, see the Student Resources Section. Excellent links.
Mobility International, www.miusa.org
Nonprofit organization provides information on education and travel abroad for people with disabilities. Site includes extensive links to related organizations worldwide and to providers of travel services for people with disabilities.
* NAFSA: Association of International Educators, www.nafsa.org
Web site of the largest U.S. association for professionals in international educational exchange. NAFSA's Knowledge Communities reflect the core areas of expertise in this field -- 1) advisors and administrators for Education Abroad; 2) International Education Leadership; 3) International Student and Scholar Services; 4) Recruitment, Admissions, & Preparation; 5) Teaching, Learning, & Scholarship
NAFSA's Cooperative Grants Program, http://nafsa.org/about.sec/institutional_grants/coop
These grants to international program offices were available through NAFSA's COOP Program for supporting student programming (within the US). To see examples of education-abroad projects funded by COOP, see the Model Programs Descriptions. For current grant opportunities, see NAFSA's Collaborative Training Grants Program.
* NAFSA's Education Abroad Knowledge Community(formerly SECUSSA),
http://www.nafsa.org/knowledge_community_network.sec/education_abroad_1
Formerly known as NAFSA's Section on U.S. Students Abroad (SECUSSA), NAFSA's Knowledge Community is for advisors and administrators involved in education abroad, i.e. programs for study, internships, volunteering, and working abroad. The site includes resources on Public Policy; Health and Safety; Financial Aid; Data Collection; Professional Development; Whole World Study & Underrepresentation in Education Abroad; Marketing; Work, Internships and Volunteering Abroad, and more.
* SECUSS-L (a listserv discussion group)
Free to subscribe. Send message "subscribe SECUSS-L yourfirstname yourlastname institution" to: listserv@listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu (omit the quotation marks and leave subject blank).
Discussion group for education abroad advisers and administrators are associated with NAFSA's Education Abroad Knowledge Community -- formerly known as Section on U.S. Students Abroad (SECUSSA). Absolutely the best way to plug into the vast wealth of knowledge of fellow education abroad advisers/administrators.
* SECUSS-L Archives, http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/archives/secuss-l.html
Searches possible by topic, author, etc. of all SECUSS-L messages from 1993 to present!
National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE), www.nsee.org
NSEE is a leading U.S. professional association for those involved in experiential education, from internships and cooperative education to volunteering. NSEE now has an international section, the International/Cross-cultural SIG.
* Open Doors , http://opendoors.iienetwork.org,
Open Doors is a publication of the Institute of International Education (IIE). It provides comprehensive, up-to-date statistics about international educational exchange.
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), www.tesol.org
Home page of major U.S. professional association for teachers of English as a second or foreign language. See also NAFSA's Knowledge Community for Teaching, Learning & Scholarship.
US Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/fipse/
Website lists the grants available from the U.S. Department of Education to institutions, for the funding of special projects. Examples of international projects recently funded include the Center for Global Education and the University of Minnesota's Access Abroad. To see all projects funded, go to the FIPSE Grant Database and search using terms like "international" or (see the drop down menu under "Subjects").
US Department of Education, International Education and Graduate Programs (Title VI), www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/iegps/
Website lists the grants available from the U.S. Department of Education to institutions, for the funding of Area Studies, Language Studies, International Business Centers, Fulbright-Hays, FLAS and Jacob Javits Fellowships, and more.
* U.S. Department of State, www.state.gov
Essential help from the U.S. government, for everything from travel safety advisories to crisis assistance for U.S. citizens abroad, as well as contact information for all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Also lists foreign embassies and consulates in the US. Frequently-consulted parts of this very comprehensive web site include the following.
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Travel Advisories,
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
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Travel Tips for Students, http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/studying/studying_1238.html
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Travel Registration for U.S. Citizens,
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
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Safety Issues Abroad,
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1180.html
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Health Issues,
travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_health.html
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Travel Warning on Drugs Abroad,
travel.state.gov/travel/livingabroad_drugs.html
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Online U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and other Missions,
usembassy.state.gov/
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Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts (contact information for all overseas U.S. embassies and consulates), http://foia.state.gov/Phonebook/KOH/key_country_all_print.asp
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Services for U.S. Citizens Abroad, http://travel.state.gov/visa/americans/americans_1252.html
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Important Telephone Numbers (for crises involving U.S. citizens abroad), http://travel.state.gov/travel/about/how/how_1246.html
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Passport Services, http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
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Foreign Entry Requirements (for U.S. citizens traveling abroad as tourists), http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html
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Foreign Consular Offices in the U.S. (for visas), www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/
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Tips for Traveling Abroad,
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html
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Travel Publications, http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1231.html
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Foreign Per Diem Rates (not for student budgets!), www.state.gov/m/a/als/prdm/
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Background Notes (country information), www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/
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Publications (country reports, embassy information), http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/rls/
* U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories mailing list (a listserv mailing list)
Free to subscribe. Email listserv@lists.state.gov and type in the message body “SUBSCRIBE DOSTRAVEL YOURNAME” (omit the quotation marks and leave subject blank). Or use the online subscripton form at www.state.gov/www/listservs_cms.html. This essential email announcement list sends U.S. Department of State travel advisories to your email inbox as they are announced.
U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (formerly USIA), http://exchanges.state.gov/
Official information about all Fulbright programs (for study, research, and teaching abroad), about other official exchange programs, and some information about U.S. government regulations concerning international educational exchange. See: Information on Study and Work Abroad, and Promoting International Educational Exchange, http://exchanges.state.gov/education/educationusa/usstudents.htm
University of Minnesota -- Access Abroad, www.umabroad.umn.edu/access/
By Heidi Soneson and Donna Johnson. Website provides information on education and travel abroad for people with disabilities and serves as a resource for education abroad professionals. It includes extensive links to related organizations worldwide. Website developed with support of a FIPSE grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
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RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND ADVISERS:
WORLDWIDE DATABASES AND DIRECTORIES OF STUDY & WORK ABROAD PROGRAMS
The web sites in this section are the best ones to start with when searching for study abroad programs. For-credit internship and volunteer programs may also be found here. For work abroad options, see the section on Work Abroad and International Careers.
GoAbroad.com, www.goabroad.com
By Troy Peden. A very comprehensive and up-to-date website with excellent search provisions. Website's design allows continuous updates by program providers. Most listings give extensive information. Search possible by country, subject, or both. Provides addresses and telephone numbers for all programs. Links to program websites for only some programs. Listings also bring up country-specific travel information. One of the best sites for those looking for a broad range of education abroad options.
* Institute of International Education, www.iie.org
The IIE publishes the most comprehensive data on study and work abroad programs available anywhere. Its online versions also offer the best search capabilities by far. The IIE site also has information about Fulbright teaching and scholarship programs, along with exchange programs in arts, engineering, environment, policy, and other professional areas.
* IIE Passport, www.iiepassport.org
By Marie O'Sullivan. IIE Passport is a user-friendly search engine which lets you check off the program characteristics you're interested in, such as duration/term, location, language of instruction, or if the program offers a special "format" such as internships, volunteering, or field research--see "advanced search." IIE Passport includes the entire contents of the IIE books Academic Year Abroad and Short-Term Study Abroad.
* IIE's It's Your World: Student Guide to Education Abroad, handbook.iiepassport.org
By William Hoffa and other education abroad advisors. This is the best online guide for students on how to study or work abroad.
Peterson's, www.petersons.com/stdyabrd/sasector.html
Peterson's web site database lacks the detail of their hard copy Study Abroad books. Information limited to location and academic subjects (does not provide cost information, for example). Searches possible by either country or academic subject, but not both. Most listings provide no contact information.
Studyabroad.com, www.studyabroad.com
By Mark Landon. Very comprehensive database lists study abroad programs and summer programs as well as special databases for language courses and internships/ volunteer programs. Information limited to location and academic subjects (does not provide cost information, for example). Provides addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses for all programs. Links to program web sites for only some programs. Search possible by country, then within each country's listings by academic subject. Don't miss It's Your World, a how-to guide for students by education abroad professionals. New feature of site is extensive country-by-country travel information, Country Home Pages.
Transitions Abroad magazine, www.transitionsabroad.com
Transitions Abroad is unique in its coverage of all education abroad options, from study and work abroad to educational travel. In recognition of this, Founder and Editor Clay Hubbs was awarded NAFSA's Homer Higbee award. Online version includes vast amounts of information such as annotated guides to resources, country-by-country listings of programs for study, work, internships, volunteering, language study, living abroad and more, along with articles from a first-hand perspective. Google search available for entire site. The major sections of this site include:
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR STUDY & WORK ABROAD
Abroad View Magazine, www.abroadviewmagazine.com
Sherry Schwarz, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher. Featuring first-hand reports by students, recent graduates and others, the aim of Abroad View is to encourage education abroad and the acquisition of foreign languages, as well as to promote global awareness and cross-cultural understanding. Published by the non-profit Abroad View Foundation. All issues are available free online.
American Bar Association: Foreign Study Programs in Law, www.abanet.org/legaled/studyabroad/abroad.html
Includes the ABA's criteria for and lists of ABA-approved study abroad programs for law students.
Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), www.csiet.org
An essential () organization for those involved in international programs at the high school level, CSIET sets standards for high school-level programs and publishes an annual list of programs which meet those standards, available online.
The Electronic Embassy, www.embassy.org/embassies/index.html
Web site collects the home pages of all US-based embassies. While these sites are not specifically about international education, many countries do provide cultural and educational exchange information, in addition to essential official information for travel (visas, etc.), on their web sites.
Glimpse Quarterly, www.theglimpse.com
Kerala Goodkin, Editor-in-Chief. Featuring first-hand reports by students, recent graduates and others, the aim of Glimpse is to promote intimate and progressive global understanding by deepening our regard for the peoples and cultures of the world. Published by the non-profit Glimpse Foundation. All issues are available free online.
International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA), www.volunteerinternational.org
An essential () organization for those interested in international volunteering and service learning. IVPA is a professional association for administrators of international volunteer programs, as well as advisers and students interested in this type of international experience. Their website lists programs for volunteering abroad, some of which offer academic credit, and has extensive links to relevant resources. Organizations that are members of IVPA are encouraged to follow IVPA's Principles and Practices.
Language Course Finder, International Where+How, www.language-learning.net
Online version of the Where+How Guides (publisher based in Germany), this website's database lists language courses worldwide. Searches possible on a variety of categories. Some organizations have descriptions and links to their websites, but for many listings the only information provided is address, phone and fax. The site can be accessed in over 20 languages.
Legal Study Abroad headquarters, www.ilrg.com/lsahq/
By Stephen Byle. Contains information, brochures, and contact information for all study abroad programs approved by the American Bar Association, as well as contact information for almost every law school in the world. A subsite of the Internet Legal Research Group.
Mobility International, www.miusa.org
Nonprofit organization provides information on education abroad programs for people with disabilities. See their National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, http://www.miusa.org/ncde/
Study Abroad Programs in Non-English Speaking Countries with Courses in English, www.uga.edu/oie/sa_prog_sites_nonenglish.htm
By Lindsey Parsons. Site provides a sampling of programs which offer upper-level courses, taught in English, in majors which are less-commonly offered in study abroad. Good place to begin exploring options of this kind.
Universities Worldwide, http://univ.cc
Searchable database for universities around the world may be useful for students looking for direct-enrollment options, such as applicants for Fulbright and Rotary scholarships.
University of California-Irvine, International Opportunities Program, www.cie.uci.edu/~cie/iop
Concept by Ruth Sylte, updates by UCI's IOP. Basic information on study abroad, summer programs, internships, research, teaching, volunteering and work abroad programs with links to many other education abroad web sites. See also:
"The World at Your Fingertips," www.cie.uci.edu/~cie/world
By Ruth Sylte and students. Not a directory, but an instructional site -- how students and advisers can use the Internet to research options for education abroad.
University of Michigan, International Center's Overseas Opportunities Office, http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/swt/
By William Nolting. Not a database, but a collection of articles, annotated links and print resources for study, work and travel abroad.
University of Minnesota, Center for Advanced Research on Language Aquistion (CARLA) -- Maximizing Study Abroad: A Students' Guide to Strategies for Language and Culture Learning and Use, www.carla.umn.edu/maxsa/guides.html
Aimed at students who want to make the most of their study abroad experience, this flexible and user-friendly guide helps students identify and use a wide variety of language- and culture-learning strategies. Portions of the book may be downloaded free.
University of Minnesota, Learning Abroad Center, www.umabroad.umn.edu
By Martha Johnson. University site includes several different information pages and searchable databases:
Scholarships:
What's Up With Culture?: An Online Cultural Training Resource for Study Abroad, www.pacific.edu/culture
By Bruce La Brack. Developed from the author's cross-cultural workshops, this website provides a free, two-part orientation to living overseas for students preparing to study (or work, intern or volunteeer) abroad. Module 1, "What to Know Before You Go," looks at the importance of awareness of cultural differences, using critical incidents from actual experiences abroad of students and Peace Corps volunteers. Module 2, "Welcome Back! Now What?," is intended to prepare students for returning home, from "reverse culture shock" to applying the skills learned abroad in a wide variety of social, academic, professional and personal contexts.
Worldwide Classroom, www.worldwide.edu
Strengths of this site include listings of intensive language programs and programs suitable for people from K-12 through adults. Search possible by country or "category" (broad subject categories, age, etc.). Site includes a "Travel Planner" section offering lots of links. Web version of the International Study Telecom Directory. In operation since 1968, this organization is affilated with the National Registration Center for Study Abroad (NRCSA).
World Wide Colleges and Universities, http://www.globaled.us/wwcu
Links to university and international office websites, organized country-by-country, provided by the Center for Global Education, by Gary Rhodes. May be especially useful for students looking for direct-enrollment options, such as applicants for Fulbright and Rotary scholarships, .
Yahoo's Worldwide Colleges and Universities, http://dir.yahoo.com/Education/Higher_Education/Colleges_and_Universities
Links to university homepages (but not international offices) organized country-by-country.
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FINANCIAL AID, GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS
Association of Teachers of Japanese, www.colorado.edu/ealc/atj
Professional association offers resources for studying Japan and its culture including undergraduate scholarships, Bridging Scholarships for Study Abroad in Japan.
Basic Facts for Students Regarding Financial Aid for Study Abroad (NAFSA),
Knowledge Community for Education Abroad: Advising
By Charles Gliozzo. Expert provides overview of how to use financial aid and scholarships for study abroad, with links to websites for more information.
* DAAD Scholarships, http://www.daad.org/?p=46362.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers awards to highly qualified undergraduate students, graduating seniors, and graduate students for study abroad, university language or summer courses, senior thesis research, and/or internships in Germany.
* Freeman Scholarships, http://www.iie.org/pgms/freeman-asia
Offers scholarships for undergraduates with financial need to study in Asia. Apply online. Email Freeman-ASIA@iie.org.
* Fulbright scholarships, www.iie.org/fulbright
There are actually several different Fulbright scholarship programs, all of which are described on the IIE's site. The Fulbright Student Program is for graduating seniors, graduate students, and alumni; Fulbright Scholar programs are for university faculty and international education administrators; the Fulbright Teacher Exchange is for currently-employed K-12 and community college teachers.
* Gilman Scholarships, http://www.iie.org/gilman
Provides assistance for undergraduates with financial need to use for study abroad. Apply online or contact: Gilman Undergraduate Study Abroad Scholarship Program, Institute of International Education, 515 Post Oak Blvd. Suite 150, Houston, TX 77027. Telephone: (888) 887-5939, fax: (713) 621-7958, email: gilman@iie.org.
International Education Financial Aid (IEFA), www.iefa.org
Website provides free searches for scholarships for study abroad. Worth a look, although it appears to have fewer entries, and to give less information about each, than some of the other sites listed here.
International Education Finance Corporation (IEFC), www.iefc.com
Corporation specializes in loans for study abroad.
International Scholarship Search, www.internationalscholarships.com
By Joe Cronin. A free searchable database of scholarships and awards for international study. Affiliated with Edvisors, www.edvisorsnetwork.com.
International Student Loan Center, www.internationalstudentloan.com
By Joe Cronin. Student loans for students worldwide, including U.S. students abroad and international students in the USA. Affiliated with Edvisors, www.edvisorsnetwork.com.
FastWeb, http://fastweb.monster.com/
Website provides free customized scholarship search after user fills out profile. E-mail updates are then provided of scholarships based on the profile. The site also has articles about financial aid and a scholarship.
FinAid!, www.finaid.org
Web site provides scholarship searches and extensive information about financial aid.
NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators), www.studentaid.org
Professional association's website provides information on financial aid. Students should also consult with financial aid advisors at their own institution.
National Security Education Program (NSEP)
Information on NSEP scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study in non-traditional regions, as well as institutional grants. Note that NSEP grants have a service obligation. See also NSEP's Guide to Study Abroad and Global Careers in Non-traditional Destinations at www.worldstudy.gov.
Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training Grant (MHIRT),
http://www.fic.nih.gov/programs/mirt.html
http://www.umich.edu/~chgdwww/MHIRT/MHIRT.html (U-M students only)
Formerly a program of the Fogarty International Center, now at the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The program sends minority undergraduates and medical students abroad to do health-related research.
* Reference Service Press, Financial Aid for Study and Training Abroad and Financial Aid for Research and Creative Activities Abroad, www.rspfunding.com
RSP publishes of some of the best hard-copy directories of scholarships for overseas opportunities, which include grants for all levels of students as well as for post-doctorates and professionals.
* Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships, www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/index.html
The Rotary Foundation provides the largest single U.S. scholarship program for study abroad. Scholarships are available for all levels of study, from high-school, undergraduate and graduate students to alumni and professionals. Generally not for use with study abroad programs sponsored by U.S. institutions. Application possible only through local Rotary Clubs. Deadlines (locally-determined) may be as much as one and one-half years in advance. Web site provides scholarship information and lists Rotary Clubs worldwide. See also our article on how to apply for a Rotary Scholarship.
* University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center, www.umabroad.umn.edu
External Scholarships Database
An excellent, free online database of scholarships. Search categories include study, research and internships as well as location and other variables
* U.S. Department of Education: Student Aid on the Web, http://studentaid.ed.gov, The Student Guide to Financial Aid, http://studentaid.ed.gov/guide and FAFSA on the Web, www.fafsa.ed.gov. Looking for Student Aid, http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/lsa.jsp
The federal government's official guides to financial aid. Overseas universities --along with U.S. universities, of course--which have registered for eligibility for financial aid are now listed in the Federal School Code Search Page (for overseas universities, choose "Foreign Country" in the menu for "STATE") -- see: www.fafsa.ed.gov/fotw0506/fslookup.htm. See also the FTC's website on Scholarship Scams.
U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (formerly USIA), http://exchanges.state.gov
Official information about all Fulbright programs (for study, research, and teaching abroad), about other official exchange programs, and some information about U.S. government regulations concerning international educational exchange. See: Information on Study and Work Abroad,http://exchanges.state.gov/education/educationusa/usstudents.htm
Woodrow Wilson International Fellowship Foundation, www.woodrow.org/about/currentprograms.php
Information on several multi-year scholarship programs for students, especially minorities, interested in international careers.
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REGION-SPECIFIC DIRECTORIES FOR STUDY & WORK ABROAD
AFRICA (first see Worldwide section above)
See also Middle East section for additional listings for Northern Africa.
National Consortium for Study in Africa, www.isp.msu.edu/ncsa
Hosted by Michigan State University's African Studies Center. Includes an extensive list of study abroad programs offered by many U.S. institutions, with descriptions, contact information and links for e-mail and web sites. Excellent video on study in Africa available.
University of Pennsylvania, African Studies, www.sas.upenn.edu/African_Studies/AS.html
Huge number of links to sites for African & African-American studies. While not specifically designed for study abroad, this site's search engine produces lots of listings by using terms such as "study abroad," "scholarships," or "volunteer abroad." Country-by-country information from a number of sources can easily be found using the site's Country-Specific Pages.
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ASIA (first see Worldwide section above)
Association for Asian Studies, www.aasianst.org
Professional association web site includes a section on study abroad ("study programs"), which includes a sampling of US-sponsored programs, and a section on grants and fellowships. Comprehensive links to other sites on all regions of Asia.
Association of Teachers of Japanese, www.colorado.edu/ealc/atj
Professional association offers resources for studying Japan and its culture including undergraduate scholarships, Bridging Scholarships for Study Abroad in Japan.
Freeman Scholarships, http://www.iie.org/pgms/freeman-asia
Offers scholarships for undergraduates with financial need to study in Asia. Apply online. Email Freeman-ASIA@iie.org.
Harvard University, Central Eurasian Studies World Wide, http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu
Web site provides information for a broad geographic area "encompassing the region from Iranian Azerbaijan and Turkic/Muslim regions of southern Russia in the west, through northern Afghanistan and southern Siberia, to Tibet and Mongolia in the east." See also their links for Study Programs for Central Eurasian Languages at http://cesww.fas.harvard.edu/CESWpg_inst_lang_prog.html
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), www.jasso.go.jp/study_j/index_e.html
Web site provides official information on study abroad and scholarships for Japan. Does not list U.S.-sponsored programs. See also the Japanese Embassy's "Study in Japan" website and "Online Resources for Studying Japanese."
Study Abroad Programs in India for U.S. students (Fulbright-India),
http://www.fulbright-india.org/
Compiled by the U.S. Educational Foundation in India (USEFI).
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AUSTRALIA (first see Worldwide section above)
Australian Education Office www.education.gov.au/goved/go/pid/10
Officially-sponsored web site includes listings of study abroad programs (including U.S.-sponsored) at Australian universities. Also provides information on scholarships and financial aid, student visas, health insurance, pre-departure and arrival, living in Australia and more.
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EUROPE: CENTRAL, EASTERN & RUSSIA AND THE NIS (first see Worldwide section above)
American Association of Teachers of Slavic & East European Languages (AATSEEL), http://aatseel.org
Professional association web site includes information on internships, scholarships and employment opportunities related to Central & East European Studies.
Indiana University, Russian & East European Institute, www.indiana.edu/~reeiweb
Site has sections for internships or jobs, scholarships, as well as IU's degree and language programs.
International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), www.irex.org
Non-profit organization offers grants for study abroad in this region.
RussNet: The Russian Language Network, www.russnet.org/home.html
Comprehensive resources for studying and working in Russian, by the American Council for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS.
Slavophilia: Slavic and East European Resources, www.slavophilia.com
While not specifically designed for study abroad, this site provides country-by-country links to host-country universities, media, travel information, and more.
University of Washington, Civil Society International, http://www.civilsoc.org//
Web site provides information on voluntary assistance and NGOs for Russia & the Newly Independent States. Site lists educational exchanges (www.civilsoc.org/usnisorg/usnisedu.htm).
Why Study Russian, www.russnet.org/why/index.html
An introduction to the world of Russian studies.
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EUROPE: WESTERN (first see Worldwide section above)
American-Scandinavian Foundation, www.amscan.org/study.html
Web site includes a comprehensive directory of study, language, and work abroad programs in all the Scandinavian countries, including US-sponsored programs.
CDS International, www.cdsintl.org
Officially-supported non-profit organization offers several internship programs in Germany, Spain, Russia, and Argentina for students, graduates and professionals. Web site provides program information and listings of current internship openings, plus links for information about Germany.
Cultural Services of the French Embassy, http://info-france-usa.org/culture/education/index.html
Information on scholarships, teaching assistantships in France, and more. Site links to:
EduFrance, www.edufrance.fr/en/index.htm
Provides comprehensive information on study abroad (direct enrollment) and French as a foreign language courses in France. Does not list US-sponsored programs.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), www.daad.org
Web site of the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) in New York provides comprehensive official information on study abroad (direct enrollment), degree study and scholarships for Germany. Links to German universities. Does not list US-sponsored programs. Links to DAAD's FAQ guide to Study and Research in Germany.
Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education (NUFFIC), www.nuffic.nl/
Web site provides official information on study abroad (via direct enrollment) in the Netherlands. Does not list U.S.-sponsored programs.
Welcome to Spain!, www.apune.org/eng/students/students.htm
Information for students studying abroad in Spain, by the Association of American Programs in Spain (APUNE).
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UNITED KINGDOM (first see Worldwide section above)
British Council USA - Study in the UK, www.studyintheuk.org
Comprehensive official information on study, scholarships, internships and working as a student in the United Kingdom.
British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association (BUTEX), www.butex.ac.uk/
Web site has BUTEX's directories of undergraduate and graduate study programs in the UK, which include most (but not all) UK universities. Does not list US-sponsored programs.
HERO (Higher Education & Research Opportunities in the United Kingdom), http://www.hero.ac.uk/uk/home/
Site provides official information about higher education in the UK, including rankings of teaching and research. For profiles, see "Universities and Colleges" section.
Times Higher Education Supplement, http://www.thes.co.uk/main.asp
The (London) Times HES publishes official rankings of British universities, in its "statistics" section, www.thes.co.uk/Statistics/main.asp (subscription only)
UK Universities Fee Data, http://www.publicgoods.co.uk/
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LATIN AMERICA (first see Worldwide section above)
University of Texas, Latin American Network Information Center (LANIC), www.lanic.utexas.edu
Exhaustive source for academic information on Latin America. While not specifically designed for study abroad, this site's Countries section provides links to host-country universities, media, country and travel information, and much more. Site includes section on Language Programs Abroad, Scholarships, Grants and Loans, and Latin American Studies Institutions.
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MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING NORTHERN AFRICA AND ISRAEL (first see Worldwide section above)
Arabic Language Study Programs, www.umich.edu/~neareast/arabicstudy.html (html) or www.umich.edu/~iinet/cmenas/docs/arabicInfo.doc (doc)
An overview by University of Michigan's Department of Near Eastern Studies.
Embassy of Israel (USA), Office of Academic Affairs, http://www.israelemb.org/academic/academic_main.html
Official information on educational opportunities in Israel and related links.
World Zionist Organization, Complete Guide to the Israel Experience, www.wzo.org.il
Directories of study and volunteer opportunities in Israel, along with offices in the U.S. which can provide information and advice. Has several related web sites:
Note: See the U.S. State Department's Travel Warning for Israel at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_922.html.
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RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND ADVISERS:
WORK ABROAD & INTERNATIONAL CAREERS,
http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/swt/work/workabroad1.html
Links evaluated & annotated by William Nolting. This very comprehensive set of links is located on the website of the University of Michigan International Center. Please click on link for outline of contents.
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RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND ADVISERS:
TRAVEL ABROAD RESOURCES
OFFICIAL U.S. RESOURCES FOR TRAVEL ABROAD (HEALTH & SAFETY, PASSPORTS)
* U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories, travel.state.gov/travel/warnings_consular.html
Essential starting place for U.S. citizens for travel risk assessments (crime, travel safety, health, etc.) provided by the U.S. government. See also Categories of Travel Advisories, travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html for explanation of Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets and Public Announcements.
* U.S. Department of State Travel Home Page (Bureau of Consular Affairs), travel.state.gov
Essential help from the U.S. government, for everything from travel safety advisories to crisis assistance for U.S. citizens abroad, as well as contact information for all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Also lists foreign embassies and consulates in the US. Frequently-consulted parts of this very comprehensive web site include the following.
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Travel Advisories,
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
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Travel Tips for Students, http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/studying/studying_1238.html
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Travel Registration for U.S. Citizens,
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
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Safety Issues Abroad,
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1180.html
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Health Issues,
travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_health.html
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Travel Warning on Drugs Abroad,
travel.state.gov/travel/livingabroad_drugs.html
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Online U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and other Missions,
usembassy.state.gov/
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Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts (contact information for all overseas U.S. embassies and consulates), http://foia.state.gov/MMS/KOH/keyofficers.asp
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Services for U.S. Citizens Abroad, http://travel.state.gov/visa/americans/americans_1252.html
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Important Telephone Numbers (for crises involving U.S. citizens abroad), http://travel.state.gov/travel/about/how/how_1246.html
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Passport Services, http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
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Foreign Entry Requirements (for U.S. citizens traveling abroad as tourists), http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html
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Foreign Consular Offices in the U.S. (for visas), www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/
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Tips for Traveling Abroad,
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html
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Travel Publications, http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1231.html
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Foreign Per Diem Rates (not for student budgets!), www.state.gov/m/a/als/prdm/
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Background Notes (country information), www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/
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Publications (country reports, embassy information), http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/rls/
* US State Department Travel Advisories mailing list (a listserv mailing list)
Free to subscribe. Email listserv@lists.state.gov and type in the message body “SUBSCRIBE DOSTRAVEL YOURNAME” (omit the quotation marks and leave subject blank). Or use the online subscripton form at www.state.gov/www/listservs_cms.html. This essential email announcement list sends U.S. Department of State travel advisories to your email inbox as they are announced.
* Centers for Disease Control, CDC Travel Information, www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm
Official U.S. government information about health conditions worldwide, including recommendations for immunizations and locations of travel clinics.
U.S. Customs Office, Traveler Information, www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/
Information on customs restrictions and duty fees on items brought into the U.S. by travelers, including the publication Know Before You Go.
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SAFETY & SECURITY ABROAD RESOURCES (first see section on official U.S. information, above)
* Web Based Sources for Health, Safety, & Security: Resources for Monitoring Conditions Abroad
An annotated listing of government and private websites that report on worldwide safety and security. Compiled by Les McCabe (Institute for Shipboard Education) and Michael Steinberg (IES) for the SECUSSA Health & Safety Committee, it can be found at their Health & Safety page
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HEALTH & SAFETY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (first see two previous sections above)
Association for Safe International Road Travel, www.asirt
Non-profit organization can provide information worldwide on the risks of travel by road.
Health Check for Study, Work and Travel Abroad, http://ciee.org/health_safety/health/pre-departure_checklist.aspx
A checklist for an individual assessment of health considerations before going abroad, produced in association with CIEE and NAFSA.
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT), www.iamat.org
Non-profit organization can assist in locating English-speaking physicians worldwide.
* NAFSA Subcommittee for Health and Safety Abroad (NAFSA Education Abroad Knowledge Community)/Interassociational Advisory Committee on Safety & Responsibility in Study Abroad
These guidelines state the responsibilities f program providers, student participants, and students' families regarding health and safety abroad. Guidelines were developed by the Interorganizational Task Force on Safety and Responsibility Abroad, a group which includes representatives of major international professional associations and program providers. The main site provides invaluable articles on health and safety in education abroad programs.
SAFETI Clearinghouse -- USC, http://globaled.us/safeti/index.html
By Gary Rhodes. An extensive collection of web resources for education abroad administrators.
Travel Safe: Aids and International Travel, o http://ciee.org/health_safety/health/AIDS_intl_travel.aspx
Recommended reading for travelers to all destinations. Produced for CIEE.
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HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES
(Editor's note: This is a sampling of companies which specialize in health insurance for those going abroad for educational purposes, and which sell plans to individuals. Because these plans usually do not cover medical treatment in the US, i.e. have a "home country exclusion", having other health insurance valid in the U.S. is strongly recommended.)
STA Travel International ID Card Insurance (this very basic insurance is automatically included with international ID cards issued by STA Travel-- but it should not be your only health insurance!).
HTH Worldwide (formerly Hinchcliff International), www.hthworldwide.com
International SOS (a medical evacuation service), www.internationalsos.com
Medex International (a medical evacuation service), www.medexassist.com
Seabury & Smith, www.gatewayplans.com
Wallach & Company, Inc., www.wallach.com
For more listings, see: U.S. State Department -- Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_health.html
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
* How to get a U.S. passport (Passport services, U.S. State Department), http://travel.state.gov/passport/
US government site gives complete information and downloadable applications for U.S. citizens to apply for a passport. A passport is required for travel to nearly all countries. First-time applicants will have to apply in-person at officially-designated places such as selected Post Offices and County Courthouses (listed in travel.state.gov/passport/fri_publications_easy.html). Allow at least a month for processing. You can apply for expedited processing (see travel.state.gov/passport/get_first_quickly.html) to get a passport at extra cost. For fastest processing, apply in person at a Passport Agency (must be traveling within 14 days - see travel.state.gov/passport/fri_schedule.html).
* For visa information for U.S. citizens traveling as tourists, see the U.S. State Department's survey of Foreign Entry Requirments, http://travel.state.gov/visa/americans1.html
Visas may not always be necessary for U.S. citizens traveling as tourists -- to Europe, for example -- but many countries do require visas for tourists. Visas usually are required for study, work, or stays longer than a few months. Note that visa requirements for citizens of other countries will often differ from those for U.S. citizens. See The Electronic Embassy, below.
* For visa information, see The Electronic Embassy, www.embassy.org/embassies/
Visas may not always be necessary for U.S. citizens traveling as tourists -- to Europe, for example -- but many countries do require visas for tourists. Visas usually are required for study, work, or stays longer than a few months. You can only obtain a visa from the embassy or consulate of the country of your destination, and must do so before entering that country. This website links to foreign embassies in the US. Look under categories such as "travel", "visas" or "consular section" to find visa requirements. Note that visa requirements differ according to one's own citizenship.
For visa and travel information, also see Travel Document Services, www.traveldocs.com
Site of this commercial visa service gathers together lots of country-by-country information from official and academic sources, along with basic entry information for U.S. citizens (for student and work visas, the site refers one to the respective country's embassy). Note that using this service to obtain passports or visas will result in extra charges.
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ID CARDS (ISIC, ITIC, Youth Travel)
* STA Travel -- Cards Division, www.statravel.com
STA Travel is the sole authorized U.S. distributor of the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). Similar cards are also available for non-students under 26 (Youth Travel) and for Teachers and Faculty (ITIC). ID card applications are available online. These cards can also be bought at hundreds of campuses whose locations are shown in this website. These cards bring discounts on airfares (from student travel agencies below), discounts abroad, and have additional benefits such as an emergency assistance service, very basic health & life-insurance coverage valid outside the U.S. (this should not be your only health insurance!) free e-mail, and an optional telephone and voice-mail service. Campuses interested in selling these cards should contact STA Travel's Cards Division at 323-964-1902, idcardorders@statravel.com.
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COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL OVERVIEW SITES
Kasbah, The Travel Search Engine, www.kasbah.com
This site links to all resources having to do with travel. Country-by-country searches bring up websites from commercial, government and academic sources. Links are displayed organized in dozens of categories ranging from practical travel information to academic and cultural.
Travlang's Travel Resources, http://www.travlang.com/trav/
Website provides links to sites for all kinds of travel needs and information, providing sources for everything from airplane and rail tickets to hotels, currency, phones, weather, and more.
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FLIGHTS & STUDENT TRAVEL AGENCIES
AESU Travel, www.aesu.com
AESU Travel is a student travel agency which specializes in student-rate airfares, railpasses, and other products for student travellers, particularly for European destinations.
* Council Travel, www.counciltravel.com
Council Travel is a large student travel agency, with branches worldwide, specializing in student-rate airfares, railpasses, and other products for student travellers. Now part of STA Travel (see below).
Expedia, www.expedia.com
Website sponsored by Microsoft assists in finding the cheapest airfare. Note that (possibly lower) special-status fares offered by student travel agencies may not be indicated by this site. Site also provides general information country-by-country. May not work with Netscape browsers.
Orbitz, www.orbitz.com
Website sponsored by several major airlines, assists in finding the cheapest airfare. Note that (possibly lower) special-status fares offered by student travel agencies may not be indicated by this site
* STA Travel, www.statravel.com
STA Travel is a large student travel agency (the largest, according to STA), with branches worldwide, specializing in student-rate airfares, railpasses, and other products for student travellers.
If you are in Ann Arbor, visit STA Travel in the Michigan Union. Tel: 734-769-2555 or 800-777-0112, email: umi@statravel.com.
Travelocity, www.travelocity.com
Website sponsored by the Sabre Company--which provides the databases used by travel agents--assists in finding the cheapest airfare. Note that (possibly lower) special-status fares offered by student travel agencies may not be indicated by this site.
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TRAINS & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION (Buy railpasses before you go, since Eurail & Europasses are not sold in Europe)
DER Travel Services, www.der.com
Web site of a major U.S. provider of Eurail passes has information about point-to-point tickets and rail schedules, in addition to information about Eurail and regional or country railpasses. The affiliated German Rail's website gives extensive information on train schedules, reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/e.ormation on a national railway, and to on-line timetables and travel planners.
Rail Europe, www.raileurope.com/us
Web site of a major U.S. provider of Eurail passes has information about point-to-point tickets and rail schedules, in addition to information about Eurail and regional or country railpasses.
Routes International, www.routesinternational.com
Site provides links worldwide for all modes of transportation.
Youra Ferry Guide, www.youra.com/ferry/intlferries.html
Site provides links to ferry companies worldwide.
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BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDEBOOKS & TRAVEL INFORMATION
Frommers Budget Travel Online, www.frommers.com
This website is not as low-budget oriented as the others listed here, but contains much useful information.
* Let's Go guidebooks, www.letsgo.com
Let's Go guidebooks are written by Harvard students, and these are the most student-oriented of currently available guidebook series. The website provides extensive student-oriented country-by-country travel information along with links to other sources of online information. Under each destination, see the section called Beyond Tourism for information on study, work, and volunteer opportunities abroad.
* Lonely Planet guidebooks, www.lonelyplanet.com
Lonely Planet publishes guidebooks for independent and inexpensive travel, with truly worldwide coverage. Their website provides extensive country-by-country travel information along with links to other sources of online information. Lonely Planet also produces television shows on travel.
Rick Steves' Europe Through The Back Door guidebooks, www.ricksteves.com
Rick Steves, a long-time contributor to Transitions Abroad and producer of travel shows for PBS, writes guidebooks (for Europe only) which attempt a balance between famous and lesser-known destinations. He's also authored a self-guide to European museums, Mona Winks, and Europe 101: History & Art for the Traveler. His site has lots of great tips and links for the budget traveler.
* Rough Guides guidebooks, travel.roughguides.com
Rough Guides publishes guidebooks for independent and inexpensive travel -- known for astute political and social commentary -- for locations worldwide, though for fewer destinations than Lonely Planet. Rough Guides claims to have the complete contents of their guidebooks online, but the menus to access the texts are clunky -- it's probably cheaper and handier to buy the books (our rating of applies to the books). Rough Guide also produces television shows on travel, and the book Women Travel (not online).
South American Explorers Club, www.samexplo.org
Non-profit organization offers assistance for travel in Latin America. Web site has extensive links for travel, volunteering and study.
Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory, www.towd.com
Links to the websites of official tourist offices, country-by-country. Not budget-oriented, but usually an excellent source of information for cultural events, museums, and more.
* Transitions Abroad magazine, www.transitionsabroad.com
Transitions Abroad magazine is unique in its coverage of all education abroad options, from study and work abroad to educational travel. Not a guidebook series, but a guide-to-the-guidebooks. Online version includes very extensive coverage of print and internet resources for travel abroad, such as recent articles, annotated guides to resources, and country-by-country annotated guides to web and print resources and travel programs. Search functions available for entire site. The major sections of this site include:
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BUDGET ACCOMMODATIONS AND TIPS (for more specifics, see TRAVEL GUIDEBOOKS above)
Eurotrip - Backpacking in Europe, www.eurotrip.com
An extensive site on shoestring travel in Europe, hostels, cheap airfares, etc.
Hostelling International: American Youth Hostels, www.hiayh.org/
U.S. branch of the non-profit International Youth Hostel Federation. Their web site provides links to hostels worldwide. HI-AYH is the sole distributor in the U.S. of International Hostel Memberships, valid at IYFH hostels worldwide.Reservations can be made online.
Hostelling International (IYHF), www.hihostels.com
Worldwide site of the non-profit International Youth Hostel Federation. Web site provides links to member hostels worldwide. Reservations can be made online.
Hostels.com & Hostelworld.com
These two sites are owned by Web Reservations International www.webresint.com. Both include information and articles about private youth hostels. Contact information is not provided; reservations must be made through these sites.
Hostelz.com
This site has a searchable database of hostels worldwide. There is also a directory that can be browsed by region, country, and city. Complete contact information is provided for each hostel. Many also have reviews and photos.
The Hotel Guide, www.hotelguide.com/
Not necessarily low-budget, this site lists tens of thousands of hotels worldwide.
United States Servas, www.servas.org
For those interested in staying at others' homes while traveling, Servas is a key international organization. As their website states, "Servas is a volunteer movement of caring individuals, not a budget travel service. Travelers are encouraged to participate fully in the lives of their hosts."
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CURRENCY CONVERTERS & ATM FINDERS
Currency Converter -- Oanda, www.oanda.com/convert/classic
The Oanda converter allows for factoring-in different rates typical of credit-card and cash exchanges.
Currency Converter -- Universal (Xenon), www.xe.com/ucc
Mastercard / Cirrus ATM finder, www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm
Visa / Plus ATM finder, http://visaatm.infonow.net/bin/findNow?CLIENT_ID=VISA
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CONNECTIVITY -- PHONES & INTERNET
* Country & city dialing codes (AT&T), www.usa.att.com/traveler/services/codes/index.jsp
Netcafeguide, www.world66.com/netcafeguide
Online locator of cybercafes worldwide.
Roadnews, www.roadnews.com
Hardware & software tips for internet connectivity and power for your laptop while traveling.
Zaptel, www.zaptel.com/
Purchase phone cards for international calling.
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DIVERSE POPULATIONS TRAVELING ABROAD
Journeywoman, www.jouneywoman.com
Site has extensive information, articles, and links for women traveling abroad.
Rainbow Special Interest Group of NAFSA, www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay/
By Kathleen Sideli. A very comprehensive web site on issues of concern to lesbian and gay participants in international exchange and travel.For student perspectives, see the first-hand articles in Study Abroad Student Resources . Excellent web links.
Mobility International, www.miusa.org
Non-profit organization provides information on education and travel abroad for people with disabilities. Site includes extensive links to related organizations worldwide and to providers of travel services for people with disabilities.
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GENERAL INFORMATION -- COUNTRIES & EVENTS, LANGUAGES, MAPS, NEWS, WEATHER
COUNTRIES & EVENTS INFORMATION
Kasbah, The Travel Search Engine, www.kasbah.com
Not only about "travel". Country-by-country searches bring up vast numbers of links for everything ranging from news, academic and official links to practical travel information.
Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory, www.towd.com
Links to the websites of official tourist offices, country-by-country. Usually an excellent source of information for cultural events, museums, and more.
Travel Document Services, www.traveldocs.com
Site of this commercial service gathers together lots of country-by-country information from official and academic sources, along with basic entry information for U.S. citizens (for student and work visas, the site refers one to the respective country's embassy). Note that using this service to obtain passports or visas will result in extra charges.
U.S. State Department's Background Notes (country information), www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/
Overviews compiled by the U.S. diplomatic services.
VisitEurope, www.visiteurope.com
Comprehensive guide to cultural events and travel in Europe (including some Eastern European countries) by the European Travel Commission.
Yahoo's Directory of Countries, http://dir.yahoo.com/Regional/countries
Huge numbers of links organized country-by-country, organized into almost two dozen subcategories such as cities, regions, arts & humanities, education, health, news & media, etc. Links also provided to sites in the language of the host country. Also links to ABC and BBC News Country Profiles, the CIA World Factbook and more.
LANGUAGES
Travlang's Language Resources, www.travlang.com/lang.html
Website provides links to the most useful sites related to languages, such as a guide to what languages are spoken in which countries, online language-learning sites, online dictionaries, and more. See also the University of Washington site in the NEWS section.
University of Washington Languages on the Web, http://depts.washington.edu/llc/main/links/world.php
Site provides links to online language-learning resources both in the U.S. and abroad, and to worldwide media.
MAPS
MapQuest, www.mapquest.com
Click on "Maps" to be able to choose country, city and street maps worldwide. Site is fast and has a convenient zoom feature.
National Geographic's Map Machine, www.nationalgeographic.com/maps
Offers maps, satellite images, basic facts and some street maps; slow.
NEWS & NEWS MEDIA
* BBC World Service News, news.bbc.co.uk/
Outstanding international coverage organized according to six world regions.
University of Washington Languages on the Web, depts.washington.edu/llc/main/links/world.php
Site provides links to newspapers, magazines and other media worldwide, as well as language resources.
* The New York Times: International, www.nytimes.com/pages/world
Outstanding international coverage organized according to five world regions. Also provides maps and 5-day weather forecasts.
WEATHER
Weather Channel (U.S.), www.weather.com (World), www.weather.com/common/welcomepage/world.html?from=globalnav
Worldwide three-day forecasts, fast site.
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The editor wishes to express his indebtedness for tips on the best travel links to articles in Transitions Abroad by editors Rick Steves, Kathy Widing and Clay Hubbs, and suggestions by NAFSA members Heather O'Connor and Jim Gehlhar. But the final selection, however imperfect, is that of the editor alone. Please send comments and suggestions to the editor, William Nolting, at bnolting@umich.edu.
Last reviewed: 5/08
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