Study Abroad Programs Blog

Flight Delays & Cancellations

Heavy snow fell from Maryland to New England over the weekend, making it difficult for many air travelers to get to where they needed to go. There really is no "best" time to fly because inclement weather occurs throughout the year. So what can you do to try to deal with flight delays and cancellations? I've done a little research and found these tips:

Take morning flights. I've found that booking morning flights means a lower liklihood for delays and cancellation, and that's generally because of the effects of inclement weather as the day goes on. If you book a morning flight, it might also be easier to get a seat on a flight leaving later that day.

Attempt to reroute connections. If you find that your connecting flight is facing delays, try to change your flight prior to that connection. This isn't always easy, of course, but if you check the weather in your connecting city before you leave for your airport, you might be able to avoid a long delay or cancellation.

Take care of your lodgings ASAP. If you find yourself unable to avoid a layover, make your calls for accommodations right away. This works if you find your connecting flight being cancelled or delayed as well. You'll have better odds finding lodging if you call ahead rather than if you wait until you get there.

Pack smart. It seems obvious, but make sure to pack your valuables and any medications you will need in your carry-on luggage. If you've already checked your bags and experience a delay or cancellation, you may not be able to get to it (it may not even be in the same city as you!), so make sure you keep what's important with you at all times.

Some Travel Links:
Independent Traveler (includes lots of great travel tips)
Flying in Europe (information on flight delays and/or cancellations in Europe)
FAA (information on flight delays and cancellations in the U.S.)
Canadian Weather Office (information on flight delays and cancellations in Canada)

Women Solo Travel

By Sue Lavene

My first solo international travel experience was to Cancun in 1991. What allowed me to decide to make the trip alone rather than wait for a travel companion was: a. I had the extra money; b. I had the time off from work; c. No friends were available at the same time and d. I had the intense, deep-rooted desire to do it. I knew from the bottom of my heart that this type of travel "spoke" to me like nothing else and that I had to experience it - back then I told myself, at least once - in order to prove to myself that I could do it. And you know what? It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable, life-altering experiences I had ever had and I was extremely proud of myself for taking that plunge into the unknown.

Here are several tips to get you thinking about going it alone because believe me, it's so worth it!

1. Pre-planned packages
Going with a tour operator or through an agent who makes all or some of the travel arrangements for you, such as language or cooking classes with lodging, etc, allows you a feeling of safety and security, around which you can plan your days. Especially when embarking on this adventure for the first time, it's a good idea to have some structure in your day and then, you can be as active, not in the physical sense, - or not – for the rest of your day as you wish. At least you wouldn't have to face arriving and saying to yourself "okay, now what?!?".

2. Establish a routine.
At least in the beginning of your trip, try to establish a routine either first thing in the morning or at some point during your day in order to ground yourself from the start. In other words, if at home, you enjoyed a morning stretch, took a walk or listened to music, try to recreate your routine in order to try to acclimate to a new environment even if you have to modify somewhat to fit your new surroundings. For example, on a recent solo trip to Guatemala, I brought several favorite books and my journal with me to several lunches in order to ease myself into my new surroundings which is something I often do at home for inspiration.

3. Create a home away from home.
Similar to the idea of establishing a routine, is setting up photos of family/friends/pets, candles and other momentos/trinkets of your life back home in your hotel room or whereever you are staying. Of course, ideally they would be lightweight and easy to pack/travel with. This will allow you some calm and grounding during your initial few days in the new country.

4. Frequenting local businesses
If you haven't been somewhere before, it is often disconcerting to be amongst unfamiliar surroundings, though this is also one of the beauties of travel. To allow yourself to find familiarity, it is helpful to go to the same locally run female-friendly restaurant or shop, for example, several days in a row. Often times, the staff will recognize you and strike up a conversation with you.

5. Eating alone
This topic often makes people uncomfortable to imagine eating alone especially if you aren't accustomed to doing so even at home. This definitely takes some practice – perhaps you can practice at home before your trip – though is well worth it to still be able to enjoy the local fare despite the fact that you have no one with whom to eat your meal. When I first started eating out alone, I found that if I had something to do or read during my meal, I was able to enjoy myself without a companion. Some examples: You can bring along a good book or two, a travel journal (to jot down your day, ideas, your meal, etc) or postcards (that you can send to friends and family or why not to yourself as well?).

Some additional resources that have helped me on the road as well as inspiration prior to planning trips include:

Books:
A Journey of One's Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler by Thalia Zepatos
A Woman's World edited by Marybeth Bond
Gutsy Women: Travel Tips and Wisdom for the Road by Marybeth Bond
Gutsy Women: More Travel Tips and Wisdom for the Road by Marybeth Bond
More Women Travel: Adventures and Advice From More Than 60 Countries a Rough Guide Special
Nothing to Declare: Memoirs of a Woman Traveling Alone by Mary Morris
(This author's solo trip around Latin America)

Websites:
Women Travel Tips
Journey Woman (a very fun site!)
Independent Traveler (includes a message board)
Fodors
Student Travel

Traveling Montevideo

By Connie Marianacci

Capital of Uruguay, Montevideo is a beautiful city bordering the Rio de la Plata River. Even though it is not a location known for something that makes it stand out like tango in Buenos Aires it is still a great destination. The city has a very European feel, including the architecture and its "look and feel". Walking around the streets and admiring the history is just breathtaking, and the plazas within the cities make nature and architecture come together.

There are a lot of cultural activities available, nice neighborhoods like Pocitos, Del Cerro, Reus, Carrasco, El Prado, Palermo to walk around, the beach, the puerto and a lot of night life.

The oldest neighborhood is Ciudad Vieja, where you can now observe architecture from the colonial age. It was previously called La Ciudadela, and it was protected by a wall and it included forts and other military buildings. At the end of this area, close to the piers is the Mercado del Puerto where it is a must. Food is very good and traditional.

The beach is close to the city, making a very extensive area of beaches and the famous Rambla where locals walk and enjoy themselves. This is quite a luxury if you are going to school during the morning and want to relax in the afternoon. This is definitely a location for doing water sports, bird watching and fishing.

From Montevideo, it is very easy to go to Punta del Este, the most famous and largest beach resort location in Uruguay where during summer it is the vacation destination for many Argentinean, Brazilian and many locals.

Regarding the weather, during winter (June-August) it can get quite cold, sometimes temperatures below freezing so I would say going during spring and summer (about 28ºC).

All in all, this is a great location, with different styles and this to do coming together in one point, Montevideo.

Question of the Week

By Beth Klemick

Summer certainly seems far away, but the Teenager Program Department here at AmeriSpan is in full swing preparing and booking teens to travel abroad this summer. As the Director of our Teenager programs, the number one questioned asked by parents is: what if something goes wrong?

In the event of an emergency AmeriSpan will do everything we can within our realm of expertise and position to assist in time of crisis or conflict. Our aim is to provide a quality, fun, supervised, international education experience, and maintain as best as possible the safety and well being of all students. We have several support services in place, for example, our emergency message service (24-7), in-country emergency contacts, BETA travel assistance program (includes medical evacuation, lost/stolen passport assistance)

Over the years we have had a very low rate of incidents. If students adhere to all of program guidelines and use common sense they should be fine. However, that being said, there are inherent risks in any kind of travel and we cannot account for everything. We, along with our educational partners, will attempt to minimize these risks in every possible way.

Cheap Dining Abroad

By Elizabeth Gregory

One of the best ways to experience the culture of a country or to add to your vacation is through good dining experiences. However, experiencing the local food need not be at a huge expense. There are a few tips that will help the budget conscious traveler without sacrificing the goal of experiencing the local cuisine. There are a lot of smaller restaurants to be found where the food is just as good (sometimes better) than in a fancy establishment. Here are some suggestions to dining out abroad (and anywhere for that matter).

Read guidebooks' suggestions on good places to eat. I've found a lot of gems in the Let's Go series that are nice restaurants at a very budget friendly price. How does a 7 course Indian meal in Montreal sound for under $15 per person? Although the name of the restaurant escapes me, it was a very cozy place with great staff.

Scout out bakeries, cheese shops and more to get lunch on the go, or to make your own picnic. Even supermarkets can have a great selection of gourmet food at a less expensive price. My friend and I did this in Paris. We would stop at local bakeries and cheese shops to buy a baguette, some cheese, maybe some ham to make sandwiches. One day we really lucked out and found a bakery that sold mini Quiche Lorraine. We each bought one and took our lunch to the nearby Luxembourg Gardens where we had a nice relaxing picnic. Lunch was only $5 a piece including something to drink.

Ask for fixed price menu. I've been able to eat at restaurants in France and Spain under the fixed price option for under $20. This usually includes 3 courses (appetizer, entrée, dessert) and one beverage. Several "upscale" restaurants offer this option. (It's not often widely advertised, so it pays to ask).

Ask the locals. Nobody knows good places to go better than the locals. If you're staying at a hotel, ask the desk clerk or the concierge. In a homestay, ask the family where their favorite place to go is.

Mix it up. Nobody says if you're in Italy you have to eat Italian food everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some countries have great ethnic diversity in their restaurant offerings. Take advantage of that.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. I will admit that in a pinch I've wound up at McDonalds and Burger Kings for lunch (in Spain, it's one of the few things open during siesta). And hey, when you're stuck on a 6 hour layover on an international flight back from Europe, you can always find them in the airport.

Budget Travel Abroad

It was recently released by the The EIU that Oslo, Norway has replaced Tokyo, Japan as the world's most expensive city. When searching for the least expensive cities in the world, I found some information from the Cost of Living Survey by Mercer Human Resources.

So, without further ado, I give you the world's ten least expensive cities (with links to our programs).

The World's Least Expensive Cities, 2005
10. San José, Costa Rica
9. Karachi, Pakistan
8. Quito, Ecuador
7. Chennai (Madras), India
6. Caracas, Venezuela
5. Montevideo, Uruguay
4. Bangalore, India
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
2. Manila, Philippines
1. Asunción, Paraguay

Learn Spanish Expressions

By Connie Marianacci

I wanted to get together some of the typical sayings found in Spanish. Some can be very funny! I was just talking to a friend from Peru and told him tengo la vena inchada, which is Argentinean for "I am very mad", and he just started laughing and could not stop.

So below I have gathered some sayings from Argentina and Venezuela.

Argentinean Expressions
cogotado = asfixiado // endrogado // apremiado por un préstamo usurero.
Afanar = robar, volar.
Alcahuete = soplón, chiva.
Amarrete = codo, avaro.
Andá a cantarle a Gardel! = clásica expresión argentina para indicar que se deben llevar quejas a otra parte.
Andar a los pedos = conducir un carro u otro vehículo a alta velocidad.
Andar a pata = a pié, a golpe de calcetín.
Andar de joda = andar de parranda, de juerga.
Bajoneado = deprimido, achicopalado.
Bárbaro! = chévere! chido! de cajeta!
Berreta = objeto chafa, chaqueto, chairo. Una "berretada" es una birria // persona falsa. "Esta vieja es muy berreta".
Bolonqui = "quilombo", relajo, borlote.
Bondi = camión de pasajeros.
Canchero = águila, colmilludo, trinchón.
Capo = jefe de jefes, el mero mero // cacique.
Che = modo informal de llamar a cualquier persona en la Argentina."Che pibe, traeme un café".
Copado = chido, agradable, a todo dar.
Dar masa o darle masa = golpear, madrear a alguien.
Dar una biaba = dar una paliza, madrear a alguien // ganar en el fútbol por una gran diferencia de goles.
De cuarta! = de baja categoría, chafa.
De diez! = expresión de beneplácito, de cajeta!
De prepo! = a huevo!, a la brava!, a como dé lugar!, a lo cabrón!
Embalarse = salir hecho la madre, correr // entusiasmarse con alguna cosa.
Enquilombado = del cocol, difícil, complicado
Estar pila = poner entusiasmo en algo.
Facha = traza, apariencia o vestimenta de alguien. "Mirá la facha que trae" // cara, rostro // mujer de ideología derechista, fascista.
Feca = café.
Fulero = feo, gacho, chueco. "Esto está fulero" se dice advirtiendo sobre alguna cosa chueca.
Gambas = piernas, sobre todo las de mujer, chamorros "Que buenas gambas tiene esa mina" // "ser gamba" es ser reata, ser buen amigo. "Hacerle gamba a alguien" es acompañarlo en alguna tarea o situación.
Hacerse drama = hacerse problemas.
Jabón (un) = susto.
Laburo = chamba.
Lenteja = persona lenta, de pocas luces.
Macana = mentira, cábula
Meterle pata = apurarse. "Métanle pata que no llegamos" o "Metele pata que se hace tarde para el cine".
Muzzarella = nombre del tipo de pizza más popular en la Argentina. "Quedarse muzzarella" es quedarse en silencio, no hablar de alguna cosa.
Nabo = menso, tarugo, fulastre // pene.
Negra = es común llamar así a cualquier mujer de pelo prieto, aunque su piel sea clara // "cerveza negra" es la cerveza oscura.
Ojete = culo, nachas, petaca.
Olor a chivo = es el que despide por las axilas quien suda mucho.
Orto = culo, nachas, petacas.
Palmó = murió // desmayó de cansancio.
Pasarla bomba = estar a todo dar, a toda madre.
Pasarla joya = estar a todo dar, a toda madre.
Pesada (la) = ambiente de asesinos o delincuentes muy violentos.
Pesado (un) = individuo peligroso, que "está en la pesada" // delincuente famoso // también se llama así a las personas molestas, encimosas. "Este tipo es un pesado" se dice de un molón, una lapa.
Pilcha = ropa, vestimenta.
Piola = una piola es una reata // Ser "un tipo piola" es ser un buen bato // Ser "un piola" es ser muy abusado. Ser "un piola bárbaro" es ser avispa, buzo, caimán, un colmilludo.
Ponerse las pilas = decidirse a resolver algo.
Quedarse en el molde = no llamar la atención // no poner en evidencia algo que se conoce, hacerse pendejo.
Rajar/ se = huír/escaparse, pelar gallo // cortarse de una reunión.
Recontra = retacha. Decir "que te recontra" es retachar un insulto.
Revoque = maquillaje. "Darse un revoque".
Sacarse la espina = quitarse una duda.
Sanata = mentira, cotorreo.
Ser Gardel = es ser lo máximo!
Tener polenta = estar fuerte, tener mucha galleta, tener fibra.
Toco = dinero u objeto robado // un chorro, mucho de algo "un toco de guita, o de merca" es un titipuchal de lana o de droga.
Turro = personaje peligroso, de mala entraña // individuo cabrón.
Una bocha! = mucho de algo, un chingo! un titipuchal!
Una masa! = expresión de beneplácito, de poca madre!, de diez! "Esto es una masa" significa que es muy bueno, que es algo chido.
Ya fue! = ya estuvo.
Zafado = lépero.
Zafar = reunir dinero suficiente para no preocuparse por el futuro. Es la ilusión de buena parte de la sociedad actual.
Zapán = panza.
Zarparse = excederse o propasarse con algo. "Se zarpó" se dice de quien habló leperadas en un lugar inadecuado.


Venezuelan Expressions
Mono, Orangután, Yordan, Niche = Persona joven de poca educación y con tendencia al malandraje.
Arrechísimo, Orgásmico, De Pinga, Chévere, Brutal, Monstruoso, Bestial, Machete, Nota = Dícese de algo muy bueno ("Esta página está orgásmica").
Segunda = Se utiliza con el verbo hacer y significa pedir un favor ("hazme una segunda").
Gallo, Gallego = Dícese de alguien muy tonto ("Juan es un gallo").
Guama, Piña, Hueso, Ladilla, Roncha = Cosa o persona que fastidia ("Qué ladilla con Freddy").
Pana, Concañero = Amigo(a).
Bojote, Verguero, Full, Burda = Términos que denotan cantidad, abundancia ("Estoy full triste"; "Había burda de gente en la fiesta").
Chimbo, Cagada, Balurdo, Troja, Lora = Dícese de algo que es muy malo ("Esa es una lora de computadora").
Arrecho(2), Pelúo, Jodío = Algo difícil ("El examen estaba pelúo").
Trajín, Arrecharse = Encolerizarse ("Qué trajín con mi mamá, siempre me hace arrechar").
Achantao = Dícese de una persona lenta ("Ese tipo es un achantao").
Bandera = Persona o cosa muy evidente, úsase como adjetivo o sustantivo ("Escóndete, no seas tan bandera").
Cuaima = Dícese de una mujer agresiva, rencorosa, vengativa y celosa, como la culebra venenosa del mismo nombre ("Ariadna es una cuaima").
Paja, Mojón = Mentira ("Esa tipa es una mojonera").
Verde, Gris = Obstinado o hasta el tope de algo o alguien; cansado de ("Dayana me tiene verde").
Curdo, Peo, Prendío = Estar borracho ("Leo está curdo"; "Cargo tremenda pea").
Básico, Primario, Primate = Persona retrógrada ("Yohama es básica").
Pajúo, Cotorrero, Cobero = Persona mentirosa ("José es un cobero").
Chorear, Tumbar, Palear, Choripalear = Robar ("Me tumbé un carro"; "Me choriaron la cartera").
Picao = Persona que se molesta con facilidad ("Leo es un picao").
Chorriado, Cagao, Culilluo, Mami = Persona miedosa.
Raya, Huella = Persona que queda mal ante alguien.
Volao = Persona impulsiva ("Leopoldo es un volao").
Pacotilla = Cosa de baja calidad.
Esmadrarse = Darse un golpe muy fuerte ("Ayer me esmadré").
Culebra = Novela que tiene muchos enredos y es muy mala.
Fundido = Persona que hace un gran esfuerzo mental ("Ayer me fundí estudiando").
Pangola = Algo que es muy fácil ("Ese examen estaba muy pangola").
Sapo, Soplón, Acusaleta = Persona chismosa.
Marimacha = Mujer con actitudes masculinas ("Amparo es una marimacha").
Fresita, Comeflor = Persona que vive en una honda poética estereotipada.
Taco, Huevo, Paloma, Palomúo = Persona que es muy buena en algo.

When learning Spanish abroad, what you learn in class is the official Spanish. On the other hand, teachers normally provide you with an extra vocabulary on the side with typical regional words so you also get to learn the typical language.

Traveling Abroad With Pets

By Sue Lavene

From time to time, our clients contact us wanting to bring along their dogs on their study abroad adventure. Looking at this request through the partial eyes of a lover of dogs, I am always stuck in a quandary as to how to advise them knowing full well that I'd probably at least contemplate the same. I mean, come on, they're our unconditional life companions! Who wouldn't want to be greeted by our faithful and furry friends with soulful eyes at the end of a long day? On a recent road trip to Cape Cod, we brought our dog along and one of the most heartwarming moments of that trip was seeing her loving face - and wagging tail - waiting for us to return.

However, forgetting for a moment our intense desire to bring him/her along, there are many issues at hand especially when traveling internationally. It is best to plan in advance for this as there is a lot to consider:

1. Airlines: Be sure to check with your airline with plenty of advance notice for current requirements including weight limitations, kind of carrier allowed, whether there's room on your specific flights, etc. Airlines often have a maximum number of pets per flight and if all else is prepared for this endeavor, if there's no room on your flight, you have to make other arrangements.

2. Pet's Health: It is extremely important when anticipating traveling with your pet to schedule a visit with your vet to discuss whether he/she feels your pet is healthy enough to travel. You'll want a current, comprehensive check-up including double checking whether his/her immunizations are up-to-date, obtaining a copy of your pet's health record and other health documents for entry and inquiring about travel-sickness pills, etc for the flight.

The altitude, close quarters of the flight and new experience – not to mention the period of acclimation once arriving into the country - are enough to rattle even a young dog, let alone an older one. You might also want to ask your vet to recommend a veterinary colleague in your destination country in case you need care upon arrival.

One other bit of information to keep in mind is that you shouldn't travel with your pet in extremes of weather, too cold or too hot. Even if the weather is fine, a dog in a carrier in the cargo area (i.e., with passengers' luggage) waiting on the ground during a delay can get too hot.

3. Entry Requirements: Make sure you contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country at least 4 weeks prior to your trip to see what their pet importation regulations are. Some countries require a long quarantine period, other will only accept pets at certain airports while others have rigid standards for containers. After figuring out the airport you will be flying to, check on national/local holidays during which customs may be closed. You wouldn't want your pet denied access upon entry after all of your preparations. Also, when traveling within the EU, you might just need a pet passport! You should also find out how close to your departure date required vaccinations and veterinarian tests and examination are needed.

4. Pet's Emotional Health: Just because your dog is a pleasure to have around at home, it doesn't mean he/she is well suited for travel away from home. According to Pets On The Go, "Dogs that lock all four legs when invited to jump in the car or cats that hide under the bed when their carrier appears are not going to be very happy traveling to a hotel. Some pets are homebodies that prefer the comfort of their bed to life on the road." Or if your dog is aggressive, anxious or likes to bark at home, please leave him/her at home.

5. Carrier: You must consider carriers when planning to bring along your pet. Some things to think about are airline requirements, your pet's size (they should be able to sit, stand, turn around and lie down comfortably throughout the flight) and ease of carrying. Before traveling, it is very important that you introduce your pet to the carrier so he/she can get used to it before the flight.

6. Identification: Make sure your pet as well as the carrier are well marked with the pet's name (with your last name), address and phone number, just in case!

7. Your Host: This can include a hotel/motel, homestay, apartment, etc. Wherever you will be staying in your destination country, you will need to ask your host(s) if dogs are allowed. Often times, there are hotels/motels that accept pets, sometimes for an extra fee and on certain floors. However, if your dog is one that does not take to new environments too easily, you might be better off leaving him home than have him super anxious, ripping up the carpets or bed linens, biting/hurting your host, having accidents, etc. Even a usually calm dog can become mean when feeling threatened or disoriented from new surroundings.

8. Country of Origin: Before leaving home, contact your own country's state department to see what documentation is required for re-entry with your pet.

This is only some of what you need to think about before taking your dog with you on your trip. Especially if you are going abroad for a short period of time, it might be worthwhile just to find a trustworthy pet sitter and leave your dog at home in his/her own environment.

Nevertheless, if you do decide to bring your dog with you, here are some online resources on the subject to make a more informed decision:

Pets Welcome
This is a great one to check out for flight requirements from some of the larger carriers and international pet regulations by continent.

The Humane Society of the US
Always a great place to look for information!

Pets On The Go
Pet-friendly lodging

The International Air Transport Association

Pet Travel
For pet immigration and quarantine information

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

US State Department

Pet Place
An all-around fun and informative site about dogs and cats

Review: The Lion King

By Beth Klemick

As a recent birthday gift I was treated to a wonderful weekend in New York City; the highlight was orchestra tickets to see The Lion King on Broadway. What a show! From the "animals" and characters' entrance, throughout the entire performance the audience was transported to Africa. The costumes, sounds, music and scenery were rich African culture. There were moments that you if you believed hard enough you could sense and feel the African savannah and the movements for the animals as if you were on an actual safari. Sometimes you don't have travel far or at all to have a wonderful cultural experience.