Study Abroad Programs Blog

Last Days in Peru: Futbol, Food & Discotechas

By Jamie F., Guestblogger from Cusco, Peru SALUD program

I have just finished up my time in Cusco :( I can´t believe its actually over! On Thursday night my parents and brother just got back into town so I took a taxi to pick up my brother since its hard for them to get around without me since they don’t speak Spanish. We tried to find my friend’s apartment which proved much more difficult than it should’ve but after asking many people we finally found it. So we had some snacks and drinks before grabbing two taxis for 10 people and cramming in for the game. The roads were all blocked off so we walked for a while after we got dropped off. The roads were going crazy, every street was jam packed with people all over the place going to the game and people selling gear for Ciencero. I had already bought a jersey so I was set for the night!

Pre-Departure Guide for Study Abroad

If you are preparing to study abroad, you know how overwhelming it can seem. AmeriSpan has compiled a very useful reference, our Pre-Departure Guide. Download this free e-report for an extremely handy checklist of everything you need to do to be prepared for your trip.

The Pre-Departure Guide is conveniently sectioned off into steps. Each step covers a different aspect of preparation, from what documents you need and how to get them, to planning about how you will keep in touch once you are overseas, to packing, and even how to stay healthy. Then, we give you cultural tips for different areas of the world, and tips for language immersion.

Helpful links are included to streamline your search and save you time. Download the Pre-Departure Guide and get ready to study abroad!

Learn Spanish in Alajuela Costa Rica Video

Study Spanish at AmeriSpan's school in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Alajuela is arguably AmeriSpan's best Spanish program, with small class sizes and an extremely high quality academic program. Alajuela is also the location of our new Alajuela Recession Special. For a limited time, participants can save 15% on classes and lodging!

Study Abroad Writers, Photographers & Videographers Wanted!

Glimpse Magazine, NAFSA, and AmeriSpan are looking for correspondents, student diplomats, and bloggers to contribute during their study abroad experiences. 

Glimpse Correspondent
Glimpse is seeking applicants for its Correspondents Program. Supported in part by National Geographic Society, The Correspondents Program is for especially talented students specializing in writing or photography. Correspondents receive a $600 stipend, a professional editor, career training in writing and photography, guaranteed publication on Glimpse.org, and potential publication in National Geographic platforms. For more information, visit: http://glimpse.org/correspondents.

NAFSA Student Diplomat Video Contest
Do you have a great study abroad story? Or, maybe you know someone who does. The 2009 Student Diplomat Video Contest, launched today by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and Abroad View, the global magazine for students, invites undergraduate students to tell their story for a chance to become the next Student Diplomat – and win $300.

Study Abroad Costa Rica: Cultural Differences

By Katie P., Guestblogger from Coronado, Costa Rica Independent Teen program

I take in stride all of the differences I’ve observed between the Latin American and North American cultures. One of my favorites is the ‘Adios’ I hear every time friends or acquaintances pass one another on the street. At first I was very confused because the act sounded somewhat rude. But soon I realized the mere sense of the act. We North Americans are accustomed to saying, ‘hello,’ as a greeting but when one is not actually going to stay and chat with these friends it makes perfect sense to just wave goodbye as you are passing through and leaving. This habit of farewell has grown on me and I’m afraid I may start doing it back home! My favorite is when the Ticos (Costa Rican Locals) insist on using English when a group of gringos pass by. The translation is humorous to hear: ‘Bye!’ or ‘Good Night!’ as in the US we would actually say, ‘Hello’ and ‘Good Evening.’

Study Abroad Peru: Shopping & Nightlife

By Jamie F., Guestblogger from Cusco, Peru SALUD program

The week is really coming to a close so we’ve been trying to take advantage of our last few moments in Cusco. Monday was our first free afternoon I met up with some friends to go do some souvenir shopping. We met at the main central artesian shop on the corner of Tullyamayo and Av. del Sol. From the outside you wouldn’t know that the place is big but inside it is absolutely huge! There is shop after shop, mostly with the same things but sometimes that have some pretty different types of things. Shop around at a few places and ask for prices before settling on one and then bargaining with them.

Study Abroad Costa Rica: My German Housemate

By Katie P., Guestblogger from Coronado, Costa Rica Independent Teen program

During my first week in Costa Rica my host mother told me that another student was coming to live with us for two weeks. On Monday at school we did our introductions for the new students and afterwards I approached her with a hug and excitedly asked, ‘Do you speak English?!’ She is from Germany and like all the other European students she speaks English very well. I wish that they made us learn more languages in the US… but anyways, she and I have gotten to know each other very well in the past week and I really like her a lot.

Student Discount Cards for Study Abroad

Student travelers between the ages of 12 and 26 are eligible for student identity discount cards. There are two types of cards, the ISIC and ISEC.

The ISIC, or "International Student Identity Card," offers discounts on airfare, hotels, tours, dining, shopping, and lots more. ISIC claims over 33,000 discounts available worldwide. Major stores such as Target and Apple offer discounts through ISIC, and discounts also can be found on basic sickness and accident travel insurance for international trips. There is also a 24-hour helpline offered through ISIC, great to have access to in case of emergency while abroad. Costing $22 per year, the ISIC card is well worth it to most student travelers.

Study Abroad Peru: Machu Picchu Reflections

By Jamie F., Guestblogger from Cusco, Peru SALUD program

So having returned from Machu Picchu we all realized our time here was really coming to a close which is really quite frightening. But nonetheless MP seemed to refresh us and maybe we did get some of that supposed positive energy. When we were in MP the guide told us that we should rub our hands together and ask for happiness for ourselves and our families and put our hands out to feel the energy of the large rock on top of MP. I don’t know if it was just the sensational feeling of being in MP or the fact that it was hot out and we put our hands close to a large hot rock but either way we tried it to see what would happen.

AmeriSpan Voted Best Agency in North America

AmeriSpan has been voted Best Agency in North America, winning the prestigious 2009 Star Award managed by Language Travel Magazine! Language schools throughout the world cast votes and each school may only vote for one North American Language Travel Agency. Schools generally vote for agencies who epitomize all the good aspects about study abroad organizations.

If you would like to read more about AmeriSpan's achievement, click here for our press release.

AmeriSpan's Language Schools

Study Abroad to Learn Thai in Bangkok Video

Watch this funny video of our Thai language school in Bangkok, Thailand. AmeriSpan has two Thai schools in Thailand, one in Bangkok and one in Chiang Mai. Our Bangkok school is located downtown in Ratchadamri, close to transportation and many of the most popular neighborhoods. Click to see all of AmeriSpan's language school videos.