Budget-friendly Traveling Tips for College Students Abroad

by Paul Joseph on May 22, 2013 · 0 comments

If you are a college student and anything like me, you may have an itch to have fun, travel and see the world. I feel like the world is at my feet and I cannot wait to explore exotic places and new cultures in different continents during my time off in between schoolwork. One off the greatest ways to do this is to study abroad and travel while you’re there. I have a very limited budget and this requires me to get creative so I can fit some much-desired traveling into my schedule. With some planning and preparation, you may be surprised to discover just how affordable it can be to travel to Europe and other exciting places on a strict budget! Don’t Go Overboard with Your Luggage I know it is tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink when you travel overseas for a study abroad semester, but if you travel while you’re there with just one bag, you’ll find this can help to lighten your financial load during your trip. Having said that, you need to have a durable pack that can compress and be placed in a small locker for safekeeping. The less you travel with, the less you have to worry about losing and replacing; plus, most planes and trains make you pay extra for larger, heavier baggage. Also, when you are staying at a hostel or a shared room, you won’t have to worry about paying extra money for storage space for your luggage. Since you are searching for ways to travel on a limited budget, shared rooms, boarding rooms and hostels should be the types of places you end up staying. When it comes to packing your bags, be sure to pack good walking shoes, all of your necessary ID documents, select personal hygiene items (remember you cannot carry liquids on planes), a rain coat (nobody likes to be soaked) and just two or three pairs of comfortable dri-fit clothing. I say dri-fit specifically because it is lightweight, breathable and dries very quickly. If you need to wash your clothes in a sink, you won’t want to be wet for two days. If you pack these items, then your trip will be more comfortable and affordable. Making the Money Stretch Because I do not have a lot of money to travel with, it is imperative that I learn how to make my money stretch as far as possible. With a little research, I was able to discover that I could use a credit card to help me instead of taking out loans every time I want to hop on a plane. Research is key for this to work properly. Certain credit card companies offer special rewards for students and travelers. This is what I chose to do and it is one of the best things you can do to afford traveling overseas without going into huge amounts of debt. I spoke with a company, did some research and got their one of their best student credit cards . This allowed me to make several purchases (plane, train pass and hostels) without paying anything until after I returned home and found a summer job. Then, I was able to make a few monthly payments. You can also save some money and apply for jobs overseas to help pay your way as you go, but then you need to apply for a work Visa and stay in one country the whole time. I found this to be a really effective way for me to afford meals and to reduce the amount of money I charged to my credit card for one trip, but I usually stick to the credit card because then I can travel and not have to worry about working, studying and traveling while I’m overseas. Find the Cheapest Overnight Rates If you’re studying abroad, then you will have a place to sleep and relax and when you aren’t studying, why not spend your time traveling? If you’re going to be overseas, you should take the opportunity to visit surrounding cities and towns. There are several cost efficient ways to do this but hostel living is the best. I previously mentioned staying at hostels; after a few rough nights at low-end hostels, I found a website that helps you research hostels before you book a trip. I would highly recommend any traveler use this site before venturing off into a small town in another country. If you are not sure how hostels work, you will be delighted to discover they are very reasonably priced and you can (at most hostels) check in at any time of the day or night. Not only is this convenient and inexpensive, but staying at hostels also gives you a great opportunity to meet other traveling college students. You can share information with each other about the best places to eat and the best clubs to visit. You can also ask if there are any jobs you can work at while you are visiting the town. Many jobs in clubs, bistros and bakeries are available for traveling college students who need to earn a few extra bucks to pay their way. I was once offered a bartending job and my boss paid me and fed me! What a great two-for-one deal that was! The best way to save money while traveling as a college student is to be flexible with your schedule, be sure to plan ahead and research the best cities, pubs and hostels. It may also be possible to save money by finding others to travel with so you can obtain group discounts for traveling fees. KC Owens is a college student who loves traveling, college life, fitness and a good survival kit. He enjoys studying different cultures, meeting new people and leaving his footprint somewhere most people only read about.

[via CEA Study Abroad Programs]

Tagged as: barcelona, cea, cea global education, china, credit-card, czech-republic, Dublin, financial, France, paris

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Male Students in Study Abroad – Alumni Ambassador Jordan Kohl Speaks Out

by Paul Joseph on May 22, 2013 · 0 comments

We are down to our final two ambassadors in our Male Students in Study Abroad blog Series! This week our Alumni Ambassador and senior at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, Jordan Kohl, shares his experience learning to adjust to new cultures and his personal transformations during his five months in Prague, Czech Republic. CEA: Why did you choose to study abroad? Jordan: I decided to study abroad to expand my global knowledge and gain a new perspective on a completely foreign culture and society. I wanted to live in a country that I had never been exposed to and also be able to travel around Europe, so studying abroad during college was the perfect opportunity. I wanted to take a break from the standard college routine I had done for three years and have a life-changing experience. CEA: What skills did you learn or improve on during your time abroad? Jordan: I was able to learn how to adapt to new situations and be much more culturally sensitive to new societies. I improved my ability to be self-sufficient and live independently while navigating unfamiliar cities. I also learned how to relate to and appreciate cultures outside of my comfort zone. CEA: How have you changed because of your abroad experience? Jordan: I now have the desire to travel everywhere and as often as possible. I really enjoy seeing new places and meeting new people because there is something to learn everywhere you go. I have also gained a great appreciation for other cultures and recognized how important it is to be respectful and understanding of the fact that people everywhere in the world are not much different from us. CEA: What classes did you find useful or applicable to your field of study or career interest? Jordan: I am a business major and while I was abroad I took a marketing class and a corporate finance class. It was extremely interesting learning different techniques from the European business world. It gave me a new outlook on business, helping me to understand different practices across various countries. Also, my classes had many different nationalities represented amongst the students, which allowed for many diverse discussions and ideas. It definitely expanded my business knowledge, especially from a global perspective. CEA: How has your study abroad experience impacted your life, academics, and/or future career goals? Jordan: Studying abroad has impacted my life because it is an experience that I will never forget, but it has also fueled my enthusiasm in learning about other countries and cultures different from my own. It has raised my interests to learn new practices other than what I am familiar with. Also, it has made me appreciate my everyday experiences much more because any new situation could be something that will have lasting effects. Studying abroad has made me extremely interested in global markets and expanding my knowledge of international business. I would love to work for a multinational corporation and manage the expansion process to different countries. CEA: How has the ambassador experience helped you since returning, and with your future career goals? Jordan: The ambassador program has helped me relate my experience to future study abroad students and really keep my experience alive. I felt like when I returned home from Prague, I had this amazing experience but was not able to fully share it with anyone because no one could relate. Through the ambassador program I have been able to talk with other past study abroad students about their experiences, as well as help new students get excited about the opportunity. Also, it has helped me gain valuable marketing and interpersonal skills that will benefit me in any career I pursue. CEA: In your opinion, why don’t more male students study abroad? Jordan: Through my experience with the ambassador program and talking with male students, the main response to why they haven’t thought about studying abroad is because they didn’t have a language background. This is a common misconception and a falsity, as I did not have a language background and lived in the Czech Republic for five months with no communication problems. CEA does a great job of ensuring its students are taken care of in situations where communication may be an issue. CEA: Why do you think it’s important for male students/all students to study abroad? Jordan: I think studying abroad is a great experience to broaden your knowledge and learn about different cultures. You also are able to learn so much more about yourself and life in general while living in a different country. It is an experience that can never be matched or compared to any college classroom. Jordan Kohl is a CEA Alumni Ambassador and senior at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. He studied abroad with CEA in Prague, Czech Republic, during the Spring 2012 Semester.

[via CEA Study Abroad Programs]

Tagged as: barcelona, cea global education, chile, china, Dublin, italy, paris, university

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Becoming a Better Communicator

by Paul Joseph on May 22, 2013 · 0 comments

by Carly Gerber You may be thinking that the day you head off to college , you will be freed from listening to your parents’ opinions. Slow that ship before it hits the bridge: While it’s true you will become more independent at college, your parents (and their ideologies) still exist. For example, deciding the major you want to pursue is exciting but just as you have picked it, your parents intercept your joyous mood by interrogating your reasons and drowning you with their viewpoints. Don’t get discouraged because this opportunity will help you to become an excellent listener and communicator. Here are a few tips from USA Today to help you become an excellent communicator with your parents: Think. Thinking like your parents will prepare you to come back with solid arguments to questions you know they will ask. Also, your decisions or goals may change because your parents’ concerns are justifiable. Research. Finding information on the Internet can be helpful as well as asking those without any stake in the game. For example, approach professors , advisers, the study abroad office, internship coordinators and anyone that can answer your and your parents’ questions. The more information you come into an argument with, the more clarity your parents will have about your endeavor. Outline. Create a well-thought out, even written argument. Writing an argument will help you organize your points and stay on task instead of drifting into emotionally charged, unprepared arguments. Pitch. Maybe you want to email your parents your written argument or discuss matters over the phone. During every discussion with your parents, remain calm as they speak their minds then go find the answers to their questions. Becoming a good communicator – especially with your parents – is vital. Many of your parents are financially supporting your college careers and that makes their opinions the most important to acknowledge. Carly Gerber is majoring in journalism at Columbia College Chicago. She loves fashion and hopes to cover the topic for a Chicago-area magazine. In her free time, she focuses on her blog , loves making jewelry and spending time on Pinterest and Pose. She hopes to use this blog to guide and relate to its followers: college students like herself! Copyright © 1998 – 2013 Scholarships.com, LLC, Scholarships.com™ All Rights Reserved, Scholarships.com, LLC, Publisher

[via Scholarships.com Blog]

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Homestay with Chilean Family – Samantha Timmerman

by Paul Joseph on May 21, 2013 · 0 comments

CEA Alumni Ambassador and junior at the University of Wisconsin Stout, Samantha Timmerman, studied abroad in Vina del Mar, Chile last summer. When she returned to UW Stout, Samantha spent the Spring 2013 semester mentoring students interested in studying abroad and sharing stories with fellow alumni including her homestay experience; an option she considers invaluable: I think a major worry anyone would have before going abroad is the fear that they will get homesick and miss their families. Being hundreds of miles away and not being able to run home to mom when you are sick or had a bad day is a scary thought. Luckily, there is the choice of doing a homestay while you are abroad. By choosing to do a homestay, you become part of a new family. This was the choice I made when I studied abroad with CEA Global Education in the summer of 2012 in Vina del Mar, Chile. I was so blessed to have the most wonderful Chilean host family. My host family was chosen by CEA and all of my living arrangements were set up for me. I didn’t have to worry about a thing! It made the time leading up to study abroad a lot less stressful. One of the main reasons I chose to do a homestay was becasue I was studying Spanish and I wanted to improve my speaking skills. The homestay was a great way to do this because my host family only spoke Spanish, so I was forced to speak Spanish if I wanted to communicate with them. Another reason I chose to do a homestay was because I wanted to be fully immersed in a new culture. I wanted to see first-hand the Chilean way of life; How they eat, dress, what they do day-to-day. I learned so much just by living with a family. Another huge reason for doing a homestay was security. I wanted to feel safe and I wanted to have someone to help me know where to go and what to do while I was abroad. My host mother was the greatest. She did everything for me! I was so spoiled. She did my laundry every day, cooked me meals, packed lunches for me to take to school, taught me about the Chilean money and how to use it, showed me how to use publich transportation, helped me with my homework, the list goes on and on. She did so much for me in such a short time. She managed to do all of that for me, and treat me as one of her own children, but at the same time she didn’t smother me. She realized I was only there for a short amount of time and I wanted to see and do everything I could. She was so cool about letting me go and do things with my friends, even if it meant missing a family meal. My host dad was also pretty great. He was a professional chef! So obviously, he made the best meals! He was also hilarious. I got to be a part of the grand opening of his own restaurant where he is the head chef. I also go to meet many of the family’s friends. I was also able to spend a lot of time with my host sister. Although, she lived outside of the home I saw her every week and we talked and got to know each other. My host family has been hosting exchange students for quite sometime, but they were still genuinely interseted in getting to know me as a person and including me in their family. There are so many things I would have been left to figure out on my own, or had to worry about taking the time to do – such as laundry – when I could be spending that time exploring! I am still in contact with my host family via Facebook, email, and Skype. If I ever go back to Chile, or should I say when I got back to Chile, I will not hestitate to call them! I know they would have me in a heartbeat, and that is pretty awesome. Instead of having to find a hotel or figure out where to stay, I will always have a home in Vina, and to me, that is the best part about doing a homestay while you are abroad; It is a home and a family that you will be a part of for a lifetime. Samantha Timmerman studied abroad in Vina del Mar, Chile in Summer 2012 and is currently a CEA Alumni Ambassador and junior at the University of Wisconsin Stout.

[via CEA Study Abroad Programs]

Tagged as: barcelona, brazil, czech-republic, family, France, french, friends, university

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5 Hurdles to Overcome as an International Education Start-up

by Paul Joseph on May 21, 2013 · 0 comments

By Barbara Tassa International education (IE) is a very cool field—you get to connect with people from around the world to help them achieve their goals. That opportunity also presents serious challenges to start-ups. Can you really afford to service a global marketplace? Apple, Google, and other Fortune 500 companies have multibillion dollar coffers, but the challenges aren’t insurmountable. Here’s how our WeblishPal team has overcome the five hurdles in a cost-effective way. 1. Travel Costs Maximize your meeting miles. Visiting different countries, schools, or partners can get very expensive. When you are setting up a new partnership it is great to meet face to face, but try to limit actual travel. Set up as many meetings as you can during conferences like NAFSA—that’s where WeblishPal met our local China International Education Exchange Center (IEEC). Encourage online video calls (Skype.com or Vsee.com are both great free tools) and use easy-to-use file-sharing sites to communicate and work more effectively at a distance. For file sharing, we couldn’t live without box.com and join.me, which has been great for hosting remote online meetings with screen share. 2. Scheduling Meetings in Multiple Time Zones A 5 p.m. meeting in Beijing is a 5 a.m. meeting in Toronto. Geez, that’s earlier than I’d like to wake up! When dealing with global teams, establish meeting windows so both sides don’t have unreasonable meeting schedules. You want to be alert and energized for important discussions. Then when you send meeting confirmations, do it in both your time zone and theirs. This simple trick has saved me dozens of missed meetings when I’m on the road. 3. Working in Multiple Languages Ok, so I’m not a true polyglot, but I do try to see what’s going on in the news in different countries. For most of us English is our business language, but a simple web page translated with translate.google.com can help you grasp the important conversations happening globally. I made one such mistake a mere 15 minutes after the devastating Boston marathon bombings—had I checked the news before calling, I would have been prepared for a very different conversation that I expected. Likewise, knowing positive news affecting your contacts can help you build more meaningful relationships too. 4. Getting Local Insight Fun apps like Yelp have made it easy to get around and dine like a local if you’re in a new city. The same goes for running IE businesses. Establish local connections in the various places you connect with so you don’t miss out on great opportunities you never knew existed. 5. Internet Differences You would be surprised to know that the Internet is actually quite different from country to country. From censorship to bandwidth to use of popular sites, you will need to know what your contacts are using. One major mistake we see frequently in higher education recruiting is relying solely on Youtube to share important recruiting videos. That means that you’re automatically cutting off your Chinese prospects because YouTube is blocked; however, plenty of alternatives are available that can help you showcase content globally. Know your target market’s online experience. What are your hurdles and how have you overcome them? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so connect with me at NAFSA! Barbara Tassa is the co-CEO and cofounder of WeblishPal.com, a cloud-based English training and international student recruiting platform. From Toronto, Canada, Tassa is often found in airports, rental cars, conferences, and coworking spaces around North America and Asia helping current and future WeblishPal clients achieve their goals. You can connect with her by e-mail ( barbara@weblishpal.com ) or twitter ( @barbie_t ). Join Tassa during NAFSA’s annual conference on Tuesday, May 28, 1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m., in the Career Advancement Center (America’s Center, Room 124) to explore How to Build Your Entrepreneurial Career in Higher Education: Business Development .

[via NAFSA: Association of International Educators Blog]

Tagged as: advocacy, annual-conference, business, careers, chinese, development, facebook, internet, learning, News

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Social Responsibility in St. Louis

by Paul Joseph on May 21, 2013 · 0 comments

David Wick As content chair of the 2013 Annual Conference Committee (ACC), I have enjoyed working with ACC Chair Steve Ferst and the entire ACC to develop a rich range of educational opportunities related to peace, justice, and social responsibility as it connects to international education. Many of these events demonstrate the significance of international education in global relations. We hope events at this annual conference will greatly expand the knowledge base of international educators in the areas of peace, justice, and social responsibility. Our plenary speakers will focus on their work to make our world a better place. In addition, we have many general sessions and special programs in St. Louis in support of this theme. Guest speakers will enhance our knowledge in this area: Gina Rosabal, a social equity specialist, will speak about social justice paradigms in international education. Peter MacKeith will demonstrate how architecture and international development work together to make positive changes in cities around the world. Leila Sadat, the Henry H. Oberschelp Professor of Law at the Washington University in St. Louis and director of the Crimes Against Humanity Initiative, will discuss forging a convention for crimes against humanity and the work of the initiative. Shibley Telhami, a renowned speaker on the Middle East, will discuss recent events and unrest in this critical region. Social responsibility is not the only theme guest speakers will support. George Mehaffy, vice president of AASCU, will present on the future challenges in higher education related to fast-developing technologies. Eric Stoller, a well-known social media expert in higher education, will provide a high-level assessment of social media and global student affairs. Pia Orrenius from the Dallas Federal Reserve will share her insight into how immigration affects the U.S. economy . And Harry Chernotsky, director of international studies and professor of political science at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, will discuss how international studies is preparing students for the global, fast-paced world they will inherit. Together, all of these guest speakers provide valuable insights from other fields that impact international education, and carry the potential to help us all be better professionals. Preconference workshops play a key role in supporting conference themes this year too. ACC Workshop Chair Sandra Schinnerl and all of the workshop trainers have been hard at work refining the content of all preconference workshops , which are an excellent source for in-depth professional development. Poster fairs are another growth area at the annual conference that are incredibly productive for longtime conference attendees and newcomers. This year there are 18 themed fairs with more than 500 presenters. If you haven’t attended a poster fair at a recent conference, they provide a great opportunity to share valuable knowledge in a one-on-one atmosphere. A special thanks to ACC Poster Fair Chair Sara Thurston-González and all poster fair organizers for building such a rich range of offerings. Before my schedule was completely packed, I held space for a few of the programs listed above. I am particularly enthusiastic about attending guest speaker sessions. Specifically, I will attend Gina Rosabal’s session on social equity and Eric Stoller’s session on social media. These relate directly to current projects in my office and to my goals for the conference. I have also found poster fairs to be incredibly productive ways to gain a range of insights very quickly; I plan to attend the Increasing Diversity Outreach and Support for Education Abroad Fair. The final highlight for me will be the International Plenary and Luncheon on Friday. Each year this luncheon provides an essential opportunity to slow down and reflect on a busy and inspirational week. See you in St. Louis! Which of the guest speaker sessions are you most excited about and why? Tell us in the comments. David Wick, EdD is the content chair for the 2013 Annual Conference Committee. He is assistant director of the Office of International Programs and coordinator of study abroad services at San Francisco State University. Wick has presented numerous sessions and workshops at NAFSA conferences and has held a variety of leadership positions, including most recently serving as Trainer Corps preparation program trainer, chair of the NAFSA Academy, and poster fair organizer for the fair Enhancing Learning Before, During, and After Education Abroad.

[via NAFSA: Association of International Educators Blog]

Tagged as: advocacy, annual-conference, careers, dallas, education, events, goals, guest-post, learning, middle-east

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College Class Size: Does It Matter?

by Paul Joseph on May 21, 2013 · 0 comments

by Mike Sheffey Large classes or small? As colleges look to save money per student, this has become a key discussion topic. Recent studies are now showing that redesigning the typical lecture-type lesson has proved successful in large class settings, boasting higher exam results than those on the old model …but I think it really depends on the institution. I can only speak from experience about Wofford College : The largest class I’ve ever had had about 50 people in it (and the average class size here is 15), though I will soon find out how large classes work when I take a summer course at UNCG to fulfill a gen ed requirement in statistics. I can guarantee that in terms of building professor connections and having instructors as resources outside the classroom, small classes have the advantage but I could definitely see how this setting could be intimidating and that there could be students that flourish more in large-scale lectures. Attendance policies also seem to be stricter at smaller schools and in smaller classrooms. In a class of 300, nobody bats an eye if somebody’s missing; in a class of 12, however, every absence is noticed. Those who are engaged and active in class will probably benefit more from smaller courses, with more direct contact with the professors . But these assumptions seem to be changing. Like I said, the lecture-style of teaching is being altered at bigger schools and being replaced by interactive and virtual courses supervised by professors or teachers . The computers seem to keep the larger classes focused and have directly contributed to better grades in the sciences and visual arts. When determining what class size is best for you, the best thing to do is to talk to people that attend your prospective schools . How do they like the large classes? Would they recommend them? Do they take any small classes? Are their learning styles similar to yours? Results don’t lie but you know yourself better than a statistic. For me, the small classes at WoCo are where it’s at. What about you? Mike Sheffey is a junior at Wofford College double majoring in computer science and Spanish. He loves all things music and has recently taken up photography. Mike works for an on-campus sports broadcasting company as well as the music news blog PropertyOfZack.com . He hopes to use this blogging position to inform and assist others who are seeking the right college or those currently enrolled in college by providing advice on college life, both in general and specific to Wofford. Copyright © 1998 – 2013 Scholarships.com, LLC, Scholarships.com™ All Rights Reserved, Scholarships.com, LLC, Publisher

[via Scholarships.com Blog]

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The Biggest Career Mistakes of 20-Somethings

by Paul Joseph on May 20, 2013 · 0 comments

by Chelsea Slaughter I read recently this article on the Huffington Post that I would like to share with you all: the eight biggest mistakes that we “20-somethings” make in careers . I chose four out of the eight that college students should really be mindful of because these tips could possibly prevent you from making the same mistakes! You Think You Can’t Make Money While Pursuing Your Passion. You do not have to choose between being financially stable and doing what you love – it’s possible to have both! You Stay On a Path You Know is Not Right for Too Long. As SOON as you realize that the academic road you are taking is not for you, reverse and get out. I had to do this when I changed my major : When I realized that it wasn’t making me happy, I got right out. You Compare Yourself to Your Peers. As easy as this is to do while attending college , it will not be as simple after college so get out the habit now. Seeing someone else achieve more than you should just be used as motivation. Do not beat yourself up, as this habit can lead to depression later in life. You Aren’t Mindful of Social Media Use. I recently did an article about proper social media etiquette . Think before you post, people! It is very important considering employees are losing their jobs over simple social media mistakes these days. To see all eight of the mistakes, check out the full article here . Can you think of anything to add to this list? If so, let us know in the comments! Chelsea Slaughter is currently a junior at Jacksonville State University majoring in communications (public relations concentration) and minoring in art. She serves as a resident assistant on campus, is the treasurer in the Public Relations Organization and is an active member in W.I.S.E., NAACP and Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Leadership Society. She aims to work in the entertainment industry post-graduation and is well on her way thanks to an internship with a digital marketer to several music artists. Chelsea strives to achieve all of her goals and motivate others along the way. Copyright © 1998 – 2013 Scholarships.com, LLC, Scholarships.com™ All Rights Reserved, Scholarships.com, LLC, Publisher

[via Scholarships.com Blog]

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Island of Culebra Wildlife Refuge

by Paul Joseph on May 17, 2013 · 0 comments

Monday, May 13, 3013 Today we traveled to Culebra, an island of Puerto Rico. After a forty five minute ferry ride we arrived. Upon arriving at Culebra, we walked to the only hospital on the island for a tour. It was like stepping back into the 1970’s! The hospital sees very few admitted patients. However Dengue is endemic to Puerto Rico, in the last two weeks they have seen six cases of Dengue Fever. As we continued the tour, we were able to see a newer x-ray machine and room being used as a storage room because they don’t have an x-ray technician. We also learned that most women have c-sections and must be sent to the main island for delivery. Throughout the hospital the were numerous medical notices, but upon leaving the hospital we noticed none on the island. During the hospital tour, the nurse exemplified the low crime and accident rates on Culebra. Next, we went to Melone Beach to go snorkeling at the reef. We were able to see the coral and a few species of fish. Half of our group traveled to Playa Trinto to snorkel with sea turtles. The other half went to Fleminco Beach. It is one of the top rated beaches in the world and has beautiful, clear blue water. Overall, this was one of the best days! Amanda Mathis & David Baldo

[via Who's Abroad!]

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A Gathering of Thousands: Reflecting on Community and Collaboration at Annual Conference

by Paul Joseph on May 17, 2013 · 0 comments

By Stephen Ferst When I touch down in St. Louis, it will be my 18th annual conference . Not only has the conference grown in size since I began attending, but it’s also grown in sophistication and quality. Over the years, I’ve seen the event as a first-timer, a presenter, an exhibitor, and now as chair of the Annual Conference Committee (ACC). I vividly remember my first conference. I sat wide-eyed, soaking up the collective wisdom of those who paved the roads before me. I scribbled notes on paper, scoured the offerings at the bookstore, and scored freebies in the Expo Hall. I was lucky enough to have a mentor who brought me to the conference, helped me choose sessions, and taught me to navigate its offerings. By the end of the week, I belonged to an incredible community of committed educators. During subsequent conferences, I picked up tips and made new connections. I was ready to submit a proposal and was accepted. That first proposal and the first time presenting was a new view on the conference. Instead of simply absorbing, I was expected to deliver. I spent weeks preparing my talk, re-writing and polishing, and practicing my delivery. When I stood to deliver that session, something clicked. It wasn’t the power of the microphone, but the notion that as the field expanded, a body of knowledge had begun to accumulate, and I could help deliver it. From that first presentation, I never looked back. I accepted all offers to co-present, submitted frequent proposals, and helped to develop and deliver numerous training materials. As a result, I was rewarded with more colleagues, friends, and associates, who allowed me to grow professionally and personally. Over the years, another role gave me a different perspective of the conference—that of an exhibitor. Exhibitors attend the conference for reasons that go beyond the learning opportunities. They’ve invested in their booths and offer a product or service, from partnerships to software, insurance, housing, books, T-shirts, travel services, or advice. Each and every exhibitor knows the pain of exhibiting and the thrill of meeting a new contact or refreshing an old one. It is in the Expo Hall that much of the business-side of our field takes place. A kinship forms among those who spend more than 30 hours in the Expo Hall over just a few days—far more time than anyone else might. There is one role I’ve played, however, that I relish more than any other, and that is serving as ACC chair. Conference chairs are tasked with translating the vision of the Board of NAFSA and the goals of the organization into learning opportunities for more than 8,000 attendees. Sounds simple, but NAFSA is a complex organization representing members from around the world, working in all aspects of the field. This work starts more than 18 months in advance of opening ceremonies. Preparing for St. Louis, I worked with leaders and members to develop a theme, set goals, and create a team of dedicated committee members. Together, we developed a call for proposals that reflected the conference theme of Ideals and Impact in International Education . We read and selected hundreds of proposal submissions, developed workshops, invited guest speakers, discussed networking opportunities, and more. While the sheer volume of work to bring together this gathering of thousands has been vast, the rewards are even bigger. The opportunity has allowed me to continue that deep-held desire to professionalize our field, to educate newcomers and veterans alike, and to push ourselves to find answers to the problems we face together. I hope that this conference is everything you expect it to be, and more. I look forward to seeing you in St. Louis! What are you most looking forward to at conference? Let me know on Twitter at @StephenFerst . Also, be on the lookout for my daily blog posts during the annual conference. Annual Conference Chair Stephen Ferst is director of the Center for International Studies at Kean University, New Jersey. He has been working professionally in international education since 1989 as an adviser, recruiter, resident director, program officer, and director. Ferst studied abroad in Israel and lived and worked abroad in the United Kingdom. He has presented at numerous conferences and is a recipient of the Lily von Klemperer Award and the 2008 NAFSA Advocate of the Year. He earned a doctorate from Rutgers University.

[via NAFSA: Association of International Educators Blog]

Tagged as: careers, citizen, collaboration, college, development, education, feeds, foreign-policy, goals, guest-post, power, st. louis

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