How to Prepare Yourself to a Language Travel Abroad?

June 4th, 2009

Participating in a language trip abroad is an important decision, which requires a lot of preparation. Here are some advices on how to prepare yourself for your language trip abroad!


1-The first important thing is to carefully choose where you will be going, and what you are expecting out of this trip. Language improvement? Discovering local culture? Fun? Choose the program that really fits your needs!

2-Book your trip as soon as possible! This will let you plenty of time to get ready with all documents, visa, etc...you may need!

3-Start getting immersed in the language before your trip! Try to read, to watch movies, to listen to podcasts in the language as much as possible. You won't feel lost at your arrival!

4-Plan carefully your packing! Write down what you will need as soon as it comes to you in mind, even months ago!

5-Discover the country or city before going: buy a guide or browse blogs and websites and find information on what to do, what to see...

6-Try to get information about specific cultural matters, such as tips, punctuality, formal or informal address, or any other country-specific things that may come handy in the end!

7-Visit news website of the country you are going in. This way, you won't feel lost in front of newspapers headline or TV news programs, and you will know if there are any tensions in the country!

8-Get information about the weather. Even if this seems evidence, you wouldn't want to be catch with a big coat under a sunny weather ... or maybe worse, in a little top under some snowy sky!

9-Try to know if there are some local festivities during your stay, and try to gather as much information as possible about it. Locals will appreciate your interest in their culture!

10-Finally, get ride of all your misconceptions you may have about the country, and travel there with a curious, open mind! You may have a lot of surprises!

10 tips to pack lightly to travel abroad!

May 30th, 2009

When one goes on a travel, it can sometimes be difficult to pack lightly. We end up taking thing we think we are going to need, but in the end we don't use it. Here are a few tips that can help to lighten your luggage!
travel abroad pack lightly list

1-�Make a list! As soon as you have definitively booked your trip, make a list, with what is absolutely mandatory for you! Think of the typical day and what you use.

2-�Take your destination and planned activities into account. If you are not likely at all to use certain clothes or items, don't bring them. At worst you'll be able to buy it abroad!

3-�If you want to pack lightly but not give up your fashion sense, try to coordinate your travel wardrobe around one colour. This way, you won't need multiple jewelleries, shoes, or bags, and you'll still look pretty cool!

4-�Keep in mind that you don't need to bring everything! Just bring your favourite, most comfortable clothes, since you WON'T wear the others, and you know it!

5-�Don't take outfits too formal "just in case". Just plan something that could be used if you had to wear it on a formal occasion, but that can also be considered as casual!

6-�If you are going for a long trip, don't pack too much, but plan a trip to a laundry!

7-�Don't bring "if" items. If you need an umbrella, a poncho or whatever, you will likely be able to buy it abroad!

8-�Always have some washing liquid designed for hand-wash. You will be able to wash some clothes (like underwear or t-shirts) and this way, avoid extra packing!

9-�If you bring toiletries, try to have it in trial sizes, or change their traditional packages for travel-designed bottles!! Special travelling packs exist, and this will dramatically help you having lighter packages!

10-�Don't forget! The least you take, the more you'll be able to bring back!

We hope these few tips will help you travel lightly! Do you have some tips regarding travel packing not listed here? Share it with us!

Travel abroad and Visa: How Can I Know What I Need?

May 25th, 2009

Travelling abroad is not always easy. It may come with many complicated stories, from the�planning to the departure back home. However, most of the time, you are helped through the preparation process by qualified staffs. But for some issues, you will have to do the procedure by yourself. Visa is one of these issues!

One of the first things you will have to care about while preparing your language travel abroad is the visa issue. Depending on the program chosen, the country, number of courses, if you have a work experience or not, your citizenship... a different visa may be required.

This can be a long and difficult procedures to get a visa so don't wait the last minute to ask for one!

Here is what you should do to take care of the visa issue in a few steps:

1 - Inquire at the Embassy
The first thing you will need to do is to inquire at the Embassy of the country you wish to visit. Once you have chosen your travel abroad, check on their website or at their office which visa is needed for such a trip. Don't forget that the type of visa can differ depending on many factors so you should carefully check each options of your trip.
visa documents language travel abroad

2 - Gather the documents
Once you'll know what kind of visa you will need, you will have to gather the documents required. These documents can be really different for each country, and some may require special conditions or several weeks to be delivered to you. Start as soon as possible!

3 - Interview
In some countries, you may have to go the embassy to be checked in person. Be sure to have understood what the visa is used for and show what your motivation is accordingly to the inspector's expectations.

4 - Delivery or denial
Generally speaking, after this interview, you will shortly get an answer, that is, approval or denial of your visa. If your visa is approved, congratulations! If you visa is denied, try to understand what the problem was in order to be able to present a better file to the Embassy.

Many Embassies have a website where you can find information. Just write: "Embassy + country you want to visit + in + your country". You will likely find the appropriate website!

We hope this article will have helped you with the visa issue and will give you trails of what to do to be able to ask for a visa!

Academic Year in Italy: Student's Testimonial

May 20th, 2009

An academic year abroad is a wonderful experience for a student who decides to participate in these kind of programs. Here is another testimonial: Viviana is a young Ecuadorian student aged 19. She is currently participating in an�


Academic Program Italy Venice

Dear Nacel,

Been an exchange student has been a wonderful experience. I'm really happy; I'm enjoying myself and I'm learning so many things. My host family is really nice.

I feel that I'm really a part of the host family!!!! and I'm really happy because I had to move to a different family, but not because we had a problem, they couldn't host me. But they are really nice, sometimes I go to their place for dinner. With my current host family I get along really well!!!!

I'm doing well at school too, my Italian is improving every day, and I also have made a lot of friends. At the benning I was kind of scared because everybody told that the first couple of months of this experience are hard because you get to feel lonely or homesick.

But it has been different to me because since the day I arrived I have been really happy, and the time has been going so fast that I would like to stay longer, but I can't hehe.

NACEL has been great too; they have supported me all the time.

Every day of this experience has been unforgettable!! The fact that you are away from home, experimenting a new culture, a new language gives you the opportunity to grow, it's kind of hard at the beginning, but you realized how much you can improve and grow all the time. You can also find plenty of restaurants and Cheap Car Hire Cork airport some shopping places to suit your needs. This airport is pet friendly and requires your pet to be in a carrying cage.

I do miss my city, my family and friends sometimes, but I'm aware that the time is going by really fast so I want to enjoy every single day of my year as an exchange student.

Viviana
academic program in italy little village

10 Reasons to Learn a Foreign Language

May 15th, 2009

Feeling like learning another language could be interesting but you need to be totally convinced? Read these reasons and you'll want to start learning a foreign language right away!
learn foreign language kitty
1-You will be able to increase your global knowledge, understand better other cultures, and open your mind.

2-You� will be able to understand and be understood in many foreign countries.

3-This will dramatically increase your chance of employment in the�current economy.

4-You will be able to live or study abroad!

5-Just imagine how many native speakers you could date if only you could speak their language!

6-Maybe you have�forefathers coming from that particular country where the language is spoken... This will help you understand better your origins!

7-Like Nelson Mandela said, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart".

8-As said Goethe, "Those who know no foreign language know nothing of their mother tongue". Understanding another language will help you with understanding yours too!

9-To be able to understand your favourite songs or movies in original version!

10-Because you like it! This is the simplest reason, you can have a lot of fun, satisfaction and challenge from learning to speak another language! An it can sometimes be useful Convinced? Visit our website to see which language courses abroad could help you to learn another language! Also, if you have found other reasons to learn a language, share it with us!

10 Reasons to Learn English

May 11th, 2009

Learning English is almost an evidence for many people around the world. We wanted to give you some reasons why learning English is so important!

1-English is the most spoken language around the world. 1 out 5 persons understands it!

2-Many of the most famous movies or songs are written in English! You'll be able to understand them!

3-If you learn English, you'll be able to visit most websites!

4-Speaking English is a tremendous asset for your professional career!

5-English is not hard to learn, compared to many other foreign languages!

6-Nowadays, we are surrounded by English (in non English speaking countries of course...). Understanding this language becomes more and more important!

7-If you are a student, or just eager to learn, to understand English is almost mandatory since many publications are in English!

8-You will be able to visit the 45 countries where English is the official language!

9-But you will also be able to travel around the entire world! Even if you're not going to an English speaking country, it is very likely that locals will understand you if you speak in English!

10-For the pleasure! Learning a language, especially English, is rewarding when you see you're improving!

I hope that now you are convinced to learn English! Do you have any reason to learn English? Share these reasons with us!

International Prom at Saint Paul Preparatory School!

May 6th, 2009

Prom night is a very famous tradition from the American High Schools. Many teen movies have a prom night inside, from "Grease" to "Twilight". Who has not dreamed of living one of these parties for real?

Students at the Saint Paul Preparatory School have the chance to live an International Prom each year!

Below is a small video from the 2007 Saint Paul Preparatory School!

Did you like this video? Maybe you could be in the next Saint Paul Prom!
Have you already have a prom? Tell us about it!

Top 10 Advices to Cope with Cultural Shock!

May 2nd, 2009

When one goes abroad, especially for a long stay, he can feel overwhelmed by a strange feeling named cultural shock. This is not a fatality, and cultural shock can be fought! Find out how by reading these 10 advices!
culture shick travel abroad language

1-First, you must know what culture shock is! As written on Wikipedia, culture shock consists of "difficulties in assimilating the new culture, causing difficulty in knowing what is appropriate and what is not".

2-Read and inform yourself before departure! Try to get as much information as possible about the country. Try to speak with people who have lived there, browse the internet... Prepare yourself to what you have to expect!

3-Culture shock happens to many people! Don't be afraid to speak of it to other foreign students or your family!

4-Try to see the cultural shock in a comic way. You could even create a blog or write in a diary about it. Just try to take it from the fun side!

5-Many people suffering cultural shock become introverted. Try not to behave like that. Always keep in mind that your situation is temporary, and that you will regret not having made the most out of your trip abroad!

6-Try to understand why people are different. Show an open mind as much as possible, even if some behaviours seem incorrect or rude to you considering your own culture.

7-Make friends, either locals or foreigners! It's not that easy, yeah, but it will help you integrate in the local culture!

8-Be patient! If you try to integrate yourself, cultural shock will eventually vanish or become less important! Don't expect it to be gone overnight!

9-Find an activity that you like and pratice it! This will help you air out your mind, and help you make friends!

10-Learn the language! Trying to learn your host country language will help your integration in the country!

We hope these advices will help you cope with cultural shock! Have you ever experienced cultural shock? Do you have tips to share with the community on how to prevent or fight cultural shock? Write us a comment!

General Scholarships and Financial Aid Tips for Language Travel Abroad

April 29th, 2009

With this blog we want to help students prepare their travel abroad trip. Unfortunately, one of the most difficult steps in studying abroad can be to fund the trip. This article will help you get general tips on where to go to get scholarships or financial aid for your language travel abroad. We will then regularly publish country-specific scholarships' lists!
Financial Aid Scholarships Travel abroad

-�International or local organizations
Some international organizations offer scholarships or financial aid to study abroad. You can have a look on the internet to see if you can find such a scholarship.

-�Companies
Some companies are doing some patronage by handing out scholarships to students. You should have a look at their website in order to see if you could be eligible! Generally speaking, these are national companies that will offer help to students of their country: for example, a bank!

-�Parent's work
Sometimes, your parent's company can offer scholarships or financial aid to its workers' children. Ask your parents to get more information at their workplace or work's council!

-�Services providers
Some services providers, like Mutual Insurance Companies, banks, pension funds... can offer scholarships to students sometimes.

-�School and local district
Your school or local district can sometimes offer scholarships you haven't heard of. Ask them if they have some scholarships that could help finance your language travel abroad.

-�Clubs
Some clubs also give away financial aid or scholarships for language travel abroad.

-�Education Office
In some countries like Spain, the Education Office is really involved in making the students learn another language, and offer scholarships in this aim. You should have a look at your Education Office website in order to see if it offers scholarships too!

-�Specific scholarships
Some foundations offer specific scholarships. Most of these scholarships require a perfect academic record and foundations will often ask for an essay. These scholarships are almost always aimed to a particular kind of travel abroad program and may have very specific requirements. They are usually highly selective.

-�Welfare benefits
In some countries there are financial aids to help modest families in funding their children's holidays. You should try to see if you can benefit from these aids in your country.

-�Beware of the scholarships scams!
Many people try to take profit of students' credulity in order to make money out of them. If someone tells you that you have won a scholarship, but that you need to pay a fee in order to get it, it is most likely a scam! Just type "scholarship scam" in some search engine and you'll find plenty of examples of that!

I hope these tips will have helped you to get ideas to fund your travel abroad. This is not an exhaustive list of scholarships or financial aids, but just a lead:) �Stay tuned for our new articles, since we are going to publish citizenship-related scholarships tips!

Eating abroad! 10 Tips to enjoy local food.

April 26th, 2009

When one goes abroad, the food can be a pleasure but a real brain teaser too! To avoid you some problems and unwanted puking or nauseas, we have compiled some useful tips related to the "food abroad" matter!

1 - How to recognize a good restaurant? There are usually many local people in it!

2 - Not much money? Try to taste sample food in supermarkets and shops!

3 - Not sure of what something is? Always bring your bilingual dictionary and never hesitate to ask to the waiter to show you what something is!

4 - Be sure that the restaurant is clean... Checking the toilets can give you an idea of the cleanliness state of the place!

5 - Always be polite with the waiter. Don't be stressed out and never forger that you are on holidays!

6 - Get acquainted with the tips policy of the country before departure... This may prevent little dramas!

7 - Not knowing what to take? Have a look at what the locals are eating and don't hesitate to ask the same to the waiter!

8 - Confused about what to choose? You can pick something at random; after all you're an adventurous traveller!

9 - Worried about being ill while eating abroad? Try to eat freshly cooked, hot meals. Avoid salads, eggs, cooked-but-now-cold meals, especially in summer!

10 - Forget your prejudice about local food! Yes, snails or bull's tail may sound disgusting. But you'll never know how it tastes if you don't try it out!

We do hope these little tips will have helped avoiding disappointment! But never forget to be a little adventurous with food (as long as it is not in the hygienic matter), sometimes it pays off!

A Truly International High School in the USA!

April 23rd, 2009

Did you know that some high schools were truly international? In these high schools, students from the whole world study together. We are going to present you one of these high schools today, the�St Paul Preparatory School in Minnesota!

The Saint Paul Preparatory school is a private American high school located in St Paul, Minnesota. This private American high school welcomes each year international students as well as local American students, in a pleasant, international atmosphere.

This high school is part of a network of international high schools throughout the world: USA, but also Korea, Poland, China, Kenya... These private American high schools gives students the opportunity to get an American education, to improve their knowledge of English, and to increase their global and cultural understanding of the world, by sharing their everyday life with students from the whole world!

The Saint Paul Preparatory School in Saint Paul is located in Galtier Plaza, in the downtown of Saint Paul. This exceptional location allows students to have many extra curricular activities, and provides an access to many facilities!private american high school in Galtier Plaza

During their international program�at Saint Paul, international students are hosted by an American family. This allows them to be fully immersed in the American culture, and it's also a great help for students to have a host family to support them during their stay! Their American host family is really like another family, and will support students during their stay abroad!

At the Saint Paul Preparatory School, students receive an American education in a very individualized way: there are between 6 and 25 students in a class. Students not only learn academic knowledge, but they also have the opportunity to get a unique experience of life.

Students come from many countries and this is a perfect ground for international understanding!

Students�enrolled in the�Saint Paul Preparatory School also have many extra curricular activities. There are many clubs where students can enhance their global and specific skills: student leadership council, math club, Model UN, Mock trial, Theatre Club, Science Club, Art Club, Speech Club...

Just check the student's blog!

Students are also offered the opportunity to participate in many of the traditional American festivities: special animation during elections, Prom night, Halloween, Thanksgiving... Students get unforgettable memories during these events!

Many schools trips are also organized, in order to enable students to discover USA and their culture during their stay at the Saint Paul Preparatory School!

Students from the whole world have enjoyed their stay at Saint Paul for years! In the next weeks, we will publish some of their videos or a picture, showing what life in an international high school is! Stay tuned for these articles!

If you are interested in this unique opportunity and would like to study in an international high school too, I encourage you to contact us to get more information about it!

Top 10 mistakes you should not do abroad!

April 20th, 2009

Students' safety while abroad is really important for us at Nacel. There are common mistakes one quickly learn not to do abroad, like driving on the right side in the UK. Please don't even try it But for some other mistakes, a quick reminder could be great!

1-Not having insurance. If some problem should occur to you abroad and you don't have any insurance, medical or other costs can quickly add up... Always have insurance!

2-Not getting acquainted with tips' policy! In some countries, tips are not usual. But in others, it is felt as mandatory! Get information about a country's tips' policy before going!

3-Behave like an arrogant tourist. Don't think your country or customs are better than the local ones. They are just different, try to see it with an open-mind!

4-Not be conscious of the way you must address someone. Should you be formal or not? Try to get information about that before your arrival too! You can offend someone acting in a way�which�is appropriate in your home country.

5-Not trying to speak the local language. Don't assume people will speak your language or English (if this is not your native language). Try to speak their language, at least for the basics like "hello", "thank you"...

6-Not being�respectful of laws. Get information before doing anything you are not sure is legal. You wouldn't want to end up in some creepy jail, would you? So be careful!

7-Going abroad with misconceptions. Try not have preconceived ideas, to be open minded and open to discussion. Even if someone tells you a place is not worth to see, go and make your opinion. Things are subjective!

8-Show off. Try to wear casual, not "look-at-me-I'm-a-foreigner" clothes, avoid to expose your properties of values like camera and jewellery. When there are many tourists, there are likely pickpockets too!

9-Going abroad without getting first hand information. Speak with someone who has already visited or lived in the country, check information about the country's habits on various (not just one) website... Multiply your sources of information!

10-Finally, don't forget that a big smile and a sincere apology can resolve many problems and misunderstandings. When you'll think of that back home, you will most likely laugh about it and convert it into a funny memory!

I hope this article�has been�useful for you! What was your worst mistake abroad? Tell us about it !

10 tips to raise money to fund your language trip abroad!

April 16th, 2009

Many students want to participate in language course abroad, but money is often an issue. At Nacel we tried to find the best tips for you to raise some money to help financing your language courses abroad!

1-Do jobs for your neighbours and family like baby sitting or pets sitting, lawn moving...

2-Try to make an event like selling bakeries, car washing, and have a sign explaining why you are raising money!

3-Create a weekly budget you'll have to stick by! Try to cut off all your unnecessary or extravagant expenses, and keep the money you'll have saved to finance your language trip abroad!

4-If you have good grades, some clubs and organizations offer scholarships to gifted students!

5-If you are not that good at school but highly motivated, you should ask to your school district, language clubs, and local organizations if they offer scholarships!

6-Organize a garage sale. Try to have friends, family, neighbours, giving you things they don't use anymore. You will be surprised how many money you can get out of such a sale!

7-Ask to a local store if you are allowed to do present wrapping. This works best on Christmas, but don't neglect other holidays like Valentine's day!

8-Ask to your school if they allow you to run a "convenience store" during breaks, selling snacks, beverages...

9-Some companies are specialized in found-sharing items! You may have a look on the internet and use their services to have original things to sell!

10-And don't forget to thank everyone who helps you in this great adventure! If someone has helped you a lot, you can even send him a thanks card once abroad!

Maybe you had already thought about some of these ideas! Anyway, if you have another tips to raise money, or want to write us about your own "how to raise money for my trip" experience, send us a comment!

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