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10 Things You Should Not Forget to Bring During Your Language Trip Abroad!

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

When one choose to travel abroad to learn a language, there are things he should not forget to bring with him. Some of these things are optional and will only make your language trip abroad easier. Others are more important and should not be forgotten!

1- A Two-entry dictionary. A must-have that can save you from many misunderstandings!

2- If you will be living with a local host family, a little gift from your own country will surely please them. It is not mandatory, but it is a great way to start your exchange!

host family homestay gift idea

3- If you are taking electronic devices with you, check if you will need an adapter! It is wiser to buy it before going, since there is no guarantee you will find one once abroad!

4- Plan to take some medication for emergencies, for digestion troubles or pains (like Imodium and aspirin). Be sure to know how the medical system works in the country you are going to visit , should you see a doctor!!

5- Prepare a letter you will always carry with you with emergency information like phone number to contact, blood type, any medical conditions or allergy… This might be handy any problem should occur.

6- If possible, take your alarm clock with yourself. You already know how it works so you won’t have late waking-ups because of misuse of the local one!

7- Don’t forget to pack something to keep you warm, like a sweater, socks… Even if the country you are visiting is supposed to have a nice, hot weather, a bad weather can always happen!

8- You should always have copies of important document like passport, ID, … in case you lose yours. You can even scan these documents and have an extra copy on a USB key!

9- Money. It may seems an evidence, but having a little cash in the local money at arrival can help you with taxi, buses, small meals, etc, you may need to pay before being able to withdraw more money. Traveller’s checks are not always accepted, so having an international credit card is a good option!

10- And above all! Don’t forget to bring your enthusiasm, a will to discover a new culture and an open-mind!

travel abroad with enthusiasm

I hope this article will be helpful when packing-time will come! Have we forgotten something important one should take when he travels abroad? Send us a comment!

Tags: advices, Host family, learn english, learn languages abroad, packing, tips
Posted in Language Travel Tips | No Comments »

10 Tips to Cope With Homesickness

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

During a language travel abroad, you are away from home, from family, from friends… Sometimes, you can feel as lost and have a strange feeling, which is called homesickness. Homesickness is when you miss your own country and family. It’s different from culture shock. Here are some advices to cope with homesickness!

1-Recognize honestly that you feel homesick. Try to understand why, and what could make you happier!

2-If you are missing someone in your home country, try to find a way not to think of that person all day long. For example, establish regular time for emailing or phone to each other. You won’t be obsessed by missing a call or an email!

3-If you are missing something, for example, a kind of food, you may try to discover a local equivalent, or maybe buy it online or in a specialized store!

4-If you are in a program with other students, try to get involved in their activities. Don’t withdraw into yourself, try to be open-minded. Yes, it will cost you a lot at first. But it will be rewarding. And no one will take this first step for you!

5-Speak about it with someone. Explain your feelings, why they are such. Maybe the other participants feel a bit homesick too but don’t want to admit it. Maybe it will relieve them to have a confident too! homesick travel abroad language courses

6-Organize a “discover my culture” party or event! Cook food from your country, explain your traditions… You can launch a new customs with the other participants, and each week one of you will help the others discover his country!

7-Don’t be too demanding towards yourself. It is likely you won’t be always dressed the right way, popular… But take it with a touch of humour!

8-Realize that you are living a unique, once in a lifetime experience, and try to take the most out of it, at your own level at least!

9-Take familiar things with you! Whether it is a teddy bear, a picture of your family/pet or your favourite mug, these little things can help you feel better!

10-Take time to adjust to the local country and accept punctual homesickness. Especially if you are abroad for a long stay, you will likely be homesick from time to time. It can be relieving to let yourself being sad from a short time, but following the previous tips will help you overwhelming this feeling and get back on feet quickly! homesickness getting better learn abroad

I hope these tips will be helpful during your language travel abroad! Did you ever experienced homesickness? Do you have tips against homesickness to share with the other readers? Don’t hesitate to let us a comment!

Tags: advices, homesickness, learn languages abroad, tips, travel, travel abroad
Posted in Academic Year Programs, International High School, Language Travel Testimonials, Language Travel Tips, Tips to learn languages | No Comments »

How to Prepare Yourself to a Language Travel Abroad?

Saturday, June 20th, 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… travel abroad city guide

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! travel abroad with an open mind

Were these advices useful? Did we forget something? Don’t hesitate to write us a comment or suggestion!

Tags: advices, learn languages abroad, tips, travel
Posted in Academic Year Programs, International High School, Language Travel Tips, Tips to learn languages, Visa issues | 2 Comments »

17 Advices to Get Along With Your Host Family Abroad!

Friday, June 5th, 2009

In many travel abroad programs, participants are hosted in a local host family. If this is a tremendous experience, here are a few guidelines you should follow in order to enjoy this trip! French host family travel abroad

1-Be polite! This may seem to be an evidence, but always use “please”, “thank you”, and such words (in the local language naturally)!

2-Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you are not sure if you can do something, or how you should do it, just ask!

3-Try to communicate! Even if you don’t speak perfectly the language, you’re here to learn! Tell them about your day at school, your own country…

4-Discuss issues! If there is something that is a problem for you, speak about it. Don’t go snapping around, but takes a polite tone and try to explain why this is bothering you, and what could be the solution.

5-Take time to get to know your family! You may have a first impression after arrival, but a few days after, when you’ll get to know them, this is likely to change for the best!

6-Help with housework! You will be surprised how much your family will appreciate if you offer your help! It will help with communication too! housework-rules-posters

7-Spend time with your family! Don’t stay alone in your room, try to spend time with your hosts, participate in family activities, watch (and help) cooking… If you feel like relaxing alone, just explain that you are tired, so that they don’t minsunderstood your behaviour!

8-Show interest in your family’s habits, way of living…

9-Ask what the rules of the host family are: how long you can have a shower, if dinner time is flexible, and whatever comes to your mind. This will help avoid problems!

10-If you can’t be home for a meal or plan to come back late or stay out overnight, just phone the family to tell them!

11-If you break something, offer to pay it back.

12-If you have a key for the house, take care of it. If you loose this key, let the family know immediately!

13-If you don’t know how something works (electronics, shower, or whatever) ,ask to the family. They will understand that it is different in your home country!

14-Keep your room and the common places you’re using tidy!

15-If you are cold, dare asking the family if they have more blankets, or put more clothes. Don’t let yourself catch a cold!

16-Ask to the family what the food policy is, if you are allowed to help yourself or not…

17-Finally, don’t forget to relax, have fun and put things into perspective! You’re here to discover new things, so don’t forget that the main purpose of this trip is to change your habits! host family family life

I hope these tips will have helped you to go along well with your host family abroad! Don’t forget that most of these tips can be useful once back home with your family or in a shared flat! If you have some tips to share with us, don’t hesitate to let us a comment!

Tags: advices, Host family, learn english, learn languages abroad, tips
Posted in Academic Year Programs, Homestay, Host family, International High School, Language Travel Tips | No Comments »

10 tips to pack lightly to travel abroad!

Saturday, 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!

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!

travel abroad pack lightly wardrobe

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! packing lightly travel abroad trip

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!

Tags: fashion, learn languages abroad, package, tips, travel
Posted in Language Travel Tips, More Incredible Stuff | 2 Comments »

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

Monday, 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!

Here is also a website where you can find information about visa issues!

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!

Tags: advices, learn languages abroad, tips, Visa issues
Posted in Language Travel Tips, More Incredible Stuff, Tips to learn languages, Visa issues | 2 Comments »

10 Reasons to Learn a Foreign Language

Friday, 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! multicultural-sutdents

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 reasons to learn foreign language 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!

Tags: advices, learn english, learn language, learn languages abroad, tips
Posted in More Incredible Stuff, Tips to learn languages | 2 Comments »

10 Reasons to Learn English

Monday, 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!
reason learn english abroad fun
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! learn english reason travel abroad

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!

Tags: english, learn english, learn languages abroad, tips
Posted in Language Travel Tips, More Incredible Stuff, Tips to learn languages | 3 Comments »

Top 10 Advices to Cope with Cultural Shock!

Saturday, 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!

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! learn abroad cultural shock alien germany

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!

Tags: cultural shock, learn languages abroad, life abroad, tips
Posted in Academic Year Programs, Language Travel Tips, Tips to learn languages | No Comments »

General Scholarships and Financial Aid Tips for Language Travel Abroad

Wednesday, 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!

- 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. financial Aid Foreign language learn 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!

Tags: financial aid, learn languages abroad, scholarships, tips
Posted in Language Travel Scholarships and Financial Aid, Language Travel Tips | 1 Comment »

Top 10 mistakes you should not do abroad!

Monday, 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! study abroad travel 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… For example, you can visit a website from worlwide expatriates ! 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!