GlobaLinks NewsWire » from the field

Gilman Scholars Receive $500 Bonus Awards from GlobaLinks Learning Abroad

Stacey — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:00:28 +0000

Any recipient of a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship who chooses to study abroad through GlobaLinks Learning Abroad is awarded a $500 bonus in recognition of the goals of the important international education scholarship program.

Here are the latest Gilman Scholars to receive a $500 bonus from GlobaLinks Learning Abroad:

Student, Overseas University, Academic program, Home University

Alex Caggiano, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Spring 2012 Semester, Rowan University.
Aaron Kim, Korea University, Spring 2012 Semester, Georgia State University.
Nicholas LeClair, Kingston University, Spring 2012 Semester, University of Massachusetts – Lowell.
Johnny Nguyen, Korea University, Spring 2012 Semester, Colorado State University.
James Nooyen Jr., Korea University, Spring 2012 Semester, University of Wisconsin – Platteville.
Cody Olson, James Cook University – Townsville, February 2012 Semester, Colorado State University.
Dakota Piorkowski, University of Tasmania, February 2012 Semester, University of Akron.
Andrew Sanders, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Spring 2012 Year, Mississippi State University.
Rebecca Schulz, University of Otago, February 2012 Semester, Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Anna Tiger, Korea University, Spring 2012 Semester, California State University – Fullerton.
Emily Wechter, Mahidol University, January 2012 (1 Term) – Spring, Illinois Wesleyan University.
Mai Yang, Korea University, Spring 2012 Semester, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s.

The Gilman Scholarship Program provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. Established in 2000 by the International Academic Opportunity Act, the program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go by supporting undergraduates who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints.

For more information, visit GlobaLinks Learning Abroad’s Scholarships page.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad University Partners Support Students With Sponsored Scholarships

Stacey — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:54:06 +0000

Students participating in the international education programs of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad are eligible for a variety of exclusive university-sponsored scholarships from partner universities in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

“Our university partners are committed to helping us make our programs as affordable as possible, especially for students with economic challenges that may keep them from studying abroad,” said Cynthia Banks, founder and executive director of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. “To help these students, we offer a variety of university-sponsored awards from 28 of our partner universities varying from several hundred dollars to full-semester tuition.”

Partner-university scholarship opportunities through GlobaLinks Learning Abroad include:

AUSTRALIA

Bond University (Gold Coast) – $8,000 USD per year for semester or year abroad students and $750 AUD – $1,000 AUD to each student for summer programs.
CQUniversity (Rockhampton) – $1,000 AUD scholarship to every GlobaLinks Learning Abroad student who enrolls.
Edith Cowan University (Perth) – Four $500 AUD awards per year.
Griffith University (Brisbane and Gold Coast) Four $500 AUD awards per year.
International College of Management, Sydney – $10,000 in scholarships each year.
James Cook University (Townsville and Cairns) – Two $500 AUD awards per year.
La Trobe University (Melbourne) – Two $1,000 AUD award per year.
Macquarie University (Sydney) – Gina Rosko Memorial Scholarship – full tuition – July term only.
Monash University (Melbourne) – Two $1,000 USD awards per year.
Murdoch University (Perth) – Two $750 AUD awards per year for semester/year abroad and two $500 AUD scholarships for summer.
Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane) – Two $1,000 AUD awards each year.
Swinburne University of Technology (Melbourne) – Two $500 AUD scholarships each year.
University of Canberra (Canberra) – $1,000 AUD scholarship to every GlobaLinks Learning Abroad student who enrolls.
University of Melbourne (Melbourne) – Two $1,000 AUD scholarships per year.
University of Newcastle (Newcastle) – Two $1,000 AUD scholarships per year.
University of Queensland (Brisbane) – Two half-tuition scholarships per year.
University of South Australia (Adelaide) – Four $500 AUD scholarship per year.
University of Tasmania (Hobart & Launceston) – One $1,000 AUD scholarship per year.

NEW ZEALAND

AUT University (Auckland) – Three $1,000 NZD scholarships per year.
Lincoln University (Christchurch) – Two $500 USD scholarships per year.
Massey University (Palmerston North, Wellington, or Auckland) – Four $1,000 NZD scholarships per year.
University of Waikato (Hamilton) – Two $300 NZD scholarships per year.
Victoria University of Wellington (Wellington) – Provides $2,000 USD per year in scholarships.

EUROPE

Kingston University (England) – One £500 (GBP) scholarship each semester.
Lancaster University (England) – Three $750 USD scholarships per year.
University of Strathclyde (Scotland) – One £500 GBP scholarship each semester.
Institute of Technology Carlow (Ireland) – Several €3000 (EU) scholarships to students with Irish heritage who attend IT-Carlow for an academic year.
American College of Thessaloniki (Greece) – An automatic Academic Merit Scholarship of $1,000 USD to all students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher. ACT also offers a Hellenic-American Heritage Scholarship for students who demonstrate Greek heritage. These range from $3,500-8,000 USD.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad annually provides more than $600,000 in scholarships and funding to its program participants to enhance the affordability of semester, year and summer-abroad programs in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the South Pacific.

It also offers financial aid counseling and budgeting advice for all of its programs to students, parents, advisors and study abroad offices. For more details about scholarship and study abroad funding resources, go to GlobaLinks Learning Abroad’s Scholarships page.

More Study Abroad Programs in Asia to Meet Rising Demand

admin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:55:26 +0000

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad is launching several new programs – including semester abroad and internships – in Asia in response to the world region’s growing popularity as a study abroad destination for North American students.

Singapore: Holland Village

New programs include Hong Kong Polytechnic, Musashi University (Tokyo), and National University Singapore – Extension, as well as the new internships in Hong Kong.

When comparing host regions for U.S. study abroad students, Asia saw an increase to 12% in 2009/2010 from the previous year’s 11.4%,according to the latest Open Doors report from the Institute of International Education, released this week.

China played a significant role with a 5% year-over-year increase in popularity, and was a top five destination among the total 270,604 U.S. students who studied abroad for academic credit in 2009/2010. The report shows almost 14,000 U.S. students received credit for study in China in 2009/10. China remains the only one of the top five host countries outside of Western Europe. In addition, the Fall 2011 IIE/Forum survey showed 48 percent of respondents reported increases in study abroad to China in 2010/11 (with 33 percent reporting no change and 25 percent declines.)

Japan: Toyota City

While U.S. study abroad to Japan increased 6.6% in 2009/10, according to Open Doors, 41 percent of respondents to the fall survey reported declines in 2010/11, likely due to the earthquake and tsunami.

Statistics on other popular East Asian and Southeast Asian destinations include:

Hong Kong – Up 3.5%

South Korea – Up 3.6%

Malaysia – Down 8.8%

Singapore – Up 37.4%

Thailand – Down 15.8%

New Programs in Asia from GlobaLinks Learning Abroad

Hong Kong: Kowloon Park

As study abroad interest in Asia rises, GlobaLinks Learning Abroad has responded by adding several new programs to expose more North American students to some of the world’s most rapidly growing economies.

Hong Kong Polytechnic

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPolyU) is dedicated to supporting industries and serving the community. Established in 1937, the university enjoys a proud and illustrious history, which includes assuming full university status in 1994. Today, the university is internationally known for its excellence in career-oriented teaching, innovative research, and unique programs.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is strategically located in the heart of Asia, which gives students easy access to China and the rest of Asia during their studies. The campus has a vibrant and multicultural environment, which allows study abroad participants to meet other students from around the world.

The program is available for Spring 2012.

Musashi University

Musashi University is a small private institution located in the quiet residential area of Tokyo’s Nerima ward. Musashi enrolls approximately 4,000 students in the faculties of Economics, Humanities, and Sociology. The university was established in 1949 and is part of the Musashi Academy, which was founded in 1922. Musashi University’s intimate campus environment affords students the opportunity to forge close relationships with classmates and faculty alike.

The program is available for Fall 2012.

National University of Singapore (NUS) – Extension

Founded in 1905 as a medical school, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has evolved into a multi-campus university of global standing. The 3 campus locations with 14 faculties offer a broad-based curriculum with distinctive strengths in education and research and an entrepreneurial dimension. NUS has an enrollment of over 24,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students from 100 countries and welcomes students who want to study abroad in Singapore.

As the continuing education arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS) since 1966, NUS Extension acts as a link between the University and the community at large by providing learning opportunities for lifelong learners. Among other programs, the summer program at National University Singapore provides specialized opportunities for study abroad students and delegates to undertake an exciting academic adventure in Singapore.

AsiaLearn’s summer study abroad program at the National University of Singapore offers the perfect opportunity to study Chinese in a dynamic learning environment. There is no better place to learn Chinese than in multicultural Singapore.

The program is available for Fall 2012.

Hong Kong Internships

AsiaLearn’s new internships for credit in Hong Kong cover every field of study and give 24/7 on-site support including a group orientation upon arrival in country. The program provides custom-built internships to meet students’ needs and bring our expertise to ensure a great internship experience.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and is the primary gateway to mainland China. It is situated at the southern coast of mainland China and is within four hours of all major Asian cities and resorts. Born of a fusion from ancient Chinese heritage and a long period of Western influence, this small island is a cross-cultural and diversified city where English and Chinese, tai chi and soccer, towering skyscrapers and historical sites all exist side by side. Here lies the bridge between the East and the West.

The program is available for Spring 2012.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Launches GlobaLinksAbroad.org, Providing One Stop For Comprehensive Study Abroad Programs Worldwide

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Connects Canadian and Australian Universities for Degree Articulation Programs

Stacey — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:32:43 +0000

Vancouver, B.C.’s Langara College, with facilitation from GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, has formed a partnership with Australia’s Griffith University that paves the way for Langara graduates to pursue a range of related bachelors’ and masters’ degrees at Griffith University.

“We are pleased to be able to partner with Griffith University, which is considered one of Australia’s most innovative and influential institutions,” says Dr. David Ross, Langara College President and CEO. “This agreement is the first step in developing new opportunities for our students, graduates, and the Langara community.”

(L-R) Professor Ian O'Connor, Vice-Chancellor & President, Griffith University, and Dr. David Ross, President & CEO, Langara College, participated in signing ceremony between the two institutions. Chad DuMond, Director of Canadian Institutional Relations and Recruitment for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, also attended.

Under the terms of the degree articulation agreement, graduates of certain Langara programs will be eligible for admission to Griffith University with full block-transfer credit provided all other entrance criteria, such as grade point average and admission requirements, are met. Students will also have access to a limited number of full-fee scholarships through Griffith University.

“The landscape of higher education is changing, and in Langara College, we recognize similar desires to diversify classroom opportunities,” says Professor Ian O’Connor, Griffith University Vice-Chancellor and President. “We are impressed by the quality of learning at Langara and look forward to establishing academic exchanges that create further opportunities for collaboration.”

At the institutional level, the partnership agreement supports several aspects of Langara’s strategic plan, including developing and diversifying opportunities for learners and enhancing the College’s international reputation.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, a provider of international education programs in Australia, Asia, Europe, New Zealand and the South Pacific, initiated the Langara-Griffith connection and also helped develop the partnership between the two institutions, said Chad DuMond, Director of Canadian Institutional Relations and Recruitment for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad.

“More colleges across Canada are setting up articulation agreements to broaden their educational offerings,” DuMond said. “The agreements allow the institutions to respond to a growing need for skilled and globally savvy workers. They also bolster the college’s academic profile.”

Michelle Signer, a former College of the Rockies’ student, is a recent example of the benefits of such partnerships.

Signer recently completed her post-secondary studies at Griffith University, and was featured in a recent article by the Kootenay News Advertiser.

In the article, Signer said she always knew she would continue through to university after her time at College of the Rockies. Following a discussion with the Tourism and Recreation program coordinator about the possibility of studying in Australia, she decided to seek additional information.

“I received full transfer credit from Griffith for all of my previous courses,” she said. “After my time at COTR, I studied for a year and a half (3 semesters) and completed my degree.”

About Griffith University

Established in 1975, Griffith University is Australia’s ninth largest higher education provider. With multiple campuses throughout Queensland, the university is home to more than 43,000 students from 131 countries and offers over 300 degrees.

About Langara College

Langara College, located in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Canada, provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies programs and courses to more than 23,000 students annually. The College’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students to choose their own educational path. For more information, visit www.langara.bc.ca.

Making the Call: How Students, Universities Weighed Studying Abroad in Japan After Earthquake and Tsunami

admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:59:43 +0000

By Kelli Modica

Once Student’s Decision

Nicole Carlson with new friends upon her arrival to study abroad in Japan.

When Nicole Carlson, a student at Georgetown College, faced the challenge of deciding whether to continue on her study abroad program in Japan or cancel in the face of the news of natural disasters, she decided to go.

Carlson departed for Japan on March 23^rd, less than two weeks after the earthquake struck. It was not a decision she took lightly. Carlson and her family took time to learn the facts before making a decision whether to head to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Japan, on the south island of Kyushu.

“My family and I watched the news every day for good news, and though there was a lot of bad news, we could see that the situation would get better, and was already improving then,” Carlson explains. “After learning how far away the earthquake and tsunami (and resulting nuclear danger) were from APU, I quickly decided that I still wanted to go. My parents were still supportive of my study abroad trip, though my mother was very worried about it. One thing my dad told me before I left was that he thought the people who chose to cancel their study abroad trip because of the earthquake would see the danger pass over in a matter of weeks, and would regret their decision to not go.”

The earthquake, tsunami, and issues at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant were not enough to deter some students from studying abroad in Japan during the Spring and Summer 2011 terms. Despite all of the damage in northeastern Japan caused by these disasters many students, professionals, and universities felt specific areas of the country were safe for student travel.

But with a devastating death toll that climbed well over 15,000 people and three major disasters, many international students and professionals chose to return home or cancel their plans to head to Japan at that time. So, how and why did some students, their parents, and some of their home universities decide to continue the study abroad program as planned for the Spring 2011 term?

Home University Decisions

Nicole Carlson enjoys the cherry blossoms while studying abroad in Japan.

At the University of Minnesota many factors influenced the decision to approve students’ participation in a study abroad program at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Japan. Shelly Fisher, Ph.D., is program director of U of M’s Learning Abroad Center. She explains how and why the university came to its decision to allow students to go forward with their plans to study in Beppu, Japan, despite the Travel Warning issued by the U.S. Department of State:

Under University of Minnesota Board of Regents policy, students cannot study in countries under a travel warning unless they have received approval from the University’s International Travel Risk Advisory & Assessment Committee (ITRAAC).

However, in this case, ITRAAC did give approval for APU students to study in Japan for the 2011. The decision was only undertaken after extensive discussion and was based on the distance from the earthquake, tsunami, and the nuclear reactors involved, support from APU, and advice from various specialists including the U.S. Department of State, the university’s international health insurance provider and its security division, nuclear science experts at the University of Minnesota, and AsiaLearn.

Kathryn Olinger, director of admissions for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad and AsiaLearn, explains how her company made its decision:

“We would never put our students in a knowingly dangerous situation, which is why our research was pertinent to our decision to allow our students to participate in the APU program in the spring,” she said. “Natural disasters are unpredictable, but it isn’t helpful to live in fear of the unknown. Any concerns over the safety of a location should be thoroughly researched so students and their families can make an informed decision about studying abroad.”

A Student in Japan When the Earthquake Struck

AsiaLearn students, including Nicole Carlson, who went for Spring 2011 semester.

University of Louisville student Adria Schwarber was in Japan when the earthquake hit, but luckily for Schwarber she was on the APU campus in Beppu, Japan, where she felt much removed from the tragedy. In fact, she didn’t immediately know an earthquake had occurred,

“When the earthquake hit I was actually talking to my father on Skype,” she said. “He called to ask if there had been a large earthquake, but I had not heard anything on the news. It wasn’t until I looked the information up online that I saw the story. The next day on the news we saw the devastation from the tsunami. People were optimistic about the death toll and many domestic students worried about relatives and friends from the affected areas.”

Schwarber had plans to travel to Tokyo on March 12^th, just a day after the 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan. Given the circumstances, Schwarber canceled her Tokyo trip, but she continued on with her studies at APU.

Japan University Realities

Other universities in Japan were not as lucky or as safe to travel to as APU immediately after the earthquake and tsunami. Tohoku University, which is located in Sendai City, sits in the heart of the area most affected by the earthquake and tsunami. The campus suffered some damage, but suffered no human losses on the Tohoku campus. Many university staff and students at Tohoku chose to stay and help those in need instead of fleeing the scene. Tohoku University President, Akihisa Inoue showed his approval of the university staff and student efforts by stating, “This disaster did not stop our university’s activities for society; immediately following the earthquake, the Tohoku University Hospital operated tirelessly to provide medical care and examinations in the affected areas, the Graduate School of Dentistry assisted in identification of individuals, and the Cyclotron and Radioisotope Center dedicated itself to monitoring radiation levels. I have also heard that our students have been active in volunteering, wanting to help those affected by the disaster in any way they can.”

Now, more than six months after the earthquake, Tohoku University has been long up and running.

As of early May all national universities in Japan started their spring 2011 semesters. Only four of the national universities required a delay in the start date, while eighty-two of the national universities proceeded their spring semesters without delay; according to Tomoyuki Nogami, senior managing director of the Japan Association of National Universities.

View from a boat during a tour in Japan.

While the recent natural disasters in Japan did keep many students from studying abroad there, others such as Nicole Carlson and Adria Schwarber were among those who forged on.

Carlson, who has since completed her study abroad program, was content with her decision. “I am glad that I still chose to come,” she said, “and hope that the students who wanted to come, but were not able to, can study here sometime in the future.”

Kelli Modica is a former manager for AsiaLearn, a provider of semester/year and summer study abroad programs in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.

Scholarships Provide GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Students with Valuable Experiences Abroad

admin — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:39:38 +0000

Kaitlyn Hanaway, who is currently studying abroad for a year at the University of Stirling in Scotland through GlobaLinks Learning Abroad’s EuroLearn program, is echoing the sentiments of more students these days who are relying on study abroad scholarships and financial aid to study abroad.

“The scholarship was really important for me because it was somewhat of a struggle to find a job here,” said Hanaway, who received a $1,000 award from the Foundation for Global Scholars, a 501C(3) non-profit organization founded by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad that provides thousands of dollars annually in scholarships to students who might otherwise be unable to afford an international experience.

The scholarship has helped Hanaway, the 21-year-old psychology major at Bloomsburg University, pay for program and housing fees.

“Because it has helped me with these important payments, I can worry a little less about affording the lifestyle as a student in the U.K.,” she says. “Studying abroad is an amazing experience and it is so much better when you are not weighted down with stress about your financial support.”

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, a provider of international education programs across the globe, also provides scholarships and financial aid assistance. In fact, the organization annually awards $600,000 in scholarships to lessen financial burdens for students who want to make academic, professional, personal, cultural and social discoveries through study abroad.

“Challenging economic conditions globally are keeping some students from discovering the many benefits of study abroad, including personal growth, global workplace exposure and cultural adaptation skills,” said Cynthia Banks, founder and executive director of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. “To counter this effect, GlobaLinks Learning Abroad is helping students tap into every possible resource for studying abroad, including scholarships, travel grants, financial aid transfers from home universities, payment plans and affordable high-quality program options.”

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad annually offers a wide variety of scholarship awards to enhance the affordability of semester, year and summer-abroad programs. It also offers financial aid counseling and budgeting advice for all of its programs to students, parents, advisors and study abroad offices.

“Many students mistakenly believe scholarship programs are only awarded to a small, select group of students,” Banks said. “Our scholarship and funding resources are actually much broader, which is why we strongly encourage all participants in our programs to explore available scholarship and funding options, as well as our many affordable, high-quality programs in Australia, Asia, New Zealand, Europe and the South Pacific.”

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad scholarship categories include:

Affiliate Student Awards – Students who attend U.S. or Canadian institutions affiliated with GlobaLinks Learning Abroad receive discounts on their semester abroad program fees and are eligible for affiliate student awards.

University-Sponsored Scholarships – These awards at 28 institutions in Europe, New Zealand and Australia are offered only to GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students by its partner universities.

Travel grants – In partnership with Qantas Airways, Air New Zealand and Air Pacific, selected participants are provided with awards equivalent to the international round-trip airfare to/from programs in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji.

Special Awards – These awards are targeted to certain populations or to support specific initiatives and additional resources through national organizations, home universities and academic departments. These scholarships include:

Diversity Scholarship – Awards of $1,500 to eligible students of an ethnic minority.
University of California and California State University Awards – $20,000 in scholarships for eligible students from any UC or CSU school.
Gilman Scholarship Support – Students who earn a Gilman Scholarships will receive $500.

Foundation for Global Scholar s Awards – Students who are from underrepresented populations in international education are a priority.

For more details about the above opportunities, as well as additional scholarship and study abroad funding resources, go to GlobaLinks Learning Abroad’s Scholarships page.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad’s Cynthia Banks Selected For NAFSA Board of Directors

Stacey — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:50:19 +0000

Cynthia Banks, founder and executive director of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, has been selected as a Board of Directors member-at-large for NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

The 2011 NAFSA national elections took place September 1-30, 2011. Full details of the new NAFSA leadership positions can be found here.

Banks has served as the chair of NAFSA’s Education Abroad Knowledge Community, treasurer of NAFSA Region II, and was the co-chair of the Local Arrangements Team for NAFSA’s 1999 annual conference. She is an elected member of the prestigious International Women’s Forum, a director of the board of the Up With People nonprofit organization, and was a finalist for the Denver Business Journal‘s “Outstanding Women in Business” Awards. She is a member of the Forum on Education Abroad, attends other major conferences such as the Australian International Education Conference, European Association for International Education, and Asia Pacific Association for International Education, and has been an invited speaker at many of these events.

International Education Hot Topic: Social Media Peer Advising

Stacey — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:20:52 +0000

By Stacey Hartmann

GlobaLinks NewsWire Editor

As the clock ticked closer to his first trip overseas to Australia to study abroad, Josh Larsen, like many students these days, turned to a Facebook group of past and future study abroad program participants for information, guidance, and reassurance.

It didn’t matter that Larsen hadn’t actually met any of the individuals who were answering his questions and helping him form a base of information upon which to make important decisions. The information was from peers, so it made a special kind of impact.

“I was able to talk to other people in my situation and get some answers and advice on what to do when going overseas,” said Larsen, a University of Nebraska – Kearney environmental science graduate who studied abroad via GlobaLinks Learning Abroad’s AustraLearn program in 2006 at Southern Cross University in New South Wales, Australia. “This made my experience all the more pleasurable and exciting.”

Josh Larsen in New Zealand during a trip while studying abroad in Australia.

Peer advising, the practice of bringing together study abroad alumni with prospective participants for information sharing, is a time-tested educational tool used by colleges, universities and independent study abroad programs. The practice occurs at study abroad fairs, pre-departure sessions, information sessions, classroom visits, one-on-one meetings and other cultural events.

The use of peer advising within the social media realm, however, is a relatively new approach, one that brings purposeful peer-to-peer interaction into Facebook groups and other social media forums, said Deborah Morrison, director of marketing for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, a Westminster, CO.-based provider of international education programs across the globe.

“Most study abroad offices and providers use social media these days to reach a wide variety of the different student audiences,” Morrison says, “but it is a more novel idea to utilize peer advisors within social media groups.”

Social media isn’t a replacement for traditional peer advising but is yet another tool for communication, especially considering one of the largest social media demographics is individuals ages 18-29, Morrison says.

Characteristics of Social Media Peer Advising

Where and how does peer advising take place?

It takes place in a number of different social media forums and applications. These include:

Facebook via pages, groups and events.
Twitter via hash tags and key words.
YouTube via video bloggers.
Websites for peer reviews, including Abroad101.com and ReviewYourStudyAbroad.com.
Instant messaging/live chat hours.

Even when setting up peer advising in a social media format, study abroad offices and program providers are likely to follow the traditional model of peer advisor selection, training, incentives and outcomes.

Social media peer advising can work in tandem with traditional advising efforts because it feeds the needs and expectations of today’s student audiences for constant access to information and direct connection to participants not just on their home campuses but across the globe.

One Program’s Experience With Social Media Peer Advising

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad launched its social media peer advisor program in 2010 after noticing certain students who had a special knack for assisting participants in its Facebook groups, said Melissa Cech, GlobaLinks’ senior coordinator for outreach and student services. The program now has a handful of peer advisors who act as ‘Alumni Mentors’ and ‘Officers’ in the AustraLearn, AsiaLearn and EuroLearn groups and pages, with plans to add even more.

“This semester for the first time we will invite alumni into our participant groups to interact with students preparing to go abroad,” Cech says. “Not only is this a great way for inquiries and participants to get a firsthand account of where they’re going to be living abroad, it’s an opportunity for alumni to practice speaking about their experience before they head off into interviews with potential employers.”

Benefits and advantages to using peer advisors within a social media strategy include:

Distance and time differences between group participants are not an issue.
Students who may not normally connect have the chance to do so and potentially share ideas that may otherwise never have been explored.
Study abroad offices or program staff can tap recently returned students as “the experts” on specific program and country experiences.
Inquiring students, participants and alumni all benefit mutually from communicating in the various social media forums.
Doesn’t require a budget, other than staff management time.

But there also are challenges and costs to using social media peer advisors, including:

Staff time and resources to supervise social media interactions, including deleting inappropriate or inaccurate information and keeping up with large volumes of posts.
Sustaining the relationship between the peer advisor and study abroad office/program.
Maintaining consistency over time in peer advice.
Ensuring important information and guidance isn’t “lost in translation.”

Why Become A Social Media Peer Advisor?

Larsen at Frasier Island in Australia.

Larsen is now one of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad’s peer advisors.

After completing his first study abroad experience and deciding to go abroad for a second time to earn his master’s degree, Larsen once again turned to the AustraLearn Facebook group for information. This time, however, rather than asking most of the questions, Larsen was answering them.

“I saw people having the same questions and the nervousness of what was going to happen when they got Australia,” he says. “I wanted to help out and decided to help answer questions from the future study abroad students. I also gave advice based on the experiences that I had a few years ago when I came to Australia for the first time.”

Larsen’s regular efforts to help others on the Facebook group caught the eye of Cech, who manages the company’s social media outreach, so she invited him to be an Alumni Mentor.

“Josh is our ‘original’ peer mentor on Facebook and has been advising other students via our groups and pages for at least a year,” Cech says. “He has definitely gone above and beyond in this call of duty through our AustraLearn inquiry group as well as our Facebook page.”

Larsen isn’t paid for his efforts but helps out because of the positive experience he had studying abroad and as a way to give back since he can’t afford to donate money to help others study abroad.

“I also do it because I think every student should do a study abroad program,” he says. “It helps expand your knowledge and give you a different perspective on how things are done and what other people in different parts of the world think. If I can help one student have a better experience, then it was well worth my time and effort.”

It is difficult to put data behind the value of social media peer advising efforts, Morrison says, but GlobaLinks Learning Abroad has seen increased engagement from students and fewer student issues resulting from incorrect expectations from its efforts. It intends to continue to improve upon the model.

“It just makes sense to take advantage of the many advances in technology and communication across the globe in a way that benefits our students and provides them yet another layer of service,” Morrison says.

Larsen is now earning his master’s degree in Australia at Griffith University, and in the process, has expanded his knowledge of the country and what is involved in earning a degree at an Australian university. This, in turn, has helped him serve as an even greater resource for future study abroad participants.

“If anyone is thinking about doing a study abroad program anywhere around the world they should do it,” he says. “It’s a great experience. In my case, it has changed my life completely.”

Larsen also recommends social media peer advising to others.

“I get the satisfaction of knowing that I helped someone to have a better experience studying in another country,” he says. “It just makes me feel good that I have helped someone else out. I have also gained a few friends through this process that I never would have had if it wasn’t for me helping them through their study abroad experience.”

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Partners With Education New Zealand On Overseas Educational Visits For North American Study Abroad Advisors

Stacey — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:10:10 +0000

Select study abroad advisors to discover New Zealand’s rich educational and cultural offerings so they can better advise students

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, a provider of international education programs across the globe, is partnering with Education New Zealand to give North American university faculty and study abroad advisors first-hand knowledge of the many educational and cultural resources available in New Zealand.

Education New Zealand is a newly established Crown Agency that provides leadership and coordination to maximize the impact of international and domestic export education activities. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad assists U.S. and Canadian students to achieve academic, professional, personal, social and cultural discovery in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and the South Pacific.

“Education New Zealand is a great supporter of our efforts to inspire more U.S. and Canadian students to discover the unique offerings of New Zealand,” said Cynthia Banks, founder and executive director of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. “By providing airfare and other assistance for site visits to New Zealand, Education New Zealand is helping more faculty and advisors on our side of the world gain a deeper understanding of the quality educational offerings and rich cultural heritage of this island country in the South Pacific.”

Education New Zealand this year sponsored two airline tickets that were announced at the annual GlobaLinks Learning Abroad luncheon at the NAFSA: Association of International Educators conference in Vancouver in May. The organization also supported a specialized countrywide New Zealand site visit earlier this year that was attended by two GlobaLinks Learning Abroad staff.

“Education New Zealand is thrilled to be able to support the travel of advisors to New Zealand,” said Sarah Cox, PACE Events and Offshore Network senior manager. “After all, the best way to understand the environment of a country is to visit in person. We are very proud of the quality of education available to students in New Zealand; the relaxed lifestyle here makes it a very easy place for international students to settle in.”

The advisor recipients of the New Zealand site visits are:

Sarah Simmonite, assistant director for the Center for International Education at the College of Charleston. She will attend an advisor site visit in New Zealand, with airfare covered by Education New Zealand and accommodations paid for by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad.
Caryn Lindsay, director of international programs at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She will attend an advisor site visit in New Zealand, with airfare covered by Education New Zealand and accommodations paid for by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad.

“I am excited about this opportunity to visit New Zealand and see firsthand why students rave about their experience there,” Simmonite said. “By visiting a variety of universities, I hope to gain a better understanding of the academic strengths and individual culture of each campus so I am better equipped to advise our students. I am looking forward to discovering how these universities and host cultures enrich our students’ education – both inside and outside the classroom. I am grateful to GlobaLinks Learning Abroad and Education New Zealand for this unique opportunity for professional development and personal growth, as I have only heard wonderful comments about the country and its people.”

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to learn more about the expertise found at New Zealand universities,” Lindsay said. “It is not only helpful for my advising work with students, but it also provides me with background and contacts for directing interested faculty members toward opportunities to develop faculty-led programs in New Zealand.”

Nearly 100,000 students come from overseas each year to study in New Zealand, which has eight state-funded universities, all of them respected for their academic and research standards. Known in Maori as Aotearoa, or Land of the Long White Cloud, New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and features varied landscapes and hidden treasures waiting to be explored.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad offers overseas site visits and educational workshops in New Zealand and other destinations to advisors and faculty. The site visits are designed to deliver a full menu of educational and cultural sites and experiences, including the Bridging Cultures Program, in a short period. The company also supports ongoing advisor education about its pre-program and on-site support services through an Advisor Open House in January and July at its headquarters in Westminster, Colo.

For more information on educational opportunities available for study abroad advisors by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, visit the Learning About Our Programs page.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Announces Raffle Winners of Advisor Site Visits

Stacey — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:12:54 +0000

Recipients To Visit Destinations In Australia, Asia, Europe, New Zealand and Denver

By Stacey Hartmann

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad today announced the names of university faculty and study abroad advisors who won a raffle for round-trip airfare to Australia, Asia, Europe, New Zealand and Colorado.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad raffled the airline tickets as part of its ongoing efforts to educate faculty and advisors on the academic, housing and cultural experiences it provides to students in destinations around the world, as well as the custom programs it creates to meet university needs for cross-cultural learning in specific academic areas.

Standing between Kevin Jacobs (L), president of STA Travel, and Cynthia Banks(R), executive director of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, are the three raffle winners of advisor site visits abroad. They are (L-R) Melissa Reed, life directions advisor at Colorado Christian University; Bob Frank, director of international affairs at Longwood University; and Dr. Wally Lagerwey, director of international education and off-campus programs at Elmhurst College.

The raffle winners were announced in two phases, with the first including three winners of airfare sponsored by STA Travel Inc., the youth travel expert enabling students and young adults to explore the world by creating experiences filled with adventure, discovery and personal growth.

The winners, announced during the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad’s annual luncheon at the NAFSA convention in Vancouver, were:

Dr. Wally Lagerwey, director of international education and off-campus programs at Elmhurst College, will participate in an advisor site visit in Australia.

Bob Frank, director of international affairs at Longwood University, will participate in an advisor site visit in Europe.

Melissa Reed, life directions advisor at Colorado Christian University, will participate in an advisor site visit to Asia.

The remaining raffle winners were randomly selected this summer, with airfares to New Zealand provided by Education New Zealand, a government recognized industry body for export education in New Zealand and a partner of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad.

The winners are:

Sarah Simmonite, assistant director for the Center for International Education at the College of Charleston, will attend an advisor site visit in New Zealand, with airfare covered by Education New Zealand and accommodations paid for by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad.

Caryn Lindsay, director of international programs at Minnesota State University, Mankato, will attend an advisor site visit in New Zealand, with airfare covered by Education New Zealand and accommodations paid for by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad.

Debra L. Peterson, director of international education at Albion College, will attend a site visit in Asia with airfare and accommodations paid for by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad.

Brita Doyle, a study abroad advisor at American University, will travel to Colorado to attend a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad open house, with airfare and accommodations paid for by the organization.

Jane Decatur, director of study abroad at Framingham State University, will travel to Colorado to attend a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad open house, with airfare and accommodations paid for by the organization.

Advisor site visits provide an in-depth, first-hand look at the many short-term, semester, year and degree programs offered by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad in Australia, Asia, Europe, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The advisor site visits also give insight into the organization’s custom programs for universities providing specific learning experiences across the academic spectrum, including engineering and sciences; health; business, hospitality and tourism; sport and recreation; arts, humanities and social sciences; education and human/social services; and more.

For more information on GlobaLinks Learning Abroad’s services supporting university faculty and advisors, visit the “For Advisors” page.