Interesting article from The Economist about a lesser known benefit of living abroad: creativity.  Click on the link below to read the article!

Living abroad gives you a creative edge

World Endeavors is offering one full scholarship and 9 partial scholarships for a 4-week volunteer trip to Thailand.  Scholarship winners will have the opportunity to volunteer in one of three areas: environmental conservation, English teaching, and health care and health education.

To participate in the contest, applicants must answer one of three questions on the contest site, linked below, and then have their friends and family vote for them and comment on their responses.  Scholarship winners will be chosen based on the number of votes received, the quality of the comments they receive, and the quality of their response. Receiving the greatest number of votes does not guarantee receipt of a scholarship, although it does guarantee that the applicant will be considered a finalist.

Winners will blog about their experiences, which will be shared on the World Endeavors site and on www.justmeans.com.

Find out more here: Win a Free Trip to Thailand with World Endeavors

Win a free volunteer trip to Thailand!

Summer Study Abroad Thailand

World Endeavors is excited to announce our newest summer study option: Summer Study Abroad in Thailand!  Students participating in this Thai Studies program will earn 6 credits in 4 weeks for two courses: Buddhism in Thailand and Society and Culture of Thailand.  The course also includes two overnight trips around Thailand.

This is a great opportunity to live in Bangkok, one of Asia’s most exciting cities, and enjoy its bustling culture and delicious food – all while earning college credit.

Program Dates: June 29 – July 24, 2009

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Application Deadline: May 15, 2009

More information: Summer Study Abroad in Thailand

How to apply: Study abroad application

Prefer a full semester in Thailand?  More here: Study Abroad in Thailand

If you have questions about the program or would like more information, please contact World Endeavors at 1.612.729.3400, or at info@worldendeavors.com.

Interested in studying abroad but not sure if you can afford it?  Studying abroad is more affordable than many students think.  World Endeavors offers several great semester study abroad programs under $10k, including tuition and housing.  Combine that with the fabulous scholarships being offered, and you’ve got yourself an amazing deal!  Want more information?  Keep reading, and click on the links below to learn more about the programs you’re interested in.

WE Semester Study Abroad Scholarships – World Endeavors will offer up to 50 scholarships of $1,000 to Fall 2009 semester study abroad participants on any of our programs.  Scholarships are awarded to applicants based on a short essay, and scholarship essays are due on the deadline for the specific study abroad program.

Application deadline: March 15, 2009

Study Abroad in the Philippines

Thai Studies Semester

Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia

Study Abroad in Melbourne, Australia

Application deadline: April 1, 2009

Study Abroad in London

Study Abroad in Seville

Application deadline: April 15, 2009

Study Abroad in Ireland

Study Abroad in New Zealand

Study Abroad in Northern Ireland

Study Abroad in Scotland

Study Abroad in Northern Spain

Application deadline: June 1, 2009

Study Abroad in China

Study Abroad in Ecuador

Study Abroad in France

Study Abroad in Italy

Study Abroad in Mexico

Study Abroad in Northern England

Study Abroad in Thailand

WE Summer 2009 Study Abroad Scholarships – World Endeavors is offering up to 50 scholarships of $350 for participants in three of our most popular summer study abroad programs in Spain, France, and Italy.

Summer Study Abroad in Valladolid, Spain

Summer Study Abroad in Angers, France

Summer Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

Hello world travelers!

When you’re out and about in different corners of the world, you want to focus on all of the new sights, sounds, and experiences, not on making sure your passport is secure or what the safest way to get around the city is. Yes, it is important to think about those things, but you don’t have to let safety concerns get in the way of having a great experience abroad. Following a few basic rules can make you feel safe without taking the fun out of traveling.

I have so much cash, I can’t even fit it all in my wallet!

Be strategic about where you keep your money and important travel documents. Try not to have all of your money in one place, and remember to bring multiple forms of money (local cash, U.S. cash, cash card for ATM’s, credit card, travelers checks). You don’t want to get stuck if the ATM won’t read your card or the local bank won’t cash your travelers checks. Keep some money and important documents with you, and some in a locked and secure place, and always be sure to leave photocopies of your passport and credit cards at home with a friend or family member to make them easier to replace should that become necessary. Some alternatives for carrying a purse or bag/backpack are a money belt for the waist, or a travel pouch around the neck.

You mean my brightly colored American flag shirt isn’t fashionable here?

Respect and be aware of the new culture you’re living in. Pay attention and take note of your surroundings. How do local people behave while using public transportation? While eating at restaurants? While meeting foreigners? Attempt to learn at least basic phrases in the local language. Try adapting your style of dress to more closely match local dress. Local people will most likely be appreciative of your efforts to fit in, and it may also prevent you from being a possible target for pick pocketing.

Maybe I like being lost!?

Ask questions about the area you’re living and/or working in. It is a good idea to consult locals about neighborhoods that are safe and areas that you should avoid at night or when you’re alone. It is helpful to scope out the area you’re living and working in to locate these places: ATMs, a bank, a post office, an internet café, a clinic or hospital, a grocery store, and the nearest bus or train stations. Find out the safest ways to get around and how to use the local transportation systems (e.g. cost of tickets, types of tickets, location of nearby stops) and what time they start or stop running each day. This could save you time and money, or a possible ticket/fine over a misunderstanding.

Happy New Year from all of us at World Endeavors!  May 2009 be filled with new experiences and opportunities to change your world.

We’ve just posted a new video to our Youtube page about volunteering in Ecuador.  One of our past volunteers, Maggie, talks about her experience in Ecuador as an orphanage volunteer.  Check it out!

To see more World Endeavors videos, click here: World Endeavors on Youtube

And click here to read about World Endeavors’ Volunteer in Ecuador programs

World Endeavors has extended the 2009 intern scholarship deadline to Monday, December 15, 2008. We are offering a $200 scholarship for all interns who apply by December 15 for programs of 3 months or longer starting in 2009. You can read more about the scholarship at: http://www.worldendeavors.com/Scholarships.html.

You can also click on the link below to read more about World Endeavors’ professional, culturally immersive international internship placements in Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, India, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, and Spain.

To apply for an internship, simply click on the application link and follow the instructions: http://www.worldendeavors.com/Enroll.html.

This week marks the ninth annual International Education Week, a joint initiative of the Department of State and Department of Education to promote international education in the US. Since 2002 World Endeavors has had the privilege to promote international education through a variety of unique and immersive internship, study and volunteer programs.

There is perhaps no better time than now for Americans to go abroad. Here are three reasons why.

• Great Investment in Challenging Economic TimesJob candidates and students who invest in themselves in this difficult job market will be better equipped to compete. Research suggests that employers often favor candidates with international experience. By participating in international internships, individuals strengthen their credentials in their professional field and improve their cultural intelligence.
• Great Exchange RatesRecently, the US dollar has remained fairly strong against a number of faltering foreign currencies. Students who go abroad now may have up to 30% more buying power than they would have had in the same country 6 months to a year ago.
• Scholarships Available This fall, World Endeavors launched our very own international education stimulus package which included scholarships on a vast array of our already affordable programs. Students who missed out on earlier scholarships can still take advantage of our internship scholarship which extends to the end of November.

If you have participated in an international education program before, you know how rewarding it can be. If you have not yet participated in a program, let this be the year that you join the ranks of the global citizenry.

Tom Peden, Director
World Endeavors

Study abroad in China

World Endeavors is offering a scholarship of $1,000 for spring 2009 study in China.  Study intensive Chinese language while immersing yourself in one of the world’s most fascinating cultures at Yantai University.  It’s not too late to apply for spring 2009!

When do I need to apply by? December 1, 2008

How do I get the scholarship? Just submit your application materials by the deadline.

Who is eligible? HS graduates, currently enrolled college students, and college graduates with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.  No Chinese language experience necessary!

How do I apply? Click here to begin filling out an application.

Where is Yantai? Yantai is located about halfway between Beijing and Shanghai, right on the Yellow Sea.  It’s a great base for traveling in China, plus it’s very affordable.

Where can I learn more? Read our program information online, or check out a profile of a past participant.