Study Abroad: How to Get the Most Out of Your Experience

Rating:
Summary: Has everything you could think of and MORE!
Review: After checking out most of the study abroad books on the market before I left, this book is by far my FAVORITE. I'm currently studying in Germany (August 2003-August 2004) and wish that I would have received this book sooner than the 1 month before I left. As the information above states, this book is arranged workbook-style with space for journaling & adding your own thoughts. It is very organized & divided into 3 main sections (Predeparture, Onsite & Re-Entry) with the same 5 units in each one: (1) Personal Development, (2) Learning About Your Own Culture, (3) Learning About Another Culture, (4) Professional Development, (5) Learning Another Language. It's great because you can do the exercises that are relevant to you (i.e. someone studying in England wouldn't do the Learning Another Language section). The book discusses that it was originally created to be used in a Study Abroad class that the students took the semester before they left. The Appendices cover the other information: My Contact Info Abroad, Address Book, Packing List, Money Matters, Taking Care of Personal Business, Extracurricular Travel Plans and Journal Pages. Personally, I haven't filled up the whole book, but reading through the exercises really helps to think about things you might not have realized would be issues. This book covers everything! As far as usability, it is very user friendly as a lightweight paperback and good size to write in without feeling too big. This book covers everything and I am extremely happy to own it! I will recommend it to anyone who is thinking about studying abroad in the future.