Reasons to Study Abroad

Have you ever thought about studying abroad? Ever think about spending a few weeks or even years learning in another country? For many people this feels like a distant dream. Others are too afraid to commit. Why is there so much hesitation? I may be a little biased here, but studying abroad was one of the highlights in my life so far. There is so much to do and see in this world. You shouldn't let anything hold you back from getting out there and seeing it. This article will explain to you a few reasons that you should reconsider studying in a different country. So put all your fears and excuses aside and get ready to see the world.

One of the main reasons to look into the different programs your school may offer is because it is probably one of the cheapest ways you will get to experience a different country. For most schools, you simply pay a program cost and then your regular tuition. For me spending the summer in Italy was cheaper than an entire semester at school. You of course have to handle any other costs like you plane ticket or spending money. One you are at your destination there is no end to your exploration. On my trip we traveled to different cities throughout the country and sometimes we took class trips to these countries to look at what we were studying.

Trying to learn a different language? It has been proven that continuous repetition and study is the best way to learn. When you travel to a different country you are forced to speak as the locals do. Many programs take you to cities that aren't tourist cities so that you can learn through immersion. By practicing it in your everyday conversations with the locals, you are sure to be fluent in no time. Don't worry if you mess up, there are people who are more than willing to help you learn.

Here in the United States we can be spoiled in how our society acts together. When you go to other countries you have the opportunity to see how other people live. You get to see how cultures operate in different countries and you truly learn about the region that surrounds you. It gives you a better understanding on how the entire world operates. You will see things that you like better in their country and things that you don't. All in all, it will make you more appreciative.

Though traveling abroad can be fun, it is important to understand things do not operate the same ways in other countries that they do here. You have to be respectful and remember you are a guest to that country. You also need to make sure that you are aware of your safety at all times. It can be difficult to know what is going on around you when you don't understand the different language. This is why it is important to have fun but also keep your guard up. Also it wouldn't hurt to invest in some travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect you and your belongings in the event of an emergency.

Cassandra Picard

Travel Insurance

Original article

The Wrigley Experience

Several years ago my daughter went with some girl friends on vacation to Chicago. She met a young man who is now her husband, so now my wife and I make at least one trip a year to the windy city area.

My son-in-law is a Cubs fan, so we follow the Cubs along with the Giants. Even though the Cubs were not in town during our little girl's wedding week, we went on the Wrigley Field Tour. This was the beginning of our Wrigley Experience.

I was intrigued by the history of the ball park. What a tribute to Americas' Pastime. Our docent was a young man coming from his own line of Cubby history. He explained that his grandfather sold the property across the street from the Wrigley Field main entrance to Ray Croc for a McDonalds. This young man's father would sneak into the ballpark as a kid with his buddies to play ball until the security guard would throw them out.

Last summer (July, 2010) we went to a ballgame. We got to the Wrigley Field area between nine and ten o'clock in the morning. We shopped for sports apparel in several of the stores surrounding the park. As we strolled past the parking lot where the ball players parked, we spotted Rolls-Royces, Porches, Corvettes, Hummers and Land Cruisers. Across the street was a neighborhood fire department with firemen watching the festivities?

We had drinks in one of the bars by Wrigley then continued our exploration of Wrigliville. At 11:30 am we had lunch at Harry Carey's Tavern across from the ballpark. The Cubs played the St. Louis Cardinals that gorgeous July afternoon winning the ballgame 5-0. We ended the day with dinner at Smokey a B-B-Q restaurant in the area made famous by its great food and the popular Food Network show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri.

On Wednesday April 29th, 2011 my daughter, her husband and her friend and husband just live another Wrigley Experience. I wasn't there but my wife and I followed the game via ESPN on our phones and continuously texted the kids at the game.

Matt Garza started the game for the Cubs against the San Diego Padres; Matt pitched six innings, struck out nine batters and scored a run himself. The game went elevens innings and the Cubs won the game in the bottom of the eleventh inning with a home run by Reed Johnson. Matt played in our hometown Easter baseball tournament when he was in high school.

After the game to complete the experience, the kids went to dinner at Smokey to have some terrific B-B-Q.

If you have never been to Wrigley Field and lived the "Wrigley Experience" put this on your list and enjoy a wonderful part of Americana.

Original article

Top 8 Tips for Enjoying a Lima, Peru Trip

For a first time traveler to Peru and the capital of Lima, there will be many cultural aspects to learn and experience. The way you approach these difference will help to define your memories of time spent in the country. Here are 8 tips to keep in mind in Lima so you can best enjoy your Peru holidays!

1. Practice patience - Everything from customer service to official transactions will be slower in Peru due to a more laid back attitude.

2. Try the street food - Many will advise against eating the street food for fear of resulting illness. However, chosen carefully, eating items sold and prepared at street stalls can be one of the most culturally rich activities to enjoy in Lima. The adventurous eater will find everything from fresh fruit juices to ceviche for prices much lower than in restaurants.

3. Put on your seatbelt - Traffic in Lima is congested and furious. Remember to put on your seatbelt when you're in a taxi or private car, because weaving through traffic using only honking as driving directions is the way of the limeños.

4. Go to a park - Peruvians love their green spaces. Families with members of all ages will spend all weekend at the local urban park. The best ones to check out in Lima are Parque de la Muralla in the historic city center, and the chic Parque Kennedy in the Miraflores district. Also popular is the infamous Costa Verde stretch of green space along Miraflores' Pacific Ocean clifftop.

5. Bargain - In the markets and in the streets, anything you buy can be haggled. However, note that wages are much, much lower than in western countries so do so with care. Buying more than one item from a single seller will increase your success of reaching a lower price agreement.

6. Drink Inca Kola - No trip to Peru could be complete without trying the bubblegum-tasting Inca Kola. The neon yellow drink is more popular than any other packaged drink in the country.

7. Take a walk - The average limeño and Peruvian cannot afford cars so walking is the only way to get around. Don't be afraid, though always be cautious, to walk through the neighborhoods of Lima such as Miraflores, Barranco, and Chorrillos. Who knows what you will discover in the smallest of niches?

8. Attend mass - Peruvians are very devout Catholics and very religious. Attend a service at any of the elegant churches in the old downtown or even the modern districts to appreciate the more peaceful and tranquil side of the bustling capital city.

This article about Lima travel was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Peru holidays for your fully customizable Peru trip.

Original article