For Immediate Release
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mike Liberty, AIFS
(203) 399-5187, mliberty@aifs.com
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 – Studying abroad offers students competitive advantage and cross-cultural competence that open up a world of career opportunities, say three leading experts in study abroad. Highlighting the impact of globalization, international careers expert Stacie Nevadomski Berdan, IIE president Allan Goodman, and the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) founder Sir Cyril Taylor, co-authors of A Student Guide to Study Abroad, make a compelling case for why global experience matters in today’s job market. They have joined forces to provide a comprehensive and practical guide that is equally useful for students, parents, educators, career counselors and study abroad advisers.
A Student Guide to Study Abroad, published this month by the Institute of International Education and the American Institute for Foreign Study Foundation, arms students with the critical information needed to make one of the most important decisions of their academic career.
“Globalization is here to stay, and employers increasingly seek workers who have both cross-cultural competence and cutting-edge technical skills,” say the authors. “Global experience is destined to continue to move from ‘nice to have’ to ‘must have’ and study abroad can make all the difference.”
Packed with user-friendly “how to” information offered in a fun and engaging style, this valuable hands-on resource includes 100 practical, easy-to-follow tips and more than 200 real-life stories from students, advisers and professionals. Topics include:
The authors surveyed approximately 350 students about their study abroad experiences and asked dozens of educators and business leaders to share their insights. The result is a groundbreaking book, equal parts savvy travel guide, educational adviser and career handbook, providing useful advice for students during every stage of their study abroad journey.
A Student Guide to Study Abroad makes it clear that the wide range of programs currently available makes study abroad more flexible, affordable and accessible than ever before, and that there is a study abroad option for just about everyone. The guide addresses the needs of all students as it offers targeted advice for students from diverse backgrounds and addresses practical considerations related to disabilities, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, and financial need.
“Every student who wants to succeed in the global economy should study abroad, and every student who is considering study abroad should read this book,” say the authors.
Additional resources for students include IIE’s directory of study abroad programs, IIEPassport.org, and its database of grants and scholarship opportunities, studyabroadfunding.org. IIE administers the Fulbright Student Program and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the David L. Boren Fellowships and Scholarships on behalf of the National Security Education Program.
Join A Student Guide to Study Abroad on Facebook, and follow IIEGlobal on Twitter for more tips and resources.
Print copies of the trade paperback are available online at iiebooks.org and Amazon, and the eBook will be available on iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo next month.
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Institute of International Education
The Institute of International Education is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. An independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has network of 18 offices worldwide and over 1,100 member institutions. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. IIE also conducts policy research and program evaluations, and provides advising and counseling on international education and opportunities abroad. www.iie.org
About the American Institute For Foreign Study
Founded in 1964, the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) is one of the oldest, largest and most respected cultural exchange organizations in the world. With global offices in 6 countries, AIFS organizes cultural exchange programs for more than 50,000 participants each year. AIFS is a leading study abroad organization which enables 5,000 American students to study abroad each year through its summer, semester, academic year and J-term programs in association with 28 international Universities and affiliation with nearly 500 US colleges and universities. www.aifs.com
