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#studyabroad Seems like a no-brainer, but getting sick can ruin an epic trip.  Here are some things to keep you feeling ship-shape while out globetrotting:

1. Get your rest - Late nights partying, early classes, and traveling is a recipe for disaster. Make sure to take time to get your much needed R&R.

2. Take your vitamins - Seems really simple, but taking vitamins ensures you are replenishing your body’s ability to function.

3. Buy your medications in the States - Advil isn’t the same in every country, so be sure to take whatever meds you are used to using with you.  This goes double for allergy medications. This also means filling prescriptions before you go for the entire stay, it’s much harder to fill from abroad.

4. Consider food choices - Part of studying abroad is partaking in the local culture. Often this means trying their food.  Here is a good list to go by. Water and vegetables are most often the culprits.

5. Know what insurance covers - Most programs require that you have medical insurance before going abroad, know your policy.  This seems dumb, but when considering whether or not to go to the hospital, it comes in handy.

6. Get out and jog - Forget wasting time in a gym while abroad, put on a pair of kicks and jog around the city (assuming it’s safe).  Exercise is a great way to keep your body in top form, and jogging around the city helps you get to know your way around.

For one students account of getting sick abroad, read the full story here.

#studyabroad Every journey starts with a first step. The decision to study abroad is no different.  There’s a lot to consider, here’s UMASS Amherst’s list:

1. Which program (where will you go)?

2. Is there a language barrier?

3. What type of housing will you choose (apartment, dorm, home stay)?

4. Major city or rural community?

5. Cost, but remember, there are often scholarships.

6. Resume - one of the best things you can do for your career is have international living experience.

#studyabroad This is a dated piece but very important for the future of iternational programs. A bill has been submitted to the House for consideration that would essentially quadrupal the amount of U.S. students who go abroad each year.  This is important for the internationalization of our university educations and workforce in the years to come.

The bill would effectively lower the cost, and therefore the barrriers, to going abroad.  It would also steer students towards developing nations.

Full story.

#studyabroad WCN 24/7 caught up with some students after their return from studying abroad.  Their chief complaint? Not planning enough ahead.

#studyabroad Last week, news of the 8.8 Chilean earthquake dominated university publications.  This week, we are finally seeing first-hand accounts from students surface.  This one, an account from Claire Thompson, describes the calm relative to her native Seattle’s quake in 2001.

The quake in Chile, though tragic, is a memory that will stay with student residents forever. It has now become a part of their journey.

Full story.

#studyabroad Think your major won’t allow you to study abroad? Think again.  The University of Delaware offers 80 programs in 40 different subjects!  Your excuse not to go abroad has now been shattered.  Get out there, share your journey at www.socialabroad.com (coming Summer 2010!).

Full story.

#studyabroad Recognizing the increased importance of a diverse world view, the University of Oklahoma is increasing their study abroad opportunities by 50% and unlike many colleges, they are increasing the amount of aid by $100,000.

This is a perfect storm for college students looking to expand their horizons.  In a time of fiscal prudence, this is a rare opportunity to live and study abroad.

Full story.