Plan and conquer your international program

Some of you may find it easy to organize and reach your goals, but not everyone is so fortunate. Many of us share the desire to study abroad but find it difficult to develop the proper plan to help achieve our goal. We created a list of ideas to help you reach your target!


Set the date, and commit

No more procrastinating! Once you choose the date, make it real by marking it in your Calendar. Be sure the date doesn’t conflict with other professional or personal obligations, and always allow time for logistical and financial preparations (i.e., program tuition, accommodation, flights, daily expenses, Visa/Passport, tourist activities).


Learn to choose the essentials

If you are serious about experiencing international travels, you MUST learn to be efficient with prioritizing your finances. Ask yourself, ‘Do I really need this?’, plan accordingly and spend your money on the essentials.


Start saving

Naturally, the further away your program date is, the more time you will have to save money, which allows you to have a better time during your travels. It’s important to research the local currency to have an idea of the costs you will incur during your stay.Once you know how much you will need, set aside an appropriate amount each month. It is best to put this money in a place that is not easily accessed, which can help prevent the temptation of spending it. Choose the method that works best for you!


Research the destination

This is vital. Not only will this provide you with an idea of the expenses you can expect to incur, but it will also give you insight on the local language, cultures and customs & courtesies. The more information you have beforehand, the more comfortable you will be with your interactions and surroundings.Planning your daily activities in advance will give you greater control over your time/money management and takes away the stress of last minute arrangements. Here are some tools to help manage your overall experience:

  • Google Trips app! Allows you to organize trips, visits, routes, sights, etc. And it’s all offline!
  • Research the trends with the currency exchange. This will allow you to optimize your $$
  • The Google flights app shows the days ahead where tickets are most in the bill. Currently low-cost airlines are growing more and more, such as RyanAir and EasyJet
  • Compare options and evaluate which is better overall (Hotel x AirBnB)


Focus

We know that the labor market is becoming more demanding and finding new ways to distinguish yourself is a necessity, so focus! The program will not only yield significant results in your professional and academic ventures, but in your personal endeavors as well. You will challenge yourself by immersing yourself in a new cultures & languages while expanding your network with friends and colleagues from all around the globe.

This is an evolutionary journey and like all transformations, it will not be easy. It will require discipline, sacrifice and focus, but if you maintain determination, you will discover a person inside yourself that you never knew existed. Rest assured, you will not regret the decision to embark upon this endeavor.



To receive information regarding our executive programs abroad, such as destinations, costs, program content, etc., send an e-mail to blog@ibs-americas.com!



5 tips for everyone who´s traveling abroad for the first time

Every time we leave our comfort zone we feel afraid and insecure, but sometimes, achieving a goal, a dream, it’s just about it. Getting to know new places and cultures is something amazing and unique for everyone. If that’s your goal, the question “How can I give the first step? And do that by myself?”, it may already have passed in your mind.The process is bureaucratic, and you may get a little bit lost. Thus, start thinking in these five tips to make your trip in the best way as possible.


1.Passport, visa and vaccines

This first step can be tiring but it is best to accomplish this before and after taking care of the simplest demands you may have. Passports and visas are mandatory in almost all international destinations – see the list of countries that apply for a visa for their nationality here). So be sure to arrange all these documents – the faster the better. If you already have a passport and it is expiration is getting closer, check the rules of your country destination about the renewal and validity of the document.

It is essential to find out whether a vaccine is required between the borders of your destination. Consult the responsible institution of vaccination and disease control in your country. Some airlines provide such information and carrying out an international travel insurance may be a good option. Take care of your health!


2.Organization

Organization is mandatory in a trip, mainly when it’s an international one. A very useful tip is to make a travel diary, writing down, by the date, the addresses of the hotels (or hotel) you will stay, places you intend to visit and the necessary transfers to those destinations. For security, leave this information with someone of your trust in your home country.

Get to know more about your destination. Read a lot about the places you plan to visit, places that are dangerous, where it is most expensive and the latest news that are circulating in the media. Be open-minded for new experiences and friendships as well as frustrations, once you will be alone and need to deal with unforeseen events.


3.Communication

Get ready to lose your shame, or at least to try. From the moment you are alone in a different country, the need to communicate with people is inevitable. Technology can help you a lot: there are translation Apps, as well as transportation ones. But, do not rely only on your smartphone, always have this information on paper, as we said in the previous tip. Print maps and walk with a local language dictionary.

In order to use your mobile number abroad, you should contact your service provider and ask about enabling the international roaming service. This service is usually charged, so it’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth buying, as well as buying a SIM CARD from the local carriers at your destination. There are some carriers (MySimTravel, EasySim4U, Fale.Global, etc.) that sell international prepaid chips, operating in several countries.

If you do not want to spend money on this, you can use the Wi-Fi network of local hotels, restaurants and bars, making connections through applications such as Skype and WhatsApp. However, it is not the safest option. If anything happens, you will not be able to contact anyone.


4.Money

Define the goal of the trip (shopping, tourism, study etc.) and make a list summing up all the expected expenses you may have: food, transportation, hotel. Do not forget to save an extra amount for possible emergencies, all this by converting from one currency to another. Try to buy the currency of your destination in your home country, so you will have one less thing to settle on your trip.

If you need to exchange a great amount of money, do it in safe places, large businesses or hotels. This prevents the receipt of false bills. Another great tip is to split your money. Take some amount in cash and also card (valid in the country destination), so in cases of theft or robbery you will not be totally out of money.


5. Luggage

The rules for international flights are different from domestic flights, including for hand luggage and suitcases that will be dispatched. Make sure you do not exceed the allowed limit on the volume of your luggage and be barred at check-in. The allowed amount varies between airlines (also check objects not allowed on international flights, such as medicines, liquids, food, etc.). Check this information in advance to take only the necessary on your trip, avoiding carrying too much weight without need, specially for long journeys.

Look for the meteorology of your destination on the dates of the trip, taking the appropriate clothes (without forgetting a coat). In order to avoid having that confusion when picking up your luggage (and for more safety), try to lock it with a padlock, seal, cape and even the packing service that the airports offer may be a good option. Identify your suitcase with a colored ribbon, for example, and a label containing your key information such as phone, email and address.

In your carry-on, carry just the essentials: documents, money, cell phone, hotel bookings and goods of value. As a precaution, some clothes as well. There is little risk of losing your bag, but keep calm, the airline can help you with that. Remember: unforeseen events may happen.



IBS Americas has a team that is committed in helping our students with any questions they may have before, during and after the program. You can check all our courses and destinations here.

To receive information regarding our executive programs abroad, such as destinations, costs, content, etc., send an e-mail to blog@ibs-americas.com! or read our post “Main doubts about our programs“!

Amazing Places to Visit in California

Make the best of your time in California

We often think that California is just a big beach with surfers, but it’s so much more! California state has so many iconic locations and attractions to explore, that it can be difficult to choose where to go. Here is a list to give you an idea of some of the more popular attractions that you may want to visit!


San Francisco

San Francisco is a city made for all audiences, from the most technological to those who seek unique experiences or tourist attractions.

If you’re passionate about technology, you can’t miss Silicon Valley, home to global headquarters and branch offices such as Google, Adobe, Facebook and Microsoft – many open to visitation.

Now, if you are looking for adventure, it is worth to visit the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, the site of one of the most notorious high-security US prisons, between the years 1934 and 1963, which is now open to the public.


Santa Monica Pier – LA

In addition to the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Pier hosts many attractions. The ride begins where Route 66 ends and there you can check out attractions such as the famous Pacific Park amusement park, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and restaurants serving delicious seafood, ending the day with an unforgettable sunset.


Venice Beach – LA

Musicians, Artists, Skateboards, Exercises: In Venice Beach you find everything! Leave the car in a nearby parking lot and walk along the boardwalk (or rent a bike!) to experience up close the experience that this incredible place can provide.


Hollywood

Being in Los Angeles and not visiting Hollywood is unacceptable. Few neighborhoods in the world have such interesting places as the Hard Rock Cafe and the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

The nightlife of this part of the city is unique, with people of a highly diverse profile.


Tahoe Lake

If you want to get out of the conventional sites, visit Lake Tahoe. Located on the California-Nevada border, the lake can be visited both in summer, when the weather is favorable for activities and water sports, and in winter, to check out the nearby ski resorts.


Death Valley

Despite its name, Death Valley is one of the most incredible national parks in the United States. The desert also stretches along the California-Nevada border, and you don’t even have to worry about looking at the weather, it hardly ever rains in Death Valley. But beware of summer, in this region has already been recorded the highest temperature in history: 56.7 ° C!


Experience all this and much more while you also develop new skills to completely transform your professional life. Check out our international courses available at University of La Verne and California State University, Northridge.

Read our article “5 reasons to attend an international course in California” and plan your future in the most populous US state.

To receive details on our executive courses abroad, send an email to blog@ibs-americas.com!

Why do companies seek to hire professionals who have studied abroad?

An increasingly globalized market requires professionals to equip themselves with the tools that allow them to work within and across various Countries and cultures. Studying abroad provides professionals the opportunity to gain insight and build cultural awareness which transforms them into exactly the type of individual that Companies are hungry for. Do you want to know why?

An international experience is one of the most distinguishing factors you can have on your CV, but is that all? With a heightened global vision, you not only become a more skilled professional, but you create a greater impact in the future of economic change.

So, what are the skills that companies are looking for and most of all, and how are these sharpened by studying abroad? From a professional standpoint, your willingness to study abroad shows a lot about your character and work ethic, but let’s explore some other reasons why companies value this experience:


A sociable person

We can’t deny that character and personality are a vital part in the selection process during interviews. Companies want to hire someone who will contribute to the efficiency of a workplace, not take away. A sociable person, open to dialogue makes will fit in better with the natural dynamics of the office, which creates a more comfortable work environment for everyone. When you decide to study at an international university where you don’t know anyone and are surrounded by a mix personality types, and cultures, this is essential.


A person who stands out

Your international experience is a differentiating factor from the mass amount of other CVs that the company will receive. What’s more, it demonstrates that you are willing to accept challenges. Think about it: you most likely took classes in a 2nd language, learned to navigate yourself in a strange environment, cared for yourself and managed to finish your studies in a totally different style of teaching. The financial and personal risk involved is a strong highlight of your initiative in self-improvement.


A person with different perspectives

A company is looking for someone to enhance the company with innovative ideas. An international program guarantees that you have been exposed to other insights & perspectives and that you will be able to utilize these fresh approaches.


An adaptable person

Even if you already have experience in the job, when you start your career in a company, everything is new. You need to adapt to new routines, schedules, bosses, co-workers, deadlines, demands, etc. As an international traveler, you have proven your ability to adapt to items on a larger scale: you lived and thrived in country, alone. This represents a considerable level of maturity.

There is no doubt that this experience will open doors in your professional career, But keep in mind that we should be eternal students. We must always seek learn and improve, because new technologies, processes and sectors arise every day and, as a professional, you must be ready for this reality.



To receive information regarding our executive programs abroad, such as destinations, costs, content, etc., send an e-mail to blog@ibs-americas.com!