Using The Study Abroad Handbook Website
The content on this website is divided up into four sections:
Below you will find summaries of the main sections. We suggest that you read the full-text version by clicking the link that follows the general summary.
> Selecting the Right Program for You It is important that you find a program that matches your academic needs and your personal objectives. There are several personal factors that you need to take into account when choosing the program that's best for you. Finances, for example, is a key factor. Before deciding on a study abroad program in Canada, it's important to identify the type of relationship your college or university has with your study abroad program provider. By knowing who runs your program is important because this determines who will help you if you need assistance. In most cases, a student's financial aid package should cover most, if not all, study abroad costs. But in some cases, it will not. Learn how to better cover the costs of study abroad in Canda, and print out a budget ledger to help you keep track of expenses. Do you have serious academic goals? Are you mature and flexible? Will you be able to succeed in Canada and abide by your program's regulations? These are just some of the questions you might have to answer on your program's application to study abroad. Make sure the personal statement portion of your application looks its best. Need writing tips?
> Pre-Departure Planning Are you having trouble buying your airplane ticket, deciding which guidebook is right for you, finding out what documents you will need, or what you need to buy before departing for Canada? Let us help you. You can unknowingly get into serious trouble by not understanding how Canada's laws apply to you as a foreigner. Find out what you should know about Canada's legal system, and what you can do if you get into trouble with the law. While you are abroad, it is important that you stay in touch with your program's administration, and with your family and friends at all times. There are several ways to communicate internationally. In this section you'll learn how to communicate from abroad. Communicating through email is a vital resource. There are many types of housing options in Canada. Finding the right housing arrangement is extremely important; yet, difficult. Where you choose to live in Canada will determine what you eat, where you sleep, and to what level you will immerse yourself in Canadian culture. Learn what option is best for you.
You should learn to expect the unexpected. Rule number one: living abroad in Canada will be different. Anticipating some of the differences ahead of time can help you better prepare for your life abroad in Canada. Learn about some of the changes you can expect.
> Basic Health and Safety Find out everything you ever wanted to know about health and safety issues in Canada; including: infectious diseases, physicals and check ups, food safety, prescriptions, fitness and exercise, transportation and the use of alcohol and drugs abroad. Do you know how to avoid being a target of crime while abroad in Canada? In this section, we'll tell you. Being aware of your surroundings, knowing how to dress, and what kind of body language is inappropriate can help keep you safer. If you are a woman, non-heterosexual, disabled, or a member of an ethnic or religious minority, you may have special concerns about traveling to Canada. You may not be treated the same way in Canada as you are in your country. You might want to prepare yourself by becoming more familiar with American cultural norms. Handling a crisis is more difficult in a foreign environment. In the event of a serious medical emergency, or a natural disaster, you will have to cope with communication and cultural barriers. While in Canada you may also encounter minor crises like pick-pockets, petty theft, and/or minor illness or injury. The key is being prepared! Read our tips on knowing how to cope during a crisis. Also be sure to check out our Emergency Card and other resources available in this section. You are not alone! Most students that go abroad will experience some form of culture shock, homesickness and stress. In this section, you will learn how to identify and cope with some common symptoms of culture shock.
> Airport Safety, Duties and Customs Now more than ever, airport security is tight. You will have to check for new updates and stricter requirements enforced by airports and airlines. In this section we'll tell you how to do so. Chances are you'll want to buy gifts for your family, but do you know what you can and cannot bring back from Canada? One of the biggest challenges for students who study abroad in Canada is re-adapting to reality in the U.S. Upon return, you may find many things are different from how you left them. In this section, we'll tell you how to recognize reverse culture shock and cope with the process of returning home. Once you've had the time of your life in Canada and made it safely back home, how do you keep the memories alive? There are many ways you can continue your international experiences at home. Introduction 
When preparing to study abroad in Canada, it is important to gain a balanced perspective. Safety is a global, national, regional, and local phenomenon. As Americans have come to realize, the U.S. is no more immune to acts of crime or violence than other parts of the world. The resources we provide will assist you in understanding the particular safety challenges in Canada. This resource gives a framework of information, checklists, questions, and resources that helps review the type of study abroad program you will choose/have chosen, the available support services, and ways for you to be prepared for the realities abroad in Canada. Students may find it extremely helpful to do some research before going abroad; understanding a country's culture, laws, customs, politics, etc. can be tremendously important. The more you know ahead of time about Canada, the better prepared and more confident you will feel when you arrive. Internet research is one of the easiest ways to find more information about Canada. The Center for Global Education compiled a condensed list of information and helpful internet resources on Canada for students considering study abroad. In creating this site, the Center's goals are to help educate and inform students so that they can enjoy a safe and healthy time in Canada. Students are encouraged to read through the information on Canada, and visit other recommended sites provided in each section. 
While no study abroad program can offer an absolute guarantee that students will be safe, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming injured or a victim of crime abroad. We encourage all students, their parents, and study-abroad program administrators to read through the following safety suggestions in order to better prepare themselves in the case of health or safety challenges in Canada. To address the current worldwide concern for safety, and the need for informed study abroad program participants, the Safety Abroad First-Educational Travel Information (SAFETI) Clearinghouse of the Center for Global Education makes the following safety resource guide available for students studying abroad in Canada. This document is made possible through support from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) of the U.S. Department of Education. Why Study in Canada? There are many reasons to study abroad in Canada. The most popular reason to study abroad in Canada is the wealth of opportunities that NAFTA can provide. NAFTA Creates OpportunitiesChoosing Canada as a study abroad destination can open the door to meaningful life and career opportunities. The North American Free Trade Agreement (also called NAFTA) signed by the U.S., Canada and Canada, creates more opportunities for those with international experience. According to the Consortium on North American Higher Education Collaboration (CONAHEC), 
In part, CONAHEC's goal is to help build a North American academic community by improving higher education systems and encouraging scholars to study abroad in
Why Learn French? Historically, French has had an enormous influence over American society. France was the United States' first ally. French thought played a dominant role among the founders of the United States in the 18th century, and it continues to shape America today through the influence of such intellectual currents as post-structuralism and post-modernism. In the humanities and the social sciences, many of the most important writings have been written in French. Students and researchers who know French had access to these works for several years before they were translated into English. Many significant works are never translated and remain accessible only to those who know the language. 
The U.S. and French speaking countries like Canada share many trade similarities, particularly their global standing as the world's top 2 exporters in 3 very important sectors: defense products, agricultural goods, and services. 
Although many languages will be useful in job-hunting, it is important to note that French is the only language other than English spoken on five continents. French, along with English and Spanish is one of the most useful languages in the world. French is one of the official working language of the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the 31-member Council of Europe, the International Red Cross. One example of the importance of French can be seen in a recent listing of international jobs distributed by the U.S. State Department: 111 required or preferred French. Of the various types of professional positions for which international organizations recruit, most required French. *Please note: The official languages of Canada are English and French. Approximately 60% of the country speaks English, while 23% prefer French. French is most widely spoken in the province of Quebec. Another 17% of Canadians speak languages other than English or French. Advice for Parents You may want to take a similar role in the selection of your student's study abroad program as you did with your son or daughter's selection of an appropriate U.S. college or university. To begin, we recommend that students read and fill-out this Study Abroad Handbook independently. This can be the first step that helps him/her take charge of his/her own study abroad experience. However, accomplishing the many tasks involved with planning study abroad in Canada can be overwhelming. Your son or daughter will most likely need your assistance. Using This WebsiteThe content on this website is divided up into four sections: Choosing a Program, Practical Information, Health & Safety and Coming Home. We suggest that you read through the Study Abroad Handbook content, and then make sure your son or daughter has answered the Questions and responded to the items in the Checklist. Many of the items will require feedback from a study abroad program provider, although the Resources section will help you as well. Make sure to have a copy of the Emergency Card that your son or daughter also should carry in his/her wallet.
As a special resource just for parents, we encourage you to read the following article entitled "Advice for Parents: Frequently Asked Questions" by William Hoffa. Finding a Quality Program In this section, you will get some helpful tools and advice on how to select the best study abroad program for you. You have a variety of programs to choose from in Canada; they include: language academies, traditional universities, cultural tours and eco-adventures. Prior to participating, students and their parents should take time to look at the different programs available for study abroad. One of the main reasons students cite for not studying abroad is that they start the planning process too late and miss the opportunity. The earlier you start researching programs, the better chance you will have to study abroad, include the coursework in your on-campus degree program, and graduate on time. The simplest way to find an appropriate study abroad program in Canada is to look at programs available through your home campus; home campus faculty and staff can help you through the process. Some Tools for Finding a Program:
The following is a list of questions to ask when looking for an appropriate study abroad program in Canada. Along with speaking with program administrators in the United States, we suggest you speak with students who have participated in a study abroad program in Canada. If possible, speak directly with a program administrator in Canada to find out the strengths and weaknesses of their program.
In addition to the above, there may be other, personal matters and questions you wish to discuss with program administrators before making any final decisions. Make sure to look through the rest of the Handbook for more health and safety information on studying abroad in Canada. Selecting the Right Program for You In this section, you will learn how to go a step beyond finding a quality program. You will begin to research quality programs that reflect your individual needs. You will be better able to find a program that matches academic and personal objectives. The following things are some personal factors that can affect a student’s program decision: Affordability and Finances
Spending and Saving: Frugal spending is key both before you go, and while you are in Canada. Make a budget for yourself and stick to it. Before you go, you may want to budget your spending by giving up that morning cup of coffee you buy on your way to work/class. Instead, you could make your own coffee at home, and bring your lunch with you rather than buying it every day. You may have to eat out less and give up going out as frequently. You could take the bus instead of paying to fill up your car, and you might even start clipping coupons. Size Does MatterGroup Size: Some study abroad programs have very high limits for enrollment, while others are very selective about the number of students they allow to participate. You should determine in which situation you might feel more comfortable.  It is important to ask your study abroad program coordinator what the ratio is between staff and students—a small program staff in charge of a large group may not be the best when you are trying to find someone to assist you. Of course, if you plan to do independent study, you may very well be the only U.S. student at the institution you’ve chosen. This would probably give you the highest level of immersion, but you would have added responsibilities that another student studying in a program group may not have. Class Size: Depending on how you learn best as a student, you will want to choose a program with smaller or larger class size. As a student, you may enjoy smaller class sizes because of the personal attention you receive. Also, if you are a beginning-level French learner, you may appreciate the extra help that smaller classes can provide. On the other hand, you may be comfortable and accustomed to larger classes in which you have more independent study time. You may enjoy a larger class setting where you may come in contact with more students. Ask your study abroad program coordinator what the average class size tends to be for the subjects you will take in Canada. Level of Immersion
Language Instruction: Even if you have minimal or no prior French language experience, you can still find a program to suit your personal needs. Ask if your program offers French for all levels, including beginner level instruction. If not, you may be able to take some classes in English. However, you may prefer to take all of your classes in French—after all, it is one of the official languages of Canada. The more classes you take in French, the more your French will improve and the more immersed you will feel in French Canadian culture and society (if that's where you choose to study). Ask if your program provides classes in French, English or both. Your ObjectivesGoals: Everyone chooses to study abroad for different reasons. You may want to learn or improve your French. You may want to conduct independent research. You may want to pursue a degree, or you may just want to travel and get away. Before choosing a program, see if it fits the personal goals and objectives you have. Ask yourself if the program you choose will allow you to accomplish what you have in mind. Reverse Culture Shock In this section, you will learn how to cope with reverse culture shock you may experience upon return to the United States. One of the biggest challenges for students who participate in study abroad can be the difficulty in re-adapting to the realities in the United States (otherwise known as "re-entry"). Many students who studied abroad in Canada went through many changes, re-examining their priorities, their values, and what they think of themselves and the United States. The "reverse culture shock" may be more difficult than the "culture shock" you felt when in Canada. (See "culture shock" for more information about the challenges of adapting to a new culture.) If return culture shock is severe, it is important that students are able to seek help/counseling to help them through this. Just as culture shock can differ greatly from person to person, reverse culture shock is just as personal of an experience. Upon return to the United States, you may find many things are different from how you left them. You may be more critical of the United States, while you now view Canada in a more favorable light. From language adjustments to depression to a simple trip to the supermarket, reverse culture shock can hit you in more ways than you would expect. Defining Reverse Culture Shock
So what is reverse culture shock? First, let's examine the process of re-entry. There are usually two elements that characterize a study abroad student's re-entry:
Often students expect to be able to pick up exactly where they left off. A problem arises when reality doesn't meet these expectations. Home may fall short of what you had envisioned, and things may have changed at home: your friends and family have their own lives, and things have happened since you've been gone. This is part of why home may feel so foreign. Feelings You May ExperienceThe inconsistency between expectations and reality, plus the lack of interest on the part of family and friends (nobody seems to really care about all of your "when I was abroad in Canada" stories) may result in: frustration, feelings of alienation, and mutual misunderstandings between study abroad students and their friends and family. Of course, the difficulty of readjustment will vary for different individuals, but, in general, the better integrated you have become to the Canadian culture and lifestyle, the harder it is to readjust during re-entry. This is where reverse culture shock (sometimes called re-entry shock) comes in to play. Stages of Reverse Culture ShockReverse culture shock is usually described in four stages:
Stage 1 begins before you leave Canada. You begin thinking about re-entry and making your preparations for your return home. You also begin to realize that it's time to say good-bye to your friends in Canada and to the place you've come to call home. The hustle and bustle of finals, good-bye parties, and packing can intensify your feelings of sadness and frustration. You already miss the friends you've made, and you are reluctant to leave. Or, you may make your last few days fly by so fast that you don't have time to reflect on your emotions and experiences. Stage 2 usually begins shortly before departure, and it is characterized by feelings of excitement and anticipation - even euphoria - about returning home. 
This is often one of the transitions to Stage 3. You may experience feelings of frustration, anger, alienation, loneliness, disorientation, and helplessness and not understand exactly why. You might quickly become irritated or critical of others and of U.S. culture. Depression, feeling like a stranger at home, and the longing to go back abroad are also not uncommon reactions. You may also feel less independent than you were in Canada. Most people are then able to move onto Stage 4, which is a gradual readjustment to life at home. Things will start to seem a little more normal again, and you will probably fall back into some old routines, but things won't be exactly the same as how you left them. You have most likely developed new attitudes, beliefs, habits, as well as personal and professional goals, and you will see things differently now. The important thing is to try to incorporate the positive aspects of your international experience in Canada with the positive aspects of your life at home in the United States. Making the Study Abroad Experience Count at Home As you transition back to life in the United States, you may want to continue interacting with the Canadian people, do further study on Canadian issues, work in a bilingual environment, or even study abroad again in Canada or another country. One advantage of study abroad is that it can offer you a more global perspective and expand your mind. So, don't forget to consider other opportunities outside of Canada as well. Post-Study Abroad Advisement
After you begin to readjust to being back home, visit your academic advisor. S/he will be able to inform you of whether your study abroad credits from Canada will transfer properly. Even if you are not planning on using those credits toward your graduation, the records are still important and may be needed if you decide to go on and pursue a higher level of education. You should also check with your academic advisor to make sure that you are registered for all of the courses that you need for the upcoming semester, and that you have filled out any financial aid or tuition forms that you will need for that year. Sometimes studying abroad will affect you to the point where you may decide to pursue another area of study. This meeting with your academic advisor is a good time to discuss any changes that you might want to make to your class selection or even your current major/minor. Your advisor will be able to discuss your options with you and help you decide what the best academic path for you may be. Career Development and Resume
If you are considering a career with a Canadian or international component, or looking for a job abroad, we also recommend that you visit your campus’ career center. A campus career center often provides various services for students seeking employment, and this is generally a good place to start looking for international job opportunities in Canada and in other countries. When you start looking for a job or career, think of the professional and personal growth you've undergone while in Canada. If you can present these skills on your resume and in your interview(s) well, you can impress almost any employer. IES, Institute for the International Education of Students, has a useful website that will help you learn to "market" your international experience in Canada (a link to this site is provided in the Resources section). To sum up IES's resume tips:
Some students choose to continue participation in study abroad, either through the same program or through a new program or location. If you are unable to go abroad for another whole semester, there are a variety of programs offered during the summer that range from 3 days to 3 months. Talk to your academic advisor about what other programs might benefit you. For more help, refer to the “Choosing a Program” section of this Handbook. Also, if you're interested in continuing your study abroad experience, there are many ways to fund research or post-undergraduate studies. For example, the Department of State Fulbright Program, the National Security Education Program (NSEP), Rotary International, the Rhodes Scholarship Program, the Luce Scholarship Program, and the Marshall Scholarship Program are excellent ways to fund your studies abroad. Independent travel is an option for students who feel that they are confident enough to tour on their own. If you decide to travel independently, your student travel office or a travel agent can be helpful. There are numerous travel guidebooks and resources on the Internet. Also, ask friends who have traveled independently to find the best places to go and tips on what to do while you're there. See our Resources section for links to purchasing guidebooks and booking tours. Internships AbroadYou can help you turn your study abroad experience into a useful résumé-builder, and even the start to a future career. Some students have such a positive study abroad experience that they decide that they would enjoy a career that would give them an opportunity to live and work abroad. There are several ways to go about testing out possible careers abroad. One way is to investigate the possibility of doing an internship abroad. This can be an excellent way to not only be able to live abroad again, but also to get experience in a field in which you are interested. Some internships offer a salary; others can count towards college credit. Talk with a career counselor/internship coordinator at your college/university about internship opportunities abroad. Careers AbroadSome students decide to change their field of study to an area such as international relations, which includes a broad background in international policies, politics and history. If changing your major is a little extreme, try taking some international studies classes or focus in on an aspect of your major that could somehow be incorporated into a career abroad. Many international career opportunities lie in the areas of industry, education, government and the non-profit sector. In many cases, you can begin by seeking employment domestically with a company, firm, or group that has international branches. To gain information on career opportunities abroad, talk with a career counselor at your university. Volunteering
Volunteering is another great way to go abroad again. There are opportunities available worldwide. In many cases, only short-term commitments are required. However, there are organizations, such as the Peace Corps, that can allow for years of rewarding work abroad. Volunteering can be a good way to defer college loans for a while. Some volunteer programs even give you a modest monthly stipend. Getting InvolvedSince you will be aware of the challenges that come from living and studying abroad, you will be in a unique position to understand the needs of other international students who come to your college/university to study abroad in the United States. Getting involved with international students or organizations can be a great and rewarding way to remain involved in the international community and international affairs. Here are some suggested ways you can continue your international experience at home:
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Canada and the United States. CONAHEC reminds students why choosing Canada as a study abroad destination can open the door to meaningful life and career opportunities.
After your son or daughter has thoroughly reviewed the Handbook independently, and done some research, we encourage you to follow-up with his/her findings. At this time, we ideally hope that you would sit down with your son or daughter and go through the Handbook with him/her. You may be able to help him/her answer any questions he/she was not able to answer on his/her own.
We understand that your child’s health and safety is important to you. We also know that your concerns for your child’s health and safety increase with distance; the further away your child travels from home, the more important it is for him/her to have support services. In this time of an increased national focus on safety and security, you may feel strongly concerned about your child’s wishes to study and travel abroad in Canada. We hope that by reading this Handbook your concerns will be addressed. You will be able to better assist your son or daughter with choosing a quality program, and with being prepared for health and safety challenges abroad in Canada. Study abroad could possibly be one of the best, most positive and rewarding experiences for your child.
Reference Books: The following are comprehensive reference books which are updated each year: 
Cost: Finding a quality program that’s affordable is possible. Depending on you or your family’s financial situation, program cost may or may not be an issue for you. No one wants to compromise quality for cost. However, many students need to find programs that fit their personal budget. Costs for study abroad programs don’t end with a basic fee; rather, additional costs can add up for insurance, housing, meals, excursions, travel, medical needs and purchases.
Class Dynamics: Ask yourself whether or not you prefer sitting next to a Canadian or another U.S. student in your classes. The answer to this question will help you determine whether or not you would like to be in classes with only other U.S. students, a mix of Canadian and U.S. students, or a class where the majority of the students are Canadian. Although usually not at the beginning French level, some programs offer courses where a student can be fully immersed in the French-Canadian education system by attending class with regular students at a university/institution. Other programs separate students by designing special courses for program participants. Inquire as to which classes you are able to take as part of your program. Also ask whether or not your teachers will be from the United States or Canada, if this matters to you.
This is very similar to the initial feelings of fascination and excitement you may have when you first entered Canada. You may be very happy to see your family and friends again, and they are also happy to see you. The length of this stage varies, and often ends with the realization that most people are not as interested in your experiences in Canada as you had hoped. They will politely listen to your stories for a while, but you may find that soon they are ready to move on to the next topic of conversation.
There are many other scholarships out there, as well as on-line scholarship search engines (some of which you can find in the 
It also affords you the opportunity to share what you’ve learned with others who can benefit from your experiences abroad.