International Connections Consulting Newsletter
March 1, 2010                                                        Edition No. 114
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Articles by ICC President Tasha Lewis. -- Is the way you do business changing? From Educational Travel  Magazine ICC President speaks

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PRINCE GEORGE ’S COUNTY (MD) INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADOR STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (PGCIA) 2008-2009 REPORT January 2010
Dr. Bai Akridge, Ph.d

Study abroad is one of the most important educational experiences in college. It exposes students to the world in which they must compete and helps them acquire global literacy in key areas, such as foreign language proficiency, working with others from diverse backgrounds, and negotiating different financial, cultural and educational environments. Unfortunately, this experience remains out of reach for many students of color and those with financial needs. The most recent benchmark annual report on study abroad statistics, Open Doors 2009, released by the Institute for International Education (http://opendoors.iienetwork.org/?p=150839), demonstrates the persistent lack of global experience for these underrepresented students. For example, African-Americans continue to account for only 4% of all U.S. college students studying abroad; Hispanics do only slightly better and make up 6%, while white students comprise 82%. Amb. Cindy Hernandez provides literacy assistance in El Salvador.

Download Full Report (PDF)


ICC HAS THE RESOURCES TO MEET THEIR CLIENTS' NEEDS

Everyone needs resource information to facilitate their studies or work. Quality resource information is an invaluable tool.  International Connections Consulting (ICC) has spent the last 13 months researching and investigating various types of resource information that would appeal to their wide variety of clients (business people, organizations, students, teachers or vacationers).

ICC's Self Service Resource Directory provides a wide variety of information to the world regarding cultural information, education, funding, scholarships, and specialized programs, etc. This service allows their clients to obtain additional information to further assist them with their education programs, vacations, business opportunities, and teaching material, etc. One positive aspect about the directory is the exactness of the material. ICC tries to be as specific as possible with the listings.  This is extremely important when someone is in a hurry and doesn't have a lot of time to do guesswork regarding which sections serve their needs.  ICC tries to limit its categories to those that serve their  clients needs.  The company recognizes the value of  time.  In today's fast paced society, time is a luxury that many of us don't have.  Therefore, it is critical to get the information that we need when we need it in a efficient, fast, and timely manner.  The ICC Self Service Resource Directory fulfills this need.

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Reprint of Article done by
Tasha Lewis, President, International Connections Consulting
for March 2001 edition of NJ Suburban Parent Magazine
 

It's Almost Summer... What Should My Teenager Do This Year?
By Tasha Lewis, International Connections Consulting (ICC)
 
Each year, parents and teens wonder how they should spend their summer. To the parents, the important things are time, money, and quality.  To the teens, it's fun, fun and more fun. What if each of them could find a program that meets all of  those needs?

Parents must realize that students today need competitive advantages for applying to colleges and for future jobs.  If you're wondering how soon your teen should start - the answer is, "As Soon As Possible!" Especially when you consider the rising cost of education  and increasing competition in today's job market.

There are three alternatives/options available that will allow parents and teens to match their  joint goals with end results that meet (and often exceed) their ultimate goals. These are internships, summer programs, and study abroad.

Internship

An internship can be a most rewarding experience for  your teen. It can kick off an international career, help in gaining professional experience, strengthen a resume, and ease the transition from university to the professional world. In addition, teens can start to learn more about time management, money management and quality control. Some sample internship programs are: 

  • Arts and Architecture
  • Business Administration
  • Finance Law
  • International Organizations
  • Broadcast
  • Film
  • Advertising
  • Public Relations
  • Journalism
  • Human, Health and Educational Services
  • Hotel, Hospitality and Food Services
  • Information Technology and Telecommunications 

On the other hand, the placement may not be a good match and could create negative feelings for the employer,the teen, or both. As a result, one or the other could desire to terminate their agreement prematurely. Lastly, the youngster's view of future interning might be marred in the event of an initial failure. 

Summer Programs

Summer programs come in a wide variety. They can be academic, artistic or sports-oriented. Academic programs can build upon or improve the teen's current academic foundation. This is especially desirable for students who need more specialized attention in specific areas. Here are a few ideas: 

  • Pre-College Programs 
  • Foreign Study Programs 
  • Fast-Track Study Programs
  • Cultural Study Tours 
  • Credited exchange programs 
  • Summer schools and camps 


Artistic and sport programs can help train and enhance your child's special talents. Some possible choices are: 

  • Badminton 
  • Basketball 
  • Big Band 
  • Bridge Club 
  • Chess
  • Computing 
  • Community Service 
  • Choir 
  • Cricket 
  • Debating 
  • Driving Courses 
  • Drama & Drama Workshop 
  • Golf 
  • Hockey Ice 
  • Hockey
  • Photography 
  • Public Speaking 
  • Rugby 
  • Rock 
  • Bands 
  • Rock 
  • Climbing 
  • Skiing 
  • Soccer 
  • Softball 
  • Squash 
  • Swimming 
  • Table Tennis
  • Theatre 
  • Sports 
  • Tennis 
  • Tramping 
  • Volleyball 
  • Vocal Group (Senior) 
  • Weight Training 
  • Windsurfing 
  • Yachting 


Like internships, summer programs may not be a good fit for an individual teen. As a result, your kid could become homesick or not get along with the other people in the programs. Lastly, the youngster's view of future summer opportunities might be affected if the experience is unpleasant. 

Study Abroad

Study abroad programs are an excellent opportunity for your child to develop multi-cultural awareness and obtain invaluable skills. From learning a foreign language to understanding cultural differences, your teenager can learn some of the most critical and marketable skills that will carry her through life. Most companies consider a study abroad opportunity an essential component to make it in today's global environment. Credited and non-credited foreign study programs are offered in a variety of academic fields of study as well as language study. Many schools offer standard & customized curriculums. 

One of the main potential drawbacks to this option is that your child may not become well adjusted to the local customs or food. Additionally, the program may not be a good match and create negative emotions about the culture without proper preparation prior to the trip. Finally, the participant may want to return home sooner than expected. 

Once you decide which one of these summer alternatives works for your family, you'll need to find the best program. Companies that specialize in educational advising are an excellent start. Utilizing their services can save you time and money. Plus, they offer a wider selection of quality programs than you are likely to locate on your own. There may or may not be a fee required. Some have local offices or web sites. All of the major search engines offer a wide variety of organizations and programs. Investigate local Camp Fairs in your area (you'll find some listed in the Calendar Of Events at www.NJParentWeb.com). Other options would be high school career counselors, word of mouth, study abroad magazines/books, libraries, and bookstores. Most importantly, get references  or testimonials from previous participants. 

Good luck! whatever your final choice may be.

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