Category Archives: Travel
Top Locations to Study Abroad in East Africa
Africa is a continent bursting with potential study abroad destinations. Even though it faces numerous and varied social issues and underdevelopment, Africa is still rich in culture, topography, wildlife and natural beauty. For hands-on people, field work and close interaction with local communities are popular elements of the study abroad programs in Africa. Amazingly, there are very few limits to what people can study here: economics, anthropology, sociology, international development, politics and public policy, environmental studies, biology or zoology and so much more!
Whenever you are studying in Africa, it is important to plan your trip and that you are aware of your own personal safety. Street crime can be an issue in urban areas so carry only what you need with you. Never travel East Africa’s roads by night as the region has a poor road-safety record and banditry can be a concern in some areas, for example north-eastern Kenya, north-eastern Uganda and rural Burundi.
In this article we detail four great cities to consider when planning to study abroad; Nairobi in Kenya, Iringa in Tanzania, Kampala in Uganda and Kigali in Rwanda. However, East Africa is packed full of amazing cities and opportunities!
Nairobi, Kenya
Want to meet some real-life Simbas? Then seriously consider studying abroad in Kenya. Nairobi, the capital, is home to seven university campuses. Popular study abroad programs include environmental science, interdisciplinary studies and medicine.
Nairobi is the centre of media, music, economics, and more. Nairobi is a great for business and economics students. The city has its own stock exchange, is home to many companies and is a major global trader.
Animal lovers should check out Nairobi National Park, a wildlife preserve that’s home to animals such as giraffes, elephants, wildebeest, cheetahs, to name but a few.
Kenya has 49 universities and other institutions of higher learning. The top 5 schools in Nairobi are: University of Nairobi; Kenyatta University; Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology; Strathmore University; United States International University Africa.
Other study options in Nairobi include:
The University of Minnesota – Study international development. You’ll contribute through an internship or research project with a non-profit organization.
Athena Study Abroad – Ecology and Conservation in Kenya.
The Turkana Basin Institute at Stony Brook University – full semester and summer field school programs focused on human prehistory.
The travel advisory for Kenya is currently -Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping.
Iringa, Tanzania
Iringa is a unique and interesting place to study; it was originally built to provide protection to the German colonists at the end of the 19th century. Whilst Tanzania is well known for its vast wildlife, Iringa is more recognised for its handmade crafts and baskets.
Studying in Tanzania means getting really acquainted with the African way of living. Whether you are watching the African wilderness from your back porch, interning and working alongside Tanzanians or getting up close and personal with all of Tanzania’s amazing wildlife, you will have an experience unlike any other.
Tanzania has 27 universities and 15 University Colleges. 2 of these universities can be found in Iringa: Ruaha Catholic University and University of Iringa.
Other study options in Iringa are:
Boston University Study Abroad – Explore issues of politics, class, gender, race, ethnicity and religion in East Africa.
SIT Study Abroad – Examine coastal ecology and natural resource management in one of the most remarkable areas of the world.
The School for Field Studies – Spend a semester exploring national parks and savannas.
The travel advisory for Tanzania is currently – Exercise increased caution in Tanzania due to crime, terrorism, and targeting of LGBTI persons.
Kampala, Uganda
As well as its friendly and social culture, Kampala is also a very safe city. A busy city life, a passionate academic culture and breath-taking natural wonders are just a few reasons why Uganda is a great place to vacation or study abroad.
With access to some of the greatest tourist attractions that East Africa has to offer, Uganda is a hub of cultural immersion, full of pioneering leaders, thinkers and artists waiting to be discovered.
Luganda is the most common language and can be learned through daily conversation and interaction however, all university courses are taught in English.
Uganda offers 4 types of visas for all international visitors. From single entry visas to 3-year visas, this allows students to select the visa that best fits to their program duration and travel plans.
There is 47 universities in Uganda and 19 of them are to be found in Kampala. The top 5 universities in Kampala are: Makerere University; Kyambogo University; Uganda Technology and Management University; Uganda Martyrs University; and Kampala International University.
Other study options include:
Worldaway Learning Tours – short-term, high-impact Educational Travel focusing on experiential learning and personal growth.
SIT Study Abroad – Examine development in theory and practice throughout Uganda.
Carpe Diem Education – Track endangered rhinos as part of a conservation team in Uganda.
The travel advisory for Uganda is currently – Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.
Kigali, Rwanda
Although Rwanda is known for its terrible genocide, don’t discount it as a great place to study abroad. During your studies, learn how this country has bounced back from its horrific recent past. Go to university in the capital, Kigali, or study the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Popular programs for study abroad in Rwanda include anthropology, sustainable development, conflict studies and African studies.
Rwanda is one of the smallest and most heavily populated countries in Africa and it has risen from a recent history of political turmoil to become a country with rising prospects. A thriving culture, music and arts now define everyday life for the majority of its citizens. The opportunity to study abroad in Rwanda first-hand is a chance to discover this beautiful country in a completely new light.
There are 26 Rwandan universities and higher-education institutions and 13 can be found in Kigali. The top 5 universities in Kigali are: University of Rwanda; Université Libre de Kigali; University of Global Health Equity; University of Kigali; and University of Lay Adventists of Kigali.
Other study options include:
Global Youth Connect – Human Rights and Peace Studies in Rwanda.
SIT Study Abroad – Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding.
ThinkImpact: Rwanda – Institute for Social Innovation.
The travel advisory for Rwanda is currently – Exercise normal precautions in Rwanda.
Solo New York Elite Backpack Review
Whether you are looking for a backpack for your study needs or for your travels Solo New York has got you covered with their multi-purpose and intricately designed backpack. The team at Solo New York have spent a great deal of time on designing this lightweight and carefully detailed pack and customers who have purchased this item have been incredibly happy with the product. Let’s take a look at some of the key features of this pack and why it has become so popular in such a short space of time.
The Body
The main body of the backpack opens from the front of the pack rather than the top as many do and as a result it offers a large amount of space and simple access to your stuff. There is more than enough space here for all of your study materials and you could also comfortably fit a couple of days clothing in there too. This section is opened with two strong zippers which line the main body of the pack, allowing for easy access.
Shoe Storage
Taking your shoes with you no longer means a second bag or sneakers hanging from the bottom of your backpack by their laces. The Elite Backpack has a separate shoe storage compartment at the base of the pack which sits on top of the main body of the backpack. There is more than enough space in there for two pairs of trainers or even a pair of boots. This section could also be used to store wet clothes or laundry, without it affecting the rest of your luggage.
Laptop/Tablet Storage
A feature of the pack which we really love is the sleek and padded compartment for your laptop or tablet. The laptop compartment measures in at 17.3″ which is spacious enough for all laptops. The soft padding doesn’t add too much to the bulk of the pack yet it is solid enough to protect your gadgets.
Organizer
When you unzip the flap which covers the main body of the rucksack you will find that this doubles up as a handy organizer section which you can use to store all manner of smaller items. There is space here for stationary, for headphones, toiletries, wallets, passports and whatever else you see fit to stow away inside. Each section here has its own zip which makes it a great place to store anything valuable, and ensure that nothing falls out when you are moving around.
Additional Ease and Comfort
The backpack is ultra lightweight thanks to its nylon fabric material and to support you when carrying it both the straps and the back of the pack have thick padding for your comfort. Beyond this we love the sports zippers which are strong and very easy to open and close regardless of how full the pack is. The backpack also offers long side pockets which zip close, perfect for quick access and the pockets on the very top of the bag can fit your phone or your wallet so that you always have it to hand.
Conclusion
This is a great product which is comfortable to use, offers large capacity and has an abundance of small details which you will adore. At just $86.99 this bag makes for the perfect choice for your campus use, and it will be a back which will last for a very long time indeed.
Tempting Thailand, the holiday destination of choice
The world is a huge, vast place with numerous, exciting countries to visit that offer varied experiences and exciting opportunities for visitors, however, none more so than those available in Thailand. Thailand is a vast country and due to its size has variation in both its weather and terrain which means it can offer a wealth of different activities to its visitors. This means there is something for everyone and this beautiful country has the capacity to offer the holidaymaker more than most holiday destinations.
Accommodation
A wealth of choice is available of fabulous luxury accommodation to meet your every need, mansions in Thailand, opulent apartments, fabulous hotels and luxurious villas. Thailand caters for every accommodation budget with numerous quality hotels and apartments offering good value for money. Thailand is also a backpacker’s perfect destination as it has hundreds of hostels available.
Weather
Thailand has distinct seasons (although essentially it is a tropical humid country) and due to the vast size of the country will vary immensely depending on your specific location. November to February are the preferential visiting months where temperatures range from 18c to 32c in the central regions. It does rain heavily at times, but these downpours tend to occur in the evening and these do not tend to last for more than an hour. The rain tends to be warm which makes it bearable if caught in a shower. April is Thailand’s hottest month.
Beaches
Thailand has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and has 2,000 miles of coastline and hundreds of islands .There are busy beaches, for those looking for activities such as water skiing, snorkeling and taking advantage of numerous beach bars, but there are also secluded beaches for those wanting a more relaxed beach experience . Exclusive beaches, such as Surin Beach, a stretch of fine white sand referred to as Millionaires’ Row due to expensive homes overlooking the Andaman sea also offer an exclusive experience.
Nightlife
Cities such as Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya offer a unique nightlife experience, bar hopping, bowling, dancing, watching a Kathy show or visiting a Go-Go bar. A wide variety of bars and clubs are available with flexible opening hours and Bangkok has a thriving cabaret scene which showcase some of the most famous Kathoeys or “lady boys”.
Cuisine
In terms of the world’s cuisine Thai food is one of the best. Coastal sea food must be sampled as it’s fresh (so fresh, some restaurants allow diners to catch their own fish and prawns and then cook them) and the variety is immense. More unusual items available include locusts as a bar snack, very high in nutrients and a dining experience not to be missed. As an exciting alternative to restaurants are the well renowned street food outlets, offering Thailand’s spiciest, Tom Yum soups containing fresh lemon grass, Kaffir lime leaves and Galangal. Other tempting treats offered by street vendors to sample are rice with spicy stir-fried crabmeat with fresh yellow chilies.
Culture
As a Buddhist country Buddhism is inherent in all aspects of life and it is this Buddhist influence that makes Thailand such a friendly and peaceful place. Beautiful temples in cities, villages or mountains are visit worthy and many festivals are held where visitors are always made welcome.
Scenery
Spectacular places are synonymous with Thailand, white sandy beaches with swaying palm trees are what most people think of first and they have these in abundance. However, magical tropical forests, breathtaking mist covered mountains and a range of compelling ancient monuments are other more than worthy stunning sights to be explored. Ao Chang Nga Marine National Park which spans 154 square miles, encompassing 40 islands is a visual delight as is the Grand palace, home to generations of Thai kings, displaying unique architectural styles. Pink water lilies in bloom are a sight to behold on many lakes around the country. In Udon Thani, lilies on Red Lotus Lake explode into a riot of crimson blooms between November and February.
Wildlife
Observe an array of exotic species that live in Thailand’s biodiverse park by visiting Khao Son National Park (460 square miles of pristine tropical evergreen forest). These include gibbons, who can easily be heard as their calls can carry for up to two miles but are less easy to see but, under the expertise of the guides in the park can be found. Glimpses of other exotic creatures may also be made of sun bears, leopards, tigers, tapirs, Asiatic wild dogs, gaurs, monkeys and deer along the way. Dive with Whale sharks, and visit the annual Monkey Buffet which takes place in front of the Pra Prang Sam Not temple in Lopburi province. Watch elephants play polo in a tournament called the Kings cup and visit the caves in the Tenasserim Hills region in the Kanchanaburi Province to catch a glimpse of the world’s smallest mammal, the Kitti’s hog-nosed bat.
Retail therapy
Beyond compare, is the shopping experience to be tried in Thailand, especially in Bangkok which contains a preponderance of shopping malls and innumerable local markets that offer a huge range of wares to suit every shopper’s desires. Bespoke, tailor-made items are available, vast amounts of curios and the opportunity to engage in effective haggling to get a bargain.
Often referred to as the “Land of Smiles” due to fact that it is hard to encounter someone who isn’t smiling, the people of Thailand are friendly, warm, open and kind and as a consequence you are always guaranteed to be made to feel welcome when you visit Thailand, another reason, one of many to make Thailand your next exhilarating holiday destination.
Study Abroad in Anonymity…Not in Norway!
Studying abroad is something everyone should experience during college, but, sometimes external factors might not make it the most ideal time to ship off to Europe for 6 months. If you never made it overseas to take your higher learning to another level, don’t fret, there is always grad shcool!
BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo created probably one of the coolest PR campaigns I have ever seen and they’re going to select one lucky applicant to essentially be the most popular person in the city, no, really!
Watch this video if you don’t believe me:
Imagine seeing your face and personal interests plastered all over Oslo in magazines, billboards, everyone in school friend requesting you on Facebook, everyone knowing how to pronounce your name properly, your name being placed onto a beverage, an actual national TV commercial, etc.
This is all going to happen for one lucky individual and I don’t see how that person will not be the most popular person on campus, even before they touch Norwegian soil. They’ve named the campaign, “A Flying Start” which is a pretty appropriate title given what the school plans to do for the one student who wins the honor.
Oslo is the largest city in Norway as well as the capital. It is consistently being ranked as one of the top most livable cities in the entire world. Oslo showcases a large international student population, beautiful architecture, alluring surrounding nature, a lively nightlife and much, much more.
BI Business School is very diverse and proudly holds many major accreditations recognized the world over. Currently, there are more than 1800 students from an amazing 106 different countries making it one of the most diverse on the planet.
Where to visit near Bali
Visiting Bali soon, but want to see a bit more of Indonesia than this uber-popular island? Next door, there is an island by the name of Lombok that has many of the natural and cultural charms that Bali has, but without the hustle and bustle that can plague much of Bali today.
Wondering what places you should visit here if you have a week to spare there? The following destinations will give you an island to rave about to friends back home that isn’t as well known as Bali (giving you those all-important bragging rights when it comes to travel)…
1) Senggigi
If you’re looking where to visit near Bali where you can access most of the conveniences that you come to expect from a tourist destination, then Senggigi is the place where you’ll want to hang your hat during your stay in Lombok.
While it is nowhere near as built up as Kuta, Seminyak or Ubud on Bali, Senggigi is home to enough restaurants, cafes, bars, and karaoke parlors to keep those in need of constant stimulation busy, and with tons of tours and cooking classes available through tour agencies, those seeking a bit more action will be well catered for as well.
2) Gili Islands
Senggigi has a beach that is good enough for some, but if you consider yourself a connoisseur of these seaside attractions, then taking a day trip to the Gili Islands (three are inhabited: Trawangan, Air and Meno) will satisfy your longing for beauty in this aspect of nature.
Diving and snorkeling are popular in the reefs located off these isles, while those looking to get their day drink on will find no shortage of venues to do the job on Gili Trawangan.
Those looking for a more chill atmosphere will find it on Air and Meno, which have not been as overrun by the party crowd as Trawangan has.
3) Kuta (Lombok)
Those fearing the hawkers, noise and insane traffic of the Kuta on Bali will find the complete opposite on Lombok’s version, which remains much more tranquil than its neighbor across the Lombok Strait.
One thing the two towns do have in common is excellent surfing: the breaks here have long served as a refuge for those sick of the scene in Bali, and while its secret does seem to be getting out (oops), it is still a world apart from the party-hearty nature of South Bali, making it a great place to get away from it if it isn’t your cup of tea.
Does an itinerary like this sound great to you, but you haven’t the first clue where to start? Luxury travel planners like eShores (www.eshores.co.uk) specialise in assembling the logistics for trips like these, allowing you to go about your daily life while the professionals plot out the journey of a lifetime.
