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5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Belfast Next Semester
Even though the Fall semester has just begun, it's time to begin planning for the Spring. If you've ever considered studying abroad, but just don't know where to go, Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland just might be the place for you. With a beautiful campus, a youthful and invigorating town and easy access to the rest of Europe, what's not to love! Here are five reasons to make Belfast your home this coming semester.
The rest of Europe is closer than you thought Europe is home to some of the worlds most famous low cost airlines that allow you to access the continent with ease. Low cost airlines are based out of Belfast and just a short bus ride to Dublin will bring you to even more. The best part is, some of these flights can be priced as low as 10 Euros, making your trips easy and affordable. Paris, Rome, and Prague are easier to access than ever!
Ancient Lore Just two hours from Belfast by car is a mesmerizing natural wonder, the Giant's Causeway. Legend has it that a giant from Northern Ireland built a bridge to Scotland so he could cross the sea without swimming in the chilly water. Geologists on the other hand will tell you that the unique hexagonal column formations were formed by a volcanic eruption long ago. Whether it's fact or fiction that brings you to the Causeway, it is a feast for the eyes and the imagination.
It's off the beaten track In contrast to Dublin, Belfast is a relatively undiscovered city, not yet overrun by the throngs of tourists who flock to the island each year. This allows for a unique and authentic experience where the culture and vibrant nature of the people is easy to find and hang on to. It's more affordable too!
Tangible History Belfast's past was characterized by turbulent conflict between Catholic and Protestant groups from the late 1960's to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. While this unique cultural division is behind the people of Northern Ireland, the scars of history can still be seen throughout the city. With it's recent achievement of being named one of the safest cities in Europe, Belfast's dedication to move forward in a positive way makes it a perfect place to learn actively from the past.
So much for your taste buds to explore Belfast has a booming culinary scene with a wide variety restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs to tantalize your every taste bud. Food styles range from traditional to unique fusion and flair. While the "golden mile", Belfast's famed shopping street is home to many restaurants, culinary delights can be found throughout the city in cute little eateries and corner stores alike.
Explore the World Endeavors study abroad program at Queens University to see if Northern Ireland is the place for your next study abroad adventure.
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Featured Alumni Profile:
Mariana, Volunteer in Ecuador
Mariana shared her stories of her time in Ecuador with us after returning from a teaching volunteer placement. She fondly remembers her relaxed days helping the children, teaching classes and even spending her free time volunteering at the orphanage that a few of her fellow volunteers were working at. During her time in Ecuador she lived with a welcoming host family, reaping the benefits of home cooked meals and over flowing breakfasts.
Mariana's previous knowledge of Spanish helped her navigate her way around Ecuador and the rest of South America. Her greatest advice to new participants? Get out there! She urges that Ecuador, while small in size, is packed with wonder and things to see.
You can read Marianas entire story here, or check out some of our other alumni profiles to learn more about our programs!
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World Endeavors Summer Photo Contest Update
We want to give a big shout out to last month's photo contest winner Becca in Thailand with her new feline friend at the Tiger Temple. Your photo was loved by many!
Even though our summer photo contest has come to a close, you can still send us your photos of your time abroad. We're always looking for new and captivating images to feature on the website and Facebook page. Sharing photos can be a great way to show your experience and help someone else make the life changing decision to go abroad!
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Testimonials
"I didn't want to limit myself so I tried to go with an open mind and I found that that was the best way to experience the Philippines."
- Danielle, Volunteer in the Philippines
"I never, not one day, spent a whole day inside the house. I was always out in the city. In Seville there was always somewhere to go with beautiful weather."
- Eden, Study Abroad in Spain
"Don't change who you are but try to be more like them. Eat what they eat, do what they do, speak how they speak. When you make that effort, people notice and you will get closer with those around you. You can do the things they do."
- Matthew, Intern in Mexico
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Connect with WorldEndeavors
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World Endeavors
3015 E. Franklin Ave
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406
612-729-3400
866-802-9678
9:00AM-5:30PM CST
www.worldendeavors.com
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Study Abroad Enhances Creativity
According to a recent study conducted at the University of Florida in Gainesville, students who study abroad are more creative than those who have not. How is this possible, you ask? In order to reach their conclusions, researchers created groups of participants who had studied abroad in the past, students who were planning on going abroad but had not yet done so, and students who had not studied abroad and had no plans to. The researchers then subjected participants to a series of creativity tests, asking them to analyze and consider a few unique scenarios. Responses were then marked on originality, uniqueness, depth and humor.
The results of the study were overwhelming. Participants who had studied abroad in the past were able to give some of the most unique and inspiring answers that were also deep and humorous in nature. Study abroad participants also gave a significantly greater number of responses, indicating increased abilities in idea generation.
This was in direct contrast to the responses given by students who had not gone abroad, whether or not it was in their future plans. This result implies that study abroad actually has the ability to change us, and that some participants were not just naturally more creative. While this study only focused on creativity, we here at World Endeavors can speak from our global experience to know that the change extends much beyond that to bigger and better personal and professional strides.
New studies emerge all the time touting the benefits of study abroad, and the increased awareness and ability that comes from cultural engagement. With all this evidence piling up, it begs the question "what's stopping you?" Take a look at the World Endeavors study abroad options list to find your perfect study abroad. Just imagine the potential it can unleash.
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Interns Earn Credits Too! 
With all this talk about plans for the Spring semester, it should be noted that study abroad is not the only option. Did you know that many of our international interns also earn credit for their international experiences? Interning abroad is a great way to see the world, gain professional experience in your field, and enhance your skills. With World Endeavors you'll have the support of our team the entire time you're abroad, making for an easy transition and a starting point for success! Get in touch with us today to start advancing your career in one of our fourteen countries!
Apply Now For Early Application Program Discounts!
Do you know that you want to study, intern, or volunteer abroad and have a plan in place for when you'll do it? Even if it's months from now, you can still apply for one of our programs. In fact, there's a $50 discount for anyone who applies 6 months before their intended program start date. The more time we have, the more opportunity we'll have to plan the perfect experience abroad for you.
Check out some of our other unique scholarships and discounts here, and realize your dreams to go abroad!
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Featured Video:
Jenny, Volunteer in Nepal
Watch as Jenny tells about her adventure as a volunteer in Nepal, where she worked as a teacher at a local school. She shares her photographs and stories, which reflect the beauty of the people, the country and her time there. She urges any and all to go out, discover, and open the doors to their future through travel.
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Featured WE Staff Member:
Jon Mavetz
Outreach Assistant
Jon Mavetz, one of our two superstar Fall interns, was born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He currently attends the University of Minnesota majoring in Finance and Entrepreneurial Studies.
Jon has recently returned from Spain where he studied abroad for four months. In his time in Spain, he gained a passion for travel, a new found perspective on different cultures, and friends that he was fortunate to share the experience with that will last a lifetime. His most memorable moment abroad was traveling to the Amalfi Coast with friends and taking in all the sights and food that Italy had to offer. Jon studied abroad because he was inspired by family members who had done it before and had always wanted to see the rest of the world and experience new things.
Now that he has arrived back home, he spends his time studying and socializing with friends and has gained a new interest in venturing around the Twin Cities hoping to find his next adventure. He said that he would go abroad again in a second if the opportunity presented itself.
Jon says that he loves working at World Endeavors because he wants the opportunity to help people realize their dreams to travel abroad!
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