2024

Studying abroad is a great way to experience new cultures, learn new languages, and gain a new perspective on the world. Many different types of programs are available, so there is sure to be one that is right for you.   One of the best things about studying abroad is that you will have the opportunity to learn about new cultures. You will be able to meet people from all over the world and learn about their customs and traditions. You will also be able to learn a new language, which can be very beneficial in the future.   If you are considering studying abroad, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you should make sure that you are prepared for the challenge. This means that you should understand the culture and language of the country you will be visiting. You should also be prepared to be away from home for an extended period.   Despite these, there are valuable life skills that you can gain from studying abroad. Some of them include the following:   Adaptability Adaptability is one of the most important skills you can learn from studying abroad. This means being able to adjust to new environments and cultures. As you know more about your new surroundings, you’ll be able to adapt and live like a local. When moving to a new country, there are many things you will need to learn to adjust to your new life. This can include learning the local language, trying new cultural dishes, understanding the laws and customs, learning how to use the money and transportation systems, and more.   By taking the time to learn about your new home, you can make the transition much smoother and more enjoyable. If you’ve chosen to live in a foreign country, you’ve likely already faced many challenges. Many employers view this as a strength, as it shows you can adapt to new situations and persevere when things are tough. This is a valuable skill in any workplace.   Confidence Studying abroad can help you build confidence that you may not have known you had. It can also help you start fresh and choose who you want to be. By learning how to do unfamiliar things, you’ll prove to yourself that you’re capable of more than you thought. This can be something as simple as learning to use the local transportation system or ordering food in another language.   When you have self-confidence, it shows in your demeanour, and employers can pick up on that. They know they can trust you to do your job well, and this faith in you can help you advance in your career.   Cultural Awareness Cultural awareness is a term used to describe the ability to understand and appreciate the differences in cultures. It is a skill that is acquired through experience, such as living in a foreign country. Being culturally aware is vital to be able to adapt to new and different surroundings.   When you are visiting another country, it is essential to learn about the customs and culture of that place. This will help you to understand and respect the people who live there. In addition to the excitement and adventure of learning about a new culture, gaining cultural competence has many practical benefits.   For example, being able to speak the local language will make it much easier to get around and communicate with people in your new environment. Trying new foods is a great way to learn about the culture and get a taste of the local cuisine. And chatting with locals is a great way to get insider tips and learn about the best places to go and things to do.   Empathy When you experience other cultures firsthand, you learn to Respect them. This also helps you to develop empathy as you understand more about the people and their history.   Empathy is understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. It is an important skill in all aspects of life, as it allows you to connect with others more easily and effectively. In the workplace, empathy is especially important to be a good team member and to build strong relationships with others.   Independence One of the best things you can do before studying abroad is to begin practising your independence. Start doing things on your own, like cooking your own meals and planning your own outings. This way, when you’re abroad and find yourself in a situation where you have to fend for yourself, you’ll be more prepared and confident to do so.   Moving to a new country can be scary because everything is unfamiliar. However, you will learn how to be independent by overcoming challenges on your own. This will help you become more comfortable with your abilities. There will be times in life when it is important to be able to do things on your own. This makes you more trustworthy.   Interpersonal Aptitude When you study abroad, you will inevitably come into contact with people from different cultures. This may be difficult initially, as you try to navigate the language and cultural differences. However, by doing so, you will gain invaluable intercultural communication skills. These skills will help you communicate effectively with people from different cultures and will be useful in both your personal and professional life.   Strong interpersonal skills mean you’re good at communicating and working with others. This is a valuable skill to have in the workplace as it shows that you can communicate effectively with people from all types of backgrounds. Having strong interpersonal skills can also benefit you on a personal level, as you’ll find it easier to connect with people who are different from you.   Self-Awareness Self-awareness is the ability to be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This can be helpful in a number of ways, such as being able to better understand and regulate your emotions, set boundaries, and achieve

Learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) can bring many benefits to an individual. It is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over 2 billion speakers. English is the language of international communication and is used in a variety of fields, such as business, science, technology, and even entertainment. In this guide, learn more about EFL, what you will learn from it, and the benefits of pursuing this activity.   What Is English as a Foreign Language (EFL)? English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is a term used to describe the learning of English by students whose native language is not English. EFL is used in countries where English is not the primary language or where it is not widely spoken. The goal of EFL is to enable students to communicate in English in both formal and informal contexts.   EFL is often used in the context of teaching English to students who are not native English speakers, but it can also be used to refer to English language learning for those who live in an English-speaking country. For example, many schools in the United States offer EFL classes to their non-native English-speaking students.   Is EFL Different from ESL? ESL is used to refer to the teaching of English in a country where English is the dominant language. For example, if a student from Mexico moves to the United States and takes English classes, they would be considered an ESL student. In this context, the student is learning English as a second language, as it is not their native language.   EFL, on the other hand, is used to refer to the teaching of English in a country where English is not the dominant language. For example, if a student in China takes English classes, they would be considered an EFL student. In this context, the student is learning English as a foreign language, as it is not their native language. The main difference between ESL and EFL lies in the purpose of learning the language. ESL students are typically learning English to be able to communicate in the country they are living in, while EFL students learn English for other reasons, such as for academic or professional purposes. Another difference is the approach to teaching the language. ESL teachers often use a communicative approach, emphasising the importance of speaking and listening skills, while EFL teachers often use a more traditional approach, highlighting grammar and vocabulary.   What Are the Things You Will Learn from EFL Classes?   Pronunciation This is one of the most important aspects of EFL. Pronunciation is the key to being understood by native speakers. Learning how to pronounce the words correctly will help you communicate more effectively. You will learn how to pronounce specific sounds, intonation, and stress.   Grammar Grammar is one of the core components of any language. When studying EFL, you will learn the fundamentals of English grammar, such as verb tenses, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and more. You will also learn how to construct sentences and phrases correctly. This is essential for being able to communicate effectively in the language.   Vocabulary Vocabulary is essential for being able to communicate effectively. You will learn the meaning of words and how to use them in sentences. You will also learn the different ways that words can be used in different contexts. This is essential for being able to communicate effectively in the language.   Listening Skills Listening is an important skill for any language. In an EFL class, you will learn to listen for specific words and phrases and practice understanding conversations. You’ll also learn how to use gestures and facial expressions to communicate effectively.   Speaking Skills Speaking is a key part of any language, and in an EFL class, you will learn how to speak in English with confidence. You’ll learn pronunciation and intonation, as well as strategies to help you communicate effectively.   Reading and Writing Skills Reading and writing are essential skills for any language. In an EFL class, you will learn how to read and write in English, including how to use proper grammar and spelling. You’ll also learn strategies to help you understand and communicate in writing.   What Are the Benefits of Learning English as a Foreign Language?   Access Better Job Propositions Having a good command of English can open up employment opportunities that may only be available with it. With English being the international language of business, many companies require employees with a good command of the language. This is especially true for companies with a global presence. By learning English, you can increase your chances of getting a better job.   Actively Engage and Communicate with Others With a strong command of English, you can actively engage and communicate with others. This is especially important if you are looking to make international contacts or travelling to an English-speaking country. Knowing English will give you the confidence to communicate with others and make the most of your travels.   Interact with Native Speakers By learning English as a foreign language, you can also interact with native speakers. This can help you learn more about the language and culture, as well as make new friends.   Travel Confidently Having a grasp of the English language can make travelling much more manageable. Many countries speak English as their primary language, and many others where English is widely spoken. This makes it possible for travellers to communicate easily with a variety of people and cultures. English is also the language of the aviation industry, so it is essential for international travellers.   Earn Higher Education Degrees English is the language of instruction in many universities around the world. This means that if you want to pursue a higher education degree, you must have a good understanding of English. Many universities require students to take an English proficiency test before being admitted, so having a good grasp of the language can help you

Studying abroad is an exciting and rewarding experience that can open up a world of possibilities. It can be an enriching experience for people of all ages. However, the question of when it is too old to explore studying abroad is common. While there is no definitive answer to this question, there are five ways to help you decide if studying abroad is the right choice for you:   Consider Your Career Goals Before committing to study abroad, think about your current career objectives. If you are looking for a new challenge or to acquire new skills that will help you stay ahead in your profession, then travelling abroad for further education may be a great fit.   Think About Your Level of Commitment Studying abroad requires dedication and hard work. You should ensure you have the necessary resources and support to succeed in the program. If you are still determining if you can handle the program’s demands, it may be best to reconsider your decision to study abroad.   Evaluate Your Financial Situation When considering studying abroad, you need to make sure you have enough money to pay for the program, your living expenses, and any unexpected expenses. You should also have enough money to cover travel costs to and from your destination. It is important to consider finances when deciding whether to study abroad.   Consider Your Personal Life Studying abroad is a great experience, but it’s important to think it through before committing to it. Suppose you have close relationships or other commitments that would be impacted by your decision to leave and study in another country. In that case, it’s important to consider how this could affect those things before making a decision.   Talk to Others Who Have Studied Abroad Getting advice from individuals who have already gone through the process of studying abroad is a good idea. They can give you a better understanding of what to expect and help you decide whether this is the right option for you.   Benefits of Studying Abroad at an Older Age Studying abroad is a great experience for anyone, no matter their age. But for those who are a bit older, there are even more benefits to have:   Increased Confidence As you age, you develop a sense of self-assurance that can help you make the most of international education. This confidence can help you take full advantage of the opportunity to be in a new place and to learn from a different culture.   A Different Perspective As you get older, you gain more knowledge and understanding. Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain a different perspective on the world. You can learn to respect and appreciate different customs from around the world, which can help you develop a more open and tolerant view of the world.   Networking Opportunities As an older student, you can take advantage of the different opportunities to meet people and make new connections. This can be done by attending events, joining groups or clubs, or using social media. These connections can be beneficial in the future as they can provide advice, support, and resources to help you achieve your goals.   Career Development Studying overseas can provide you with a unique advantage in your job search. You can gain valuable skills, obtain more knowledge about your chosen field, and make professional contacts that can help you obtain job opportunities you may have yet to have access to. This can be an invaluable experience and can make you stand out from other applicants.   Life Experiences Studying abroad as an adult provides an amazing opportunity to experience a different culture, meet new people and see the world in a way you may never have been able to before. You can make long-lasting memories and better understand the world and yourself.   How to Make the Most of Studying Abroad at an Older Age Learn about the culture, norms, and traditions of the country you are considering attending for your studies. Research the area’s cost of living, transportation, and any other costs you might be responsible for. Additionally, investigate what scholarships or grants you might be eligible for. Before committing to a study abroad program, it is important to take the time to research the details. Make sure that the program is the right fit for you and that you consider all its costs. Think about the length of the program, the types of classes available, and the overall cost. Look also into any support services that may be offered, such as housing and health insurance. Have a budget in place prior to departure and be prepared to cover tuition, living costs, and food. Remember to set aside some money for the unexpected, too.   Consult an International Education Provider It is important to research the culture and norms of the country you are considering attending for studies. Speak with an International Education Provider or a knowledgeable person who can provide information about the culture, including traditions, norms, and expectations. Research the different financial requirements for the country and program you are considering. Understand what tuition fees, travel expenses, living costs, and other fees are associated with this opportunity. Look into any scholarships or grants you qualify for; these could help reduce the program’s overall cost.   Investigate the cost of living in the area, such as housing, groceries, and transportation. Look into the local culture and customs and what recreational activities are available for students. Consider any other expenses that you may have to pay. Research the safety of the area you plan to study in and the visas and permits you may need.   Conclusion To wrap up, it’s always possible to take the plunge and gain a new perspective by taking classes in another country. It can be an extraordinary way to learn a new language and culture and an incredible educational experience that could benefit you in the long run. You

  There is no denying that education has changed dramatically over the past year due to covid 19. More than 1.5 billion students were affected worldwide according to UNESCO with many of those turning to online learning as their main source of education. Although there has been a rapid increase since the pandemic, there was already an emerging trend of education turning to online learning as a way to supplement and enhance traditional learning.  According to a 2002 Sloan Foundation survey less than 50% of education institutions expected online learning to be part of their ongoing educational plan whereas by 2011 that number had risen to 66% and by 2013 90% of students were anticipated to take at least one online course in the coming years. This highlights the growing understanding that online learning has within education, it’s simply now that people are starting to really take notice.  So, looking forward, how will studying abroad be affected by this change to online learning? How can studying abroad and travelling to a different country be synonymous with online learning and staying at home? It’s time to think outside the box and see how you can make both works to your advantage.      Structured Camps vs Flexible Learning: Studying abroad will always be a constant within the industry, there is simply no replacing jumping on a plane and discovering a new culture, learning a new language and creating unforgettable memories. However for some students, this will be too expensive or too much of a commitment away from home and therefore instead of missing out on a client, you should be thinking of alternatives for those students in an online capacity. Flexibility is key for online learning, don’t forget that.      Expensive vs Cost-effective: We all know that studying abroad isn’t cheap with only the middle classes being able to send students abroad. Online education opens up the doors to a wider range of students and with them a wider range of clients to offer programmes. The cost-effective nature and scalability of online programmes mean that although the profit margin may be less, the possibilities are endless. Just think, no visa or flights to organising, no group leaders or welcome orientation meetings before the camp, online means quick and easy for everyone involved. The content can still be high quality but the ease of accessing that content is much simpler and far more scalable.         Physical vs Online Programmes: Online learning has come on leaps and bounds in the past few years and rapidly improved in the past year because of the global pandemic. What used to be considered dull can now offer a multitude of learning opportunities and there is no reason that it can’t be just as valuable to students as a physical programme. The past year has made the transition to online programmes in combination with study tours easier with people understanding the concept and being open to new ideas much more than they were previously. Online programmes that we have offered at BlueSky include international online exchanges, virtual homestays, ModelUN, Video Game Design, University Taster Lectures, Culture Classes and even Yoga! Honestly, the opportunities are endless if you don’t place limits on yourself and on your students. They are much more willing to change and adopt new ideas than they might have previously been.     Stand-alone vs Blended Learning: Online learning can come in many forms. It can be a standalone lesson or course focusing on a particular topic or learning point. However, it can also be part of a blended learning platform combining study abroad with online learning. For students to get the most out of their study abroad programme, a few sessions before their trip online could be the perfect way to complement the camp and prepare students for what they will expect both linguistically, practically and culturally. For parents it provides peace of mind, for agents it provides extra income and for students it provides the opportunity to get excited about their upcoming adventure – talk about a win, win, win! 

In an increasingly globalized world, there is no doubt gaining an international education and a global perspective is a high-value asset for students. It can be difficult at times to see the tangible benefits of studying abroad, especially for shorter programmes that are a little better than trumped-up sightseeing trips with slight educational overtones. This is further exacerbated by high costs and geopolitical issues, especially over the last few years and in the wake of covid. When students participate in a good program there are numerous benefits students will enjoy in their personal lives, in school, and professionally. In this post, I want to go over some of the benefits that students can gain from studying abroad, whatever their age and wherever they go. Now I might be a bit biased because I did several study abroad trips through school and even did my Master’s overseas, but studying abroad is one of the biggest and easiest advantages for students to seize in an increasingly competitive job and university candidacy market.  Insights into Foreign Universities and Majors One of the hardest parts about planning for university is figuring out what you’re going to study in the first place, let alone where you’re going to go. There are so many options in terms of majors and schools, with massive financial consequences for making the wrong decision, from student loan debt to being stuck in a field that you don’t enjoy or doesn’t pay dividends on your initial investment. Going on a study tour before university is a great way to offset some of these risks. By visiting a country before you enter university you can learn about the universities in that country as well as popular majors and truly good study tours will include opportunities to interact with local students giving students a firsthand look at what they can expect from university life. At BlueSky, we endeavour to give every student the opportunity to meet with students from the area of study they’re interested in so they can make the crucial decision of their major with confidence.  Building Resilience and Self-reliance Leaving home for the first time can be a big shock for students, especially if they have no experience living outside their parents’ home. Studying abroad gives students the opportunity to live abroad and develop more independent life skills, and parents can be at ease knowing that on most study abroad trips 24 hour support is only a phone call away. Ordering at restaurants, asking directions and just living everyday life in a foreign country is going to be a massive boost to students’ self-confidence and resilience. Building an Understanding of Foreign Culture and Business Perhaps the most immediate benefit of studying abroad is gaining an appreciation for and understanding of foreign cultures, and importantly, that knowledge of how business in that country is conducted. Gaining a deeper understanding of a culture through first-hand experience is going to provide invaluable insight in the future. Many study abroad programs now include business elements such as company tours, talks, and internships, further solidifying these benefits. Students will also be exposed to new ideas and ways of doing things that they can incorporate into their own lives giving them a host of advantages over their peers.  Building a Global Network This one follows from the previous point but is one that not a lot of people think of when they think about why students should study abroad, and that is the opportunity to start building a network of global connections before even leaving school. It’s an age-old adage in business that networks are the key to success. While visiting other countries students will have the opportunity to make friends who will not only broaden their perspectives but also create networks that can be invaluable professionally and boost future employability wherever students go. Good study abroad programmes will give students multiple opportunities to interact with students, not only during the program but also during online pre and post-learning online sessions where students will be able to cement and continue to develop these relationships.  Higher Employability and Better Admissions to Universities and Grad Schools It’s no doubt that today students are facing far fiercer competition for university positions and jobs than they ever have in the past, from home and abroad. Many universities today have acceptance rates below 10% and competition for jobs at major companies is even worse. Having gone on study tours or having studied abroad make an excellent addition to any student’s resume and helps them to stand out in a crowded field. You don’t have to take my word for it, job agencies consistently emphasize the importance of international travel and global perspective for candidates.  Improved Language and Communication Skills Lastly, let’s not forget perhaps the biggest benefit of studying abroad, improving your language skills. Ask anyone learning a foreign language and they will tell you they learned a lot more a lot faster by immersing themselves in the language and culture than they ever did in a classroom. Not to say that there isn’t value in studying a language at home but students will learn a lot faster and gain a deeper understanding of the language than they ever could in the classroom at home. Communicating does more than just improve a student’s ability to speak that language, taking students out of their element and exposing them to a host of new cultures, customs and experiences is going not only improve their ability to communicate in that country’s particular language but make them an all-around better communicator, in any language.  I hope this helps illustrate some of the key benefits of study abroad and sparks some interest in offering these kinds of opportunities to your students. Personally, I wouldn’t trade the experiences I had studying internationally for anything in the world, and given the opportunity and the right program, your students will love it too. At BlueSky Education, we build our programs around helping students develop real-world skills that they

Last week some of our BlueSky staff attended the International & Bilingual China Schools Conference 2020. Due to  Covid-19 this event was held online this year but it definitely didn’t disappoint!  We were treated to talks on how the education industry is coping in the midst of the pandemic, how technology is impacting learning and what the future holds for students and schools moving forward.  It was also a great opportunity for us to talk with international schools and partners to help us understand this side of the industry in more depth so that we can offer our clients the best possible programmes to suit their needs.  At BlueSky, we are constantly learning, just like our students and meeting with people within the industry helps us grow as a company to make sure we are offering the most cutting edge programmes for our students. As always our academic team of experts are hard at work designing new programmes and content, incorporating what we learned from experts across the industry. We look forward to continuing to offer high quality academic content and look forward to welcoming all of our students back either virtually or in person. 

2020 is an exciting year for BlueSky Education. Over the past 2 years our little business has expanded rapidly and we thought that it was time we refreshed our look to keep up with our ever growing brand. We are very excited to have our new logo now in action along with this brand new website which will hopefully make booking camps easier for those who are coming as individuals instead of groups.  Along with our rebranding we are adding lots of extra features to camps to make sure that our students get the absolute best experience we can offer. This includes updated lesson plans, new student booklets and pre-camp materials to name but a few things.  We have some very cool new t-shirts too for all of our students to take home with them after the programme is finished so we are excited for our first group of 2020 to come and try them out!  We can’t wait to welcome our 2020 students this year with our new branding in tow!

Ryan McQuade, graduate from the University of Sydney with 10 years experience in the education sector is to take over operations in Australia.