2_1_DiscoverGermany_August2014_Issue17:Scan Magazine 1
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Interested parties can contact iE to discuss potential options and you could find yourself in South Africa or New Zealand within a matter of months.
many and Portugal to name but three. Alternatively, Gillner highlights a growing interest in Spanish-speaking countries, as more and more German schools recognise their global importance. Gillner cites Argentina, Spain and Chile as prime locations. With iE as your guide, the company will match you step for step. From the initial discussion with an experienced member of the team – the vast majority of whom have undertaken their own stay abroad – they’ll present location options, detail the financial aspects and guide you through the visa process if necessary. iE’s strong connection with the USA has garnered it the accreditation of being a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organisation, a J-1 visa sponsor and a fully listed CSIET member (Council on Standards for International Educational Travel) for over a decade. With multiple active organisations across the globe, the headquarters in Germany both welcome and bid farewell to students and the iE-USA welcomes students from 23 different countries.
“Teenagers successfully completing a programme are ready for this world,” explains Gillner. “They have broadened their horizons, learned how to solve problems strategically, share emotions and create friendships.”
tle more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs and thereby increase the chance that nations will learn at last to live in peace and friendship.”
While he admits those first few precarious steps in a foreign country are tough as you try to feel at home with your new host family, he is adamant that the advantages far outweigh the (mild and temporary) disadvantages. Taken from the handbook granted to each student at the pre-departure orientation seminars, a culture shock is to be expected and they offer advice on how to overcome it and ultimately welcome it. As Fulbright said, those who return from an educational stay abroad“bring a lit-
For students tempted to dive into a new culture, Gillner couldn’t be a stronger advocate. “Go for it,” he concludes passionately,“It is the best time of your life. Enter a new world and be prepared for the rest of your life. Set a milestone in your life that cannot be removed.” www.international-experience.net Below: Living with a host family integrates you fully into the culture of your adopted country.
With the committed support from your family and iE, an education abroad can act as a springboard to an international career.
Issue 17 | August 2014 | 53