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Academic, Academic and Professional Benefits, Explore European Cultures, Explore the World, Firms and Organizations Visited, Study Abroad, The Forum-Nexus Experience, Travel Tips, Travel Tips for Europe

Destination 8: This is Rome!

May 26, 2017 Alyssa Fronk

Our second to last city spotlight is upon us and our trip to Europe is weeks away! Still haven’t locked down plans for this summer? There are a handful of spots left on the Forum Europe Summer 2017 program… 9 European cities, transferable college credits, friends from all over the world, professional networking opportunities, and memories to last a lifetime; why not take the leap? Apply for FREE here.

Once our time exploring Northern Italy wraps up, Forum-Nexus will catch a high speed train to one of the world’s most beloved and ancient cities, the glorious Rome, Italy.

Known for its deep history, iconic landmarks, and proud culture, Rome is everything great you’ve heard it to be and so much more. The capital of Italy is often known as home to the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, neighbor to Vatican City, film location to The Lizzie McGuire Movie, and as the former Roman Empire.

Watch all the magic that Rome holds in this recap of our week spent there last summer!

Why do Forum-Nexus students love Rome so much? Because there is so much to do! Rome is brimming with awesome sites, people to meet, and food to eat. Seriously, there is a monument and eatery on every corner. Five days will go by in a flash! Students can look forward to spending their time exploring the city( on their own and on group walking tours), attending classes, participating in a professional visit to the FAO, and having nonstop fun. On the weekends, students are invited to take an optional FN day trip the incredible Pompeii ruins, the Vesuvius Volcano, and Naples.

Sound too good to be true? Allora, come along and see for yourself this summer. The Eternal City is waiting to win you over; this is Rome, Italy!

Follow along on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about this one-of-a-kind city and our summer 2017 program.

Destination 7: This is Lake Como!

May 3, 2017 Alyssa Fronk

After an exciting and culture-packed weekend in Milan, Forum-Nexus will head off to one of the most cheerful lake towns in Europe. Nestled in the foothills of the Lombardy region in Northern Italy, destination seven brings us to the infamous Lake Como!

Known for its favor among Hollywood stars (George Clooney, Madonna, Gianni Versace, Sylvester Stallone), Lake Como’s natural glamour, elegant villas, and colorful towns have made it a standout destination of Italy. The scenes are jaw-dropping, the food is divine, and the locals are kind; simply, it’s all of Italy’s best features in one sweet city.

Sound too good to be true? Picture yourself exploring Como the Forum-Nexus way this summer.

The first part of this day trip is reserved for a guided group walking tour of Lake Como, featuring beautiful city gems. Students will get to see iconic churches and buildings, and learn about the fascinating history of the local silk industry. Once the tour concludes, students are free to roam the edge of the lake for tasty lunch spots and optional shopping. (Pro-tip: The water and rolling hills make a gorgeous backdrop for photos.) Afterwards, the group will head off to destination number eight, up next on our city spotlight series!

This world-renowned lakeside city is waiting to win you over; this is Lake Como, Italy!

Follow along on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about this one-of-a-kind city and our summer 2017 program.

Courtesy of Julia Ryan

Academic, Academic and Professional Benefits, Explore European Cultures, Explore the World, Firms and Organizations Visited, Study Abroad, The Forum-Nexus Experience, Travel Tips for Europe

Destination 5: This is Milan!

March 21, 2017 Alyssa Fronk

There’s a real beauty and privilege when it comes to multi-country study abroad program. You get a little taste of each region, immersion in some of the most iconic cities, paired with getaways to gems found off the beaten path. It’s the best of both worlds, study abroad and world travel. To say the least, you don’t want to miss out on our summer abroad.

After a six day stay in the heart of France, a high-speed train will usher our group into the enchanting country of Italy, known best for its scenic cities, friendly citizens, and world-class cuisine. Italia is nothing short of an enriching international experience. Our first stop brings us to the capital of fashion, business, and finance. This is Milan, Italy!

Best known for the Duomo di Milano, the keeper of da Vinci The Last Supper, and a central location for high-end luxury brands, the city of Milan is everything you’ve ever dreamt it to be and more. Think Gothic cathedrals, alluring architecture, art, bustling city life, and endless shops. And don’t forget about the incredible food! Students are encouraged to spend their time soaking up the rich art history, museum gazing, or shopping at famous stores – Prada, Versace, or Moschino, anyone?

Go ahead, watch a little preview of Italy the Forum-Nexus way on our YouTube channel.

During our 5 day stay in Milan, students will attend classes held at the historic campus of the Universita Cattolica, housed in a 14th century monastery. For weekend activities, Milan serves as a great travel hub to catch a train to popular nearby destinations such as Cinque Terre, Venice, Florence, and so on. Students can opt for a Forum-Nexus organized day trip, take a weekend excursion with their peers, or kick it in Milan. It’s hard to go wrong in Italy.

Get that camera ready, brush up on Italian history, and save a few extra Euros for incredible shopping.

Follow along on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about this iconic city and our summer 2017 program.

Milano awaits you!

Academic and Professional Benefits, Explore European Cultures, Explore the World, Firms and Organizations Visited, Study Abroad, The Forum-Nexus Experience

Destination 4: This is Paris!

February 8, 2017 Alyssa Fronk

Next, we’re sharing all about the fourth destination on the Forum Europe Summer 2017 itinerary and one of the most iconic cities in Europe…

There’s a reason why Paris, France is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world; it’s everything good you’ve ever heard and more. Paris is the pulsing heart of French culture, politics, and business. The architecture, beauty, food, and glitz effortlessly captures the admiration of each visitor. To say the least, a real European excursion isn’t complete without a stop in the city of love.

So what’s a week in Paris like with Forum-Nexus? Read past accounts from our own alumni.

Paris can cater to the desires of any traveler; there’s great shopping, art, museums, attractions, nightlife, food, and activities. While staying in the city of love, students will be able to stroll along the Seine river, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, say hello to Mona Lisa at the Louvre, and snap a picture of the Eiffel Tower, of course! Paris is home to several influential companies and international organizations, as well. Students will have the opportunity to participate in professional visits to places such as Le Cordon Bleu, OECD, and UNESCO. And don’t forget about classes, which will be held on the campus of the American Business School in Paris. On the weekend, students can participate in an optional Forum-Nexus day trip to the famous castles of the Loire Valley, or take an independent excursion to Amsterdam or London.

Follow along on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about this beloved city and our Summer 2017 program.

Like they say, Paris is always a good idea!

Destination 3: This is Geneva!

January 22, 2017 Alyssa Fronk

The third destination on the Forum Europe Summer 2017 itinerary is a sweet, day-long stop in the breathtaking city of Geneva, Switzerland.

Piercing blue skies, a beautiful lakeside, rolling hills, and mountains adorn the cosmopolitan city of Geneva. Best known as the European headquarters for the United Nations, this Swiss city also offers luxury shopping, famous watch brands, world-renowned chocolate, and more!

The day trip to Geneva will be split into two parts: A professional visit the United Nations headquarters and city exploration. Upon arrival to the UN, students will get the unique opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the Palais des Nations. Highlights may include seeing the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, The Council Chamber, Salle des Pas Perdus, art from around the world, a recap of the current activities, and more! The best part? Cameras are welcome! After the professional visit concludes, students will get free time to explore the Geneva at their leisure. Walk the lakeside, buy some chocolate, eat at a cafe – there is plenty to do, see, and learn!

Take a glimpse of last summer’s visit to Switzerland here.

Geneva will serve as a middle point of transition from Chamonix to Paris. This dely memorable.

This week on the blog, we’ll share what Forum-Nexus alumni have to say about their time exploring the city of Geneva and experiencing the United Nations.

Follow along on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about this one-of-a-kind city and our Summer 2017 program.

Geneva awaits YOU!

Academic, Academic and Professional Benefits, Explore European Cultures, Explore the World, Firms and Organizations Visited, Study Abroad, The Forum-Nexus Experience

International Education Week 2016

November 15, 2016 Alyssa Fronk

Happy International Education Week! That’s right, #IEW2016 is all this week from November 14-18. Follow along as we celebrate and reflect on 27 years of international education.

So what is #IEW2016? The U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs defines it as: “An opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.”

At Forum-Nexus, we believe in providing a first-class international educational experience to foster an appreciation for the richness of other cultures, by offering unique and life-changing summer programs that encourage the exchange of ideas with individuals from around the world, while creating a community of students with a passion for learning and exploring the world with an open mind. 27 years with over 3,300 students.

We asked a few Forum-Nexus alumni from the past several years what international education means to them and how it has impacted their lives. Here’s what they said:

“My international education taught me classroom content and life skills. It gave me new perspectives, friends from around the world, and a chance to experience different cultures, customs, and environments. It has made me who I am today. I encourage students to study abroad because it is the perfect way to get an international education and all of the benefits that come with it.” – Gabriella G., FN 2012

“What I most enjoyed about my international experience is the bonds that I made with other students on the trip. I never thought that I would have friends all around the world and now I do. I have formed such authentic friendships with people I had only known from a month, but now they are family to me.” -Jonna F., FN 2016

“International education is important because we live in a world with a rapidly globalizing economy. It is important for everyone to have a general understanding of global cultures simply because of the economic effects that other countries have on every individual. A well-honed international education can also help to increase one’s ability to empathize, which is incredibly important in management or customer service positions.” -Nick B., FN 2015

“International education gave me the ability to understand different cultures and see how they communicate, conduct business, and live. I was exposed to real world experiences and witnessed different countries and their real-time economic challenges. Every step taken overseas was a learning lesson for me. I took in everything I saw, felt, and did like a sponge. It opened my eyes to continuing with the same mindset upon returning home.” -Selin B., FN 2014

“An international education program was one of the first things that made me interested in exploring the world; in learning how people from other cultures lived, and what was “normal” or “common” for them, that wasn’t for me. Our communities tend to take many things for granted: costumes, activities, and perspectives that were defined a long time ago in our cities become ingrained in our society and are never questioned again. That’s where learning about the way of living (in all matters) in other parts of the world help us reevaluate our own values and ideas, so we can make a choice not by repetitive patterns, but by consciously comparing and analyzing different perspectives on daily topics, so we can choose what’s best for us.” -Carlos T., FN 2010

“Although I’ve always been traveling around ever since I was young, studying abroad was a completely different experience. You don’t just get to experience different cultures through the places you visit, but you get to live with international students who expose you to even more cultures than you expected and of course make lifelong friends from all over the globe. International education is an enriching experience from which you learn how to become more accepting, tolerating, and understanding of different ideas, people, cultures, etc. It changes your perspective towards life!” -Nadine K., FN 2011

An investment in education is an investment in yourself. What are you waiting for?

Learn more about our upcoming multi-country study abroad programs at forum-nexus.com

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The “Must-See” of Barcelona

October 17, 2016 Alyssa Fronk

My favorite professional visit during my summer abroad with Forum-Nexus was to Park Güell, where a picture really is worth a thousand words. First, a little background about me: I am a Business and Enterprise Management major and triple minor in Biology, Psychology, and Health Policy Administration. In other words, I hadn’t studied or shown much interest in art history before my summer abroad. But, on a whim, I decided to take European Art and Architecture, and it was an amazing decision. I found that taking a class relevant to everything I saw while in Europe was eye opening; for instance, the details of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, pieces of art and sculpture I saw in the Vatican, and looking at the Renaissance architectural details in Florence. I noticed details that I wouldn’t have known to look for without my Euro art history class. Park Güell was no exception.

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Courtesy of Mary Anne S.

Going to museums and monuments is much more meaningful to me now as I learn about these movements and artists in class before I go see them, especially seeing Park Güell with my class. We learned about Antoni Gaudí and some of his best known works in class, then got to go to the famous park with my knowledgable art professor and a guided tour. My favorite part was probably our free time to wander around and look at the nature -inspired mosaics up close. Seeing how Gaudi was so influential and creative as an architect with my class was such a cool experience! We got to see his labyrinth of columns and tiles, cavernous curved tunnel, houses for people to actually live in, and benches overlooking the city all in one day. We got to walk inside one of the old apartment buildings, and even this was built with no straight lines; curved walls and bright blue colors filled the entire structure. This park was made even better with the greenery adding nature to this gorgeous overlook of the ocean in the background.

It was especially interesting to notice the mosaic tiling seen everywhere in the park, and was my favorite detail of the massive structure. Seeing the nature -influenced details everywhere was also fun to look for as we walked through the park, each section of wall decorated in an entirely new way. It made me excited to see more of Gaudi’s work in Barcelona.

After the tour, we took a bus over to the ocean and up to the top of a scenic overlook that I didn’t even know existed. I have an interest in photography, so this entire day was really beneficial for me to personally view these famous and well-photographed tourist destinations from new angles.

While in Barcelona, Park Güell is a must-see. It was number one on my list of places to go, and I was thrilled that I got to go with my class as a professional visit. I recommend anyone to take European Art and Architecture. You’ll learn about parks, other monuments, and architectural styles seen everywhere in Europe! It really added to my international experience in a way that I hadn’t expected. This visit in particular was a fun use of my time because I was able to do something that I have always wanted to do. It was so interesting to learn about a new city in a different way than I am used to!

By: Mary Anne S., FN 2016 Alumna

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