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Top 5 Government Funded Scholarships for International Students

For many international students, government funding in the form of grants, bursaries and scholarships is the only way they can pursue their dream of studying abroad. So before you apply to your dream university overseas, find out what types of funding are available to you. Here are our top 5 government-funded scholarships for international students 2021/22.

Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Starting in 1983, Chevening has provided scholarships and fellowships to more than 50,000 people from around the world. Their aim is to provide outstanding scholars with the opportunity to study a one-year masters degree qualification at any UK university. 

What’s included?

  • Payment of tuition fees
  • Economy travel (flights) to and from your country of residence 
  • An arrival allowance
  • The cost of an entry clearance (visa) application 
  • A departure allowance
  • A contribution of up to £75 for TB testing, where is required
  • A travel top-up allowance
  • A monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses. The monthly stipend will depend on whether you are studying inside or outside London. These rates are subject to annual review.

Applications open in August and close in November each year. If successful, you will be asked to attend an interview in June and be given an offer in July. Studies will start soon after in September/ October. Find out more.

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia is one of the best destinations for international students. It has a high standard of higher education, multicultural and welcoming student communities and some of the “most liveable” cities in the world (The Global Liveability Index 2021). 

Each year, Australia Awards Scholarships provides students from participating countries with full-time undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities. To be eligible, you must live in Asia, the Pacific, Africa or the Middle East. A full list of participating countries can be found here.

What’s included?

  • Full tuition fees
  • Return air travel to and from Australia
  • Contribution towards accommodation expenses, textbooks and study materials
  • Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) 
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Pre-course English (PCE) fees

Application opening and closing dates depend on your country of residence. Find a full list here. Find out more.

Fulbright Foreign Students Program (USA)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides international students with the opportunity to study at a master’s or PhD level in America. Approximately 4,000 students receive these scholarships each year. Like other government-funded scholarships, Fulbright scholars are required to return to their home country after studying. Find out more.

Applications are processed by bi-nation Fulbright Commissions or U.S Embassies so foreign students must apply through the Embassies in their home countries. A full list of these countries and bodies can be found here

What’s included?

  • Tuition fees 
  • Living expenses 
  • Return economy flights 
  • Health insurance 

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (EU)

The Erasmus Programme is an international student exchange programme, established in 1987. It’s a well known and supported scheme funded by the European Union. There are a wide range of opportunities available with Erasmus, including:

Each program has a different set of key selection criteria which are available in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide. Make sure you read through the guide carefully and allow enough time to prepare your application. 

What’s included?

  • Full tuition fees 
  • Monthly stipend for living expenses 
  • Participant costs 
  • Travel 
  • Health insurance  

Open and close dates for applications depend on each program. Find out more.

New Zealand Aid Programme Scholarships

New Zealand offers a wide range of scholarships for international students looking to study at bachelors, masters or PhD level. These scholarships are fully-funded and for students living in commonwealth countries.

These scholarships give international students a chance to improve their knowledge and help their country of origin to grow its talents. Priority will be given to students looking to study subjects that are most relevant to the developmental needs of their home country. 

What’s included?

  • Full tuition fees and a living allowance (NZ$491 per week)
  • An establishment allowance (NZ$3000)
  • Medical insurance when you are in New Zealand
  • Travel to and from your own country
  • Travel insurance

Applications close in Feb/March each year. Find out more.

An Interview with a Sports Therapist

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Jenny Jones is a lecturer in Sports Therapy at the University of Hertfordshire and a sports therapist for the England U18 Men’s basketball team. We spoke to her about her career.

What path did you take to become a sports therapist?

“I studied the 3-year degree at what was then University College Chichester which is now Chichester University. Whilst at Uni I made every effort to gain as much work experience as possible to maximise my chances of employment after graduating. Once I had graduated in 2004 I started working part-time with a semi-professional football club and in two sports injury clinics, one physiotherapy and one chiropractic clinic.

“After 6 months working I decided I wanted to gain more experience in sports so decided to spend a month at a University in America. There, I worked in the Athletic Training room which gave me access to athletes from a large variety of sports. I spent quite some time with the Men’s basketball team where my love for the game increased even more. This led to me making the decision that I wanted to work full time in basketball if possible.

“On return to the UK, I managed to secure a full-time job with a professional team in the British Basketball League. Unfortunately, the club folded in 2006 so I moved on to begin lecturing at the University of Hertfordshire. Whilst taking a slight detour from full-time practice I was very keen to maintain my hands-on sports therapy; since joining the University of Hertfordshire I have worked with Saracens Rugby, Arsenal Ladies Academies and UK athletics.

“Throughout my career so far I have maintained my passion for basketball and for the past 3 years have been the Sports Therapist for the England U18 Men’s team.”

What are the best and worst things about your job?

“There are many best parts about being a sports therapist, I truly love the job. It can be very rewarding when players return to full fitness and can play again. Being part of a very close team experiencing the highs and lows together makes the job really enjoyable.

“There are obviously negative aspects to the job as with everything. One of them is that it is extremely time-consuming and hours are not predictable. Working at the crack of dawn and into the night as well as every weekend can be very demanding on your time; not only on you but it also has a knock-on effect on your family at home. This is by far the biggest disadvantage of working in sport. I find the best way to get around this is to work in a sport your family like and can, therefore, come and watch. It keeps them happy too!”

What is the best advice you can give people wanting a career in sports therapy?

“The key to success in this profession is motivation, determination and love of sports. I would recommend getting as much experience in as many sports as possible. Get yourself a first-aid certificate and volunteer at Saturday league games or help out with local sports or physiotherapist. The Society of Sports Therapists website is a key source of information for anyone interested in the profession.”

What would a normal day be like for a sports therapist?

“My current career is slightly different to a full-time sports therapist. I lecture at the University of Hertfordshire but I have recently returned from a European Basketball Championships in Bosnia. I will give you an example of a day there:

Pregame

“On a game day, we would wake early and have breakfast as a team. Following this, we would have a short break before training. I would use this time to treat any injured players or get on with all the pre-training preparation. This involves taping and massaging the players that require it.

“Any new injuries that had occurred in the game the previous night would also be assessed in this time. A decision on whether they could train and/or play would be made. The team would then all go to training where I would be available for any players that got injured during this time. If there were any injured players, the training time would often be used to run rehabilitation sessions using the spare courts.

After training

“After training, I would take all the players to the swimming pool to run a cool-down session. Following lunch, the players had a team meeting which I would also attend. The management team would meet immediately before this. My role as a sports therapist was to provide details of any injured players and whether they could play or not. Depending on the time of the game there may be an hour or so break for some rest. If the game was early I would begin pre-match preparation after lunch and then travel to the game. At the game, I would sit on the bench and be prepared to treat any injuries that occurred, which in this tournament was many!

Postgame

“Following the game, my role would be to organise a cool down and then assess any injuries and treat any acute injuries immediately. I also had responsibility for the players’ nutrition and rehydration. After treating the players and having dinner I was then free to relax. Depending on game time could be very late in the day. This is an example of a tournament scenario, every day would be similar but less hectic, just a slightly scaled-down version.”

What are the different types of organizations and workplaces that hire sports therapists?

“When I first graduated in 2004 the employability of a sports therapist was limited and it took a lot of motivation and perseverance to get a job. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Sports Therapy is becoming widely recognised and there is currently employment in

  • Professional sports clubs
  • Various types of sports injury clinics
  • Working with disabled athletes
  • Organised events such as marathons
  • And much more.

“The degree also allows people to go on to further study, a number of students go on to become teachers or study Masters programmes.”

What made you want to become a sports therapist?

“I have always had a real love of all sports and have participated in athletics and basketball from a young age. It was whilst competing for the south of England in athletics that I damaged my knee which resulted in two years of various treatment to no avail and led to a doctor telling me I could no longer participate in athletics.

“It was heartbreaking. Being very persistent, I did not like being told I couldn’t do something so I decided I would get educated so that I could fix myself and not let others go through the same experience I had. It was then that I found out about the Sports Therapy degree and it sounded perfect. Two years later I started at Chichester.”

What action can university students take to establish themselves as an attractive candidate to future employers?

“Since taking on the lecturing job at the University of Hertfordshire I have made it a priority to help make our students highly employable. We run events on CV writing and cover letters as well as implementing clinical experience into the degree and providing the option of a sandwich year placement. In my opinion, there are many things students can do whilst studying, but the key is gaining as much experience as possible. This will often mean volunteering at local sports clubs or events, generally getting out and experiencing the working world. It is also important for students to have the academic skills to communicate effectively.”

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Top 5 Student-Friendly Cities in The World

You’ve chosen the subject you want to pursue. You have a good idea of what job title you want to nail after graduation. You’ve always dreamed of living and learning in a different country. All that’s left now is to pick the city you want to study next.

Here’s a list of the top 5 student-friendly cities in the world. Each can offer you valuable study opportunities, career options and unforgettable life experiences.

1. London, UK

Why study in London?

In London, you’ll find some of the best universities and colleges in the world, with Imperial College London and University College London ranked in the world’s top 10 (QS Top Universities 2021). When you’re not busy studying and you want to unwind during term time, you can explore London’s top attractions such as the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard’s observation deck and discover London’s history at the London Dungeons. 

2. Montréal, Canada

Why study in Montréal?

As soon as you arrive, friendly locals will greet you with warmth all year-round – yes, even if it’s winter! Regardless of the climate you’ve been used to in your home country, Montréal will open a whole new world for you, where the beauty of winter will be the main character. No matter if you travel to Canada for a one-month study abroad experience or to study for a three-year Bachelor’s degree, you must definitely try out ice skating at least once and all the festive markets held in Vieux-Montréal.

3. Berlin, Germany

Why study in Berlin?

Regarded as one of the coolest urban hubs of Europe, Berlin promises students an unforgettable living and learning experience at decent prices. The low cost of living combined with a colourful nightlife transforms Berlin into one of the most welcoming cities for international students. It offers endless travelling opportunities in every direction. So, why not wake up early on a Saturday, rent a car and drive around Europe with your new uni friends.

4. Sydney, Australia

Why study in Sydney?

With exhaustive English-language programmes for non-English speakers and home to some of the best universities in Australia, Sydney is the dream city for every international student. The best part of coming here is that with the student visa, you are also granted permission to work up to 40 hours every two weeks. And that applies throughout your whole academic year! With an amazing climate, iconic landscapes and, not to mention, Sydney’s Taronga Zoo daily Koala Encounter sessions, Sydney will quickly become a holiday resort for your studies.

5. Seoul, South Korea

Why study in Seoul?

Who could say no to a global city with a 24/7 vibe, ranked one of the best in the world for employer activity? Plus, the quality of education in Seoul is beyond exceptional. This comes at a very decent price since everything from accommodation to food is very cheap. The modern skyscrapers, Buddhist temples and countless food markets prove that Seoul is a must-see city. And what better way of discovering it if not by living and studying there? Visit The Trickeye Museum, Lotte World, and Everland (South Korea’s largest outdoor theme park).

So, where are you heading to next?

Why Study Chemistry in Australia?

There are many reasons why you should study Chemistry in Australia. Let’s take a closer look.

Why Chemistry?

As the science of matter, chemistry is often what links other fields of science. Being the central science, chemistry plays a key role in medicine, food science, forensics, materials engineering and environmental science, to name only a few. Among other things, chemistry students learn about transformations of energy, the structure and behaviour of atoms and molecules, and the processes involved in the making and breaking of chemical bonds.

In Australia, the academic syllabus is also often complemented by a robust laboratory component, in which students will gain hands-on experience and professional skills required of a practising chemist. Beyond developing fundamental knowledge of chemistry and chemical handling skills, performing experiments will hone skills such as problem-solving, project management, time management, collaboration and science communication.

Chemistry in Australia

The university chemistry experience in Australia is superb. Working alongside chemistry experts, students have the opportunity to apply their learning to a broad range of tasks and industry-relevant experiences. Australian universities are typically equipped with the latest scientific instrumentation – and these world-class facilities are open not only to researchers but undergraduate students too. 

The highly social Australian culture creates a warm and welcoming learning environment for everyone. Most institutions provide dedicated opportunities to welcome and assist international students. There will be many opportunities to connect with other students, both domestic and international, to access extra support, and to learn additional skills which may be useful in a graduate’s future employment.

Accreditation

Chemistry courses in Australia are accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). When a course is accredited by the RACI, this affirms that the course addresses several broad outcomes for the student, including (but not limited to) understanding scientific thinking, investigating and solving qualitative and quantitative problems in chemical sciences, and also taking personal and social responsibility. The objective of accreditation is to ensure that graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a practising chemist. 

As the professional society for chemists in Australia, the RACI’s connections between academic, research, government and industry employers ensure that RACI accredited courses give a solid start to any career in chemistry. 

Job opportunities

 A degree in chemistry allows graduates to develop a wide range of competencies, opening the door to an array of careers. A chemistry graduate may choose to seek work directly in the field of chemistry. This can involve work in commercial laboratories or research & development positions. Many chemistry graduates choose to step outside of the laboratory, taking up positions in areas such as consultancy, sales and teaching. Science writing, intellectual property law and government policy are among other areas in which a chemistry degree will be useful.

We would like to give special thanks to Associate Professor Chris Thompson, Associate Professor Gwen Lawrie and Associate Professor Daniel Southam for their invaluable contributions to this article. Enjoyed this article? Read these next:

University Accommodation Guide

Going to university is one of the most exciting things you can do as a young adult. Whether you’re moving country, city or simply just moving out of your parents’ house, you’ll be sure to love your newfound freedom and independence. But with so many different types of university accommodation to choose from, how do you know what’s right for you? Should you choose an en-suite, shared kitchen or catered halls? It all comes down to personal opinion, but to help you decide we’ve created this university accommodation guide.

Things to consider when making your decision:

  • Location – how far do you want to live from your university or college? Do you want to live in a town/city or a more suburban/rural setting? Where do other students at your university live?
  • Housemates – Who do you live with? Do you want to live in a shared house, with one other person or on your own? Do you have any friends you can live with, or do you want to meet new people and join a new house share?
  • Rent and Bills – What can you afford to pay for your rent and bills? What’s your budget? Are your bills included in the cost of your accommodation? Will you be able to get a reduction on your rent and bills for being a student or single occupant?
  • Social life – What is there to do at your university? How far do you want to be from your local shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, beach, train station etc? Do you have any sports clubs or hobbies that you want to live close to?
  • Support – What support is there on offer at your university? Is there a housing office that can help you to make a decision, or find the right type of accommodation?

University Halls of Residence:

Most universities will try and house their first-year students in university-owned accommodation. This is to help most students make friends and get settled at the university, without having to travel too far to classes. The size and quality of university-owned accommodation varies for each university, but you will usually be allocated a room in a shared flat with other students. You may have the option to choose an en-suite bathroom or a shared bathroom. You may have the option to choose catered halls, or non-catered if you want your own kitchen facilities.

Pros:

  • Bills are usually included
  • Close to class (usually on campus)
  • Living with people in the same boat as you
  • More sociable/party scene
  • Lots of options for different prices/budgets

Cons:

  • Party culture (which is great for some, but not for others)
  • Quality can vary
  • Living with strangers

Private Halls of Residence/Private Halls/Communal Blocks:

Private halls are not owned by the university but may appear to be similar to the traditional halls of residence. They are usually laid out in shared flats and studio apartments with excellent quality accommodation and communal facilities.

Pros:

  • A little more independence than being on campus
  • Can choose to live with your friends
  • Bills are usually included
  • Tend to be better quality
  • Can choose to live alone

Cons:

  • Can be expensive
  • Not on campus
  • Can be less sociable

Private Renting:

Pros:

  • Independence
  • Choose the location
  • Choose how much you want to spend
  • Great practise for when you are older
  • Choose who you live with

Cons:

  • Dealing with letting agencies/landlords can be unreliable
  • Sometimes bad quality – you get what you pay for
  • Bills are typically not included
  • You have to pay council tax

Stay at home:

Financially, this may be the only option available to you, in which case, you will certainly save a lot of money compared to your friends.

Pros:

  • Cheaper
  • Good support network
  • Possibly quieter so can focus on studying

Cons:

  • Less sociable
  • Less independence
  • Public transport fees

Whatever you decide, make sure it is the right choice for you. Your parents may want you to stay at home so you can be safe and study more, and your friends may want you to live on campus so that you can party more. Make sure it is ultimately your choice.

7 Speeches That Will Motivate You To Study

Looking for motivation to study? If you’re feeling unspired and unmotivated, here’s a selection of our favourite talks and speeches to keep you going. TedTalks, for those who don’t know, are presentations given by experts and industry leaders. They’re short, fascinating speeches that are easy to follow and understand. There are TedTalks about everything; from understanding schizophrenia, to study tips, to climate change, to economics. When it comes to learning, there are topics on everything from how to learn, the best techniques for learning and motivation. Here are our favourites.

1. Learning How To Learn – Barbara Oakley

Dr. Oakley flunked her way through high school, before enlisting in the U.S. Army immediately after graduation. When she saw how her lack of mathematical and technical savvy severely limited her options she returned to school with a newfound determination to re-tool her brain to master learning.

2. Learning Styles & The Importance of Critical Self-reflection – Tesia Marshik

Teachers are told that in order to be effective educators, they must identify and cater to individual students’ learning styles; it is estimated that around 90% of students believe that they have a specific learning style.

3. Teaching Methods for Inspiring the Students of the Future – Joe Ruhl

Collaboration. Communication. Critical thinking. Creativity. These should be present in all classrooms.

4. The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything – Josh Kaufman

Kaufman specialises in teaching people how to master practical knowledge and skills. In his talk, he shares how having his first child inspired him to approach learning in a whole new way.

5. Techniques to Enhance Learning and Memory – Nancy D. Chiaravalloti

Dr. Chiaravalloti discusses the learning process and techniques that have been shown to improve learning and memory in healthy persons.

6. Why Learning Is Awesome – John Green

Some people learn best in a classroom, but some thrive better in other environments. Either way, we all love to learn, and don’t let bad classroom experiences make you feel otherwise!

7. The Puzzle of Motivation – Dan Pink

Want to feel motivated to study, but can’t seem to get yourself going? Three words for you: watch this video.

Why Study Social Work in Australia?

Social work is a complex and wide-ranging profession, covering a variety of roles, environments and issues. However, all of these roles have one thing in common: they maximise the wellbeing of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole. Social workers consider that individual and societal wellbeing is underpinned by socially inclusive communities that emphasise principles of social justice and respect for human dignity and human rights.

Why Study Social Work in Australia?

With a high demand for social workers, Australia offers a variety of social work courses across the country. Thirty Australian universities offer four-year bachelor degrees in social work, with some universities also covering social work in postgraduate qualifying, advanced and doctorate courses.

What Will You Study?

A social work degree is great for students wanting a balance between academic study and practical work. You will study social and behavioural sciences, with modules in psychology, sociology and mental health. Australian universities also have fantastic opportunities for placement and fieldwork, giving students the chance to gain first-hand experience in social work.

Degree Requirements

Most universities do not ask for qualifications in a specific subject, just that you have recent secondary education qualifications. Universities will also ask for English speaking abilities, with most accepting results from IELTS and TOEFL. There are also options to study a masters degree in social work if you have an undergraduate degree, either in social work or in a related discipline.

Choosing the Right Course

When choosing your course, it is vital that you choose one that is recognised and accredited. The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is responsible for accrediting university degrees in social work. The AASW is a body nominated by members, Universities and Higher Education Providers and the broader professional community, to set and maintain standards of professional conduct for social workers educated and/or seeking to work in Australia.

The Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) set out the principles, standards and graduate attributes for social work education in Australia. The standards are used as the criteria for the accreditation of a professional social work course with the AASW. By studying an accredited program, students are eligible for student membership of the AASW. Once graduated from an accredited program, students will be eligible for full membership including the new graduate membership category. A list of AASW-accredited social work courses can be found on our website by clicking here.

Career Prospects

A career in social work can be extremely rewarding, with opportunities to change lives on individual and systemic levels. These are just some of the fields you could go into with a social work degree from Australia:

  • Mental health
  • Child protection
  • Family violence
  • Education settings
  • Hospital settings
  • Aged care
  • Disability
  • Refugees and asylum seekers

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Our essential guide to studying in Australia

Student Visas to study in Australia

5 Books For Students To Read Before Graduating

If you enjoy reading, you’ll love university. It’s where you’ll learn the importance and power of thinking, knowledge, and education. Learning to think critically about what you read is a key skill that you’ll develop during your time as a student, and it’s a great skill to have for life. Here are some of our favourite books about the power of knowledge and understanding your place in the world. They’re our top books for students to read before they graduate.

1. Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury wanted readers to understand the importance of reading and thinking. One of his quotes that I think sums up much of what he was saying is, “You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” Through the novel, he asserts that passive lifestyles consumed with modern conveniences such as TVs and cars can erode culture, critical thinking, emotional fulfilment, and happiness. Find out more.

2. Lord of the Flies – William Golding

What happens when a group of young schoolboys are stranded on an island? Chaos. Golding wants to teach his readers that thinking, laws, and culture are what separate us from our animalistic tribalistic instincts. Education and knowledge allow a healthy and happy society to function. Find out more.

3. This is Going to Hurt – Adam Kay

The most recent book on this list, Adam Kay’s book is a collection of notes secretly taken during his time as a junior doctor. The reason why this book is important is that it gives an amazing insight into medical school, the workings of the NHS, and how doctors are not trained to deal with the emotional side of hospital life. Find out more.

4. Brave New World – Aldous Huxley

The entire novel describes a dystopia in which intimate relationships, the ability to choose one’s destiny, and the importance of family are strictly opposed. In Huxley’s mind, however, these three principles are highly regarded as necessary for a meaningful and fulfilling existence. Huxley has a humanistic, deep and enlightened view of how society should be, and of what constitutes true happiness. Every student needs to read this book and explore the question of whether it is more important to accept things as they have always been or to fight for the things that will make you happy. Find out more.

5. This Side of Paradise – F. Scott Fitzgerald

If the author’s name sounds familiar to you, it is probably because you heard of his famous novel ‘The Great Gatsby’. One of the books that every single college student should make a point of reading before they graduate is ‘This Side of Paradise’. The classic novel is witty and romantic as it tells the story of a Princeton student who becomes disillusioned with life after graduation. It’s hard to tell whether Amory learns more from his life inside of school or his life outside of it. Find out more.

USA – Essential Guide for International Students

General Information

Currency: United States Dollar (USD) – this is approx. 1.26USD to every 1GBP
National language: English
Geography: Made up of 50 states and various territories
Time in Capital City: GMT -4
Climate: the USA is so huge so there are frozen wastelands, scorching deserts, non-stop rain or perfect sun depending on where you go.
Population: 327 million

Annual Costs (approx.):

  • University Cost (USD): $24,914
  • Living Costs (USD): $11,658
  • Total Cost (USD): $36,564

Top Universities:

Click on the University name to be taken to their website.

  1. Princeton University, NJ
  2. Harvard University, MA
  3. Columbia University, NY
  4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), MA
  5. The University of Chicago, IL
  6. Yale University, CT
  7. Stanford University, CA
  8. Duke University, NC
  9. The University of Pennsylvania, PA
  10. John Hopkins University, MD

Applying to Universities and Visas

Most universities in the US require foreign applicants to take an English as a second language test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), these are to be completed around a year before you study.

For all other universities, the application deadline is often in January – seven months before you intend to start university.

There are three types of visas for international students in the US: F1 for academic studies; J1 for practical training not available in your home country; and M1 for vocational studies.

Things You HAVE To Do:

  • Route 66 – the most famous and iconic road trip in the entire world. Route 66 takes around 2 weeks to do, including rests. It takes you from Chicago to LA, and you will see some amazing sites such as the painted desert and even a meteor crater!
  • Statue of Liberty – no trip to America would be complete without a trip to Lady Liberty herself. You can get a boat ride around the statue to see her in all of her glory.
  • Disneyland Florida – the most magical place on Earth, Disneyland does not disappoint. Fun for all the family, fun activities, and beautiful Floridian weather.
  • Hollywood sign – an absolute icon, the Hollywood sign is a must see. There is a beautiful hike you can go up to the sign, and you get an excellent view of tinsel town from the top.
  • Yellowstone National Park – or any of America’s national parks. They boast some of the most stunning scenery in the entire world. Gorgeous trails, amazing views, and endless wildlife.

Quick tips:

  • 911 is the emergency number in the US
  • Tipping is required and is seen as rude not to do it. 15-20% is the standard for tipping in restaurants.
  • Make sure you have health and travel insurance before your visit – health care costs are some of the highest in the world here.
  • The prices shown for items in shops are excluding the tax, so estimate that your item will cost 10% more than it appears
  • The US is one of only a few countries to still use the Imperial system. So, think of height in feet, distance in miles, the temperature in Fahrenheit, and weight in pounds

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