Recommended Reading

Check out some of the recommended materials listed below. These can give you a kick-start in planning your upcoming international experience!

Online Resources:

• AmeriSpan: The Bridge Between Cultures
• AmeriSpan: Study & Travel Resources
• Intercultural Press
• The Thorn Tree Travel Forum
• Transitions Abroad Magazine
• Study UK Resources (for US students studying abroad in the UK)
• U.S. State Department Students Abroad
• What’s Up With Culture? An On-Line Cultural Training Resource For Study Abroad. (See Bibliography: Student’s Guide)
• Work Abroad: The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas

Resources at PSU:

• Conversation Partner Program:  Interested in an opportunity for language exchange before you head off for your own international experience?  If so, you may be interested in becoming a conversation partner for an international student currently at PSU.  This program is coordinated by the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) at PSU.  Contact them directly to apply and learn more about this program. 
• INTL 4/571: Understanding the International Experience Course: Examination of communication-based, cultural, economic, emotional, physical, political, religious, and social aspects of an overseas of community-based international/ intercultural experience. Presentation of strategies for development of an appropriate level of preparation to meet challenges of working and traveling in an international/ intercultural setting. Emphasis on general methodology and process required to develop personal awareness and resources for successful field experience. Also offered as BST 471 and LING 471. Contact: internationalstudies@pdx.edu for more information
• Study Abroad Club:  Find the PSU Education Abroad group on Facebook. Search for “Portland State Education Abroad”.

Books/Articles:

Maximizing Study Abroad: A Students Guide to Strategies for Language and Culture Learning and Use by R. Michael Paige, Andrew D. Cohen, Barbara Kappler, and Julie C. Chi

Aimed at students who want to make the most of their study abroad experience, this flexible and user-friendly guide helps students identify and use a wide variety of language and culture learning strategies. The guide begins with three inventories designed to help students be more aware of how they currently learn language and culture. The following sections provide students with tools and creative activities they can use to enhance their favored learning strategies and try out unfamiliar ones. Students can use this guide as they prepare for study abroad, during their experience, and once they return to maximize their experience. More information on Maximizing Study Abroad

Resources in the Greater Portland Metro Area:

Global & Multicultural Resource Center (GMRC)
Sixth Avenue Building at PSU
1950 SW 6th Ave, Room 121, Portland, OR 97201
503-725-8191

International Association
3645 SE 32nd Ave, Portland, OR 97202
503-972-1770

Rotary International Dist 5100
15115 SW Sequoia Pkwy, Portland, OR 97224
503-620-8055

World Affairs Council of Oregon (WAC)
620 SW Main Street, Suite 133, Portland, OR 97205
502-274-7488

World Trade Club
200 SW Market St, Suite L103, Portland, OR 97201-5705
503-223-9420