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How to Study Abroad for Less

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Noodle Staff April 15, 2013

Studying abroad can be an awesome experience. You get to immerse yourself in a different culture to learn things you'd probably never be able to without leaving the U.S.

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

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Studying abroad can be an awesome experience. You get to immerse yourself in a different culture to learn things you'd probably never be able to without leaving the U.S.

One of the biggest challenges many students face, is the expense that comes along with studying abroad. With travel costs rising and study abroad programs increasing their program rates, it's only natural for many students to shy away from studying abroad for financial reasons.

But you don't have to short change yourself the chance of a lifetime to study in a foreign country.

You can stick to a reasonable budget by following these tips:

Wait to Study Abroad

Most students study abroad during their junior year of college, but it's not the only time you can take advantage of this amazing opportunity. By delaying your study abroad trip by a semester or two, you get more time to save some money before your big trip. Recently more and more students have been waiting to study abroad during their senior year - some are even waiting until they enroll in graduate school before they study abroad. In fact, during the 2010-2011 academic year, there was a 13.5% increase in seniors and graduate students in study abroad programs.

Are you ready to take advantage of an affordable study abroad program? Use Noodle to start your free study abroad search

Take Advantage of Shorter Study Abroad Programs

The most expensive study abroad programs are the ones where students live abroad for a full academic year. To cut down on the cost of studying abroad, consider a shorter program such as a summer study abroad program. These cost less because they don't include as many courses, and they'll save you money on living expenses.

Consider Alternate Places to Study Abroad

The first places people think of when considering studying abroad are often the UK, France and Italy. But there are so many other places you can study that are far less expensive. Some of the best study abroad programs can be found in China, India, Costa Rica, Israel and South Korea for a fraction of the cost of the more popular programs. Not only is the cost of living significantly lower in these countries than it is in Western Europe, but the program fees themselves can sometimes be less costly.

Since 2008, China has offered more and more programs, and has seen more than 1,400 students take advantage of them. Costa Rica has seen an increase of over 1,100 students, and India almost 2,000 students. So are you start to explore study abroad programs, don't be afraid to explore programs that are a little more exotic than say, Paris or London. You will not only save money, but you will also get a once in a life time cultural experience!

_For statistical information on the tips provided here, please see The New Face of Study Abroad infographic._

Learn more about saving money while studying abroad:

6 Tips to Save Money While You Study Abroad *_

Infographic: Is Study Abroad Worth the Cost?

Bootstrapping Your Study Abroad Experience

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