While classes in North America wind down over the summer, universities in Australia and New Zealand are in full swing. Students can take advantage of the seasonal differences to expand their education and explore the nations of the South Pacific by enrolling in a summer study abroad program.

Since the semester is already underway in the South Pacific during our ‘summer break’, students undertaking summer study in New Zealand and Australia participate in short-term programs that fit their schedule while discovering the remarkable landscapes, coastlines and rich cultures of their host nation.

Where are New Zealand and Australia Summer Study Abroad Programs Held?

Summer study programs are offered through many major universities throughout Australia and New Zealand. In fact, programs are offered by institutions in most major cities. Whether you prefer New Zealand or Australia, summer term options suitable for most fields of study are available.

Why Enroll in a Summer Study Abroad Program?

Studying abroad during the summer is an ideal opportunity to make the most of time between spring and fall semesters at home. Not only does a summer study abroad program allow students to continue their education, but it also provides a rare opportunity to explore the world.

When it comes to summer study australia and New Zealand offer students exceptional opportunities and academic programs. Because seasons in the South Pacific are opposite those of the Northern Hemisphere, the universities there are in full operation during this time. During a New Zealand or Australia summer term, students may choose any number of intriguing programs of study that may not be available at their home university during this time.

Since summer term programs offered at this time are of shorter duration, students can select a summer study abroad program that best fits their university’s schedule and their own course of study. Happily, there are any number of excellent New Zealand and Australia summer study programs available.

Applying for a Summer Study Abroad Program

The application process for these programs is similar to that used by most universities in North America. Applying for a summer study abroad program in the South Pacific typically involves completing an application form or forms. A copy of your official college transcripts will be required and typically a small fee is involved. References from faculty members of your home college or university are often required too. To ensure you have all the required materials on hand, fully research the requirements of any program in which you have interest.

Students find summer study abroad programs an experience rich in opportunities both academically and personally. Enrolling in a New Zealand or Australia summer term program makes the most of your time between full semesters and provides a once in a lifetime glimpse of your place in the world.

A degree from a university means many thing to many different people. Only you can define the importance of a degree such as this to you and only you can determine whether or not now is the time for you to pursue a university degree.

If you are unsure about how advantageous a university degree could be to your life let’s look at some of the advantages to a university education in relationship to a community college education.

Money. The first obvious advantage of a university education would be in future earning potential. A four-year degree trumps a two-year degree almost every time.

There would have to be exceptional circumstances for someone with a two-year degree to earn more over the course of a lifetime than someone with a four-year degree in the same exact field.

While a degree does not guarantee employability, it does improve the odds as well as the income potential that is associated with the field you are entering into. If you have a two-year degree the decision to continue your educational pursuits can be a tough one but it is well worth the effort in the end.

Housing. This is another distinct advantage that universities offer over community colleges. In fact, many universities are now offering housing opportunities to students with families in addition to those students who have no families.

Colleges and universities are offering all kinds of value when it comes to housing and meal plans. A great deal of the college experience is missed when you do not live on campus. For this particular reason students wishing to enjoy the experience that dorm life provides often consider universities over community colleges.

Diversity. This is another key component that is often missing at the community college level. International students find no real price breaks between universities and community colleges so they tend to opt for the housing and cultural atmosphere that universities present rather than going with the limiting educational, residential, and cultural experience offered by many community colleges.

You will find students of different races, religions, cultures, and nations on the university level-far more than will typically be seen in a community college unless you are attending community college in a very culturally diverse city such as New York.

Culture. This is something that is often lacking on the community college level, as they are largely commuter campuses. You will not see quite the opportunity to experience art, music, the theater, and other wonderful experiences that universities pride themselves in offering to their students.

There is nothing quite like the cultural offerings of most large universities and if you get the opportunity I hope you will take the time to stop and experience some of the wonderful things that being in a university community present you with an opportunity to experience.

Research opportunities. On a university level you will have the opportunity to participate in research projects with certain professors if your prove yourself worthy and express an interest. This is something that isn’t as likely on the community college level as most professors in a community college are dedicated to teaching rather than research. You will find that the experience of working on a large-scale research project is unlike anything you are likely to experience again if you ever get the chance.

Confidence. There is nothing quite like a college degree from a university to help you become a more confident person both personally and professionally. This is something that really can’t be achieved on the community college level but can only be experienced by getting a degree from a university.

If you lack confidence when dealing with others or in your career, I hope that you will find that your university education is just the thing to help you feel more confidence on all levels of your life.

These are just a small sampling of the many benefits of attending a university over a community college education. I hope you will carefully consider these when making your decision about which is best for your personal education needs.

While there are many distinct advantages that can be associated with attending a community college there are a few disadvantages that I would be remiss in not mentioning.

We all like to look at the positive side of things and the good in my opinion of community colleges, at least as a springboard for university learning far outweigh the bad. However, if you are considering community college as an option whether for your associate’s degree alone or have plans to move along to the university level upon completion you should see the big picture and not just the sunshine and flowers.

The first thing you should be aware of, and this applies primarily to those students with plans to transfer, is that you should always consult the college you intend to attend next in order to make sure that the courses you are taking on the community college level are compatible with the core requirements for the university.

In many cases they are similar enough to be considered compatible but there are exceptions and it is better to find this out sooner rather than later. If you plan to attend a University that is located near the community college you are attending you should check and see if they have some sort of articulation agreement that will allow associate’s degree graduates to transfer seamlessly.

Many states are stepping in and passing laws that require colleges in their specific states to accept community college credits as transfer credits in an effort to keep qualified workers in the state.

Some universities are even offering distance learning programs to associates degree graduates in order to allow access to students who live a greater distance from campus to have access to educational opportunities that would have been denied to them in the past. Of course if you live in one of these states, a former disadvantage may now work in your favor.

Many community colleges do not offer housing opportunities and most of those that do are still largely commuter campuses rather than residence campuses. Rather than spending funds on housing these colleges tend to reserve their spending to assist in academic pursuits.

Community colleges in rural areas are much more likely than those in larger cities to offer housing on campus. The lack of on-campus housing makes participation in sports and other activities a little more difficult than colleges that are largely residential in nature.

If you decide to make a community college your last stop when it comes to your personal educational experience you will be denying yourself a great deal of earning potential over the course of your lifetime. For this reason you should seriously consider the benefits that transferring to a university will present for your educational goals.

My largest complaint when it comes to community colleges when compared to larger universities was the fact that there are such limited opportunities to take specific classes than when compared to those classes on a university level.

You will find that you must remain within your sequence of courses on the community college level or you risk needing an extra semester or year in order to complete the requirements for your associate’s degree. Universities tend to offer greater flexibility, especially in lower level courses that are required by all in order to graduate.

My other major complaint when it comes to community college is the fact that they often have much smaller libraries than universities. This seriously limits the ability that students have to do extensive research with the exception of rare cases. Universities simply have deeper pockets than the average community college.

For this reason they will have bigger libraries and far more bells and whistles than the average community college. Hopefully we’ll see this change over time as well.

Despite the disadvantages that can be associated with community college educations, I feel that they are very much outweighed by the benefits that the community college learning environment offers.

When purchasing any weight loss product, it is important to do your research. Many people are exchanging their opinions about Ab Circle on DietBlogTalk.com

For an additional source, check out Ab Circle on the very popular Sensational.com

Review Summary

The Ab Circle is a fairly new piece of workout equipment promoted by a self described celebrity trainer named Jennifer Nicole Lee. This product works by having people kneel upon it and swing their hips in a circular motion. The company states that this motion will trim away love handles and that the device may be manipulated for lower body workouts as well. Some people may find that this equipment looks confusing to use, but Lee has created an instructional workout DVD that is shipped out with each order of this product. The company behind this device definitely makes some enticing promises and even claims that users may lose 10 pounds in the first two weeks of use. Such a promise may make some people pull the trigger and purchase this product, but those consumers who would prefer to verify such claims should continue to read below.

Product at a Glance

Promoters of the Ab Circle Pro continuously tout that people may gain ab results without doing a single sit up or crunch. This is because people are up off of the floor while using this product and actually kneeling over. This position is said to protect the back and neck, which the company claims may be stressed or pulled during traditional abdominal workouts.

Product in Focus

The best way to describe this product is as a circular device that has two knee pads and two handles. To use, people place their knees on the pads and grab onto the handles. The pads are attached to a circular traction that allows people to swing their legs back and forth. The company notes that this friction free tract has a patent pending.

This circular motion is meant to tone the abs while also providing a cardiovascular workout. As mentioned above, the device may be manipulated to adapt to other positions and moves, and we assume that this is all explained in the DVD featuring Lee. In addition, this machine has three different resistance levels, so that it is suitable for people of any fitness level.

The Ab Circle is advertised to last a lifetime, which seems to be due to the fact that the product is built with what the makers call gym quality steel. Despite its purported durability, the company assures consumers that this equipment can be easily folded down and stored so that it does not take up much space in the home.

Website

The product website is a bit basic. There is no cited research or documented proof to show this device was studied carefully. This does make us wonder where the company got their stats to claim it may lead to 10 pounds of weight loss in two weeks. While the product description on this site is pretty short in content, the company does post a video showing people how this machine is meant to work.

People interested in the Ab Circle Pro can sign up for a 30 day trial on this site. The cost of this trial is $14.95, but the company also charges a $34.50 fee for shipping and handling. The total price of this machine is about $250, and the company does have a complicated return policy with several conditions.

Positives

·    Machine comes with a workout DVD
·    Consumers may opt for a 30 day trial to test product

Negatives

·    No cited research posted for consumer review at this time
·    Not many testimonials posted on product site
·    Machine is rather expensive considering what it is
·    Machine does look awkward to use

Final Thoughts

There is no question that the midsection is a trouble area for many dieters. Using a product like this may help tone abdominals if used regularly, but we are not confident that this device can lead to significant, quick weight loss as the company claims. In most cases, sustained weight loss does take time, patience and diligence. A healthy diet and regular exercise has been a proven method to lose weight. If the Ab Circle provides people with a challenging workout, as advertised, then it may aid in this process. However, results may not be as fast as the manufacturer claims.  We suggest that those people interested in this product click on the links above. The links will take you to other articles that discuss this machine and may provide some important product information.