Hit up the Beach this Fall!

Not ready to settle into the cool winter months? Then don’t! Enjoy warm, crisp temperatures year round at the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you’re studying abroad or just taking a quick break, these spectacular beaches heat up the fall season!

Long Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Long Bay Beach offers plenty of charm, with two miles of white sand fronting a beaming coastline that makes Turks & Caicos famous. Located a good distance from the big city, this quieter side of Provo provides a great escape from work or the chilly winter. Visitors can also check out the more frequented Sapodilla Bay and Grace Bay beaches.

Englishman’s Bay, Tobago

Paradise Awaits

If you seek a picture perfect atmosphere, then revel in the soothing sand, turquoise waters, and tropical forest that engulf Englishman’s Bay. This hidden gem is far removed from tourism and offers great snorkeling. The area is relatively isolated, so pack food, water, and maybe a good book. You might even want a hammock and a pillow.

Port Antonio, Jamaica

Located on Jamaica’s northeast coast, Port Antonio is surrounded by coves of buttery sand and sapphire seas, flourishing vegetation and steep hills. You won’t have trouble finding housing at one of the funky lodges or stately villas. There is also a multitude of restaurants, water sports, hiking trails, and even a growing ecotourism movement.

Las Penitas & The Corn Islands, Nicaragua

Nicaragua offers plenty of spectacular beaches: La Flor, Los Cardones, Masachapa, and Montelimar (near Managua). Most beach-goers rave about Las Penitas and The Corn Islands. Not far from Leon, Las Penitas offers a quaint fishing village on the Pacific rim. Enjoy great sunsets and tasty seafood! Others are drawn to the tropical paradise of the Corn Islands off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. Picnic Center Beach on Big Corn is the most popular swimming beach, with soft sand and mesmerizing water. The tantalizing Long Beach is a bit rougher and has fewer bars and restaurants. Watch out when venturing North, the island can get very windy.

Relax Along the Zanzibar Coast

Zanzibar Coast, Tanzania

Zanzibar offers some of the most sought after beaches with Pemba and Mafia and Bagamoyo and Pangani on the mainland. Make these your final destinations for relaxation, spectacular marine-life and water sports. The lesser known beaches of Pangani are virtually unspoilt. You might even find yourself mystified by Tanzania’s whimsical Tinga Tinga art, which originated in Zanzibar.

International Film Festival Season

When I studied abroad in Europe I spent several days in Pordenone, Italy. This beautiful town, about an hour train ride north of Venice, hosts a silent film festival each October. My college film professor encouraged me to attend. It quickly became a highlight of my trip. These festivals not only introduce you to the creative minds of international filmmakers, but also give you the chance to explore new and fascinating cities. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Le Giornate Del Cinema Muto

Creativity Knows No Boundaries

Pordenone’s silent film festival brings you back in time, to the early stages of filmmaking.  No, you don’t shoot a silent film, but you do watch classics from D.W. Griffith,  the Lumière brothers, Erich von Stroheim, Mary Pickford, Harold Lloyd and other international silent stars before the 1930s. For a week every October, film professionals, preservationists, scholars and enthusiasts watch rare footage not available to most. For 30 Euro you receive unlimited access to a full line-up of classic silent films- many of which have recently been restored. While you’re there, explore the small town of Pordenone; take a day trip to Venice; enjoy a homely Italian lunch or savor a creamy gelato. It’s an unforgettable week!

Festival de Cannes

Since 1946, the Festival International du Film in Cannes, France has been one of the world’s premiere film festivals. Today it draws tens of thousands of film professionals from around the world. The festival gives novice and seasoned independent filmmakers a chance to showcase their work before their peers. Check out films by Quentin Tarantino, Michael Haneke, Steven Soderbergh, and Park Chan-Wook. See the work of your favorite stars or expose yourself to a bigger film culture. Located in southern France along the French Riviera- it’s hard to go wrong!

Internationalen Filmfestspiele Berlin

Berlin Comes Alive at Night

The Berlin International Film Festival will celebrate its 60^th anniversary in 2010.  Selling more than 200,000 tickets each year, “Berlinale” hosts the largest audience of any film festival in the world. The festival in Berlin, Germany showcases more than 400 films over a two-week period each February. Prestigious awards include: the Golden and Silver Bears, the International Jury Award (Alfred Bauer Prize), as well as awards for top Feature, Actor, and Director. Located in one of the world’s most historical cities, attendees can visit unforgettable landmarks, taste delicious food, and explore memorable locals.

Other notable festivals:

• Sundance Film Festival – January
• Cartagena International Film Festival – February/ March
• San Francisco International Film Festival – April/May
• San Francisco Silent Film Festival – July
• Toronto Film Festival – September
• Venice International Film Festival – September

Whisk Yourself Away to the Galapagos Islands!

Looking for a rewarding trip or study abroad adventure this fall? Imagine protecting endangered species while interacting with some of the world’s most vibrant wildlife. Intrigued? Then South America, more specifically, Ecuador, is right up your alley. The Galapagos Islands. The Amazon. The Andes. The list goes on.

Galapagos Islands

Watch Out for the Friendly Sea Lions!

Become close friends with sea lions. The wildlife owns this UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll find huge sea turtles, a few spotted eagle rays and various other deep-sea creatures. The friendly Galapagos penguins may join you for a swim. Prefer land? You’ll be in good company with flamingos, mockingbirds, warblers, hawks, blue-footed boobies, herons and other shorebirds. The 19 islands also offer great hiking, from easy to strenuous. Pick your poison.

Amazon

The Amazon provides endless entertainment for fans of rafting, kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking. Explore the jungles around Calluacocha Lake, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. This wildlife sanctuary is home to several hundred species of birds, 13 species of monkeys, 1, 000 species of butterflies, and 1, 500 species of trees, as well as caimans, jaguars, ocelots, otters, and millions of insects.  Mountain bike through the  Bellavista Cloud Forest and tropical rainforest; go whitewater jungle rafting down the Blanco and Toachi rivers; or explore the tropical dry forest ecosystem in Machalilla National Park.

Andes

Quito Offers Unrivaled Beauty

More adventures await you in the Andes. Explore the capital city and UNESCO cultural heritage site of Quito. This unique city is known for its architecture and features colonial buildings, which display its baroque history. As you cross the Equator line, check out the indigenous market at Otavalo, explore the Avenue of the volcanoes south of Quito, take a train ride through the “The Devil’s Nose,” and visit the Ingapirca and Cuenca UNESCO heritage city. There’s a lot to do!

Volcano Trekking

Another adventure you won’t find anywhere else: Volcano trekking! Witness gorgeous sunsets and amazing wildlife amid towering volcanoes! Ecuador Trekking Tours offers a variety of adventures for travelers. The Cotopaxi National Park is a 36,000-hectare nature and wildlife sanctuary surrounding the highest active volcano in the world. Or check out the Guagua Pichincha Volcano. Standing at 4,874 meters, it’s a spectacular place to hike.

Want to Study Abroad? Start Now!

With the new school year almost in full swing, it’s time to start investigating study abroad programs at your college or university. This can be daunting. You’ll need to consider where you want to go; what you want to study; how long you want to go abroad; how you’ll fund your trip; and whether you’ll be able to transfer credit. It might seem overwhelming at first, but there are plenty of resources to make the process go smoothly.

Advisors

Talk to your campus advisors. If you’re serious about going abroad, learn how your travel will impact your major. See if you can transfer credit back to your home institution. If there are problems with going abroad during the school year, consider a summer abroad or short term program during the fall or winter. Short term programs often consist of a month abroad in September, January, or May.

Study Abroad and Expand Your Horizon

Study Abroad Fair

Attend your campus study abroad fairs. Obviously you’re not going abroad this fall, but check out winter, spring, and summer programs. Get an idea of what programs are offered. Check out the brochures and put together a list of questions- if you can’t ask them on the spot then visit your campus study abroad center.

Study Abroad Center

Every campus has some type of Center for International Studies or Study Abroad Office. It might consist of one person or a myriad of consultants. It’s worth checking out. You’ll find pamphlets on prospective programs, receive information on housing, funding options, and programs offered by your major or school.

Gulliver

If you haven’t already figured out, Gulliver is a one-stop site for everything related to study abroad. Want to study film in Prague? Check out these programs. Want to go to Australia? Ireland? China? We cover programs in more than 70 countries. Search programs offered by providers like CIEE (Center for International Educational Exchange), CEA (Center for Education Abroad), or IFSA- Butler. You can also search by your own university, area of study, language, and time of year. Find out information on any program by selecting the “get info” tab and filling out a free registration card. Search as much as you want. Don’t commit until you find the right program for you! When you do select your program, check out our Prepare to Go section for all the information you need about funding, housing, travel, and money for the country of your choice.

Choosing to study abroad is the hard part… planning the trip should be fun and easy!

Summer Adventures: International Sports Culture

One thing you’ll discover while studying abroad or traveling: sports is a way of life.  This weekend I joined thousands of people in San Francisco, California to watch the AVP beach volleyball championships. Although it does not attract the following of say baseball or football, it does get the adrenaline flowing. As you travel through different countries you’ll discover a wide range of sports that excite locals. Here are a few to keep in mind.

England/Cricket

We all know football/soccer is the biggest sport in England, along with rugby, golf, and tennis (ever heard of Wimbledon?).  If you really want to know the British culture, however, learn the ethics of Cricket. The sport is played on village greens and in towns/cities most Sundays from April to August. In Britain, sports are not only a popular leisure activity, but also an important part of life.

Judo Attracts Adults and Youth Alike

Japan/Martial Arts

An increasing number of Major League Baseball players today come from Japan. One of the countries most cherished sports, however, is Martial arts. Traditional practices include judo, kendo, karate-do, and aikido, which thrive in modern Japan. Judo, which literally means “the gentle way,” officially established itself as an Olympic event in the 1964 Games. Kendo (Japanese fencing) also attracts a loyal following.

Australia/Rowing

Australians love rugby, cricket, and Martial arts. Secondary sports include soccer, swimming, and cycling. Surrounded by a beautiful coast, water sports, like rowing have risen in popularity. Rowers use carbon boats of all styles and sizes. Rowing has grown both recreationally and competitively on the Gold Coast and in other Australian cities. The Australian Rowing Team is currently in Poland, preparing for the 2009 World Rowing Championships from August 23rd-30th.

Hurling is Not a Dainty Sport

Ireland/Hurling

Although Gaelic football and polo have gained notoriety around the world, hurling remains one of Ireland’s most traditional sports. Hurling started as a rivalry between neighbouring clans and villages over 2,000 years ago. The object of the game: players use a wooden stick called a “hurley” (pronounced “camán” in Gaelic) to hit a small ball (“sliotar“) between the opponents’ goalposts.  The game is mentioned in ancient folklore about Irish giants and heroes and is today considered the world’s fastest field team sport in terms of game play.

What are some other ‘can’t miss’ sporting events?

Check Out Gulliver on Facebook!

Studying Abroad this Fall? Maybe you just returned from an amazing summer abroad? We want to hear your stories! Now you can find us on Facebook! Well, Gulliver already has a fan page, and right now you can win $500 toward studying abroad! Check it out!

Find us on Facebook!

In addition to the excitement on Gulliver’s facebook homepage, you can also join individual group pages catering to your study abroad country or city! Maybe you spent your summer in Italy. Did you visit the Coliseum in Rome? Peruse the artwork at the Uffizi Museum in Florence? Or scale the 5 towns of Cinque Terre? Join our Italy group and share your adventures!

Here’s a taste of some of the other Gulliver study abroad groups on Facebook: Ireland, Australia, Mexico, Copenhagen, New Delhi, India, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Athens, and Paris. There are plenty more on Facebook. Check them out! Join! Share your insights!

International Summer Beach Hotspots

Looking to soak up the sun this summer? We at Gulliver recommend you pack the lotion, flip flops, and beach towel and head to the international shores. Here are a few great beach destinations to consider if you’re studying abroad or just traveling for fun.

Placencia, Belize

Hailed as one of the best beaches in Belize, Placencia is located at the southern tip of a long, narrow peninsula in the Stan Creek District. Beach-goers have more than 16 miles of white sand from which to choose.  If you need a little more adventure, try a popular half-day kayak trip through the mangroves of Monkey River. You’ll spot crocodiles, howler monkeys, and manatees floating around. Build up an appetite? Head to one of the beach bars for some shrimp burritos or fish tacos!

Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil

Explore Morro de Sao Paulo

Get away from the hustle and bustle of Rio and take a ferry to Tinhare Island, better known as Morro de Sao Paulo. Pick from not one, but four beautiful beaches.  Beach “Two” is known for it’s youth culture, night life, and “Rodas de Capoeira,” a form of Brazilian martial art. Once a real weapon, now an acrobatic dance, the “Rodas” takes place each day at sunset. The “First” beach offers pousadas (inns), which cater to the international surfing community.  Beach “Four” is the most peaceful, with good snorkeling and some of the most colorful fish in Brazil.  If you’re lucky you’ll also see dolphins and humpback whales! If these beaches prove too touristy for you, head further north to Ceare and Canoa Quebrada.

Latvia

Latvia is probably not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about beach towns. According to the UK Times, however, this small Baltic nation has beaches that rival those in Brazil and Australia. There are numerous choices along the 330 miles of Latvian coast, including Jurmlala on the Latvian Riviera. Looking to party? Check out Liepāja, a coastal city with funky hotels, night clubs and cafés, and reasonably priced food and drinks. For those explorers, Liepāja also has medieval churches, tsarist era fortifications, and an abandoned prison well-known for its paranormal activity.

Koh Tarutao, Thailand

Speaking of prisons… this beautiful serene stretch of National Marine Park in Thailand served as a “Prison Island” during World War II. Legend has it that many of those prisoners turned to piracy. Today, the Island is best known as the original setting for the hit TV show “Survivor.” Ko Tarutao is filled with waterfalls and caves, where some say the pirates stashed their booty. The island offers white sandy beaches, coastal trees, a friendly local atmosphere, and clear blue water.

Navagio Beach, Greece

Shipwreck Beach Offers Jaw-Dropping Views

It’s hard to leave Greece off a list of summer beaches. Our advice…explore the remote, sandy cove of Navagio Beach.  The beach, surrounded by cliffs on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, is accessible only by boat.  The beach was originally called Agios Georgios until a Navagio (“Shipwreck” in English) became a permanent fixture. Today the wreckage of a marooned vessel, dating back to 1983, remains half-emerged in the sand.  Catch a cruise tour from the villages of Volimes or Porto Vromi. While there, hit up the island’s other treasure, the Blue Caves at Skinari – massive airy grottos that are big enough to snorkel, swim, or boat through.

These are just a few beaches to discover – do you have a favorite of your own?

Study Abroad in Turkey!

Imagine exploring the site of the famous Trojan Wars in Western Turkey or seeing the oldest human settlement in Catalhoyuk.  Here at Gulliver we encourage you to spice up your study abroad experience and take your travels to Turkey! Blending ancient ruins, exotic markets, and European and Asian cultures, Turkey is a can’t miss for any adventurer. Although it means trekking into unfamiliar territory, you’ll soon discover Turkey offers a world of unrivaled beauty, history, and cuisine.

Istanbul

Bosphorus Strait Offers Beautiful Views

Turkey’s financial, economic and cultural center, Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. From the ruins and remnants of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires to the hustle and bustle of modern-day Istanbul, it is the perfect city to enrich your college education. While exploring Istanbul, check out the historical Sirkeci Train Station. This was the last stop of the Simplon-Orient Express between Paris and Constantinople (Istanbul) from 1883 to 1977.  For other stunning views, catch a ferry heading up the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy a tasty fish lunch at one of the riverside villages. At Anadolu Hisari you can climb up to the castle and gaze out toward the Black Sea.

Cappadocia

Whether you experience it by air, foot, or horseback, get up close and personal with the beautiful Cappadocian landscape. Riding horseback around these carved rocks lets you check out all the crazy formations. Look for the abandoned pigeon house. Apparently monks kept pigeons for their soil-fertilizing manure. You’ll also see frescoed churches cut right into the rocks. Don’t be surprised to find treacherous paths and unmarked trails.  You can hire a horse at the stables in Goreme, Avanos, or Urgup.

Ancient Ephesus

Temple of Artemis in Ephesus

One of Turkey’s greatest sites, the extensive Roman ruins of Ephesus are easily accessible on foot along a two-mile tree-shaded path from nearby Selcuk.  Besides the church of St. John, don’t miss the Temple of Artemis. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple was originally built during the 8th c. B.C. It was destroyed, however, and reconstructed by the citizens of Ephesus. Avid walkers could combine a visit to the ruins with a stiff six-mile walk up Mount Bulbul to see Meryemana (Mary’s House), where some people believe the Mother of God lived out the last years of her life.

A word to the wise: When visiting Ephesus, enter through the Lower Gate in the morning, explore the ruins, and then continue out through the Upper Gate and onto the mountain road toward Meryemana as the sun starts to set.

Other fun excursions:

• Trips to Ayvalik, Selcuk, the Gallipoli Peninsula, and the ruins of Troy.
• A visit to the first church built by man (St. Peter’s Church) in Antioch (Antakya).
• See where Noah’s Ark landed on Mount Ararat (Agri Dagi) in Eastern Turkey.
• Visit Anatolia– the birthplace of such historic legends as Homer, King Midas, and St. Paul the Apostle.

Gap Adventures offers a great travel guides and tips for getting around.

Study Abroad in Scandinavia!

Looking to study abroad but want to try somewhere different? How about Scandinavia?  From glaciers and volcanoes, to snowmobiles and the arctic waters- there is something for everyone to enjoy.  Visit any of the region’s five countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

These are a few ways to indulge in Nordic culture and history.

Alesund, Norway

Scandinavia Offers Impressive Views

Ever heard of Alesund, Norway? Maybe it’s time you discover this port town on Norway’s west-central coast. Destroyed by fire in 1904, the town was rebuilt in an Art Nouveau style of spires, turrets, and medieval romantic facades with gargoyles overlooking the town. Adventure seekers can explore nearby islands and peninsulas, including Runde and its 100,000 pairs of migrating puffins.  Be sure to check out Aksla, a scenic sanctuary offering a view of the fjord landscape.

Ride a Trolley through Sweden

Head to central Sweden for a 37-mile ride on the country’s historic Inlandsbana, or Inland Railway.  You can rent an old pedal-powered railway inspection trolley in Vansbro, and take it north on a 37 mile stretch of unused rail. The track—an 800-mile line- was built at the turn of the last century in an effort to open up the Swedish interior. The journey will take you past tranquil lakes,  pine forests, deer, black grouse, and capercaillie. It’s a once in a lifetime scenic adventure.

Catch the Northern Lights

Light Show in Norway

Witness one of the world’s most amazing light spectacles.  The Northern Lights—characterized by Aristotle as resembling the flames of burning gas—can be witnessed only in the world’s polar regions.  So, head to Tromsv for the real deal. This picturesque Norwegian town is the best place in Scandinavia to watch the phenomenon.  What exactly are the Northern Lights? The eerie effect is caused by particles from the solar wind getting trapped in the Earth’s magnetic field. The lights “turn on” when particles collide with the top layer of the atmosphere, creating the effect of glowing red, green, and blue neon flames that wave back and forth like a curtain in the sky. Pretty cool.

These are a just a few ideas. Go out and discover what Scandinavia has to offer!

The Sweetest Views of Switzerland

Whether you’re living, studying, or just swinging through Switzerland, how do you capture the beauty of this amazing country? Yes, you can hike through the Alps, but there’s an easier- and for some- more relaxing choice.  Whoever said the most beautiful way to see a country is by train…was right. Switzerland is no exception.

The GoldenPass: Interlaken to Montreux

GoldenPass is Your Ticket to Happiness

The GoldenPass Line is Switzerland’s most coveted ticket. The route is up to you. My journey brought me from the northern mountain town of Interlaken to the southwestern coastal town of Montreux. Although you can use the train ride to catch up on lost sleep, this is one ride you don’t want to miss. Imagine seeing the Swiss Alps from every angle (except aerial); cows grazing in green pastures; snow covering small mountain towns; or the moment the mountain ranges open up to the sea. It’s truly an unforgettable experience.

The Swiss rail network’s GoldenPass line stretches nearly 150 miles from Lucerne to Lake Geneva. Unlike normal trains, the GoldenPass is designed for panoramic views with large windows and some of the most comfortable seats you’ll ever experience. Even better news… this exclusive view of Switzerland won’t cost you an extra penny if you have a Eurail Pass!

Other Routes to Consider

The Chocolate Train: Discover the real flavor of Switzerland.  This panoramic route takes you from Montreux on the Swiss Riviera to Gruyeres, home of the famous Gruyeres cheese and Nestle chocolate factory. There is nothing better than great views and Swiss chocolate! You’ll want to check ahead, though, because trains operate on certain days depending on the time of year.

The Swiss Alps Provide Unforgettable Views

Bernina Express: Catch the most beautiful views of the Alpines! The north-south Alpine crossing from Chur to Lugano offers breathtaking views as the express travels over viaducts, through winding tunnels, and past ice-age glaciers. So you catch everything, this express has large windows extending to the top of the train. Wow.

Glacier Express: A bigger dose of the Alps. This trip goes from St. Moritz or Chur to Zermatt through the Alpine heartland of Switzerland. Zermatt, of course, is home to the famous Matterhorn (not the one in Disneyland). The journey lasts seven and a half hours, passing through 91 tunnels, crossing 291 bridges and the 2033m high Oberalp (Over-alps).

Whether it’s snow capped mountains or luscious green countrysides, Switzerland offers some of the most beautiful views in the world. I couldn’t peel my eyes away from my window during my trip from Interlaken to Montreux. For a few hours I felt like royalty. Now it’s your turn! Let Gulliver take you there!