I was treated to a fascinating feature on NPR's "On Point" last night. Maya Frost is the author of a just-released book called The New Global Student: Skip the SAT, Save Thousands on Tuition and Get a Truly International Education. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, Frost and husband Tom sat down with host Tom Ashbrook to talk about how their four daughters achieved all three of these aims by pursuing primary, secondary, and tertiary studies abroad in places as diverse as Mexico, Argentina, Canada, and Germany. The couple answered questions from incredulous listeners and shared tips for parents and families to "seg"--as Maya kept saying--from "old school to bold school." But don't take my word for it: Check out Maya's website for the "Top 10 Reasons" to read The New Global Student. You'll also find bios and blogs from a selection of some of the more than 20 students featured in the book.
I've excerpted reasons 6-10 below for today's Five for Friday (In my top 10: New Global Student has the same acronym as National Geographic Society. Coincidence? I think not).
#10 It's time for a change and I'm looking for inspiring stories and practical tips to help me get fired up in order to make bolder (and more personal) life choices.
#9 I want to spend time abroad with my family and I need honest advice
from those who have done it successfully and can offer tips about
handling the kids' education.
#8 I am excited about looking beyond math and science to discover more creative ways to prepare for the global workplace.
#7 I need to hear from students who have managed to finish high school early in order to dive into higher education (especially the global variety)-and how this has helped them move forward in numerous ways.
#6 I've already read enough books by admissions advisers about the college application process. I want to get the inside scoop from no-bull experts, barrier-busting students and shrewd parents that I won't find anywhere else.
Sarah Jane for My Wonderful World
Image courtesy MayaFrost.com
#8 I am excited about looking beyond math and science to discover more creative ways to prepare for the global workplace.
#7 I need to hear from students who have managed to finish high school early in order to dive into higher education (especially the global variety)-and how this has helped them move forward in numerous ways.
#6 I've already read enough books by admissions advisers about the college application process. I want to get the inside scoop from no-bull experts, barrier-busting students and shrewd parents that I won't find anywhere else.
Sarah Jane for My Wonderful World
Image courtesy MayaFrost.com
Hi Sarah Jane,
Wow--thanks for featuring my book and interview here! I truly appreciate it. I've been a NatGeo fan for many years, so perhaps my subconscious kicked in with the NGS. ;-)
While it's true that most American students who study abroad (only about 3% of all higher ed students in the US!) are white and upper middle class, we want to change that by sharing information about the accessible and affordable options for studying abroad safely and focusing on cultural understanding (rather than, say, international partying!)
Don't let cost be an obstacle--there are many scholarships available (and more coming, thanks to yesterday's passing of the Simon Act!) The only obstacle is lack of information and imagination, so get informed, dream about the possibilities, and then go out and discover the world for yourself!
Thanks again, Sarah Jane! ;-
Maya
Hi Maya,
Your work is so spot-on with our mission, I would have been remiss not to mention it! I didn't realize the Simon Act had passed, that is indeed great news. Thanks for sharing, I'll make sure to report on it next week. Thanks for your comment and best of luck with the book!
Sarah jane
I throughly enjoyed the interview with Maya Frost on "On Point", I have since forwarded to a few friends and family members and intend to add The New Global Student: Skip the SAT, Save Thousands on Tuition and Get a Truly International Education to my reading list and to discuss on my blog. For years my husband and I have discussed taking our three children abroad and diversifying their life experiences. Hearing this interview really confirmed alot of our ideas about the benefits to our children and society as a whole!