Who: Mochi Things
What: Note Pouch (basically a wallet, far as I can tel)–
| Dimensions | 8.7 * 5.3 * 1.4 in. |
| Weight | 8.18 oz |
| Material | Polyester, Nylon, Paper |
| Ships Worldwide From | Seattle, WA, USA |
Where: MochiThings.com
Why: This looks like it would be a great wallet replacement for your carry-on or backpack during travel! I really like that it has room for a passport and/or notebook.
How Much: $45.95 (If anyone tries this, I’d be interested in whether it lasts!
I have officially modified the website according to the 2015-2016 FAFSA School Code List. All the links have been modified, and the list of schools and universities has been updated.
You should take note of the changes, and verify that any school you are interested in is still there. More schools are gone this year than I’ve ever seen before, but there are some good ones added.
Gone:
New
Manuel de Cortes’s recent book, “Italy Travel Guide: Top 40 Beautiful Places You Can’t Miss” is an resources for travelers or students interested in visiting Italy. At 125 pages, the book is small but still contains quite a bit of useful information on locations worth checking out during your trip.
I’ve never been to Italy, so I cannot actually tell you if the places he recommends are truly the best. But I looked up some reviews and pictures of the spots, and I would definitely want to check them out if it were me. I’m planning my dream trip to Italy one day, and this book gave me some great ideas 🙂
There are seven Chapters, including the introduction and conclusion. He has divided the country into a general overview, North Italy, Central Italy, South Italy, and the Islands. Each gets its own description and list of recommended locations. In addition to brief descriptions, he also throws in the fun fact here and there to spice up your trip.
The book is a little simple, and he doesn’t include directions or tell you how to reach these spots. And it’s usually recommending a larger area (this city, that pot), so specifics like where to find dinner or shop aren’t here. That will be up to you. But it is a good place to find ideas if you want to get a good look at all the different areas in the country.
Writing style: Pretty good. Some of the writing could have been edited better, but I feel that with a decent editor it would read like a professional. Mr. Cortes has written several other books, and is obviously familiar with the writing process. The book is self-published, and you can tell in some places. But overall, I really liked the flow and all the information he includes. A lot of people seem to have really appreciated his use of pictures – he has one for almost all of the major locations. It certainly helps you find them on the streets.
If you are planning a trip to Italy, I recommend checking his book out. You can find it on Amazon as a cheap E-book ($2.99) so you can carry it with you as you tour 🙂
The following are some of the best technology solutions that can help ease any feelings of homesickness when a college student is studying abroad:
This is a video app that is downloadable on smart phones or computers. The application is free and can be downloaded from the Internet. People with the application can call each other and not only hear but see the person. FaceTime is also another option for iPhone and iPad users. Wifi is a necessary thing while using this app.
A texting application that is free for both Android and iPhone users. It’s free of charge and both users can send and receive texts regardless of where each person may be located.
“Viber is also available to download on computers, making it very nice for parents who aren’t tech savvy,” Haley Daignault, a study abroad advisor with the Office of International Studies and Programs, said.
I have officially modified the website according to the 2015-2016 FAFSA School Code List. All the links have been modified, and the list of schools and universities has been updated.
You should take note of the changes, and verify that any school you are interested in is still there. Once again, the number of possibilities has continued to decrease. There were more than 10 schools removed from the list and only 3-4 added in. Argentina had a university added, as the only new country on the list.
I can’t cover all of the airlines, but I think this should give you a good idea of the average free checked luggage allowances. Presumptions: flight from USA and on an economy ticket. You can also find this on the website.
| Airline | Size | Number | Weight |
| China Southern | 20×40×55 | 1 Piece | 11 lbs |
| American Airlines | 35 inches; 45 inches | 1 Personal item; 1 Carry On | |
| United Airlines | 9x14x22 inches; 9x10x17 inches | 1 Carry On; 1 Personal Item | |
| Delta Airlines | 45 inches total | 1 Carry On; 1 Personal Item | |
| Emirates | 22 x 15 x 8 inches | 1 Personal Item | 15 lbs |
| Southwestern Airlines | 10 x 16 x 24 inches | 1 Carry On; 1 Personal Item | |
| Lufthansa | 21x15x9 inches | 1 Carry On | 17 lbs |
| Air China | 21x15x7 inches | 1 Carry On | 11 lbs |
| Air France | 21x13x9 inches | 1 Carry On; 1 Personal Item | 26.5 lbs |
| British Airways | 22x18x10 inches; 18x14x8 inches | 1 Carry On; 1 Personal Item | 50 lbs |
I can’t cover all of the airlines, but I think this should give you a good idea of the average free checked luggage allowances. One thing that appears to be consistent- 62 inches total size around. Presumptions: flight from USA and on an economy ticket.
| Airline | Size | Free Pieces | Weight |
| China Southern | 62 Inches Total | 2 Pieces | 50 lbs |
| American Airlines | 62 Inches Total | 2 Pieces | 50 lbs |
| United Airlines | 62 Inches Total | 0 Pieces | 50 lbs |
| Delta Airlines | 62 Inches Total | 1 Piece | 50 lbs |
| Emirates | 62 Inches Total | 2 Pieces | 50 lbs |
| Southwestern Airlines | 62 Inches Total | 2 Pieces | 50 lbs |
| Lufthansa | 62 Inches Total | 1 Pieces | 50 lbs |
| Air China | 62 Inches Total | 2 Pieces | 50 lbs |
| Air France | 62 Inches Total | 1 Pieces | 50 lbs |
| British Airways | 81 Inches Total | 1 Pieces | 51 lbs |
I have officially modified the website according to the 2014-2015 FAFSA School Code List. All the links have been modified, and the list of schools and universities has been updated.
You should take note of the changes, and verify that any school you are interested in is still there. There were quite a few changes as many schools were dropped off the list and a few new ones were added. I am sure that some people are going to be disappointed ~ there were far more removals than additions, including many that surprised me. On the other hand, if you have always wanted to visit Saba, (a small island in the Caribbean which I am, for some reason only just hearing about), their medical school was added.
“Keeping connected by cellphone while outside the United States can be one of travel’s most maddening experiences, and can quickly — and often unknowingly — blow your budget. Plan ahead and you can save a bundle and still stay (or be) in touch. Consider the following tips as you plan your foreign travels.
YOUR CARRIER’S INTERNATIONAL PLAN . . .
For most US cellphone carriers, plans can be pricey. Find out what type of calling and data plan you can get through your local carrier, and what it covers at your destination. If you’re a T-Mobile customer, check out the company’s new rate plan, Simple Choice, which offers unlimited data and text messaging in more than 120 countries, and incoming or outgoing calls at 20 cents per minute while outside the country. Data transfers at 2G speeds internationally, but you can pay extra for increased speed.
UNLOCK YOUR PHONE
“Most of the rest of the world (with the notable exception of Japan) operates on GSM technology, so if you are traveling internationally, you must have a GSM-capable phone or it won’t work with local SIM cards,” says Barbara Weibel, a globetrotter currently traveling in Thailand.
BUY A LOCAL SIM CARD
After landing at your destination, buy a prepaid SIM card, often for just a few dollars, and add credit. You will generally pay less if you purchase a card outside the airport. To avoid frustration (it’s not always a smooth and glitch-free process), go to a local cellphone office or department store and find a knowledgeable salesperson who can help with setup, and who may let you return the SIM card on the spot if it doesn’t work. Once you’re up and running, cards can typically be topped up at a phone store, service station, newsstand, post office, or other local spot, or by calling a toll-free number. . . . .”
For travelers who enjoy photography, instead of lugging around a big camera, you can now carry, just the lens. What do I mean? Sony just released the Cybershot QX10, a wireless zoom lens for your smartphone. It connects to the lens through
Wi-Fi and you can operate it using the Sony Play Memories app to take photos, videos and control the zoom lens. . . . .”
Student Ramblings 