Downey’s mother spent one year studying abroad through an international exchange program with a French school. She often talked about how exciting and interesting the experience was. So, even before finishing high school, Downey had decided to follow suit one day.

Downey began studying architecture at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 2004. Near the end of her second year, she started to feel unhappy with her school and decided it was time to study abroad.

U. S. colleges and universities commonly have joint programs with foreign schools that permit student exchanges. These programs usually last half a school year or sometimes a whole school year. The classes students take abroad usually give them credits toward their degree. In a four-year degree program, the third year is the most common time for American college students to study abroad. Many students think they need a change before what is usually their final and most difficult year of study.

Downey said her school did not want her to go at first. The architecture program at Lehigh was very intense, and her professors were worried she might miss learning important material. However, she was eventually able to get special permission to study internationally for a whole year. During the fall term in 2006, she attended a Danish international school in Copenhagen, Denmark, explaining she did so because Danish architects are well known for their housing design.

Young adult as she was, she had to deal with travel documents and many other issues on her own. Overcoming the language barrier is the biggest challenge of studying abroad. However, she had a lot of emotional and financial support from her family. She learned life lessons and made friendships and memories that have lasted to this day. She said, “The more you’re out of your comfort zone, the more rewarding the experience is in the end.”

A new year can bring new excitement and opportunities to grow for kids, too. 【小题1】 New Year’s resolutions can be a beneficial way for kids to get motivated, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“【小题2】 ”said Dr. Lanre Falusi, a Washington, D. C., pediatrician (儿科医生) in an American Academy of Pediatrics statement. “Kids also love having something to work toward and to have fun keeping track on sticker charts or getting praise or rewards as they reach these goals.”

The idea of a goal may also be easier for younger children to grasp. Jack Frezell, 3, of Ontario, Canada, said his goal for next year is to “go on my bike by myself.” Setting goals can teach children persistence, focus and the value of planning, according to Gary Latham, Secretary of State Professor of Organizational Behavior at the University of Toronto, who specializes in goal setting. “ 【小题3】 ” Latham said, “It teaches them control over their environment instead of being dependent on Mom and Dad.”

【小题4】 “It has to be concrete; it has to be within the child’s ability to attain; and there has to be a reasonable time frame,” said Latham. He noted that once kids reach age 7 or so, it’s achievable for them to set a goal and make their own plan for how to pursue and attain it. 【小题5】 Here’s when to show children with inspiration and give them a hand.

“Next thing you know, the overall goal has been attained, and it gives kids a sense of accomplishment, excitement and achievement,” he said.

Some high school students think it useless to receive higher education. Therefore, they choose not to go to college. If you're one of them, think again. Here are some reasons why you should go to college and receive a good education there.

Schools and universities are the first places to get knowledge. We take that knowledge later on to build our careers after graduation. More knowledge will be gained after you start working, but without education, that job will not be within easy reach. Knowledge leads to knowledge.

While limited within the walls of the educational places, we openly explore other cultures of the world! We come to know that ours is not the only culture. Other cultures have valuable things to share, enriching our own. Education also makes us want to travel and exchange with various cultures, getting more experience.

When there's a recession in the economy, those who attended college will be more likely to find a new job than those who only finished high school and have a limited skills set. The more education you have, the more chances you will get to improve the quality of your life as you have a better job and earn a higher salary.

When you're skillful and knowledgeable, you gain access to people of similar backgrounds and tastes. It means a good education leads to excellent networking. Good networking can benefit you a lot in your later life.

A good education makes you a more interesting person. You can talk about ideas and events instead of just other people and what's on sale in stores. An educated person doesn't gossip(说闲话), having a preference to discuss ideas and listen to what other people have to say.