​“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” - Sir Rudyard Kipling

We use words to communicate our thoughts to others – through oral and written communication. Words also help you grasp new ideas and boost your power of persuasion, as well as create a good impression on others.

On an average, most adult native speakers know around 20,000–35,000 words and learn about one new word per day. However, the premise for honing your vocabulary is not merely memorizing words. Usages of words within given context is more important than simply learning the meaning of the same.

Thus, you need to develop habits which can automate the process of learning new words and its usage.

Here are top three habits that can boost your vocabulary significantly:


Read More

There’s no better way to learn new words and terminologies than absorbing it from the masters. It is all there in the books. People with good vocabulary read a lot. Start reading like there’s no tomorrow. Read all genres – fiction, drama, poetry, religion, philosophy, science. It will help make your word base more diverse and stronger.

Thanks to technology, you can now have a book in your pocket wherever you go. Carry a dictionary or thesaurus with you to learn the meaning and synonyms of the words that fascinate you.

Simple steps to start reading

• Start by dedicating a fixed time to reading even if it is a mere 15 minutes a day.
• For starters, read the newspaper – double whammy – you get tons of information with bonus words in the right context
• When in doubt or otherwise, read the dictionary/thesaurus. It will never let you down for sure.
• Observe how the writer uses the word and which context it is used in and make notes.

Start Writing

What you read will be the foundation for what you write. The words you eventually learn from all the reading will find its way out onto the paper in front of you.
Just like reading, you need to cultivate the habit of writing. Start writing on topics that interests you. You can write movie reviews, travel experience, daily routine, an imaginary conversation with someone, dating experiences, etc.
Slowly move on to writing serious stuff such as essays and blogs.

Beginners tip to writing

• Conduct  a word hunt for the day
• Look up the synonyms and the context of the selected word
• Construct short but meaningful sentences
• Use Hemingway Editor, Thesaurus and Grammarly to improve your writing style and learn powerful words.  

Learn from Observing/ listening

Take time out to watch popular talk shows, your favorite sitcoms, movies, etc. There are lots to learn from these – from the pronunciation to the right usage.

Tune into your favorite radio channel, listen to a podcast and download your favorite speech to help you get accustomed to the language and verbiage of the speaker. Go for shows – theatricals, poetry recitals, and the like to increase your vocabulary.

If you can't take much time out of your daily routine, then spend five minutes every day to listen to watch your videos on YouTube. Note down one new word that you learned and find its synonyms.  Over time, you will see a dramatic improvement in communication skills.


Conclusion

As Ludwig Wittgenstein said, “The limits of my language means the limits of my world.”
To explore the world, make it a habit to learn new words every day. Remember that learning is a lifelong process. So, you must enjoy every second of this long journey.

Be creative and go the distance when honing your vocabulary. There’s no dearth of opportunity to learn something new and to personalize the learning experience by doing. Last but not the least, practice and persevere in your efforts to develop your linguistic appeal. ​

The availability of virtual internships has grown rapidly in recent years. These opportunities are attractive to students for various reasons, including being able to choose from a wider array of companies without regard for geographical location. For international students (who should speak with their university before accepting any internship opportunity), gaining experience with an American business can be very valuable, but there are several advantages and disadvantages to consider first:
 

Advantages
As an international student, you need not be limited to opportunities within your college town. You can apply for promising virtual internships in cities like Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, among others. All you will need is a computer that allows for video conferencing and a strong Internet connection.
 
Virtual internships often involve tasks for specific projects that are discussed in advance, which may limit the amount of “busy work” (like running errands) that you receive. You may also have some flexibility in your schedule, which can enable you to pursue other interests outside of work. You will not have to physically report to an office, thus eliminating commuting headaches.
 
Finally, you do not have to wait until there is a break in your school schedule to complete an internship. Instead, you can apply for and participate in an opportunity whenever it becomes available.
 

Disadvantages
Even though you may relish the chance to craft your own schedule, you will have to be especially mindful of remaining on task. Planning your responsibilities with your internship supervisor can help you ensure that your workload is manageable, and that the project goals are achievable within your internship timeframe.
 
The virtual environment may also mean that you forego lessons that you may have learned while working in an office environment. Items like corporate culture, office etiquette, networking, professionalism, and workplace camaraderie cannot be experienced as easily when remote.
 
You will not have the advantage of walking to your supervisor’s office whenever you have a question. Due to time zones, it may take several hours or days for you to receive feedback on a project. You may risk being overlooked if things become very busy at the office.
 
It is also important to ensure that you have thoroughly researched the company. The terms of your internship (for instance, whether it is paid or unpaid) should be noted in writing. Unfortunately, you may stumble across unscrupulous organizations who hope to take advantage of students. If any information seems too good to be true, ask questions and seek out testimonials from previous interns.
 
As more workplaces move toward allowing their employees to telecommute, virtual internships are gaining in popularity. These internships are a great option for many students, including those from other countries. Though they differ from traditional internships in many ways, a virtual internship can still provide needed workplace experience for university students.
 

Niki Bridges is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.
 
​

By Dixie Somers

The value of any college degree is incredible, but first you must choose a specialization and major to focus on. Many college students change their majors at some point in time during their academic careers. In many cases, this is not a problem, but in others, the change may set you back a significant amount and require you to take more schooling than you planned. Here are five keys to changing majors without getting behind schedule.


1. Plan Ahead
The single best thing you can do to avoid getting yourself into a pinch is to have planned ahead. Don't procrastinate with declaring your major and put some serious thought into planning what you want to do for a career. Exploration of subjects is necessary, but make changes quickly when you realize an area of study isn't right for you or another one is better suited to you.


2. Take Extra Classes
Most schools do allow you to load up on extra classes, but occasionally you will be required to get permission. Go through the process of obtaining permission and take those extra classes at regular intervals to lessen your load. If your class schedule for the next semester simply wasn't going to be full when you decided to change, it should be pretty easy to pick up another class come registration time.


3. Make Every Course You've Taken Count
Before making the decision to switch, see if any courses you have already taken, whether as an elective or for your previous major, can count towards your new one. For example, if you have taken some history classes as part of an Asian studies major and then switched over to a history major, those credits should count towards your new history major. Even some high school courses or classes taken at other universities might count.


4. Take Online Courses
If your new major’s schedule isn’t what you planned on and clashes with your work or vacation schedule, you can try taking online courses for credit at your leisure. Make sure the credits will transfer and count before you enroll in any program. If you have the motivation, you could even earn an entire extra degree, like a healthcare administration masters degree online, if you have the money and the time and really can't bring yourself to choose.


5. Talk to Your Adviser
If you're unsure if you can make it work or want specialized advice to your situation (as everyone's situation is going to be just a little bit different), make an appointment and talk to your academic adviser. He or she should be able to tweak your schedule to make it work or offer suggestions you might not have thought of on your own.


Deciding to change your major is a big decision and can be very stressful, especially if you're doing it rather late in the game and don't want to tack on extra semesters. The tips mentioned above can help you avoid getting behind schedule while still being able to get the major you really want.

Dixie Somers is a freelance writer. Find Dixie on Facebook.

By Christy Mossburg

Picking a college can be a complex decision. In addition to the academic programs and extra-curricular activities a college can offer, it’s important to consider the location, as well. If the campus isn’t close to home, what types of activities can visiting family members enjoy? 

Finding one close to the water gives you many options for recreation. There are more than 50 colleges in the United States situated near the ocean (within 50 miles), so how do you narrow it down? How about looking up these great college towns (and their respective colleges), where you are guaranteed to find a weekend water adventure whenever you want.


Niceville, Florida, home of Northwest Florida State College
Water adventure: Deep Sea Fishing

Situated just 15 miles from Niceville, Destin is one of the hottest deep sea fishing locations in the southeast region of America. As a matter of fact, “Destin was coined ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’ in the 19th century,” according to Charter Fishing Destin and it’s no different today, with a thriving port that college students and their visitors can experience themselves. 
Join a 1-day deep sea fishing group or charter your own boat if you come from a family of anglers. You’ll enjoy fishing, swimming and plenty of time in the Florida sunshine.


Corpus Christi, Texas, home of Texas A & M, Corpus Christi
Water adventure: Windsurfing and Kiteboarding

Locals refer to this campus of Texas A & M as “the Island University” because of its location on Oso’ Island, right off of the coast of Mexico. Corpus Christi has an average wind speed of 18 miles an hour and boasts 223 days of sunshine, making it perfect for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Sailing is another popular pastime, thanks to sunny days and plenty of wind. 


Tampa, Florida, home of University of Tampa
Water adventure: Dive or Swim with sharks at the Florida Aquarium  

Time.com rated Tampa University as one of the best coastal campuses in the United States, and Forbes magazine rated the city as the 5th best city for outdoor activities. There are numerous opportunities for water activities in Tampa, but one of the most popular is diving with the sharks. This adventure is only available to certified divers and those who are not certified get to watch from outside of the tank. 
If you don’t plan on getting your diver certification, you can still enjoy a wide range of coastal activities like boating, fishing, swimming, paddle boarding and more.


Wilmington, North Carolina, home of University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Water adventure: Boat Tour of Wilmington

Just 7 miles from Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington, NC offers a variety of activities for all ages, whether you want water parks for younger children or nature tours for the entire family. The top pick for this area is the boat tour that takes passengers around Wilmington, passing by the Cape Fear River as well. Experienced tour guides give a unique perspective on the Carolina coast, the history, and the natural inhabitants of the area.


Santa Cruz, California, home of University of California, Santa Cruz
Water adventure: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

UC Santa Cruz sits on the coast of central California, overlooking Monterey Bay, home of The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one of the oldest and most notable boardwalks in the United States. With free admission and inexpensive ride tickets, it’s an affordable option for a large group. 
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk sits next to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary providing unique opportunities for visitors to spot a variety of sea life, including dolphins, sea lions, and whales.  


Christy Mossburg has been writing for 11 years. She writes about family, education and professional writing, and has been featured on a wide variety of lifestyle blogs. She lives in Maryland with her husband and dog, and occasionally her two college-aged kids. You can follow her on Twitter @christymossburg.
​

By David White
​
In recent years, the ways in which students can pursue a degree from an American college or university have expanded greatly. Between online programs, satellite campuses, and other “off-campus” options, international students have more choices than ever before. But if you are seeking the traditional on-campus experience, there are still two primary ways of going about it: studying abroad or enrolling full-time.

Whether it is for a semester or a full four years, studying in the United States can be a very enriching and rewarding experience. However, when it comes to choosing between these options, it is important to understand that they are very different from one another. Before you decide which is right for you, consider how the following aspects could affect your education and your future:


Classes
There is a limit to what any student can accomplish in a single semester, particularly when he or she hails from a foreign country. Many study abroad programs are structured to allow international students to make the most of their time in America, but they may not be as rigorous as a four-year degree program. For example, study abroad students may enroll in fewer major-specific courses, or they may complete fewer large-scale projects, in order to focus on cultural exploration.

Unlike study abroad students, four-year students typically follow a trajectory—the classes they complete in one semester prepare them for what they will take in the following term. This type of course schedule allows students to build their knowledge over time, as well as to fully immerse themselves in a “traditional” program over the course of several years.


Cultural and social experiences
Study abroad students can gain considerable insight into American culture and society in a single semester. They can also form new friendships during their time in the United States. Nevertheless, like their studies, there is only so much one can do in a four-month period, and certain aims must take priority.

Those students in a full-time program, on the other hand, have four years to immerse themselves in their new environment. This is similar to the difference between being a tourist for an extended period and living in a city or town for several years. As a four-year student, you have the opportunity to greatly expand your language skills, to take advantage of many unfamiliar experiences, and to learn how to live in a foreign country--without having to worry about leaving in a month or two.


Your objectives
For many students, attending college is the first step in building a career for themselves. The involved classes, internships, and social connections can aid them long after they graduate. When it comes to choosing between studying abroad and enrolling in a full four-year program at an international university, this might be the most important item to consider.

If, after you graduate, you hope to work for an American company or to stay in the United States for other reasons, an American degree could be a tremendous benefit. It suggests that you are familiar with American approaches and systems that could be essential in a particular field. 

Studying abroad in the United States also looks great on a resume, but it might not be as influential as being a four-year student. It may suggest limited experience with American culture, education, and companies. For business owners, this can mean an additional investment to bring an international employee into the company.

There are many different reasons why individuals may choose to study abroad for a semester, or to immerse themselves in a four-year program. In the end, it is truly about what you hope to gain. If you are simply looking for experience in a different culture and to meet new people, studying abroad could easily achieve those ends. However, if you hope to establish a life for yourself in the United States and to work for an American company, enrolling full-time at an American school may be the best option.

David White is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world's largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.