Well, I've reached the end of the semester and the end of my academic year at Washington College. It's already time for final exams, and with most of campus permanently set up in the library and cramming their brains full of facts, the 2012-13 academic year is officially in its last week.

Before beginning my year abroad in Paris, which I am currently halfway through, I had repeatedly heard three seemingly disconnected facts about the French culture: the French are cold, they are overtly nationalistic and they make baking an envied art form.

Having seen the remainder of February fly by and with March nearly in the books, it's remarkable to think that only a small portion of the academic year remains here at Washington College.

My move abroad has allowed me to study courses in another, yet very different, wonderfully diverse department that has enabled me to explore new directions and new areas of academic life.

The first time I moved from home was a more delicate transition, going from Milan where I studied at a British school to the UK, it felt right and I knew what to expect. However, moving to Madrid was a whole different story.

Hundreds of people shout mercilessly at a single outcast person until they have removed that particular item of clothing. It's almost as if the American student population aren't aware that people's choice of clothes do not necessarily match, through the random and arbitrary association of color, their actual views, opinions and sporting inclinations.

It's been a while since I posted last, and it's fair to say a lot has happened. The festive season saw me add a few more American states and cities to my list, and after spending a week in New Jersey with a friend, I met up with my family in Boston.

It has come to the point where I find myself yearning for conversation that doesn't begin with the phrase "Oh my god, do you have an accent?" or any of its equally obnoxious and evil counterparts. In the beginning, I admit, it was rather fun and for a while I even played up to it.

UK students and graduates are facing a difficult and competitive employment market. It's important to adopt a global outlook when it comes to study and work, so candidates who have international experience (in almost any way) will undoubtedly have an advantage when it comes to applying for jobs.

Erasmus has given almost three million students the opportunity to study or work in another European country. But in recent years it's had to endure risks of funding shortfalls due to European governments' ongoing wrangles over the EU budget.

As I sit here writing my final blog of the Fall semester, it's almost hard to believe that I am already halfway through the 2012/13 academic year at Washington College.

My history professor came to class dressed in full 'Class of 1925' attire, all authentic and original. A true sight to behold, it showed just how seriously the Americans take the holiday, and that you're never too old for it!

As a record-breaking and ever-increasing number of British students are becoming curious about the possibility of studying in another country, there is growing demand for information about studying abroad.

Having a direct link to your friends and loved ones DOES make life easier. You can connect with your family in a matter of seconds via the Internet, rather than having to wait for days for letters to be delivered by post.

The United States is the top destination for students from all over the world, including those from the UK. Nearly 9,000 British students studied in the USA in the 2010-2011 academic year. Four and a half thousand people registered for the fair this year, 500 more than last year. For the first time in its history, the event started on Friday evening to meet growing demand.

The past three weeks have felt much more 'American' to me. Now settled into Stateside life, I find myself doing more things that an American would do as opposed to a tourist. From fishing on the Chester River at sunset, to going to classes and buying groceries at Acme, I feel comfortably at home in Chestertown. Here's hoping it continues!

British students are increasingly turning their attention to study abroad options, as their annual tuition fees hit £9,000 this month and among fears of ending up with debts of more than £40,000.

All-in-all, it's been a phenomenal start to my Year Abroad. If the next nine months are anything like the first two weeks, then I'm in for a good year.

On 19 August, I'll be leaving England to spend a year studying abroad at Washington College, located on America's East Coast in the State of Maryland. Almost two years in the planning, it's guaranteed to be one of my most memorable experiences.

Russia may not be the hottest study destination, but language students and undergraduates from across the world increasingly turn their attention to this fast-growing economy. Skye Black is one such student who spent the past academic year at the Saint Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation (GUAP).

"What really helped me was to not have contact with English people. When I arrived there, I made a conscious decision to find my own friends and just ...

Study abroad is becoming a popular destination for UK students, and while there has been lots of debate around whether it's the increase in tuition fees that is driving people to consider alternatives overseas, the reality is that the reasons are far more habitual.

For 25 years, UK university students have had access to a scheme that offers life-changing opportunities. It can boost their employability, increase their knowledge, skills, and personal experience, and save them money - particularly welcome as tuition fees rise up to £9,000 a year. Yet despite all of this, relatively few sign up.

The football enthusiast would instantly shout out Maradona and Messi. The movie lover would point to Evita. The wine specialist would endorse the Mendoza wine. What would you associate Argentina with?

Study Abroad schemes offered by many universities across the world have become increasingly popular over the past couple of years. Students see an opp...