The education our college students receive should not be limited to the class room. There are some amazing semester abroad programs that will change your student forever. It opens their eyes to a bigger world. I also think it introduces tolerance for cultures outside our own.

Visit this web site for an example of a study abroad program in China: www.allianceglobaled.org . Brian D. Hammer, Ph.D. is the Director of this Shanghai Program. Another program I am familiar with is through NYU. Steven Paul Bielinski is the Student Life Coordinator. These are just two examples of programs available for college students.

Not to worry, students earn college credits while studying abroad. They also make contacts that may come in handy after graduation. The best part is, its fun, educational and life altering.

College Students are looking forward to Spring for many reasons… Maybe the dorms are cold, or the weather is bleak and final projects are looming. Parents are looking forward to Spring Break because they are missing their kiddo’s. It’s been a while since the holidays. As parents we do miss our kids. We miss the aggravation, the activity they bring to the house and their hugs.

Spring Break often comes with requests for a holiday with their friends. As parents we dread this request. Please know, it’s okay to say “No, you can’t go!” when students have this great idea about going over the border or to a beach to party for a week. Encourage your student to use this week, to re-charge and start building their resume. Use this break for a week internship, some volunteer work, get caught up on school work or to spend quality family time to reconnect.

Remember that summer is coming and good summer jobs are highly sought after. You might start a preliminary search for summer options. Always Be Building your Resume. I will talk about this on next weeks blog…

This conference gathered youth leaders from more than 25 states and was the largest gathering of Fraternity and Sorority campus leaders in the country. The energy and the enthusiasm of this group was amazing. The harmony and the intelligence demonstrated by these young people is very hopeful for the future of our country. They asked great questions and actively participated in the sessions.

I have a great respect for what the Fraternities and Sororities are accomplishing. These organizations are so much more than social groups. They stress service to others and leadership. I urge college students to research the Fraternity and Sorority organizations on your campus. Start building your resume. These are contacts that will be part of your “Linked in” group of tomorrow.

Friday night was the pinnacle of the conference when both groups gathered in the ballroom for the NBGLC and MGCA Step Show. My favorite was 2 young men from a MGCA fraternity who performed under the guidance of a NBGLC fraternity. It was heart warming to see bonding friendships that were forming in the form of dance. Please watch a short video of the event, taken with my Sony T200 pocket camera.

Now check out this video and start tapping your feet.