Good Travel Zoom Cameras are SONY HX10V and PANASONIC lumix TZ series

You will be studying abroad or traveling and intend to bring a camera with you. If your goal is to a decent camera for around or under $1000. Preferably the camera will be compact.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V 18.2 MP Exmor R CMOS Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 3.0-inch LCD

It's a Sony. The HX10 is a great point and shoot camera. It is impressive and feature packed. The specs are well documented. This takes Great Pictures! You will love this camera.

The 16x optical zoom can go to 32x with digital zoom. You get 18.2 megapixel sensor. High def 1080i videos look awesome. This is why you want this over a cell phone camera.

The Ion Lithium battery can take 320 pics. Great battery life but I recommend a spare battery and charger available on Amazon. Note: The battery can also be charged in the camera with supplied cable.

The camera is well built and solid made in Japan by Sony.
This camera will make you forget about buying a DLSR.
You won't go wrong purchasing this camera. It is a good value.