Why Study Abroad?
The decision to study abroad may be the defining moment in your education that changes your life. Nothing will be quite the same after you have studied abroad. Your perspectives will be global; your attitudes will be international; and you will have memories to last your lifetime. Your resumé will be more attractive, and in some cases your language proficiency will be advanced. In addition, you will have developed lifelong friendships.
The largest misconception that prevents students from participating in study abroad is its perceived inaccessibility. Students who do study abroad are often amazed at how easy it is to put the whole thing together. Financial aid is available in most major fields of study. It's as easy as a working through a checklist. The information on this page is just that, but it should only be used as a guideline as each university or college has its own study abroad policies.
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Academic Credit
The most obvious reason why students study abroad is to earn academic credit. You should consider the type of credit you will earn on your study abroad program. Will you earn credit towards your major or elective credit? Will you receive grades or Pass/Fail credit? You may study abroad to earn upper division credits in your major field, or you may be overseas to earn some of your core curriculum or general education hours in your freshman year.
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Language Acquisition
As the world market place is shrinking rapidly, many companies require their employees to have second languages. Foreign languages are not only valuable in the work force, but also valuable in the real world.
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Practical Experience
Study abroad is an incredible way to gain some real world experience. Additionally you may find that only an international program can offer the real expertise you desire in your education. Australia is a great place to find a marine biology program; the media labs in England may exceed your facilities at your home institution; and fine arts in Paris would offer an insight that couldn't be matched
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Resumé Building
International experience is ranked high among many employers as a critical asset for prospective employees. Your study abroad experience shows that you are resourceful, adventurous, internationally minded and diverse.
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Experience of a Lifetime
In a couple of years you may forget the name of your literature professor in Grenoble or the name of your dorm in Beijing, but you'll never forget the friends you made or the incredible experiences you shared with them.
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How Do I Find a Program?
On this website you will find some of the best study abroad programs available. International Education Programs provides quality academic programs around the globe. You should also visit your Study Abroad office. Some colleges may have a designated faculty or administrator who performs as a study abroad advisor. Other colleges have full-blown study abroad offices with advisors specializing in various regions.
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Who Should I Meet With Before I Go?
Study Abroad Advisors
The advisors will inform students of specific university policies regarding study abroad, transfer of credits, and financial aid. They can tell you what you need to know and who you need to see. Their job is to make sure that you are prepared for your experience and that you will gain the most from your study abroad program.
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Academic Advisor
Many universities provide a transfer of credit agreement, which is your insurance as to the credit you'll receive upon return from overseas. Your academic advisor can tell you what type of credit you're likely to receive and how it will fit into your overall degree.
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Financial Aid Advisor
You will need to work closely with this administrator unless you are financing your study abroad experience. Most study abroad participants utilize some form of financial aid for their studies. The most common aid used for study abroad is student loans. Each financial aid office goes through a specific process to insure that you will actually be receiving credit for your experience. Students, make sure you start early!
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Parents and Guardians
They might not be financing your adventure, but it’s still important to keep them involved. You probably want to explain how this experience is integral to your degree program, as well as how the experience will enhance your resumé and could ensure a good job upon graduation. Your parents will probably be taking care of logistical concerns while you are out of the country.
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What Else Do I Need To Do?
Get a Passport
You can apply for a passport at post offices, and county and municipal offices. Apply several months before you leave, especially if you need visas from foreign embassies. You must apply in person if you are obtaining your first U.S. passport, if your old one was lost or stolen, or if you have an expired passport issued more than 12 years ago. Otherwise, you can renew your passport by mail.
To apply for a passport, you first need to complete Application Form DSP-11, which you can pick up anywhere you can apply for a passport. The form is also online at travel.state.gov. When you apply, bring proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a previous passport, or a certificate of citizenship. You must also bring proof of identity, such as a driver's license, a current student or work ID, or an old passport. Your social security card is not considered proof of your identity, but you must be able to supply the number. You will also need two 2"x2" photos of yourself taken in the past six months and don’t forget $97 for the application fees.
As soon as you receive your passport, make a copy of the front page that has all of your identification information, and
keep it in a separate place from your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, the copy will make it easier to get a new
one.
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Get a Visa
Do some research and find out if your country of destination requires a visa. If so,
what kind of visa will you need? Sixty percent of the world's countries require visas for any length of
stay. If you travel around, you may need visas for other countries. Apply early for visas as processing
times vary everywhere. Embassy addresses and phone numbers can be found at http://www.embassiesabroad.com/.
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Get your Shots
The Center for Disease Control offers the most up-to-date information regarding
vaccinations and shots. You should also consult your doctor although most International Education Programs destinations do
not require pre-trip vaccinations.
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Get a Student ID
International Student Identification Cards (ISIC) can provide discounts for
museums, transportation, accommodations, and other activities that honor this card. In some cases
your student ID from your school will suffice. The additional benefit of an ISIC card is the travel
insurance, which usually includes minimal accident, health, repatriation and medical evacuation
insurance. There are two major sources for ISIC cards: Council Travel centers, or visit
www.goabroad.com/studentid/index.cfm.
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Consider a Phone Card
Do a little research and find out how you'll be communicating with people back
home. Phone cards are great but they don't always work. I recommend the e-kit which combines voice
mail, e-mail and phone card with conversions at the cheapest rates. See www.goabroad.ekit.com/ekit/home.
Another recently developed option is the travel cellular. Though expensive, you'll have a number to give
your friends before you get on the plane (see www.travelcell.com).
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Get Insured
International Education Programs provides comprehensive study abroad insurance for all participants.
Your coverage will include medical evacuation, trip interruption, emergency reunion, and repatriation.
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Develop a Budget
Consider the in-country costs before you go. You should develop a budget and live by it. Consider the costs of optional excursions, gifts, school supplies, internet access, in-country transportation and general living costs.
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Learn about your Destination
You're going to experience culture shock, no matter who you are, how diverse you are, or how good your foreign language skills are. One way to have a better experience is to have realistic expectations, so read everything you can about your study abroad destination.
Pack Light
You won't need make-up in Nepal, your blow dryer won't work in Madrid; you'll probably never use your baseball glove in Botswana; and, you can buy inexpensive sweaters in Ecuador. Research your destination in advance to find out what kind of items you should bring and to find out what items you can purchase there inexpensively.
Be sure to pack your patience and flexibility along side the sunscreen and camera. Have the time of your life….see the world!
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