Studying Abroad: the Experience


By Troy Peden, co-founder of GoAbroad.com

Studying abroad may be that defining moment in your education that will change your life. Nothing will be quite the same after you have studied abroad. Your perspectives will be global, your attitudes will be international, and your memories will last a lifetime. The most common misconception that prevents students from participating in a study abroad experience is its perceived inaccessibility. Students who do study abroad are often amazed at how easy it was to put the whole thing together. Financial aid is often available, every major field of study can be found somewhere, and a study abroad experience is available for all types of students. Planning to study abroad is as easy as going through a checklist. The following general guidelines can help you as you consider whether to study abroad. Every college and university has its own study abroad policy.

Why Study Abroad?
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 toward your major or elective credit only? Will you receive grades or pass/fail credit? Consider whether you are studying abroad to earn upper division credits in your major field or if you are completing your core classes or general education hours.

Language credit - The world market place is shrinking rapidly and many companies require second languages.

Practical experience - Study abroad coupled with an international internship 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, for instance, is a great place to find a marine biology program. The engineering labs in Sweden may exceed your facilities at your home institution. Peace studies in Geneva would offer a perspective that cannot be matched in California or Nebraska.

Resume building - International experience is ranked highly among many employers as a critical asset for prospective employees. Taking the initiative to study abroad shows that you are resourceful, adventurous and internationally-minded.

Experience of a lifetime - In a couple of years you will forget the name of your literature professor in Grenoble or the name of your dorm in Beijing, but you will never forget the friends you made or the incredible experiences you shared overseas.

How Do I Find a Program?
Visit your Study Abroad office! Your first consultation should be with the study abroad coordinator at your campus. Some colleges may have a designated faculty member or administrator who performs this function. Other colleges have full-fledged study abroad offices with advisors specializing in regional destinations. Chances are your university has the best programs for your academic curriculum. By going on a study abroad program through your school, you are more likely to have access to financial aid and receive credit for the experience. Your study abroad adviser is the most experienced education counselor for your needs; he or she can take into account your desires while also knowing the limitations or regulations of your college. If you cannot find the right program on your campus or if your school allows you to participate in external programs then you should conduct an internet search. The best place to start is GoAbroad.com. This search engine offers an accurate and up-to-date database of programs available world-wide. You can search for programs by country or field of study. Crucial information like cost, description and program highlights are included. You can also e-mail programs directly for additional information.

Who Should I Meet with Before I Go?
Study abroad adviser - The adviser(s) at your school can tell you what you need to know and which faculty you need to see. The adviser's job is to make sure you are prepared for your experience and that you will gain the most from your study abroad program. They probably will not tell you exactly where to go; it is up to you to do the research, but they can enrich your perspective through their own knowledge and experience of international studies.

Academic adviser - Many universities provide an academic contract, which is your insurance for the credit you should receive when you return from overseas. Your academic advisor can tell you what type of credit you are likely to earn and how it will fit into your overall degree.

Financial aid adviser - You will need to work closely with this administrator if Mom and Dad or your savings cannot fund your overseas study. Some financial aid offices require a lot of hoop jumping before you are guaranteed to receive credit for your experience, so visit this advisor early on in your preparations. Most study abroad participants utilize some form of financial aid for their experience. The most common aid used for study abroad is student loans.

Parents - They might not be financing your adventure but it is still essential to keep them in the know. You probably want to explain how this experience relates to your degree program, how it will enhance your resume and how it can help you achieve your desired job upon graduation. It is also important to keep the folks informed, as they will probably take care of logistical concerns while you are out of the country.

What Else Do I Need to Do?
Get a Passport - You can apply for a passport at post offices and at 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 US passport, if your old one was lost or stolen, or if you have an expired passport that was 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 at any location where you can apply for a passport. To find out about locations close to you, go to the following website: http://iafdb.travel.state.gov. For complete information on applying for a passport, see: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

Photocopy the front page of your passport - As soon as you receive your passport, make a copy of the front page, which has your identification information. Keep this copy 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.

Get a visa - Do some research and find out if your destination country requires a visa. If so what kind of visa will you need? 60 percent of the world's countries require visas for any length of stay. If you plan to travel, you may need visas for other countries. Apply early for visas. Processing time varies widely. Embassy addresses and phone numbers can be found at www.GoAbroad.com or www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html.

Get your shots - The Center for Disease Control offers the most up-to-date information regarding vaccinations and shots. You should also consult your physician.

Get a student I.D. - In many cases the student I.D. from your school will suffice for general student discounts. You might consider purchasing an STA student I.D. too. A student I.D. card and student discount companies often provide you with discounts at museums and other attractions, and they can help you gain youth admissions and discounted fares for transportation. The additional benefit of an international student I.D. is the travel insurance, which usually includes minimal accident, health, repatriation and medical evacuation insurance.

Consider a phone card - Do a little research and find out how you will be communicating with your people back home. Phone cards are great but they do not always work. I recommend the e-kit card, which combines voice mail, e-mail and phone card. Another new option is the travel cellular. Though expensive, with this cellular, you will have a number to give your friends before you get on the plane (www.TravelCell.com).

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.

Pack light - You will not need makeup in Nepal, your blow dryer will not work in Madrid, you will probably never use your baseball glove in Botswana and you can buy cheap sweaters in Ecuador. Pack light! Research your destination in advance, find out what kind of items you must bring (for example: Mosquito netting or tampons) and find out what items you can purchase cheaply in your destination country. Be sure to pack your patience and flexibility alongside the sunscreen and camera. Have the time of your life….see the world!

Troy Peden is co-founder and editor of GoAbroad.com and the former Study Abroad Coordinator at the University of Colorado at Denver. Troy has volunteered, worked and studied in Europe, Central America, Russia, South Asia and southeast Asia. To receive the free GoAbroad.com newsletter, e-mail troy@goabroad.com.