So…You Want to Study Abroad!
Good for you! A lot of college students choose to spend a summer, a semester, or even an entire year studying abroad through any number of programs that sponsor this activity. Before you sign you name on that “dotted line” and encumber the funds that will be required, you need to ask yourself some key questions:
What is study abroad? Basically, you are leaving your “comfort zone” to enter a learning environment that will be wholly different and more challenging than your current one. Why? Because language and cultural challenges will hit you smack in the face. You’ve heard of cultural shock – this is it! You will be immersing yourself in two things – academic study that may actually be more rigorous than that to which you are accustomed and into a society whose values, beliefs, and priorities are wholly different from yours.
Why do you want to study abroad? If you are considering a study abroad program because you think it will just be “fun,” step aside. This is not for you! If, however, your reason falls into one of the following categories, then, by all means, go for it!
You have an abiding interest in the history and culture of a certain people and have a sincere desire to understand it firsthand.
You want experience in a foreign university to broaden your educational background and make yourself more attractive as you seek career positions
You understand the importance of a global perspective for future survival of all people on this planet and for growing social and economic collaboration among all societies.You envision yourself living and working in a foreign country.
If your goals include any or all of these, the, by all means, pursue this dream!
Is Study Abroad Worth it? Only you can ultimately answer this question, and the answer lies in the pros and cons of such a move.
- It can be expensive, and you may have to borrow money to do it. Paying tuition and fees and securing adequate housing accommodations will cost you, to be sure, and sometimes the cost is greater than that semester or year you may spend at your current college or university. Look at “all-in-one” packages offered by a number of organizations to determine if you think the cost is worth the experience. Here again, you have to look at the basic question: “Why do you want to study abroad?” If your goals are authentic then cost should be a secondary consideration.
- Are you prepared to enter a foreign land and a foreign culture without the traditional support systems of family and friends? If you have an adventurous spirit and an outgoing personality, the answer is probably “yes.” If, on the other hand, your reliance on your current support is significant, you may want to re-consider.
- What do you expect to gain from this experience? If your motives are “pure,” that is, they relate to your future success as a person and in your career, you are probably a great candidate. If, however, your motives involve “getting away” from your current less-than-ideal situation, think again!
- Will credits transfer back? Before you make any decision, be certain that you have researched the credit transfers of your anticipated course work. Will your current university accept credits from the foreign university? This is an important consideration, especially if you do not want your time of study abroad to lengthen your total time in college!
- Get a Study Abroad Advisor: This aspect of your decision cannot be over-emphasized! Many campuses have advisors specifically employed to give advice and counsel to students who are considering studying abroad. These people can suggest specific universities that have collaborative agreements with your college or university regarding enrollment, housing, and credit transfers. If such a person does not exist on your campus, research the private organizations that sponsor study abroad programs, and get an advisor who is also willing to communicate with and advocate for you, relative to your current university standing.
- Research, research, research! If you have never been to a country that you are considering for a study abroad experience, you absolutely MUST do the preliminary research yourself. Do not depend upon advisors to have all of the answers! Read up on all that you can regarding the politics, economy, culture, history, and educational system of the country you are considering. Get on social media and chat with others who have completed a study abroad program in that country. Which university should you choose? What do you need to know about housing, transportation, rigor of the university program, etc.? You cannot make an informed decision without valuable information from those who have gone before you!
Is study abroad worth it? Most veterans of this experience say that it is. Is it without frustrations, problems, and issues? Of course not! But if you are flexible, adventurous, and ready to stretch yourself in all ways, nothing can compare!
This was written by Laura Callisen.
She actually is eager to help young students by sharing her experience. Laura Callisen now is a blogger at grabmyessay.com
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