BENEFITS OF STUDYING ABROAD

More and more people are realizing that education isn’t just about memorizing what’s in the books. They are preparing themselves for a truly global society, and that may mean actual experiences of talking to students from other countries, being exposed to different cultures, and learning important skills like independence, respect, and cooperation.

There is no better way of learning that than through a semester or more of studying abroad. There are many programs that offer this kind of experience, some of them run by universities themselves.

REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDYING ABROAD

The requirements usually vary from program to program, though most will require that a student is at least 15 years old. Some schools will accept kids who are younger, perhaps 14 onwards, but the student must at least be a high school junior (or the equivalent) and demonstrate emotional maturity and responsibility. Parents will also be asked to sign a waiver.

Understandably students go through a rigorous examination process. They are asked to take tests, are put through several interviews, and must submit recommendation letters, transcript of records, and an essay. This is to help the schools gauge whether or not the student has the learning capability to keep up with the curriculum, even if it is taught in another language. They will also be asked to take a language proficiency exam. Usually only the best students are accepted.

Students who flourish in exchange programs are usually very level headed, with a curious and open mind that loves to learn as much as possible. They also have good social skills, as one of the biggest challenges is making new friends in a totally different environment.

PURPOSE OF STUDYING ABROAD

The most important reason for anyone to study abroad—whether it be one semester, one year, or the entire duration of the course—is to enroll in Life 101. There are certain skills that they can learn in another country that they would never had a chance to use if they were in their own. Independence, emotional maturity, social skills, self-motivation and self-control are all part and parcel of living alone in a strange country.

However students must also remember that they are there to finish a degree as well, and that it is crucial that they receive credit for all the classes that they take abroad. They must give a copy of the official transcript of the school they studied in to their home school. It is also best to keep copies of all the homework and papers they worked on while in the exchange program, so they can show it to their teachers when they return.

If participating in a short term exchange program, students will also need to have their curriculum approved by their home school. This means submitting a description of the courses they will take to a faculty advisor. They can also show their home curriculum to the foreign faculty advisor who can then recommend classes that are compatible with that.

LOCATIONS AND RESOURCES

The Semester Abroad program does not in any way limit the student’s options to one particular school or country. As long as the foreign institution is one that is government sanctioned or recognised, state regulated within the country, recognised or approved by an evaluation body or such an agency exists within the country, a school is deemed acceptable. Most local universities are developing exchange agreements with various foreign schools to have their students spend a semester abroad.

There are schools offering a good funding option for its students. The school can charge the student going abroad a regular tuition for the period abroad and have the tuition costs of the foreign school billed directly to them rather than to the student. This way, the student remains fully eligible for regular financial aid and student loans for the semester abroad as if they had remained in the local school for the semester in question. Otherwise, other sources are available such as funding from organisations or through personal sources.

Many people dream of studying abroad, but circumstances—they can’t leave their family, or they can’t get a scholarship to shoulder the admittedly large expenses of living alone in another country—may force them to get their degree at a local college.

But that doesn’t mean that they have to completely sacrifice their dreams of studying abroad. They have one option: to spend one or two semesters as an exchange student.

Choosing a university

Like any other class you want to take in college, you have to make sure that your semester abroad contributes to your overall academic goals. Whatever your major, or your field of interest, ask yourself which country and what program will best suit your purposes. You can’t randomly point to a map and say, “Oh, well, I’ve always wanted to know what it felt like to be in Paris.”

For example, if you’re taking a course in architecture, it would make sense to go to a country known for its fine tradition in that art. Or if you’re an economics major, you can go to an emerging country with the specific purpose of seeing the effects of certain government policies on entrepreneurial ventures or quality of life.

Choosing courses

Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many unrelated courses. If you have an academic goal, take preparatory courses so that you can go abroad with the basics in place—for example, take an elective in Renaissance architecture before going to Italy. You should also take a few units in the predominant language or start listening to tapes or taking online courses.

Gathering Resources

Ask your guidance counselor or student affairs office about the school’s foreign study programs. You can also ask about financial aid, or grants. Do be aware of the costs of living abroad, including housing and daily expenses. You can also contact the schools you want to apply to for any information on working on campus to offset certain costs.

There are so many different kinds of foreign study programs. You’ll find that some focus on language learning, while others are based on fields or interests like international relations, history, the arts, or the environment.

Choosing a Program

The first step is to go on the Internet or your school’s student affairs office to find the different programs available. Narrow down the list to those that are aligned with your own academic goals and personal interests.

The second step is to talk to your mentor or department adviser to see which courses can be aligned with your academic program, and more importantly, will be credited towards your degree. It’s absolutely crucial that the credits you earn will be recognized by your school. It’s fun to study abroad and you’ll certainly learn a lot while you’re there, but don’t let it interfere with your studies. If it’s not going to be credited then at least be aware of the consequences—the worst thing that can happen is for you to be shocked when you go home, and find out when it’s too late to back out!

Types of Programs

Cultural immersion programs are one of the most popular forms of foreign study program. This normally includes language learning, plus several courses on the history and culture of the country. It normally includes field trips to local spots plus hands-on activities.

You can also sign up for specific courses, like one on foreign legal culture. Here you’ll find out more about a country’s legal system, with courses on the constitution, how it affects the court system and the practices of the local attorneys, etc. This is ideal for anyone who is thinking of specializing in a career that will be focused on a particular region or country.

Inter disciplinary programs are also very popular. You visit a country and look at its political structure, economic standing, history, culture, and religious practices.

Art programs are quite excellent as well. Students will look at a country’s art work and architecture, as well as local crafts and industries, and review it in the context of its history.