The Logistics of Studying Abroad
Before you go and study abroad, you must consider logistics. Instead of reporting to their regular campus for the semester, study abroad students travel, often in groups, to their study abroad destination. While study abroad programs may offer on-campus student housing, many students find themselves living with local families or in hostels. Needless to say, it's a vastly different experience than normal for most students. Students frequently face the additional challenges of surviving in a foreign-language environment: Suddenly, learning to say "hungry" or "allergic" or "no thank you" is no longer just a classroom exercise, but a reality of day-to-day life.
To deal with homesickness while they study abroad, students spend time emailing old friends or traveling with new ones. They go to class, although at times their "classroom" might be a museum, cathedral, palace grounds, or simply the bus to the next destination. As one Syracuse University student said about her course on Michelangelo, "I will never forget the feeling of staring up at the Sistine Ceiling during a private visit."
Depending on the study abroad program, your study abroad course load may resemble you're the one you'd be taking back at your home-campus, or it could differ quite dramatically. Instructors may teach in English, the national language, or both. A few programs might even encourage you to take a part-time job (if allowed) to add another dimension to your experience. Regardless of the specifics, most programs will give you plenty of time to explore the country on your own.
The Costs and the Pay-offs of Studying Abroad
There's one question that most students (okay, parents!) ask regarding study abroad: "Is it expensive?" While many students spend more than they had planned, study abroad can be done on a budget. In many countries, Americans are not allowed to work overseas without a special permit (though these are available), so students who depend on part-time jobs will need to plan carefully. Even so, resourceful students can find serious student discounts on everything from plane tickets to concert tickets to help make funds last.
Schools differ in how—and how much—they charge for study abroad programs. Typically, tuition is equivalent to that at home. Housing is a different matter. While you won't have to pay for housing on your home campus housing, you will need to cover pay for your housing abroad. Pay close attention to this detail. Some programs may include your room-and-board in the program cost, but others will leave it for you to pay—and possible arrange—for yourself once you arrive on-site. Either way, housing (not to mention books, local travel, and other personal costs) is a legitimate study expense and thus, coverable by financial aid.
Usually it is not the basic tuition and room-and-board expenses that can drive up the cost of study abroad, but rather the very manageable cost of independent weekend entertainment and travel. For an indication of whether studying at your chosen site will be more costly than staying back on campus, research the cost of living in that location. If it is significantly higher than back home, don't give up! You'll just have to plan carefully to keep costs down. On the flip side, many study abroad destinations have significantly lower cost-of-livings, which means your money will go farther than you ever imagined. It's your choice! Excellent programs exist in locations all over the world.
Students often wonder whether taking the step to study abroad will actually matter in the "real life" that starts after graduation. It matters! Participants often display increased self-confidence that sets them apart from their peers. Potential employers notice this! Besides, business in the 21st Century requires a global perspective. Employers are eager to recruit graduates who speak a second language, have traveled extensively, and understand the unwritten rules of different another cultures. Graduate schools are similarly global in their interests; they often favor students who have firsthand familiarity with other parts of the world.
So, why study abroad? Though it's not all adventure, study abroad is worth it. Students learn to manage linguistic confusion, homesickness, and the awkwardness of "not-being-from-here." They'll become world citizens, ready to play important roles in the global society. Who would have thought that a learning experience this powerful could be so much fun?
How to Make the Best Choice for Study Abroad
- Scope out your schools: Visit their websites and review their materials. Search online for terms such as "study abroad," "study away," or "international." Ask admissions representatives about study abroad opportunities for their students.
- Talk to students: Often some of the student-ambassadors working for Admissions Offices are study abroad alumni themselves. Ask around. Get study abroad alumni to to describe a couple of their most important accomplishments abroad.
- Start a dialogue with your parent(s): Parents can be among the strongest supporters of student interest in studying abroad, since they often see the value in this kind of learning experience. Even so, they often have valid concerns as well, such as: Do programs address health and safety concerns? How will family members deal with extended separation? Will students be able to return for holidays? Will students receive help in learning how to juggle academic responsibilities and opportunities to experience local cultures? You'll need some parental support as you make your plans.
- Plan early: Once you have selected a school, be upfront and vocal about your plans to study abroad. Advisors who are brought into the picture early on can help incorporate your plans into your overall degree program, keeping you on target for an on-time graduation.
- Find help: If you need financial aid, start looking for it now. Check in with representatives of your financial aid and study abroad offices, then do your own research online.
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