Why Should I Study Abroad?
by Marcia Waller
Study Abroad Advisor
Office of International Programs, Miami University
It may seem strange to be encouraging you to leave your college for a
semester or a year even before you've started your college career. The fact is,
there is no better time for you to spread your wings and experience not just
college life, but a whole new culture in a whole new part of the world. Study
Abroad is a perfect opportunity to learn, to expand your horizons, and to become
a citizen of the world.
As the Study Abroad Advisor at Miami University, I talk to many students.
Some already have a firm plan; they know where they want to go and what
they intend to accomplish. Others feel drawn to the experience of studying
abroad, but have no idea what to do next. When you were a little child,
someone may have helped you plant a seed. It can literally grow to take over
your life, to give you a new direction and completely different outlook.
I want to list some of the questions that students have asked me. My answers
apply at my university, and most of this information is fairly general, but if you do decide that you would like to pursue studying abroad, I urge you to talk to the Study Abroad Advisor and the academic advisors at your university as soon as possible. There are programs and locations to fit almost any interest and discipline, including sciences, technical fields, business, language study, and many other specialized areas.
The two most critical issues for students are credits and costs.
How can I afford to study abroad?
Look for less expensive programs. Federal loan and grant programs can
be used for any accredited study abroad program, and because of the increased
cost of foreign study, the level of income eligibility has also increased. In-state fees may apply to other universities' programs in your state. Many programs offer financial assistance; be sure to inquire about the possibility. Competitive travel grants are offered for travel expenses to programs in non-European locations, and minority grants and scholarships are offered.
There are, also, some less costly variations: Au-pair (nanny) and study
combination programs; short term (usually summer) work abroad opportunities; shorter term programs in the summer or during semester breaks.
Start early to scout out sources of financial assistance - don't wait until
you've been accepted, or even until you've chosen a program. Know what's available.
Will I get credit?
Studying abroad should not cause you to take additional time to earn your
degree; if you plan carefully, you should be able to complete your college program in the same amount of time. You should receive transfer credit, or possibly even your own university's credit, for your study abroad. Don't commit yourself to a program until you are sure that your university will grant you credit. Make sure that your academic departments will approve the courses that you take abroad as equivalent to on-campus courses.
How do I choose a program?
There are many factors to consider when you choose a program. Among
them are the types of courses that are offered; the location; the cost and what's included in the total cost; choice of housing arrangements, homestay or residence hall; the degree of immersion that you desire in the host culture.
Whom do I consult?
Consult with academic advisors, Study Abroad advisors, Study Abroad
student returnees, and Study Abroad program representatives. More and more
information about every aspect of study abroad, from program listings to scholarship opportunities, can be found on, the World Wide Web. Exploring the
Web will give you many ideas to discuss with your advisors.
My parents are worried about my safety - what should I tell them?
All reputable sponsors of Study Abroad programs belong to a professional organization that helps the programs to network and cooperate
with one another. Information about political unrest, natural disasters or any
other incidents is passed on quickly. The directors of responsible Abroad programs will make every effort to make sure that you are safe in your surroundings. Programs are not usually offered in war zones or highly unstable areas in the world. It is the program's responsibility to tell you everything you need to know to be safe in your location. It is, of course, your responsibility to heed what you are told.
It may be hard to imagine, but parents of students in other countries
worry about their children's safety when these children study in the United
States. In fact, the likelihood of encountering random violence is far higher in
the U.S. than almost anywhere else in the world. Theft and pick-pocketing
may occur anywhere. It's easier in other countries to know where the truly
dangerous areas are (if any) and to stay away from them.
Sounds really great, but I'm afraid it will slow down my career track - it might look as if I'm not serious about school.
Study abroad is not a vacation. Everyone who returns says it was fun,
but the fun is really in what you learn about the rest of the world and about
yourself. In addition to the courses you take, the subject matter is usually reinforced by your surroundings.
We are living in a global economy. Any potential employer who is not
impressed with your self-motivation, willingness to take risks, and expanded
awareness of the world probably isn't worth working for in the first place.
Medical school administrators say that registrants who study abroad bring an
increased level of maturity and capability and are considered excellent candidates, assuming GPA and MCAT grades, etc. are acceptable. The major knowledge of a second language is a definite plus. Businesses with international connections want employees who can "hit the ground running" when they arrive in a foreign country.
This article won't answer all of your questions. There are many factors to
consider in choosing the right program for you, and there is specific information from your university that you need. Be sure to check at your university's international office soon so that you can get all of the assistance you'll need to plan the best experience of your life.
