Maybe you’ve heard students or professors mention studying abroad in passing, maybe you’ve seen friends’ study abroad/ travel photos on Facebook or InstaGram, or maybe you’ve read this blog and are in the process of or have just received your passport. Your interests in studying abroad have sparked so now what?
KoMiSa
There are a number of places both expected and unexpected to look for opportunities to study abroad. If you are in college the first place you can go is the Study Abroad or International Programs office. This is the hub for all things study abroad. The professionals that work in this office have a wealth of knowledge about the different types of study abroad programs that your school offers, the countries and universities your home school partners with, the length of the programs offered, places students live whether it is with a host family, in a dormitory, off campus apartment, etc. This office can often help you with passport information, student visas, health insurance, and other documentation that you will need during your time abroad. This is a great place to receive guidance about how to make sure that your credits transfer from the university abroad to your home university as well.
Word to the wise: Make sure you speak to the Study Abroad office and your advisor for your major to make sure that all of your courses are approved and documented before you study abroad.
I suggest building a relationship with those who work in the study abroad office. Are there ways in which you can be of service, if so maybe volunteer there. There are many opportunities that flow into and out of the study abroad office and if those who work there have a genuine relationship with you and know your interests you may be the first to find out about opportunities that may interest you or other students you many know.
KoMiSa, what if my school does not have a designated Study Abroad Office?
That is a great question. Sometimes the study abroad office can be under or the responsibility of other departments such as the Foreign Language Department, the International Education Center ,etc. Seek out these departments and ask the professors and administrators about the types of study abroad opportunities that are offered. They can often lead you in the right direction and assist you in your quest to study abroad. They may be just the people at the university who run the program if there is not a designated separate office. I went through the Modern Foreign Language department for two of my study abroad experiences at Hampton University. For my study abroad trip to Mexico the Modern Foreign Language Department connected me with Old Dominion University (ODU) for a program ODU had with the CEPE School of the University of Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico. Working with both the Hampton University’s Modern Foreign Language Department and Old Dominion University Study Abroad Office lead to a very successful and fun experience abroad.
Individual departments in your university are another great resource for studying abroad. See what the Business School, the Biology Department, the Journalism School may be offering, etc. The marketing department at Hampton University offered a study abroad trip to Paris, France during the summer of my junior year, although I could not go because I was in Mexico, my classmates had a great experience learning about marketing from Parisian perspective. Although I was not an architecture major and had graduated from Hampton University the year before, I had the opportunity go on an architectural study abroad trip to Brazil with my alma mater. Not only was I exposed to yet another culture, language, and place I was also exposed to various facets architecture and made connections with another department at my alma mater all do to my love for studying abroad. Remember, opportunities are out there whether you are a current student or not.
Don’t forget, the internet is often your friend when trying to study abroad. Organizations such as CIEE (www.ciee.org) and IES Abroad (www.iesabroad.org) are the reputable sites that I am most familiar with that offer a wide variety of study abroad opportunities. If you choose one of these programs and need/want to get college credit make sure you get the study abroad program approved first, them proceed to getting your classes you plan to take approved by your advisor, dean of your department and anyone else your university specifies to ensure that you receive the transfer credit in advance like I previously mentioned.
Last but not reach out to your fellow students and alumni who have studied abroad. This may be the best kept secret. The students/ alumni have an abundance of knowledge about the process and the programs your school offers and accepts. They can give you suggestions on where to study, the departments in your school that are the most helpful and the programs that may be a good fit based on their experiences and your interests.
For those who have already graduated from college but want a study abroad experience reach back to your alma mater, other universities in your current area, or the websites mentioned above to inquire about opportunities that may interest you.
There are plenty of opportunities and options if you know where to look. Now that you have a few starting points from this blog, keep eyes, ears, and mind open and see what you find.
KoMiSa’a Take Away Thoughts: “Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and ye shall find” Matthew 7:7 Ask questions and do your research. You never know what you will find or where your exploration and diligence will lead. So explore your study abroad opportunities and enjoy the journey.
If you have any other suggestion or want to share your experience feel free to leave a comment. J
Hasta el proximo vez,
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