Study Abroad For Undergraduate Students

by Ivy McQuiddy
Director of Study Abroad, International Office, University of Texas.

Planning an international study experience is a bit like choosing a college. The earlier and more thoroughly you plan, the more opportunities will be available to you. Which overseas program is right for you? Here are some of the lessons I've learned as an undergraduate advisor to students on their way to global study adventures.

Know what you want

Before you apply for a program or even talk to school officials about available opportunities, you need to have a discussion with yourself. You need to answer a number of specific questions, all related to the theme "What do I want to get out of my overseas experience?"

Know Yourself

Do I want to study and use a language other than English?
Do I want to study another language but take other courses in English?
What kind of instruction am I looking for: traditional classroom learning or experiential activities connected with my professional goals?
How long do I want to be gone?
How can I juggle my responsibilities at home?
Do I want to live in a small town, a metropolis, or somewhere in between?
Am I ready to meet new people and explore a new cultural environment?

Do your research

There is an abundance of information available about international study programs. Among the more valuable resources are numerous paper publications, such as "Peterson's Study Abroad"; relevant commercial websites, such as Studyabroad.com; and some nonprofit organizations devoted entirely to international education, including the Institute of International Education (IIE), the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Find out who's in charge of study abroad on your campus

Sometimes it can be hard to figure out where the opportunities are hiding in the academic bureaucracy. Consult campus directories on paper and online. Ask professors, deans, and friends about what person or organization should be your first stop.

International programs may be administered by a single faculty member in the International Studies department, by a specially designated university office, by the Provost's Office, by the Development Office, by just about anyone.

Talk to a pro

After arming yourself with information and putting some serious thought into the kind of experience you want, seek out an international education professional for a face-to-face chat with somebody who knows the ropes.

Review your options

Now that you have a good idea of what's out there for you, consider the pros and cons of going with a program administered by your own school versus going with an off-campus program.

Compare your school's international study options to everything else out there

Will you earn credit toward your degree for the overseas courses you take?
If so, will the grades be incorporated into your home school's GPA?
Are there restrictions on the number of credits you can receive?
What will your status be at your home school while you are away?
If you are receiving funding from your school, will you be able to apply it to the international program of your choice?

Look under every rock for the money

You may be pleasantly surprised at how many sources of cash are available to fund your trip. The money is not necessarily easy to cobble together into the amount you need for your overseas experience. But it's there, and if you think creatively you can get it. Remember, you don't have to get the whole amount from any one source; every little bit helps.

After you've thoroughly shaken the money tree, decide what you can afford. Are you ready to take on some debt? You may find that some programs are financially out of reach. Make sure you have a Plan B in case your funding sources don't materialize. Whatever your sources, funding can be uncertain until the check arrives.

Here are some places to start looking:

Your home college or university. If your program is university-approved, you may be able to draw on your usual scholarship and/or loan package. You may even be able to get increased funds from these sources. Some campus clubs and other groups also provide funds for international study. Check with the leaders of the groups to which you belong to see if they offer support for your adventure.

State, regional, federal, and international programs. Your research should turn up scholarships for international study from all of these sources.

Family. Many students go to their families for help.

Religious communities. Churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious communities and organizations sometimes support the international study of members (and even nonmembers).

Maximize the academic benefits of your experience

Discuss your plans with the advisors your college provides to ensure that you receive maximum credit for studying outside the country.

Determine all the consequences of studying overseas so that they don't surprise you when you return. Will your on-campus housing situation be affected? Your financial aid? Does any of your funding come with obligations attached.