Don’t Wait…Study Abroad Before it’s Too Late
February 5, 2010 | ama83
Learning a new culture and language, enjoying the foreign sights, earning some independence…studying abroad seems to be that great opportunity offered to students to get some traveling in with the excuse of making it benefit their schooling. Earning school credit while having a partial vacation is a sweet deal if you can actually manage to get into the study abroad program.
Unless you are studying a foreign language, studying abroad is not necessarily an easy semester to squeeze into one’s schedule. I would know; I tried to get into two different programs, neither of which worked.
What is problematic about a study abroad program is that it is so specific with the required units and set dates. Unless the program offers classes that meet the required units a student needs, studying abroad could be a waste of a semester. Instead of taking a full semester of courses, a student could end up just taking one class that would basically turn a regular semester into a mini semester, which is a waste of time for any student who is on a tight schedule.
The first study abroad program I tried to enter was in Bath, England. I was so excited at the prospect of living in England for a couple of months, and even enjoying school trips to see Stonehenge and London. As an English major, I figured the program would offer plenty of classes that I was required to take. But I was wrong. My plans fell through when I realized I would only be able to take 1 or 2 classes that would go towards my major for that one semester abroad. Most of the classes offered were lower level GE classes. After a couple semesters of hard work, I had already completed those classes that were being offered. Phooey! Why did I have to be so diligent during my first year of college?!
After much disappointment, I moved on to just accept that I would not be able to study abroad like I always wanted to. But then my hopes rose all over again when my final Spanish class offered a study abroad program to Barcelona! Unfortunately, this also did not apply to me in the end, for a similar reason the Bath program fell through…only this time, the classes offered were mostly in advanced Spanish, which were not geared in my own major’s direction. With only one semester left and my graduation application already underway, it appeared to be too late for any travel plans.
If a student can afford to take just one semester to have fun, then taking a study-abroad program would be the way to go. From the couple of lucky friends who have told me about their own studies abroad, I envy them more and more. Making new friends, seeing new places, and learning a new culture can be a life-changing experience.
If you are interested in studying abroad, I recommend one thing – look into the programs early in your college years! You have to plan ahead and see what program will fit your requirements, as was mentioned in another blog on here.
In short, don’t put off the study abroad program. There are many things college students have to contemplate and take their time figuring out while they are in college, but studying abroad should not be one of them. It can be expensive, but if you can afford to go and have a strong interest in traveling, take the plunge! If you have to think it over for several semesters, by the time you make up your mind, it may be too late.
Does anyone else have any of their experiences or advice on study abroad programs they would like to share?
I have a niece and nephew that have studied abroad, and, yes, it is a little on the costly side, I am told. However worth it if you can do it.