Studying abroad is an adventure. It is a way for people to experience new things and leave the country they once called home. A college student might imagine himself/herself studying art history in the same city that Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapels or strutting down the cobblestone streets in Paris studying design in the fashion capital of the world. Sipping on a tiny cup of cappuccino before riding to class on a bike with a baguette in a wicker basket might be a part of you study abroad fantasy. But before all that prancing around unknown territories happens, one must make plans and find out how to enroll in a study abroad program.
According to a website on study abroad programs, there are some questions you must ask yourself before jetsetting across the country. Some of these questions include: Do I like traveling in unfamiliar places? Would I enjoy exploring a new culture? Will this experience help me academically? If you answered yes to at least two of these questions then you are capable of becoming a study abroad student (studyabroad.com).
Now that you know you are up for the challenge, the next step is to decide where you want to go. One thing to keep in mind when deciding where to study abroad is what you plan on studying — and yes, you do actually have to study when you’re part of a study abroad program; it’s odd, I know.
For instance, according to Go Abroad, students interested in engineering should visit India or London, where engineering programs are abundant and well organized, while students keen on theater should visit Ireland where opportunities to participate and view plays are plentiful. Different colleges are partnered with different countries and programs in those countries. So, do you research, perhaps even before applying to college. Also consider your budget and major. Take some time to research and find the right destination; talk to your friends, families, professors and trip advisors to find out information about programs in destinations you are interested in. Once you’ve chosen your desired location, it is time to apply to the programs (goabroad.com).
The thing that makes studying abroad seem like a daunting task is the matter of financing. There are three friends who you will become very close with through this process of planning to study abroad: loans, scholarships and financial aid. There are many opportunities for students with a budget to study abroad. According to Travel A Lot, each university is different in terms how much financial aid they will give out but all universities nonetheless have ample scholarships available.
For example, University of California, Berkeley offers three types of study abroad scholarships: the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, Boren Awards for International Study and Critical Language scholarships. With so many scholarships available, you are very likely to be offered money to travel. But if all else falls there is always good old fashion saving you money. Cut down on the trips to Starbucks — this can save you nearly 2000 dollars annually — and soon you will be snacking on fine cheese and sipping coffee dans un petit café en France (starbucks.com).
Now that you have gathered your courage, decided where you want to go and financed the trip, the last thing to is get on the plane. The time has come to kiss your crying parents goodbye and pretend to hug your snotty brother because you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Get ready to watch ten straight hours of the latest Oscar winning movies on a ten by ten inch screen and sit next to the largest man in the universe. You might even get lucky enough to sit next to the girl with pink eye. But none of that matters, because when you step off that plane, you’ve begun your adventure and nothing else matters. All the worries of planning and financing are gone. Don’t be afraid. I promise there are plates upon plates of creamy Alfredo pasta and plenty of gelato wa iting just for you on the other side of the world.