Getting college credits while looking at the backdrop of a Mexican sunset or milling around Scottish castles is an experience anyone would want. Some reading this might still be in a study abroad stupor, wishing they were back getting art credits in Italy or studying world history in England.
Most people think of college as an experience on some familiar university setting, but more and more students are choosing to go global as a means of learning about other cultures, languages or earning basic credits. According to a study by the Institute of International Education, the number of students studying abroad has more than doubled in the past ten years.
College creates a perfect opportunity for travel; most of us do not have full-time jobs or dependents keeping us in the States. The gift of youth requires you do something more than stay in a comfortable place. Traveling abroad gives the chance to explore different worldviews and makes global situations relevant to your own life, not to mention helps you gain a critical career advantage.
“Employers are looking for graduates who can communicate well with others, both in person and in writing,” Sheila Curran, executive director of the Duke Career Center told Transitions Abroad, a global guide to living abroad. “They know the importance of cross-cultural understanding and an appreciation for different points of view.”
Before the international dream can become a reality there are a few educational hoops to jump through. Financial aid can be a scary thought to the student who feels they are eking out an education on loan money, but roughly 92 percent of study abroad students pay for their programs with financial aid, which can be increased to accommodate a trip overseas. There are endless scholarship resources, ranging from the Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program (which gives full-rides to study abroad) to Texas State’s own study abroad scholarship, which can pay up to $4,000.
First check with the admissions office to avoid earning worthless credits abroad, suggests Liane Gonzalez, study abroad transcript evaluator.
“Sometimes students choose schools we do not recognize or they’re not recognized by the ministry of education in that country and you could be out a lot of money,” she said.
And just because the credit transfers doesn’t mean it goes toward degree plan so be sure to check with an advisor. Seniors have to go a step further and get advisor approval if they study abroad in their last 30 hours. The abroad experience can be well worth the legwork by providing an experience changing your perspective on world affairs, religion and language. Not to mention give juicy tales of international adventures to talk about the rest of your life.
Published in Texas State University Star
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