Should I Study Abroad?
If you are thinking about taking a semester or a year abroad, there are several things to consider. Among them are how much flexibility you can have, your financial situation, and your ability to meet the program requirements. You will also need to demonstrate a level of cross-cultural knowledge. Finally, you might encounter culture shock.
Financial aid
Financial aid can be an essential part of your study abroad experience. A few options are available, and these range from grants to loans. It is also important to consider your personal financial resources.
One of the first steps in the process is finding the right program. There are many institutions that offer scholarships for international students. However, it is important to research scholarship providers and make sure they are reputable.
The Financial Aid Office at your home institution may be able to offer you more information. They can also provide you with a list of programs that can help finance your studies overseas.
Once you have found a program, you should contact the Study Abroad Office. This office can tell you if you qualify for a grant or loan. If you have questions about your eligibility, they can also advise you about obtaining the necessary documentation.
Financial aid can be used to pay for travel and other costs. These expenses may include insurance, round trip airfare, and fuel charges. Depending on the program, you may be required to submit an enrollment deposit.
Your aid package will be adjusted to reflect the cost of your program. You will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine your eligibility.
In addition to your federal and institutional aid, you can receive private sector loans. Many Austin students take out a loan to cover the costs of their study abroad. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, there is a loan option to suit your needs.
After you have submitted the necessary documentation, your aid will be processed and disbursed. Typically, your funds will be deposited into your bank account within three to five business days.
Flexibility
When studying abroad, you have to be realistic with your budget. The price of travel is not cheap, so you might want to think carefully about how you spend your hard earned dollars. A little planning can save you from having to go without.
For instance, did you know that renting a car can be a good way to experience a new place while still having the option of going back home? You could also take your friends along for the ride, especially if they are interested in international travel. This is especially helpful for students who are not from around the block.
Traveling is a great way to experience new cultures and learn about different places, but it can also be challenging, particularly if you are traveling alone. Some studies have found that having a flexible work schedule is a plus. But this isn’t the only benefit. Having the opportunity to meet new people is a great way to bolster your social life.
While there are no magic bullets when it comes to a flexible work schedule, having a head start can be a big advantage. Make sure you’re prepared with an emergency fund and know what to do in case of an emergency. If you don’t have a lot of time to get out there, you might consider a short term study abroad program to help you get the most out of your next trip.
The office of International Programs will be able to advise you on all your options. They have a variety of programs and courses, and they will even work with you to ensure you get the most out of your study abroad experience.
Culture shock
When studying abroad, you may experience culture shock. It’s a normal part of the experience, but it can be a challenge to deal with. The good news is that there are ways to mitigate the impact.
One way is to learn about the local culture. This can include reading a book or watching a foreign documentary.
Another is to socialize with people from the same or different cultures. Doing so will help you get more comfortable in the new environment. You can also get involved in campus clubs.
Finally, you can keep in touch with friends and family. You can send letters, make phone calls, and email. These types of communication are helpful when coping with culture shock.
To get the most out of your study abroad experience, you need to be patient with yourself. Culture shock will likely take a while to pass. But by focusing on the positives, you can minimize the negatives.
In addition, you can join an online or in person learning course to better your language skills. For example, Lingualbox offers a Daily Conversation Course.
Lastly, make sure you have a plan of action. Having a goal or target in mind will help you achieve it. A goal will also remind you to keep an open mind. By doing so, you can find a life-changing perspective.
While you are away, the best way to mitigate the effect of culture shock is to talk to people with the same background. This can include family members, neighbors, or even classmates. However, it’s important to note that not all cultures are the same. Fortunately, some have more in common than others.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine what will work best for you. But, it’s worth it to know that there are ways to cope with culture shock.
Meet program requirements
If you are planning to study abroad, you need to meet program requirements before you apply. There are specific eligibility criteria for each university and program, and there may be additional requirements for a particular field of study.
In order to be accepted to a program, you need to be in good academic standing, as well as have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses. You also need to have a desire to learn, and to gain experience abroad.
You can apply to study abroad during the spring or summer semesters. These programs open in January and February, and close in June and October.
Students are required to take courses in a foreign language before they go abroad. Some programs require a minimum skill level in a language, and others may have a higher GPA requirement.
While you are studying abroad, you will need to maintain an A-F letter grade and meet attendance requirements. You must also have a passport. Your academic advisor or department will help you determine what courses you need to complete before you leave.
In order to receive credit for courses taken on a university-approved study abroad program, you must meet with an academic advisor. You should then submit a Study Abroad Enrollment Verification Form to your international education coordinator.
The Office of Global Education will review your disciplinary history before deciding whether or not to accept you into a program. Depending on your history, you might be required to attend a meeting with Student Conduct or Education Abroad.
When applying to a study abroad program, you should also discuss your major and career goals with your academic adviser. Some programs have specific course requirements, and you will need to research them carefully.
Demonstrate cross-cultural knowledge
A study abroad program offers students a great opportunity to gain intercultural skills. This type of experience helps students develop soft skills such as curiosity, flexibility, and tolerance. It also improves students’ academic and professional success.
The International Institute of Education (IIE) released the Gaining an Employment Edge report, which found that more than seventy percent of university undergraduates reported using intercultural skills during their time overseas. While this statistic may be small, employers are increasingly seeking applicants who can demonstrate cross-cultural knowledge when studying abroad.
To investigate this, Behrnd and Porzelt conducted a mixed-methods study to explore the level of intercultural competence among US university undergraduates. They used a sample of 71 undergraduates who spent a semester abroad in Italy, including a variety of classes in the areas of social science, arts, and communication.
Researchers used a mix of data-gathering methods, including demographic questionnaires, video-logs, and individual interviews. Although the results are limited, the findings indicate that the quality of a student’s cultural immersion affects their development.
In addition to learning to adapt to new situations, the benefits of a study abroad experience include better grades, a more diverse group of peers, and an overall sense of adventure. Many students also report earning higher salaries, and gaining a deeper understanding of how cultures differ.
For universities, the benefits of a study abroad experience are obvious, but what are the specific skills and knowledge students acquire? If an employer feels that a graduate is leaving school without these skills, then it may be a good idea to find a way to retrain the student.
One way to accomplish this is to make sure that the course is built around a problem-based learning approach. Specifically, the unit on intercultural competence should be grounded in a conceptual framework and include a range of learning activities that promote critical thinking and reflection.
