| 1. |
Is study abroad for me?
There is no one answer. Different aspects of study abroad appeal to different students. Consider these questions:
Do you like to travel?
Are you interested in learning about new people and cultures?
Are you adventuresome?
Do you like to challenge yourself?
Do you want to get an edge over your peers for grad school or a job?
Would you like to speak a foreign language?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then study abroad is for you.
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| 2. |
Will I get credit for classes I take abroad?
Most education abroad programs (study, intern, language or volunteer) will offer you credit for participating in their programs. The question is whether or not your home school will accept the credit and if they do, whether or not it will be applied to fulfill the proper requirements. Get your classes approved by your study abroad or academic advisor before pursue and programs abroad. That will ensure you will receive proper credit for the work you do abroad.
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| 3. |
Will I graduate on-time if I study abroad?
Yes, you can still graduate on-time and study abroad. The key is to plan early. Visit your study abroad or academic advisor early to prepare a plan that will give you the most flexibility for taking classes abroad.
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| 4. |
Do I have to speak a foreign language to study abroad?
NO! Not speaking a foreign language should never stop you from studying abroad. Although many study abroad programs are offered in non-English speaking countries, most classes are taught in English. One of the benefits of you going to study in a non-English speaking country is that you'll have the opportunity to learn a foreign language.
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| 5. |
What GPA do I need t study abroad?
Each program sets academic guidelines for accepting students. Your school may also have certain academic requirements you must meet to study abroad. Check with individual study abroad programs for details on GPA requirements.
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| 6. |
Is it safe to study abroad?
There are always risks when you study abroad, but many times these risk are no greater than the risk you assume on a daily basis. You can take action before you leave and once you're abroad to protect your health and safety. Visit the Health and Safety page for practical tips on staying healthy.
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| 7. |
Where, when and for how long should I study abroad?
This really depends on you and your personal goals for studying abroad. Click here for more information on how to choose a program.
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| 8. |
Is studying abroad expensive?
It’s up to you whether or not studying abroad will be expensive. Program cost will depend on which program you choose, as well as where, when and for how long you plan to study abroad. If you plan to travel while you’re abroad this will also add to the total cost.
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| 9. |
Will there be other minority students in my program?
Traditionally minority students have been underrepresented in study abroad programs. With that said, the likely hood that you are the only minority student in your program really depends on two things.
1. How many students are in the program
2. Whether or not your program is a national program or local program (e.g. a program from a local university)
Regardless of the backgrounds of other program participants, look at every perceived challenge as another opportunity for you to grow from your study abroad experience.
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| 10. |
Can I use financial aid to study abroad?
Yes, financial aid is available for study abroad. There are various study abroad scholarships and grants available; some of which are for just for minority students. In addition to scholarships and grants, there is another good option for funding your study abroad: federal or private student loans. Click here and learn more about study abroad financial aid.
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| 11. |
Should I be worried about discrimination?
It’s a sad reality, but no place on earth is 100 percent free from discrimination. Should this stop you from studying abroad? Of coarse not. Many minority students have gone abroad without any problem. Even among those students who have faced some type of discrimination, the majority say they would study abroad again if given the opportunity. Click here to learn more about discrimination abroad.
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| 12. |
Can I use financial aid to cover travel expenses?
Depending on what type of aid you are using you may be able to offset your travel expenses. For example, some scholarships and grants can be applied to the cost of you traveling to your host country. Many private loans will let you use the funds for cost of living expenses.
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| 13. |
Why should my child study abroad?
Study abroad is a life changing educational experience. Students that come back from studying abroad say that the experience has increased their self-confidence, intellectual maturity, appreciation for their own culture and desire to pursue new and challenging educational experiences. Learn more about Why Your Child Should Go Abroad and the Benefits of Study Abroad.
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| 14. |
Will my child still graduate on-time if they study abroad?
Yes! Whether your child studies nursing, engineering, business or chemistry, they can take classes toward graduation when they study abroad. If you plan early your child should be able to take either general ed classes or major classes when they study abroad. Study abroad is a great opportunity for your child to pursue and still graduate on time.
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| 15. |
Is my child likely to face racism or discrimination abroad?
There is no where in the world that is 100 percent free of racism and discrimination. Your child can face racism or discrimination abroad just like they can face racism or discrimination at their home campus. However, many times students that go study abroad find out that in some places people are more accepting of different races and cultures than in their communities at home. Don’t let the possibility of racism or discrimination abroad stop your child from reaping the Benefits of study abroad. Learn more about Discrimination abroad.
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| 16. |
Will my child be safe abroad?
Your child can be safe when they study abroad. There are some risks involved with study abroad (just like there are risk associated with your child going to college in the US); however every year thousands of students study abroad and return home without any difficulties. Some of the factors that will affect your child’s health and safety include: where your child studies abroad, your child’s behavior abroad and pre-departure health and safety planning. Learn more about Safety Abroad.
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| 17. |
How much will it cost for my child to study abroad?
The cost to study abroad depends on factors such as: where your child studies abroad, how long your child studies abroad and which organization sponsors the study abroad program. Depending on these factors and others, it may cost more or less for your child to study abroad than it would for them to study at their home campus. Study abroad will also require fees for travel, passports, student visa, etc. The good news is that there are various funding sources for study abroad. Learn more about funding study abroad.
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| 18. |
Can my child use financial aid to study abroad?
YES! With proper planning your child will be able to use much, if not all of their financial aid when they study abroad. Depending on the type of financial aid, funds can be used to cover everything from airfare to overall program cost. Your child’s school or the organization that sponsors their study abroad program most likely offers Scholarships/Grants. If scholarships and grants don’t cover the total cost of study abroad, then Student Loans are a good option for covering the cost. Remember, study abroad, just like your child’s overall education, is an investment in their future.
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| 19. |
How long will my child be gone?
The amount of time your child spends abroad depends on the length of their study abroad program; programs last anywhere from two weeks to a year or more. Your child may also decide to travel before or after the formal study abroad program begins or ends. Learn more about How Long your child should study abroad.
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| 20. |
Where will my child live?
When your child goes abroad most likely they will have the choice three different types of living arrangements: Home Stay, Student dorms or Apartments. Find out Housing Options abroad.
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