How do you apply to study abroad?

How to Apply to Study Abroad at an Overseas College or University

• Answer:

  For college students, studying abroad can be a life changing experience. More than just an opportunity to improve foreign language skills, studying in a foreign country can provide opportunities to make new friends, become more independent, and discover new fields of study or new career goals. Putting careful thought and planning into the application process is the first step toward a successful international experience. Difficulty: Moderate Instructions Think about what you want from your study abroad experience. The variety of programs is endless, and so there are many aspects to consider. For example, do you want to spend a few months abroad, or would you prefer a full year? Do you want to take classes at a local university or study in a program specifically for international students? Do you want to learn a new language or improve your skills in a language you've already studied? Talking with family, friends, students who have previously studied abroad, or your professors and advisers can help you decide what sort of study abroad program is best for you. Find out what programs your school recommends. Once you know what sort of study abroad experience you want, investigate program choices on your school's website or talk to the study abroad adviser on campus. Many schools have their own faculty-led programs such as the University of Chicago's Civilization Program, where students spend ten weeks fulfilling core curriculum requirements in countries ranging from Mexico to China. Colleges may also have full campuses in other countries. For example, the University of Indianapolis has a branch campus in Greece where students can take UI classes while abroad. Students often prefer programs like these because they can attend with friends from home and there is no need to go through the process of transferring credit back to their U.S. university. Many universities also have partner institutions abroad where they regularly send students. If these options don't exist at your school or don't meet your needs, most schools also keep a list of approved outside agencies that sponsor programs or foreign universities where students have successfully enrolled in the past. Submit your complete application in advance of any deadlines. Each program has unique application requirements, so it is important to read the directions carefully and submit all necessary paperwork. Required documents may include official college transcripts, a document from your college detailing whether you have had past academic or behavior problems, professor recommendations, language proficiency test results, or a personal essay. Gain credits for courses taken while abroad. If you aren't participating in a program sponsored by your university, you will likely need to make sure your university will give you credit for the courses you are want to take abroad. Have those courses approved for credit by whoever at your university can officially assure you that you will get the credits. It is a wise idea to complete this before you leave the country and to get a few alternate courses approved in case your course schedule changes while you are abroad.