STUDY ABROAD

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Studying Abroad - The act of a student pursuing educational opportunities in a foreign country. Typically classes taken while studying abroad award credits transferable to higher education institutions in the home country. However, students may pursue these opportunities at any age and may not require college credit. Students studying abroad may live in a dormitory or apartment with other students or with a "host family", a group of people who live in that country and agree to provide student lodging.

Length of study can range from one week, usually during a domestic break, to an academic year. You choose.

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Topics of study abroad

Some students choose to study abroad in order to learn a language from native speakers. Others may take classes in their academic major in a place that allows them to expand their hands-on experience (e.g. someone who’s studying marine biology studying abroad in Jamaica or a student of sustainable development living and studying in a remote village in Senegal). Still other students may study abroad in order to explore topics within the framework of a different educational system

Why students study abroad

One of the most common reasons students study abroad is language immersion. Students wanting to learn a language will go to school in a country where that language is spoken, the theory being that immersion into an environment where a particular language is spoken is the best way to learn the language. Indeed, many schools require that students majoring in a foreign language study abroad. However, this is more often done through an exchange program

Necessary steps to study abroad

Though requirements vary by institution, several steps must be taken in order to study abroad. The first step is to identify a program of interest. Application procedures differ between programs. Students wishing to study abroad must also obtain the necessary travel documents (see below). Documents include a passport, visa, and often certain medical releases. Obtaining visas can be a time consuming process involving lots of paperwork. It is best to begin the visa process well in advance to avoid delays and problems.

Students may also have to make their own lodging arrangements. Some schools maintain residences in foreign countries or at host universities. Other programs may require a student to provide his or her own accommodations. Most students know where they will be staying when they depart, but some students make temporary living arrangements from home and seek a more permanent residence upon arrival. Arranging for a place to live in a foreign country can be made difficult by such problems as language barriers, students' inability to see apartments in person, and differing procedures regarding contracts, deposits, and payments. However, the internet makes remote apartment finding easier, and is thus a good place to start. Advice from other students who have previously studied in the location is also very useful.

Another important step is to learn about the destination, in order to be aware of any potentially jolting differences. Thus, many study abroad programs include compulsory orientation sessions for students that address many of the possible difficulties that will be faced while the students are abroad.

Financial aid for study abroad

Student loans in the U.S. , Higher Education Act , US Dept of Education, FAFSA Cost of attendance, Federal Direct Student Loan Program, Loan products, Private student loanand Consolidation Loans may be part of a Study Abroad Program.

Amendments made in 1992 to the Higher Education Act of 1965, TITLE VI, SEC. 601-604[1] in the U.S. ruled that students can receive financial aid for study abroad if they are enrolled in a program that is approved by their home institution and would be eligible to receive government funding without regard to whether the study abroad program is required as a part of the student's degree. Federal law also states that financial aid can cover all "reasonable" costs for a study abroad program, including:

Round-trip transportation for the approved program
Tuition and fees for the program
Living costs incurred during the program
Passport and visa fees
Health insurance

Additional financing options to Study broad

Private student loans

Private student loans are not guaranteed by a government agency, but generally offer higher loan limits, grace period with no payments due until after graduation, and base availability on credit history vs. financial need. Private loans are a good option:

If federal financial aid doesn't cover all study abroad tuition, living arrangements, and/or transportation costs
If a student is not eligible for federal financial aid
If a student is not currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university

Scholarships

Scholarships are offered by a number of organizations and foundations. Scholarships, like government grants, can be highly competitive, because students aren't required to repay the money awarded. Because of this uncertainty, it is not the most reliable method for paying for study abroad. Research into available scholarships and private grants should be initiated well in advance of a student's planned travel date, and/or private or government aid should also be sought.

Learn More about Study Abroad and Scholarships

Study Abroad - Distance Education