How should study abroad factor into your college choices?

First, however, let’s start with the way most people begin thinking about study abroad. When students or parents tell me, “studying abroad is really important to me,” I have to ask a few questions. The problem is that there are so many options, so many programs, and so many ways in which to pursue “study abroad,” that students and parents need to think about their priorities first before they begin looking vast menus of opportunities.

Here are some preliminary considerations as you begin thinking about how to incorporate study abroad into your college plan and your college choice.

Photo credit above: The author on the banks of the Seine during his study abroad in college in France.  

1. What countries interest you most?

Some students already have traveled as youngsters, while others have not been outside of the country by the end of high school. For those who have been abroad, perhaps you’d like to return to someplace you’ve already been. Or perhaps you want to have a bigger adventure and go somewhere new. And if you’ve never been abroad before, what is your level of comfort traveling to a new place?

I remember that the first time I left the country, I was a bit nervous at first. But after I got my first taste of travel, I have never been able to get enough! In any event, you want to make a list of the top two or three places you’d like to go for your study abroad experience.

2. What do you want to study?

It used to be that most study abroad programs were centered around learning a language. This is no longer true. There are programs of every sort allowing you to study anything from Indian classical dance to volcanology to wetlands ecology to urban planning. Obviously, you can also focus on language study, too, if fluency is a goal (it was for me when I went abroad in college).

So, before you start zooming around college websites looking at their study abroad programs. Make a short list of things that might be fun for you to study while you’re abroad.

Further, you may want to consider whether study abroad is part of your major course of study. Whether this will fall into the “electives” category of your educational plan. For example, I knew students who went on geology-focused study abroad programs as part of their geology major. I also had an opportunity, as a religion major, to pursue courses in religious studies in Edinburgh.

However, I decided that my study abroad program would not be focused on my major. But that instead I would fulfill my language study requirements in France and work toward building competency in the language (which later allowed me to return to France to teach English after graduation). Thus, it is possible to work study abroad options into your overall four-year educational plan while in college so that you can explore subjects outside your major in another country.

Once again, before you start researching huge menus of programs, think about how you want study abroad to fit into your overall educational plan.

3. What requirements and prerequisites are you able and willing to meet before you go?

Some programs require a certain level of fluency in the language. Others may require that you have completed certain kinds of courses before you can participate. For example, that geology program may require that you have completed introductory geology courses before you can apply. Or the Irish literature program may require that you have completed a couple of semesters of survey courses before you can begin to specialize while in Ireland.

Fulfilling these requirements is rarely onerous, as study abroad options generally don’t begin until at least the second semester of the second year. And perhaps the most popular time to go abroad is in the junior year. But think about how study abroad fits into the wider set of requirements of the university and how you will most likely fit the experience into your academic plan.

4. What limitations may you face?

Some academic programs make it harder to study abroad. Engineering is the best example. The engineering course of study at many universities is presented in a fairly strict sequence, and you must take the course in order. If you take a semester out to study abroad, then you might delay your progress toward graduation.

So if you are planning to pursue a Bachelors of Engineering, or other more specialized degrees—including business, nursing, or fine arts, among others. You need to ask admissions about the compatibility of study abroad programs with the major that you plan to pursue. In some places, you’ll end up graduating a year later and paying more money for your degree.

In other places, such as the University of Rhode Island, you’ll find international study abroad programs woven into the engineering program (though at URI, this “international engineering” program is a 5-year opportunity to earn both a BEng and a BA in a foreign language). The upshot is that if you plan to pursue a major with relatively strict, programmed, and sequenced curriculum—and you want to study abroad. Look specifically for universities that will allow you to incorporate both goals into your college experience.

5. What are the financial implications of study abroad on your university experience, if any?

In some cases, your financial aid and merit-based scholarships can be applied to a university-approved study abroad program. In some cases, you will have to pay more for study abroad than for courses on campus. If financial considerations are important. Be sure to research how the university charges for these programs and whether your financial package can be applied to them.

6. How much time do you want to spend abroad?

Back in the “olden days,” study abroad was something you did during your entire junior year. Traveling across the ocean was expensive and time-consuming. And the general practice was to spend an entire academic year abroad. This is no longer the case. You can earn academic credit for short courses of 2-3 weeks during the winter holiday, your spring break, or certainly for part of the summer recess.

Some of these are organized by faculty at your university (I have a professor friend at William and Mary that just took some students to Australia to study anthropology for three weeks, for example).

Other programs are organized by third parties. Either way, if you want to study abroad for just a more intense period, that is definitely possible (but review the other questions above: to study what, where?).

So now we have the basic considerations out of the way. However, sometimes understanding the context in which study abroad in college is created can help you make more informed decisions. In that spirit. Let’s explore how study abroad in college are integrated—or not—into the university’s overall curriculum.

Types of Study Abroad in College

Generally speaking, there are two sorts of programs to consider.

University-sponsored study abroad in college

These programs are created and supervised by faculty at the university. Students from your university travel together to the overseas site. They take a course or courses with a professor who is affiliated with and employed by the university. Either as a full-time, tenure track professor, or as an adjunct professor. Tuition is paid directly to the university and credits are automatically put on your transcript.

Because it is this university that is offering the program exclusively to its own students (though sometimes students from other universities may join under special arrangement).

Advantages of this program include that you are assured that faculty at the university have helped to plan the program. And that recording credits is seamless: you register for the program directly through your university and credits come from your university. This sort of program used to be more common, but as we shall see, they are generally more expensive for the university to operate. So they have been replaced by another model.

Study abroad programs created and sponsored by third-parties

Capitalism is a great thing. It allows different organizations to specialize, and therefore offer economies of scale. As study abroad became more popular and more expensive for universities to operate, third party companies began to pop up to organize study abroad with an less-expensive business model. And then to offer their programs to universities nationwide. This has led to two developments. First, there is an enormous proliferation of specialized programs in all corners of the world.

Universities are able to offer these incredible menus of opportunities to their students at relatively low cost. So as a consumer, you have more choice. And universities can save money by farming out the educational program to another entity. There downsides of this programmatic proliferation and specialization, however.

You will not be going on the program with others from your university. And the faculty at your university will not be involved in any way in the organization or development of the courses on offer. This doesn’t mean the programs will not be academically solid. But you need to ask some questions before you simply sign up for them.

The fact is that study abroad programs are a money-maker for a university. They charge you tuition, and then they pay the third-party provider a fraction of the tuition charged. If your financial aid package is transferrable to study abroad programs, the study abroad could be a great bargain. Or you could, in effect, be paying quite a lot more for an overseas experience than they actual cost of that experience—simply because you are doing it through your university.

Alternatives to Study Abroad in College

Perhaps you can’t afford it. Perhaps your curriculum plan won’t allow it. Maybe you just want to enjoy all four years on campus and leave your experience abroad until after you graduate. Study abroad in college is not for everyone.

Plus there is the issue of expense: aren’t there cheaper alternatives?

With these points in mind, I have two more recommendations.

First, it is possible to enroll directly as an exchange student for a semester at many universities around the world. You just have to take the time to do your research, manage the communications, and handle a lot of administrative inefficiencies.  Part of what you get by electing by paying all that tuition money is the elimination of headaches. But if you want to save money, you can DIY it.

For example, my son decided he wanted to study in Spain for a semester. He already spoke the language, having lived in Mexico and attended a Mexican school while in 8^th grade. And he already knew that study abroad was super-expensive (he does listen to his dad on occasion). So he got online, did a bit of research, made a phone call or two, and enrolled in a full semester of courses at the Universidad de Salamanca. He paid $1200 in tuition for the semester, plus $200 per month for a shared apartment in the heart of the city, walking distance to the university.

The only rub: his American university said, “we might not accept the credits when you get back, so enroll at your own risk.” We both agreed that at that price it didn’t much matter whether the credits would eventually be accepted by his American university. So he went. And had a blast. He joined a choir, too, with cool outfits and he got to sing a concert where the King of Spain was in attendance. And he actually failed one his four courses. Because he found the professor exceedingly dull and the schedule conflicted with his cool course experience.

But it didn’t matter! His American university accepted his after-the-fact petition to accept the three courses that he did pass (very handily). And the one he failed never appeared anywhere on his transcript for the US university—it’s as though he had never taken it. (This risk-taking behavior would never have been rewarded had the enrolled through the study abroad program at his American university).

And what was at the foundation of his petition for the acceptance of those credits: his university already had an “official, approved” study abroad program with a third party that was administered at the University of Salamanca. So the US university decided that it was wise to just quietly accept the credits and hope that my son didn’t tell too many others how easy it was to enroll in a Spanish university all by himself.

The other option is for students who really want to learn a second (or third! or fourth!) language. Dedicated language schools exist all over the world. These are small, private companies that offer lessons in that language to just about anyone.  Many cater to foreigners who are coming to that country for a short-term language immersion.

For example, I have attended three different Spanish language schools in Mexico. I enrolled in intensive Spanish course with a small group of 3-4 other learners at my level. Classes lasted from about 8 to 2 pm, with a couple of breaks in between.  Classrooms were often outside or in cheerful cabañas or under umbrellas around the pool. And snacks were available for purchase during those breaks. Then I went home for comida prepared by my homestay family.

After that was free time: take a siesta, go for a walk, head to the zocalo to drink a beer and read the newspaper, or chat with new friends from Switzerland and Maine. In the evenings, I could either have dinner with my host family, or I could go out on the town with friends (mostly I hung out with my host family and played board games—which was a great way to learn Spanish).

You can have all this for about $600 per week, including all instruction, a shared room in a comfortable home, and three meals a day. And if you did this for an entire 15-week semester, your costs would be less about $9000, plus travel. Which is a lot less than a tuition and room and board to study Spanish this intensively in college. (Of course, these sorts of programs vary in price by country and by location within the country: If you want to study French in Monte Carlo, be prepared to spend some dough).

If you’re intrigued by this model, have a look at the National Registration Center for Study Abroad. They vet these sorts of programs around the world, and they can provide guidance and advice for participants of any age (parents…this is “study abroad” for you, too!). If you contact NRCSA, let them know I sent you. They are nice folks.

Conclusion: Study Abroad in College Can Be Awesome

My own study abroad program in college was a formative experience. I am still in touch with several of my college classmates who accompanied me on that trip. My host family and I remain in touch decades later. I still speak French, and many of my jobs after college were focused on France and/or used my language skills. And it sparked a life-long interest in international affairs that led me to a Ph.D. in the field and other stints living abroad in Mexico and Hong Kong. It literally opened a new world for me.

And it just might for you, too.

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Expert educational consultant Mark Montgomery talks about study abroad programs: make sure you’re getting an experience that will expand your mind and not be just a quick vacation.

TRANSCRIPT:

I love study abroad. It is a very important part of my life. When I was 20 years old, I went to France when I was a college sophomore. I lived with a family. They took great care of me. They became very close, and I have been in touch with them ever since. And recently I went back to France. I was able to connect with them. I stayed with them for several days, hung out, drank some good wine and had a great time. It was fantastic.

So study abroad was important to me. It was not only fun, but I also went on to improve my French. I went back to France, lived in Grenoble, and was a teacher there. And became a high school teacher of French for a while. It was an enormously important part of my life. So when students come to me and say they want study abroad as part of their criteria for choosing a college, I’m all over it. I’m totally into it. I love that idea.

However, not all study abroad is great. Some of it could be much better. To help you get the most from study abroad, I’m going to give you three of my own ideas that are important, especially when you’re choosing a college.

Money, money, money

The first thing to remember, though, before getting into these reasons, is that as with so much else with higher education, money is a driver. The fact is that study abroad really isn’t that expensive, as it turns out. But colleges that do charge a lot of money can take your tuition dollars. And then they turn around and pay a foreign university or a private company that is providing study abroad services and organizing these programs. They buy that for much less than the money they’re taking in from your tuition. So the difference between what they pay and what they’re taking from you is profit.

So just be careful of that as you’re looking at study abroad programs and remind yourself that it’s not all just academic rigor and academic helping you to expand your mind. The university has an interest in you going abroad because they make some money off of you.

But the three things I want to talk about start with academics. I like programs that are faculty-driven and that have faculty oversight at the university. I think it’s very important that the study abroad not be isolated in some random office somewhere on the campus as a profit center for the university.

It is more important that those study abroad programs be integrated into the majors, into the academic program. Faculty members actually be involved in creating and evaluating these programs as they go along. So be on the lookout for programs that do send their own faculty from the university that you plan to attend to the foreign with you. I think those programs can be much more academically rigorous.

Courses during study abroad

And speaking of rigorous for the program, I think it’s important to look at the courses that you actually would be taking with the study abroad program. If you’re studying at a university in another country, it could be great. But often, even those universities will designate courses for foreigners that you can take, that they do cheaply. Perhaps that aren’t even full-time faculty members at that foreign university that you will attend.

I want to look for a course that is not just an introduction to Australian culture. I want to look for something that is related to the major. Related to what you’re studying, that has a little bit more academic depth to it. Like the ones that you would take on your own campus. At least as rigorous as those.

Look at the length of the study abroad program

The third thing I recommend when I’m talking to students is to look for programs that have enough length. The trend is to shorten the length of time that students are studying abroad. And you’ll find interterm programs. And Spring Break programs that are only a week long, that will give students quite a bit of academic credit at the university. But one week of studying in Austria is really not going to give you much insight into Austrian culture, Austrian life. You’re going to be looking at it as a tourist, from a tourist’s perspective, generally.

There are some exceptions to that, Colorado College for example; they have their block system, three and a half weeks, that’s one full course for them. So some of their blocks are overseas or portions of their blocks may be overseas as a component of an entire course. So there are some exceptions to the rule of length, but I really recommend that if you’re going to really learn something abroad, not just be abroad and study abroad, but actually learn something about the place where you’re going, you need to spend more time there. 10 weeks, 15 weeks, a semester at least, sometimes a year, that would be great. But that’s, of course, much more of a commitment.

Immerse yourself

Finally, because I began my study abroad by language learning, I do want to say that you don’t necessarily have to do language learning. Especially at the lower levels of the language, the more basic fundamentals of the language. You can learn those much more efficiently by studying abroad on your own. Perhaps enrolling in a foreign university in one of their foreign language programs. Or going to a language center in another country where you would live with a host family. And you would study four or five hours a day at least, and really immerse yourself in that language and that culture.

If you’re interested in that, look at the National Registration Center for Study Abroad, they vet some programs all around the world. If you want to learn Polish, you want a private tutor in Polish, you can get that. It’s so much cheaper than paying full tuition at an American university and then having the university spin around and make some profit on you. Use that money and expand the time and the experience that you would have in that foreign country. Use that money more wisely. You may even be able to transfer the credits back to your home university depending on how you plan it.

Study abroad is fantastic. More kids should do it and I’m excited to see that the trends are more study abroad for more students. But not all study abroad is created equal. Some of it is just purely a money-making venture. Some of it is really academically, let’s just say, okay, useless. And some of it is just too short to actually give you anything more than you might get at a week in Cancun. So don’t do that. If you want a week in Cancun, go to Cancun. But let’s not call it “study abroad.” So look for those kinds of things and think about how study abroad fits into your criteria.

Think about study abroad when you choose a college

If study abroad is important to you, make sure you include it as one of the criteria by which you choose colleges that fit. And if you are looking for colleges that fit and need help narrowing down your list or nailing the criteria for your selection, you might want to consider getting some Great College Advice. We specialize in helping students find colleges that are the right fit in every way. Give us a call.  

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TRANSCRIPT:

One of the other things that I found were interesting about Bates is the history matters. History matters with a lot of these colleges and Bates is very different from most of the other New England colleges in that it was set up by Free Will Baptists. And the Free Will Baptists were committed to ensuring that Bates was a campus that would be welcoming, not only to the local community and to America’s elite.

But also to women, so it was the first college in New England to accept women and also other minorities, including blacks. This was set up before the end of the Civil War, and from the very beginning they accepted freed slaves into the campus community.

So why does that matter? Well, it’s part of the ethos. It’s part of the way that Bates thinks about itself and presents itself and projects itself into the world, that this is a progressive learning community. It’s an intentional community that has always been diverse. That has always been accepting of people of every stripe, including every religious background, every socioeconomic class, every ethnic background.

So that is just one of the core principles at this college that does set apart a little bit. Everybody’s going to talk about how they’re into being welcoming and tolerant and accepting. And of course that’s part of the American reality today. But Bates has walked the walk from the beginning of its history whereas some of the Ivy League schools, well, all of the Ivy League schools. And many other elite small colleges in New England just didn’t begin that way. So that’s an important part of Bates’ history to keep in mind.

Mark Montgomery
Expert Educational Consultant

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1. Sophomore Year Experience.  Some colleges are on the ball and offer a program that is similar to what you experienced your freshman year.  It can have many names and many forms, but the premise is to get sophomores together in some form of group advising format. This may happen through an academic advisor, a course or even in the residence halls.  So, search your college’s website, ask your RA or orientation leader from last year.  Find out if this program exists where you are and then take full advantage of it.
2. Can’t decide on a major? Visit Career Services.  Deciding on a major can be very stressful.  Some students don’t know where to begin.  Your Career Services office should be able to help.  The first step may be to take some career assessments.  These tests may give you a general idea of career options.  Once you have some options, continue to explore that career.  Find out if there is anyone you know who does that job and do an informational interview.  This also a great way to learn about internship options. Career Services may also host a variety of programs in order to help you pick a career or major.  Internship fairs, career panels and guest speakers are all great events to participate in order to help you narrow down your career interest.
3. Get to know your professors.  Once you have some career options to explore, start talking to professors in departments associated with those particular careers.  If you are nervous about approaching professors you don’t know, ask a professor you do know to introduce you.
4. Continue to be involved.  Just because you are a sophomore, does not mean you can’t try something new. Attend the club fair they hold for freshmen.  Sign up for anything interesting.  Branch out.
5. Mentor someone.  Nothing can reinvigorate your love for your college like passing your knowledge along to someone new.  Find out how you can help incoming freshmen or transfer students.  This experience will help you focus on what you love about your college experience.

If you are in high school and just beginning your college search, make sure to look for some of these resources when you are visiting campuses.  Most admissions offices are quick to point out programs for freshmen, but you may need to ask about what is available beyond your first year.
If you currently have a case of “sophomore slump,” remember that it is only a temporary condition.  Once you find your way, you will love your college again!

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Here is a list of some of the most important things to remember while you study in the United States so that you don’t find yourself faced with a violation of the F-1 regulations:

• Make sure that your data is always current in the SEVIS system. What is SEVIS? SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a database maintained by the U.S. government that holds information on all international students in the United States, including their addresses, school programs, work authorizations, and other data. While the school’s Designated Student Officer (DSO) is responsible for entering information into the SEVIS system. To keep your record in order, you are responsible for getting that information to the DSO.
• Always have a current paper copy of your I-20.  An I-20 is a SEVIS-generated document issued by your school which contains your personal, financial and academic information, and is signed by you and the DSO.
• Do NOT engage in employment off-campus without proper authorization. F-1 Visa students are not allowed to work, except in very limited circumstances. (We’ll explore this topic in more detail in a future blog post.)
• Maintain a full course load; “full-time” means 12 credit hours for undergraduates and 9 credit hours for graduates during the entire fall and spring semesters.
• Keep your school and USCIS informed of any address changes. International students must report any change of address within 10 days. Since some students move frequently, it is easy to forget this rule, but it is very important. There is no reason to risk an interruption or premature conclusion to your studies in the U.S. because you forgot to tell USCIS you moved into a new apartment.

Before going overseas, always make sure you are allowed to travel and that you have proper documentation to return to the U.S. Remember to check with your DSO about travel regulations, particularly during the summer. You must carry an original I-20 with a recent travel signature, and a passport valid for at least 6 months. The F-1 visa in your passport must be valid. If not, you will need to make an appointment to apply for a new F-1 Visa if you are still eligible.

When travelling, you should also carry the following:

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Are you ready to make your commitment? How are you spending these last few days leading up to May 1 deciding?

– Flipping a coin?
– Trying that t-shirt with the college name on the front on one more time?
– Getting feedback from the people you trust?
– Reading the fine print on the financial aid forms once again?
– Chatting online with current students to get your final questions answered?
– Writing pro and con lists?
Everyone makes their final decision in a different way. My advice? It echoes that of our NACAC 2011 keynote speaker, Jonah Lehrer. Go with your gut.
Go with what your instinct tells you. You’ve visited the campuses, spent the time researching, read all of the brochures, gone on the website hundreds of times and now the time has come to take the next step. Listen to what your gut is telling you and ask yourself, “Will I be happy here?” Is the answer yes? Then sign your name on the dotted line and start getting excited for this new adventure you are about to embark on!

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These are just a few highlights. There are lots more out there to explore!

Great College Advice

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Video Recap:

After a visit to the University of Northern Colorado, I had a chance to connect with one of my graduate school friends who now works in residence life. She shared a few tips about filling out the housing application.

1) Be honest on the housing application. Students, please please please – fill it out yourself! Whether you are messy or clean, a late riser or an early-to-bed kind of person, or a smoker/nonsmoker. You want to let the housing office know so they can match you with a roommate who will complement your style.

2) Look for living and learning communities. Living and learning communities are great ways to connect with students who share a common interest. There are often extra perks such as taking classes right in your residence hall, access to special field trips, guest lectures, proximity to your classes, etc.

3) You are going to be sharing space. Be ready to learn how to compromise! Sharing your room can be a challenging experience. If it is your first time doing so. Set up a contract with your roommate and certain guidelines you want to follow to be respectful of one another.

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Here are some of the questions we encounter most often from international students.

Q. What is the “presumption of immigrant intent” that I keep hearing about?

A. This means that the United States government, and therefore the embassy or consular staff, assumes that every visa applicant wants to stay in the U.S. permanently. Even if you are applying for a temporary visa, you must prove that you intend to return home after your authorized period of stay concludes. See our previous blog about the type of proof you will need to show this intent.

Q. How long will it take for me to obtain my visa?

A. There are various factors that affect the waiting process, such as an applicant’s country of origin, age, name, marital status or field of study. For example, applicants who study or have worked in sensitive areas may be subject to extended security checks. Some of these fields include munitions; nuclear technology; rocket systems; chemical, biotechnology and biomedical engineering; advanced computer/ microelectronic technology; information security; sensor technology; etc. To allow time to overcome any unforeseen problems that might arise, students are encouraged to apply for their visas several weeks before they plan to travel, or more, depending on the country.

Q. Can I bring my wife and child with me to the U.S. while I am on a student visa?

A. Yes, you may bring dependents. They will need visa interviews as well and should receive F-2 visas. You should make sure you have proof of your relationship to your spouse and/or children such as marriage and birth certificates, family registers, etc. It is best for families to apply for their visas at the same time. However, if your spouse and children must apply later, they should bring a copy of your passport and visa, along with all other required documents. F-2 visa holders are not allowed to work in the U.S.

Q. What if my application for a visa is denied? What can I do?

A. Consular officials have a great deal of discretion to approve or deny a visa. Their decisions are not normally subject to review or appeal. However, it may be possible to ask the chief of the consulate to reconsider the decision, or to ask for an advisory opinion at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. on a legal issue. If your visa application is denied, you may want to consult an attorney for assistance in describing all the facts of the case, any additional evidence, and to try to obtain a different decision.

Q. Do I have to have an interview if I apply to change my status in the U.S. from visitor (B-2) to student (F-1)?

A. No, you do not. If you request a “change of status” from one category to another while remaining in the U.S., you send your request to USCIS, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, on Form I-539. There is no interview for this process. However, you will need to maintain valid nonimmigrant (temporary) status in order to effect this change. This means that you cannot apply to change status after your authorized stay expires. Also, in some cases, USCIS will not approve a change to student status unless you informed the consulate at your B-2 interview that you were thinking about eventually studying in the U.S.

Let us know if you have any more questions that we haven’t addressed here!
Andrea Aronson
College Admissions Specialist
Westfield, NJ

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