Many American students go for international study programs, which are a part of their curriculum outline.
Institute of International Education released its annual ‘Open Doors US Study Abroad’ report, and based on that report, around 190,000 American students went overseas for education in the span of one year, 2021-2022.
As per experts, studying in a different country comes with a package of enriched educational experience, deeper cultural understanding and an opportunity to expand one’s network.
Christopher Nicolussi, the assistant vice president of student services and support in the office of global programs at New York University, commented, “The learning opportunity is just so much greater than if you’re just in a classroom or hallway passing the same people you see on campus every day. There are just so many other things for students to learn beyond what’s in a textbook when they put themselves in a situation with people who are different from themselves”.
Nonetheless, students still struggle with very important factors while relocating to other countries and seeking international education, especially the planning part.
“There are so many documents {}, passport, program selection, expenses, and center location to consider. It can become a bit too much to deal with. A shy student with no travel experience may find it even more difficult. First and foremost, curiosity and a desire to ask questions are crucial.” nature, that is.
So, who is better than an expert? Here are the steps you must follow, according to the experts, to make your Prelude to Independent Study abroad easy and smooth.
Make a list of the experiences you will enjoy
Greg Muger, A director of student affairs, says that the first step should include an Outline of objectives while ensuring some are titled ?? Non-Negotiables??. For example -where am I going, how much am I spending, what’s there for me to do aside from the primary purpose of my relocation, etc.
“The language skills developed in two weeks, for example, are not applicable,” Hence, goal setting during international trips, such as finding employment, studying a specific course or developing professional relationships, becomes relevant, Nicolussi says. Additionally, other factors such as a family’s connection with a certain country might also act as a reason to travel to this country.”
Consultation with Academic Counselors and International Programs Office
Studying overseas can be worked into your schedule. Your school adviser will brief you on the programs available at the other school, whether credits will be accepted, where you should go, and when you should return.
Currently, Nicolussi observes that more students prefer to undertake shorter periods of two to six weeks. Although it might be possible to squeeze in an elective course into that period, he says it is highly unlikely for math or science classes.
Nicolussi remarks that particular majors at American institutions “are scaffolded, so you have to take part one before you can take part two,” and adds, “So you have to make sure that you’re able to fit all the pieces of the scaffolding in your four-year plan with a study abroad semester.” It is advisable to fit the Study abroad within the four years to avoid a change in the structure of the major in the later years.
Generally, experts say, the easier schools to deal with in terms of credit transfer are those, which offer the program as part of their funding or are US colleges. This indicates that students wishing to participate in global programs affiliated with US colleges have to submit requests to multiple colleges or universities.
For instance, experts recommend that you schedule meetings with an academic adviser and the international office as one of your first steps. First, however, you need to calculate the Cost.
Specialists warn that the Cost of studying abroad I s a country and institution dependent. According to Go Overseas, an organization focusing on guiding students studying abroad, it estimates anywhere from US$10,000 to approximately US$22,000 to go through third-party institutions, and in almost all instances, this is inclusive of housing and meals.
“But you also wish to undertake some exploration over the weekend,” says Sarah Larson Malloy, academic partnerships lead with Edtech Ventures and former director for Study abroad and international exchange of the University of Arkansas. “It is necessary to consider the budget holistically, and not only the figure which first appears on the label.”
Calculate what will be the maximum amount you can raise, how much you can earn from scholarships and how much funding you will be able to get.
As a further aid, scholarship search engines such as fastweb.com and scholarships.com may help, while students may want to explore the US Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Programme, notes Muger.
In addition, study abroad and scholarship offices may assist with scholarship grants search.
“Before going for a semester overseas, students must consult the school’s financial adviser to assist them in figuring out which scholarships and grants would not transfer,” says Muger. “After researching, they should also manage their overseas experience more effectively by drawing a personal spending budget. Depending on the immigrants’ visa status, students may even be permitted to work in the host nation.”
Investigate the Area and Corresponding Dialect
According to experts, studying abroad can be accompanied by some amount of sociocultural adjustment, so students should make an effort to find out about the holidays, customs, and language of the target country in advanced as well.
As Muger notes, “The ability to speak a new language is a prerequisite to successful integration in a foreign country.” He goes on to explain, “All students planning to visit a host country are bound to clear at least the first level of the local language for efficient communication.”
He adds: “Students who arrive at a new place and immediately make an effort to build relationships while seeking opportunities to converse in the new language tend to pick it up more easily along with the culture.”
Put in the application for a passport and student visa as early as possible.
According to Nicolussi, intending students should begin the application process for visas and passports about six months ahead of their intended travel date, as working on any application can take between 90 and 30 days or even longer.
Nicolussi explains that though some universities do have offices for student visas and student passports, in the case that yours does not, the post office should suffice. To avoid potential immigration issues it is recommended to have a valid passport with an expiration date at least six months after your planned travel returns.
Make sure your domestic affairs are in order.
To ensure the planning is done right, it is necessary to ensure all matters at home are in order before leaving for some time during your travels. For example, if you are renting your apartment, consider suggesting someone else to take over in the meantime. If you have any pets, try to convince someone to care for them on your behalf. It would also be wise to inquire about cellphone coverage and international services with their provider.
Additionally, all banks and credit cards on file need to be informed, as any foreign transactions are limited or flagged as fraudulent due to security protocols in place.
Proper planning requires goal-directedness, according to expert opinion.
Muger comments, “Insofar as possible, generate a weekly summary and to-do list.” He also adds, “Ask a friend who has already studied abroad to assist in consideration of all the necessary concerns.”
