<p>Anyone considering studying abroad during their time at college but feel a bit skeptical? </p>
<p>I'm conflicted. I'm afraid on two levels: (1) I don't know how I will react to being abroad from January to June away from home -- seems too long for me. (2) I'm scared of screwing up my home GPA even more by performing badly in classes abroad -- I hear UK classes are intense!</p>
<p>I really want to study abroad in England -- specifically the University of Sussex. I read that they offer a Summer program for 4 weeks (Session I or Session II) or 8 weeks (session I and II). I really, really prefer that since I will be taking only 2 English literature classes and it is only for 2 months and not 5. But my mom tells me that it is silly paying an extra $3,000/$6,000. Heck! I'm willing to pay for it by working this summer and during Junior year. I already have $4,000 in my savings.</p>
<p>Anyone else have these fears or any other fears that make you skeptical from going abroad for a semester?</p>
<p>(Oh, and I put this thread here because the "study abroad" forum seemed like it was filled with people asking about attending a college abroad for undergrad than a semester.)</p>
<p>Go abroad via a volunteer program or just save up. Studying abroad through universities is generally a ripoff. Personally, I am looking into using this program: bridgeabroad.com</p>
<p>That said, you should leave the country. Don’t get too anxious about it; you’ll learn a lot and gain some new perspectives.</p>
<p>go talk to the people at the study-abroad office at your college. Often they will host meetings where people who have already gone talk about their experiences, and if not I bet they could put you in touch with a couple of them so you could meet for coffee and chat. Talking with kids from your school who have done the exact program that you are offered will give you more accurate advice about the specifics than you’re likely to get in a general internet forum.</p>
<p>That said, I’d urge you to go for 5 mos instead of 2. Doing things that stretch and challenge you is rewarding in its own right; this is a chance to practice facing and overcoming that fear with a safety net. Also I think most adults in the workforce would tell you that once you’re out of college the opportunity to travel and explore for stretches at a time is gone. As a college student for 5 mos you’ll be able to travel thru England and the Continent on cheap student fares, often staying with friends-of-friends for free. And you’ll have travel companions from people you meet in the program.</p>
<p>Take the plunge. I’m going to try to do a study abroad program. You learn so much from the culture at other countries. During my deployment I learned a lot from the culture from people in the Middle East that a lot of people don’t get to experience. You have to be there to get what I mean but it was amazing at the history of the places I was at that I probably shouldn’t say on here lol. But, what I’m trying to say is if it’s just your feelings that’s getting in the way just do it. You won’t regret it.</p>
<p>I might look to volunteer abroad instead so the duration will be a month. I was thinking about applying to this program through my school where I and a couple of other students from my school teach English to kids in Costa Rica from mid-May to the end of June.</p>
<p>I know it might sound silly, but seriously, I don’t think I’m in the right state (emotionally and mentally) to study abroad. It might be a missed opportunity, but I think it will be best.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses though, guys. I really do appreciate it.</p>
<p>I’m sorta in the same situation as you, but I’m from England and I’m going to Texas for a year instead of 2 months. Like you, I’m nervous, but at the same time so excited. Yeah it will be hard and to be honest when I applied, I definitely wasn’t confident enough or organised enough. But I know that it’s going to be amazing and I’m going to regret not doing it. I’d rather do it and learn from my mistakes than not do it and wish I had…</p>
<p>Go abroad. I don’t remember a single person who has regretted it. What’s another $3,000? That’s a drop in the pond for an experience you will remember for a lifetime. Once your older, and have a job, and then a family, these opportunities will be gone. Not to mention it’s not really the same as when you’re young and abroad.</p>
<p>Nervous? Of course, everyone is who goes abroad - you don’t know what to expect. But you’ll get over that real quick once you’re there. Especially England – it’s not like you are going to a third world country, lol.</p>
<p>So, do it. Do it 1000%.</p>
<p>And KimFitz, I studied abroad in Australia and I’ve lived in Texas for a decent portion of time. Texas has great weather and very friendly people (I’m talking as an outsider who’s lived in the state). When I was abroad, the Aussies had very funny opinions about it — like everyone there was toting a gun or that the ‘streets’ were dangerous - which is preposterous. Lol you’ll be fine — I’ve known a bunch of brits who were at my university and they all loved it.</p>
<p>In terms of finances, if you’re receiving financial aid from your home school, you may be able to apply it toward studying abroad. </p>
<p>I don’t know about other schools, but my school has a set of programs where all institutional and state/federal aid can be transferred, another set where only state/federal aid can be transferred, and other ones where you’re on your own. </p>
<p>If you’re interested in studying abroad, you should talk to the study abroad office at your school about financing, as they can often direct you towards outside scholarships and other opportunities to pay for a semester abroad.</p>
<p>In terms of living abroad, I would just like to echo what other posters here have already stated. Getting to know another culture firsthand can be a really personally fulfilling experience, and it can also help in getting a job further down the road. That is not to say that it won’t be scary or difficult at times, but a good study abroad program should be able to provide sufficient orientation information and a good support system. Also, communication is easier now more than ever. You’ll still be to able to call, email, IM, Skype etc. your family while you’re away.</p>
<p>In my opinion, you should absolutely go for it, acknowledging that there will be obstacles along the way, but knowing that you will ultimately be coming away with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.</p>
<p>If I wasn’t so stuck up with completing school early, go to a good grad school, and not have to worry about transfer credits, I’d go abroad instantly. It saves money too. I’ve never been to anywhere worth going, except for Beijing when I was 6 years old. I’m DYING to go to somewhere in Europe and here you are complaining about your petty fears. RIDICULOUS</p>
<p>I spent my sophomore year abroad in London, and loved it so much that I went back the summer after my junior year for an internship. Both programs were through my school, so I didn’t actually attend a school in England… Instead, my school brought in local professors to teach our classes.</p>
<p>It was as little tough at times to be away from home for so long, but for the most part I was having so much fun exploring the new culture and traveling that I really didn’t have much time to dwell on it. And I’ll be paying off the loans for quite a while, but it was completely worth it!</p>
<p>I really can’t say enough about how much I loved London, my time over there was incredible. The majority of students at my school actually study abroad at some point (one of my sisters was in Switzerland in the fall, and my other sister is currently in Uganda), and I can’t remember anyone saying they wished they hadn’t gone.</p>
<p>::groans:: I just have to get over my fears, darn it! The financial part is not an issue, my mother says, if I go during my spring semester since I’ll be paying about the same price as my semester tuition at my home university (of course I’ll have to spend an extra 1,000+ for flights, other expenses)</p>
<p>I know a girl from high school who just spent her year abroad in England (at the U. of Sussex). I will try to contact her about her experience. I might consider another school or country instead. I thought about possibly Scotland, Norway, or the Netherlands.</p>
<p>Thanks guys! You were all pretty convincing. :D</p>