<p>I'm in a bit of a tri-lemma. Basically, I have one of three options:</p>
<p>1) Take classes this summer (2012) through next summer (2013), and graduate a few months late. I won't be able to study abroad.</p>
<p>2) Take classes this summer, this fall-spring, then study abroad next fall and graduate a semester late. This lets me take more of the classes I want during the year (I'll be doing gen eds in the summer) but limits me to a single semester of study abroad (probably Hong Kong).</p>
<p>3) Don't take classes this summer. Take classes this fall-spring, then study abroad in two different places next fall-spring (fall 2013 - spring 2014). Graduate a year late. This gives me more time this summer to work on a business I'm launching soon, and generally get my life in order, but also results in less flexibility during the school year. I'd also be able to study abroad in both China and Korea.</p>
<p>Any advice? A common piece of advice I've heard is to 'stay in school as long as you can', and that study abroad is worth more than graduating early. My major is philosophy and I plan on starting / continuing a business post-graduation, so I'm not really that concerned with career prospects. Worst case scenario, I'll go to grad school in a few years.</p>
<p>D1 did not do any study abroad because she found out the credits for her major will not be acceptable at her univesity. I would graduate and spend the extra money on travelling to Hong Kong.
My thinking there is no “study” in study abroad, the same as no “sleep” in sleep over. :D</p>
<p>Yes, but there is an opportunity cost here. As long as you’re in school, you’re not earning money – in fact, you’re costing someone (yourself or your family) money.</p>
<p>Well, the credits will transfer, and it’s an exchange program, so the only cost is getting and living there (which is subsidized by my school and not that expensive.)</p>
<p>I do think you have a point to the supposed lack of rigor in study abroad programs. I guess the question is what is more valuable: an extra semester travelling, or taking 1-2 less classes that I want.</p>
<p>You have to do a cost analysis, if it’s cheaper than what you are paying out of pocket then stay in school. For some of us the cost of paying nearly $50K for a year of study abroad is not worth it. My kid finally admitted the drinking part of the study abroad is what attracted her in applying(UK) in the first part. And it’s not like she is not drinking(moderately) at her univesity.</p>
<p>Well, I go to a state school, so tuition is ~6k a semester. I’m certainly not rich, but spending 3k extra to study abroad in Asia instead of Little Town USA seems worth it to me.</p>
<p>And this is actually an exchange program, not a study abroad program, which (I think) means that you’re basically a student at their school. Unless you pick a school known for partying (and I’m not) it would be like any other university.</p>
<p>pandem - While reading responses to your OP, keep in mind that Study Abroad is often a $30/Semester expense for parents of private university students. I’d have considered $6K/Semester a no-brainer … Go for it.</p>
<p>It will vary. My older d.'s study abroad program is equally rigorous, if not more rigorous, than the home campus. However, it was run by the home campus itself. (and her financial aid carried in full, and a stipend on top of that.)</p>
<p>And there wasn’t a lot of drinking, either. </p>
<p>Just check ALL of the costs first. Does this $6000 include your airfare to Asia, your lodging and food while you are there? Or is this JUST the tuition portion? If you and your family can afford to have you do this experience, then go for it. If it’s a financial obligation that will be a challenge, then think twice.</p>
<p>If you are receiving any kind of financial aid that is making your school costs lower for YOU out of pocket, check to see IF your school even awards financial aid to students in a fifth year. Some do not.</p>
<p>I think study abroad is a wonderful opportunity but if you can’t make it work financially there are many opportunities to go abroad (Peace Corps, work for a NGO abroad, teaching English abroad, etc) once you graduate.</p>