I need some advice regarding studying abroad for someone planning on going to graduate school in a natural science.
I’ve always wanted to study abroad for a semester and I’ve heard nothing but great things about people’s experiences. Last semester I got involved with a nuclear physics research group and the P.I. has basically guaranteed me a spot throughout my undergrad as long as I remain competent. However, if I leave to study abroad for a semester then I’ll likely lose my position. Is the study abroad experience worth losing the extra research experience? How rare is it to gain research experience while abroad?
Any input and personal experiences would be appreciated.
It really depends on how important the research is to your career plans and if you would lose or damage the connection with the prof. Is there no way that you could do something for him/her while abroad, in say some related group? (Easier said than done, of course.)
That being said, a semester abroad is all it is cracked up to be. If you are already on a clear career track, it could be more of a diversion, though for me it wasn’t.
Look at doing a summer course / internship abroad- you will get most of the best elements of being abroad and you won’t jeopardize your research work. Though not as common, research and study options exist. There is a very competitive CERN summer option, for example, and some of the US REUs have foreign options. Your professor may also be able to hook you up with a colleague.