Study Abroad frustration over hype and cost

Parents Forum
1

<p>Every campus we have visited has made a huge deal over studying abroad. This is frustrating for us as we simply do not have the money to pay for one child to go on a big huge vacation like that. Yes, I know they are supposedly learning things. But she is not even a foreign language major. She likes dabbling in languages and would love to see the areas for which she has been studying. </p>

<p>We cannot afford this. She has emailed me some programs through the one college she picked to tell me how excited she is about it. We only saved to pay for her education, not for extended expensive vacations. But literally, every single college we visit makes a big deal of the study abroad. </p>

<p>I am going to have to sit with her and spell the finances out. But, also, I feel like we need to cross off every single school that has a big percent doing study abroad. This is obviously a big frill when they are sending majors that have nothing to do with going overseas, overseas. And why would I pay a bunch of money to send my child overseas, when I cannot afford to go for myself? We never spend that kind of money on ourselves.</p>

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<p>You definitely need to understand the finances with respect to study abroad - what are all of the associated costs; can scholarships/aid still be used, etc. But in some cases it is actually CHEAPER than your on-campus semester cost. You might be surprised.</p>

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<p>Most of the colleges we’ve looked at say that it can be done within the regular cost of a semester, with the addition of travel expense (cost of the airplane ticket, passport, visa, etc.).</p>

4

<p>Study abroad is generally an optional thing that most students do not do. Colleges probably market it because high school seniors tend to be interested in it, much more so than they actually do it (sort of like 3+2 engineering programs at LACs without “native” engineering).</p>

5

<p>If you have to cross off every school, or group of schools, where a significant portion of students can afford ‘luxuries’ your student can’t (and don’t be so sure you can’t, as mentioned above) that stands to eliminate a good number of schools from consideration, including schools generous with merit and financial aid. I think being very open about budget, what you can and can’t pay for, is the way to go, and don’t understand why that’s a negative thing. Both of my boys got that conversation in the 10th grade. Neither blinked, felt slighted, or complained. It was a matter of fact conversation and gave them clear direction on how to approach their college search. No big deal, really. Once your DD has a budget if she finds a way to work out study abroad within those constraints would you be opposed? I can’t figure out if it’s entirely based on finance, or the perception of a ‘luxury trip’ that the rest of the family doesn’t get.</p>

6

<p>Before crossing off otherwise academically attractive schools, I’d urge that you investigate program specifics. Ultimately, if it’s not possible, then it’s not possible. But it may be possible, within budget.</p>

<p>That analysis should be independent of determining college academic fit.</p>

<p>In a similar vein, I told my son that we’d finance a U.S. LAC or an in-state university, but that an OOS university was only an option if it was financially comparable to in-state or Canadian alternatives (because I firmly believe (and explained to him) that an undergrad education is fundamentally the same at all reasonably selective large universities). And he was fine with that.</p>

7

<p>Now that you’ve gotten all of that out, breathe.</p>

<p>At out house, study abroad was a big deal as D would not even consider a school that either did not have a study abroad program or made you jump through hoops to study abroad. She attended a school where a large number of students studied abroad and it was encouraged (many students studied abroad multiple semesters as you could do either a Language study abroad or a foreign study abroad or both.</p>

<p>D did study abroad as part of her major and it was anything but a glorified vacation, she worked her butt off. There were courses taught by her professor and courses taught by the university.</p>

<p>Check the the study abroad at her list of schools. Is the study abroad done through the college, where courses are taught by the staff or is it part of another program?</p>

<p>Is there financial aid available for study abroad. With the exception of plane tickets and travel $$ it may not be an appreciable difference in price (it could possibly be a wash after you factor in room and board). D’s school made sure that it was affordable to every family and had funds available for low income students to cover airfare, passports, etc so that money was not a barrier.</p>

<p>You can tell your daughter now that if she wants to do study abroad, that she can work and start saving money for some of the incidental items.</p>

8

<p>Many students who have talked to us about their experiences say the cost is comparable to staying here. Several also said they searched for scholarships, and/or worked and saved money on their own to fund their semester or year abroad. In other words, don’t be so quick to write entire colleges off because they offer this opportunity. </p>

<p>My daughter wants to study abroad in college but she understands the budget limitations of funding college also applies to this program.</p>

9

<p>Study abroad is not a vacation, and there are many majors for which it is useful. I was a medieval studies major, and took classes in art, history, architecture, philosophy, religion, political science, and literature. Some of my classmates studied math and economics, depending on their major. Everyone took a full course load for the entire year. </p>

<p>Does your D want to go into business? Having experience in a foreign country, and especially learning a second language, will help her get a job, for example.</p>

<p>And every school we looked at for our D said that you could apply your scholarship money to study abroad. My own parents found that my junior year in France was actually cheaper than if I’d stayed on campus, and joking asked if I’d consider transferring to a French university for my senior year.</p>

<p>The thing to keep in mind is that you are not usually paying for a year or semester abroad in addition to, but instead of, your school’s tuition, room and board. If your kid is already at a LAC or paying OOS tuition at a state school, then studying in, say, Spain, for a semester may well cost less for that year. And if all the credits she earns can be applied to her degree, there is no loss to you or to her.</p>

10

<p>D1’s study abroad last semester was definitely cheaper than COA at her (US) school. She was on a budget: no funds for going off to Paris etc etc for the weekend, no going out to expensive restaurants. Going out with friends, she’d have one drink rather than three or four. No extensive shopping. Etc. </p>

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<p>If study abroad would truly be a budget buster then I agree entirely. If it’s within budget, would this be a reason why you would say “no”?</p>

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<p>First, as noted already, some programs will be cheaper than staying home. There are all sorts of programs with all sorts of price tags, and the level of academic challenge ranges from “Fun vacation with a foreign accent” to “very demanding”. You can participate in the vetting process to make sure that your D isn’t getting excited about the vacation- like ones.</p>

<p>Second, the number of kids who actually go is quite smaller than the number who want to. Engineering majors, nursing majors, some (not all) pre-meds, all find it hard to integrate the sequence of classes if they plan to be abroad for any length of time. One of my kids explored a math exchange program which looked like it would have been workable curriculum- wise… but it threw another set of classes out of sync, and when he realized it would have required an extra semester at college (which was off the table financially) he sensibly let it go.</p>

<p>Third- there are lots of ways to skin the cat. One of my other kids got a job overseas one summer during college- the pay and stipend covered her airfare and very modest living expenses. Some kids get a job teaching English after they graduate… again, nobody is getting rich, but they’ll be self-supporting and gaining fantastic experience overseas as well.</p>

<p>Fourth- save your fire. This is a terrible way to take colleges off the table, given 1, 2 and 3. Nobody is forcing your D to go abroad, and you can retain the parental prerogative at any time to say, “gosh honey, that looks fabulous, how do you plan to pay for it?” which was our mantra during college for things ranging from the modest to the outlandish!!!</p>

12

<p>I ditto above posters–don’t be too quick to write off study abroad because of expense. When (and if) the occasion arises then get out the calculator and do the figuring.</p>

<p>Slithey–we did provide some funds for going off to Paris etc. Once in Europe the kids were able to find CHEAP airfare and train tix. And they shared rooms (probably way too many in one room). The students who took advantage probably got the best chance they’ll ever have to see Europe.</p>

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<p>Hi Lmkh70! I don’t usually post on forums, but study abroad is near and dear to my heart. I believe that these experiences give students a well rounded world view that is necessary in our ever evolving global economy. </p>

<p>I did study abroad when I was in college and it was the best decision that I ever made. Not only did I learn valuable life lessons, but I now have a leg up in graduate school applications and job prospects because I can show that I’m ‘worldly’. Many schools do their best to make study abroad affordable. Like many mentioned before, you may want to look into how scholarships will play into this as well as how they charge per semester. For instance, my school charged the regular semester fee for my study abroad, all I paid for was the ticked and whatever other expenses I needed there. </p>

<p>My parents and I came to a compromise that they would pay the tuition (that they normally paid) and I would pay the rest. </p>

<p>In terms of an extended vacations; this really depends on your daughter. Just like college at home, you can choose classes that are easier or harder during your time abroad. My time was spent writing a thesis for a graduate level class while I was in Germany (though I did find time for travel and fun). </p>

<p>I understand that finances can be frustrating, and if this is something that cant be supported financially then so be it. However, I urge you to look into all of the possibilities because it is such an enlightening experience.</p>

14

<p>As everything related to college, the simplest analysis is that there are no generalizations possible. </p>

<p>For starters, the financial burden varies enormously with the impact of financial aid. Then, there is the issue that the cost and most often the VALUE of the program could be a lot less than what you have at the regular college. Some schools simply charge the same tuition and fees despite the cost of the foreign program being a fraction of the US’. Then, there are the issues of uncovered costs, communication, travel, substandard accomodation, and leisure. Despite all the hoopla, the reason why college abroad is popular is that it is perceived and expected to be a glorified vacation with benefits. It surely beat backpacking through Europe or the Andes when someone is in charge! </p>

<p>However, for others, study abroad is a boon. Some schools charge the exact cost and apply the same financial aid, making the experience cheaper. And then, there are programs that are wonderful, especially when they are closely monitored or even arranged by the US college. </p>

<p>In the end, for every costly joke such as the Semester at Sea, there are very strong programs. But one needs to know that such programs exist because they offer the schools what they seek the most: a cash cow. The foreign schools have discovered that success is often measured in teaching the least, giving the most “fun” benefits to the hordes of students, and making the student happy. And that results in not being too demanding. That is the basic tenet of study abroad programs. Just think that “hard” programs are not exactly what students like to pick for their next semester! Students measure the programs through a lens that is not necessarily academic. </p>

<p>The value of the study abroad is also directly related to the … local school. The better and more selective a school is the lesser the value of a study program will be academically. The better the social life is locally, and the lesser the experience will be abroad. Most schools abroad are not residential, and that might please or dismay students. </p>

<p>Obviously, my own take is biased as I would have had access to cheap(er) tuition abroad through multiple citizenship. In my case, it would have make sense to study abroad at the Master’s level with a cost of the total 2 years programs roughly comparable to a semester or trimester abroad. It would have also allowed me to plan the trip and stays correctly and not feel the need to cram the overseas stay will weekly escapades. </p>

<p>Considering the cost of graduate school in the US, a student deeply interested in studying abroad might find the experience of getting his or her Master’s much more affordable and pleasant. Graduate school is often a personal choice dictated by strong academic interest. Undergraduate is often … a lot less based on education!</p>

<p>On a final note, do not expect miracles from the perception of study abroad. People involved in appraising candidates for graduate schools or jobs use the same lens as adcoms looking at the glorified high school trips abroad. They are keenly aware that most programs are foreign babysitting affairs that hardly make one wordly. Being thrown in a “study abroad” decicated program with a bunch of peer travelers who will speak and being taught in English.</p>

<p>For some, studying abroad fits the overall education experience is very worthwhile. For others … not so much. My conclusion is that there are NO reason to lose sleep over it, and that such experience is not essential at all.</p>

<p>Lastly, there are issues associated with returning after spending a semester away. Those include issues with credits for graduation and possible loss of housing preferences at schools where such things are important.</p>

15

<p>I understand the frustration of OP though I agree that in many cases it is not more expensive, and is a valuable learning experience. </p>

<p>The frustration is similar to watching TV and constantly seeing commercials for something you don’t want or need. I’m just trying to relax and watch golf on a weekend and I’m deluged with Viagra commercials. </p>

<p>Maybe a better analogy is : I’m watching a movie and all the commercials are for feminine hygiene products. At some a point I wonder “should I be watching this movie? I’m clearly not the target audience”. </p>

<p>I think it is the same at college visits. The more emphasis there is on something that isn’t what we want for our kids the more we hesitate to send them there. It’s a valid concern but I urge OP to look past it. It doesn’t have to define her college experience. Schools also talk about sports and music and Greek life and research opportunities etc that may or may not be of interest. Keep your eye on the big picture.</p>

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<p>gouf–I agree that travel while studying abroad can be incredibly cheap. For the OP’s purposes, it could be something that is trimmed if there are other budget concerns. D1 didn’t have funds to go to Paris etc etc because she’d opted for some other travel opportunities earlier in the year. There’s a limit to our generosity. ;)</p>

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<p>DD, I think a better analogy then Viagra or Tampax is being deluged by advertising for a cruise. All have specific target markets, but two can make some people squirm whereas the other would simply be an annoyance. Study abroad shouldn’t make anyone squirm. </p>

<p>I still think it’s very simple to separate what applies and what doesn’t. During an admissions chat I have no problem when they talk about something that doesn’t apply to my kid but is of interest to others. As has been pointed out, it’s impossible to determine from a ‘sales pitch’ that a program is unaffordable or a waste of time. Schools offer a myriad of opportunities. I don’t see why it should be a filter in appropriate schools to consider. Kind of the tail wagging the dog.</p>

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<p>I went abroad for less than a semester at my uni cost…</p>

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<p>lmkh, what schools are you looking at? One of my sons attended the University of Denver,and study abroad is a regular part of the curriculum there. Check out the Cherrington program there. It covered my son’s semester at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands, and included his roundtrip airfare and his room. He cooked with other students that lived in the “hostel” with him, and travelled all over Europe for very low cost; some of the travel was actually included in his tuition. All financial aid/merit money applied to his study abroad experience.</p>

<p>Also, if you are Jewish, there is significant financial aid available for taking a study abroad semester or summer in Israel at a large number of universities there. One of my sons studied for a semester at Hebrew University and did another semester at Ben Gurion; a niece did a program at Technion.</p>

20

<p>Some schools that have guaranteed merit for stats, like Temple for instance, specifically include a stipend to be used for (summer) study abroad or research. </p>

<p>It’s not always a “glorified vacation”. A friend’s D is studying at the U of Edinburgh this year and is taking a full courseload. </p>

<p>As has been said, many schools make it cost the same or less to study abroad as it would if the kid was at the home college.</p>

<p>Finally…a rep at one info session we attended made a big deal about offering financial aid for travel costs to a study abroad program and their FA following the student to the program as well.</p>

<p>I studied abroad in high school and it really made me think differently. That was more or less free as we then hosted that same student I stayed with and our respective private schools had a reciprocal agreement. I was studying a foreign language at the time but I can see good reasons for college students who aren’t FL majors to go abroad.</p>