Study abroad

Applying to College
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<p>Even though I’ll be a first year I’m already thinking about studying abroad. The direction I’ll be heading can take me to so many different places. For any seasoned CCers who have studied abroad, I have a couple of questions.</p>

<li>When did you start thinking about studying abroad? (start the process and all)</li>
<li>Where did you eventually choose to go? (un/developed country, sea program)</li>
<li>What kind of a program was it? Why did you choose it? (through your college, another college, an organization, year or semester program, etc.)</li>
<li>How did you prepare? (mentally, physically, read up on political conditions, study language, etc.)</li>
<li>Describe your day-to-day life. (including people, environmental conditions, etc.)</li>
<li>How were your courses?</li>
<li>What do you think about your experience?</li>
</ol>

<p>Basically I would like to hear any stories that people would like to contribute.</p>

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<p>i didnt study abroad yet but i'm going to be this fall semester so ill answer #1-4. </p>

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1. When did you start thinking about studying abroad? (start the process and all)

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<p>freshman year. checked out what programs were available (countries, subjects, length of term, travel study vs. study abroad) through my college. during soph year, i narrowed it down to the one i wanted to apply to, applied for it, got accepted, and will be going during the fall of my junior year. keep in mind that the deadlines may be early. some people study abroad during their soph year (this means deadlines during freshman year!) while most do it during junior year. also keep in mind there are summer sessions too. </p>

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2. Where did you eventually choose to go? (un/developed country, sea program)

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<p>i'm going to shanghai, china. decided between that, hong kong, and cambridge (UK). </p>

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3. What kind of a program was it? Why did you choose it? (through your college, another college, an organization, year or semester program, etc.)

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<p>fall semester only, through my own college. do it through your own college if you can, they'll have administrators and everything else set up for you and are more familiar with important stuff like whether classes transfer over or not. but i have had friends who had a good experience with independent study abroad programs as well. i chose mine cuz i thought it'd be good for future career prospects and also cuz i've never been to china. </p>

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4. How did you prepare? (mentally, physically, read up on political conditions, study language, etc.)

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<p>took a year of chinese, took a course on chinese history. went to my doctor to get some vaccinations. went to my on-campus health clinic to get some more vaccinations haha. read up on info packets that my college sent me, the study abroad website from my college, other websites, and get a LONELY PLANET guide on your country. doing these 4 combined should give you a good picture of what to expect, or so i've heard hehe.</p>

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<p>I'll get ya started...mine is a unique situation (specific to major)</p>

<ol>
<li>When did you start thinking about studying abroad? (start the process and all)</li>
</ol>

<p>I always loved to travel and decided to seriously consider study abroad programs when I found there was a field camp requirement to my major.</p>

<ol>
<li>Where did you eventually choose to go? (un/developed country, sea program)</li>
</ol>

<p>I chose Boston University's geology field camp to western Ireland (it is now held through James Madison University). Yes it was a developed country, but nearly everything I saw was off the beaten path of normal travelers.</p>

<ol>
<li>What kind of a program was it? Why did you choose it? (through your college, another college, an organization, year or semester program, etc.)</li>
</ol>

<p>It was a 6 week geology field course. I chose this one because it didn't require me to take a full semester off for field camp (ones in Australia/New Zealand and everywhere in the southern Hemisphere operate during our winter). I also had never been to Ireland before and wanted to see what it had to offer.</p>

<ol>
<li>How did you prepare? (mentally, physically, read up on political conditions, study language, etc.)</li>
</ol>

<p>I should have prepared physically since field camp is a physical endeavor, but the instructors built time into the beginning of the schedule as a boot camp of sorts (got us used to hiking in the back fields/hills of Ireland).</p>

<p>I also prepared monetarily. I applied for scholarship both within my department and at my University. Post-awards, the course only cost me travel and petty spending expenses.</p>

<ol>
<li>Describe your day-to-day life. (including people, environmental conditions, etc.)</li>
</ol>

<p>Each day we would go into the field by 9am. Some days we were creating geologic maps either in groups or solo, other days were more field-trip oriented where we learned about the geology of certain features in Ireland (such as the Cliffs of Mohr and the Burren). We would get back to our lodging by 6 or 7pm every evening. There, dinner would be waiting for us. After dinner many evenings we had to either ink in our maps or another evening lab-like activity. When we were completed with this activity, students either read for fun or went into the local village pub.</p>

<ol>
<li>How were your courses?</li>
</ol>

<p>The course taught me more than could imagine and solidified what I had learned in previous courses. It was definately the 'capstone' of my undergraduate career (even if I did take it before senior year...).</p>

<ol>
<li>What do you think about your experience?</li>
</ol>

<p>It was great, wouldn't trade it for any other field camp. Now the camp starts in Iceland, which would be even more amazing! But, I made lots of life-long friends and it was the experience that convinced me I was graduate school material.</p>

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<p>do you have any idea which of the Australia locations are best? (sydney, Melbourne, etc?)</p>

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<p>I know a few people who were in Perth for study abroad and loved it... and I've been to Sydney and Melbourne and I can't say which is "best". What do you mean by best? That's kind of a broad question.</p>

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<p>kfc4u you are going to LOVE shanghai! that is all.</p>

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<p>Good program - well-respected university - fun city to spend a few months in - </p>

<p>CHOICES:
Flinders University, Adelaide
Griffith University, Brisbane
Monash University, Melbourne
Murdoch University, Perth
University of Technology- Sydney
University of Wollongong
Deakin University</p>

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<ol>
<li><p>When did you start thinking about studying abroad? (start the process and all)
Always wanted to study abroad even before college. Formally begun the process the first semester of sophomore year.</p></li>
<li><p>Where did you eventually choose to go? (un/developed country, sea program)
I went to France for a year. Then, came back to school, and then did another program in Sicily this summer.</p></li>
<li><p>What kind of a program was it? Why did you choose it? (through your college, another college, an organization, year or semester program, etc.)
First program in France I found doing my own research. It's called EUS. I did their intensive French language program the entire time....only language. It offered a lot so that's why I chose it (cell phone, meal plan, internet access, excursions, very affordable, great program director, nice location in the Alps and not many ENglish speakers). I had to go through a long process trying to get courses to count though since my school wasn't affiliated with them, but I eventually got the credit. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>The second time I went abroad, I went on my school's own program so credit transfer was no issue. I chose it mainly for that reason but also because it was in Sicily, whcih I thought was interesting. Great location, good price, included a lot fo stuff too, plus I knew people going on the same program plus I knew the professor. Loved it. Great for my Italian because not many people spoke English there.</p>

<ol>
<li>How did you prepare? (mentally, physically, read up on political conditions, study language, etc.)
When I went to France, I didn't know any French, but that didn't scare me int eh least. I am pretty good with languages and was all for jumping in like that. I had no politcal fears or anythign else like that...I really didn't prepare much for it. I just knew I wanted to go.</li>
</ol>

<p>The second time, I had already studied Italian for 2.5 years so I had a good language base. I also knew I would be staying with a family, as opposed to in a dorm like I did in France and was excited. Again, I knew I wanted to do it and just did it, but this time I knew the language beforehand.</p>

<ol>
<li>Describe your day-to-day life. (including people, environmental conditions, etc.)
France--lived in a dorm. had a single room. it was a female dorm, which i much prefer. the people were extremely friendly just about everywhere. they guys were a little creepy....for some reason only old men were attracted to me....lol. one younger man followed me home one night which was a bit odd, but never felt unsafe. food was great. loved it....intensive language classes were easy and never boring. t he students were from all over the world and were really sweet.</li>
</ol>

<p>Sicily-lived with a very sweet family and had a roommate who was also a student at my school. it was great. the people were unreal...i miss them all! the classes were more challenging than in France but they were doable and I got lal As :) . The food was great. the guys there could be creepy but some of them were really really really sweet. I miss them all!!!!!!!! Things were more organized here than they were in France because the two programs did things differently.</p>

<ol>
<li>How were your courses?</li>
</ol>

<p>France-easy because they were just intensive language courses. 4 hours per day, mon thru fri...all in French. no text book, just handouts and conversation. Most kids in the class didn't speak English so you HAD to use your French to talk to them. Rarely ever gave homework. I learned a LOT though.....I must say, that school is pretty good if you are just starting out with French.</p>

<p>Sicily-my conversation class was run by the host institution, which was MCAS. My other two courses were taught by my prof from my school. The conversation class was easy because all we did was watch movies and talk about them. Rarely gave homework and only did it to help you with any mistakes, not really for a grade. A bit disorganized at times, but easy. Nice teachers. The classes taught by my prof were harder because we actually had to read stuff that didnt make any sense and write papers and journal entries and do projects and presentations...yeah, it was real work, but not too bad.</p>

<ol>
<li>What do you think about your experience? Loved every moment of both. both were different experiences but very very very enriching. Absolutely plan to supplement my life with more travels and I plan to return to these places. highly reccomend study abroad...</li>
</ol>

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<p>kfc4u,</p>

<p>what school in shanghai? i am thinking about studying abroad at shanghai jiaotong</p>

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<p>Since I'm against studying abroad, here are my concerns about each:</p>

<ol>
<li>When did you start thinking about studying abroad? (start the process and all)</li>
</ol>

<p>So many people think it's a good idea when in reality it won't affect them at all. If you have to be around to observe somewhere (as in education), you can't very well observe a US school from Asia.</p>

<ol>
<li>Where did you eventually choose to go? (un/developed country, sea program)</li>
</ol>

<p>So many people go to underdeveloped countries and yearn for American conveniences and then have a terrible time. They should have thought things over before making their decision.</p>

<ol>
<li>What kind of a program was it? Why did you choose it? (through your college, another college, an organization, year or semester program, etc.)</li>
</ol>

<p>Continuing with hype and misinformation, so many college kids don't really know what they are getting into. They just like the idea of going to another country.</p>

<ol>
<li>How did you prepare? (mentally, physically, read up on political conditions, study language, etc.)</li>
</ol>

<p>Unless you took the language for five years or so, chances are you won't have a good grasp of it. Even with a dictionary you'll be off. And I just don't feel that 18-22 year olds are mentally ready to go on a trip like that. Some of them are, don't get me wrong, but so many people are huge dreamers at that stage of their life and just picture grandeur in work study when in reality they don't have the development mentally (or physically in some cases) to handle this. Also, don't forget the long list of shots you may need.</p>

<ol>
<li>Describe your day-to-day life. (including people, environmental conditions, etc.)</li>
</ol>

<p>Adjusting to the people can be really hard. Some kids will be total outcasts and disliked by the town because of their culture (in some countries).</p>

<ol>
<li>How were your courses?</li>
</ol>

<p>If a professor doesn't speak English, you won't get a lot out of it unless you are completely fluent in another language.</p>

<ol>
<li>What do you think about your experience?</li>
</ol>

<p>Well, I think studying abroad is overpushed and overrated. I'll never do it for the reasons specified above. At my old school, they encouraged almost everyone to do it. My guess is because the dorms were overcrowded. And it's not appropriate for every major either. Plus some people just don't like to travel.</p>

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<p>study abroad is a good chance to experience another country and culture in a slightly more controlled setting than random traveling.</p>

<p>I'm spending my 4 years on campus because I want to be constantly involved in the activities that I'm in, and my summers are occupied by a summer long activity, but I am an IR major, so I think I'm going to try and go abroad during the summer after I graduate.</p>

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<p>MacTech:</p>

<p>
[quote]
So many people go to underdeveloped countries and yearn for American conveniences and then have a terrible time. They should have thought things over before making their decision.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>When I was an 18-year old freshman I went on a short-term missions trip to Calcutta, India with my family. Yes, is was not study abroad in the traditional sense, but it was for an extended time and I learned a lot. </p>

<p>To tell you the truth, I hated my time in India. I longed for the United States and was terribly homesick and wanted to get back to my studies at my University where I had recently met the love of my life and found my passion for learning. Calcutta was a depressing city where I could barely breathe at night due to the thick smoke that enveloped the city. I saw poverty beyond my wildest expectations and volunteered to help children who were orphaned with the highlight of their day being going outside to play (and taking turns being picked for lice by their caretakers). </p>

<p>However, my brother and sister (both younger, brother was barely 16 at the time and sister was 17), greatly enjoyed their time in Calcutta and would go back in a heartbeat! We were worried about my brother, due to his age and being male, he was unable to volunteer in the orphanage. He was required to volunteer at the home for the dying and destitute changing dying homeless people's bedpans and sheets. We thought he wouldn't be able to handle the task at hand mentally, but he loved every minute of it! Certainly amazing for a 16-year old boy from the United States.</p>

<p>Also, despite my horrible time there (and yearning for American conveniences), it didn't take long (maybe a few weeks at most) for me to appreciate what my parents had done for me and understand how much I truly got out of my trip. I now have an appreciation for poverty that most in this country can't appreciate. I met a hard-working (full-time) person who could only afford to live in an apartment no larger than 10x10 that she had to share with her sister. I also made a difference in some children's lives. They will take that with them throughout their lives (hopefully more fruitful than it would have been living on the streets).</p>

<p>So, don't bash on study-abroad because students aren't prepared for the thrid-world nations. Nobody who was raised in a first-world nation as the United States, regardless of their age, is truly prepared for the poverty in third-world nations. They may have to slog through the tough times, but on the other side they will understand how much they learned from the experience. It sure is a lot more than you can learn out of a book or a television program on the issues affecting these people.</p>

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<ol>
<li>When did you start thinking about studying abroad? (start the process and all) I knew I wanted to study abroad since I was in high school; I guess I started seriously thinking about it at the beginning of my sophomore year of college.</li>
<li>Where did you eventually choose to go? (un/developed country, sea program) Granada, Spain</li>
<li>What kind of a program was it? Why did you choose it? (through your college, another college, an organization, year or semester program, etc.) I went through a company, Academic Programs International (API.... <a href="http://www.academicintl.com)%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.academicintl.com)&lt;/a>, for a 6-week program this summer.</li>
<li>How did you prepare? (mentally, physically, read up on political conditions, study language, etc.) I didn't really prepare. I've studied Spanish for 6 years and I'm not very good (HS spanish was pretty much a joke) but I knew there would be people of all levels there.</li>
<li>Describe your day-to-day life. (including people, environmental conditions, etc.) I lived in a residencia,the Spanish version of a dormitory, with another American student as my roommate and about 20 Spanish & international students. The only language many of us had in common was Spanish, which was great. I took 3 classes a day and walked to them (~20 minutes each way, in the heat). The no A/C took some getting used to, as did the food, but by the end I was a pro at getting around.</li>
<li>How were your courses? They were more difficult than I was expecting, although without much homework, and final exams especially were tough.</li>
<li>What do you think about your experience? Overall I had a great time. I really liked the program I chose to go on; API took us on a lot of weekend trips and we stayed in nice hotels. We had enough organized activities to get to know everyone in our group. Granada was a great city; even in the summer when it isn't its typical "college town". I'm really glad that I went and although there were times when I was homesick and overheated and missed my family/friends from home/boyfriend, now that I look back on Spain I can't wait to go back.</li>
</ol>

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