<p>Does anyone know whether Study Abroad programs affect your application to grad school much? If so, positively or negatively? I'm talking, of course, of a program at a well respected international institution (ie., Lancaster University or University of Copenhagen).</p>
<p>Thanks,
Robert</p>
<p>I’m wondering the same thing. Iowa SUKKKS. for now, I think it will depend on how well known the university is. Like I heard from a guy who studied in the Philippines for a semester or two. Their classes were graded pass/fail, and I think that’ll definitely reflect negatively.</p>
<p>It depends on what you do. I took a semester studying sexuality and gender identity in the Netherlands, and my research interests lie squarely in that field. The study abroad program included intensive critical theory seminars and an independent study project that required me to do my own research, so it was a strong experience that I’m positive had an impact on my program admission (particularly since it was in my research area).</p>
<p>If you do the generic study abroad program and fulfill your general education requirements and maybe a few major requirements while over there, it’s likely to not impact your application one way or the other, as long as you do well in your classes. If you do a specialized program that allows you to do research in your field (like one of SIT’s intensive programs) and dig into your area, that could improve your application. Also, if you are planning to go to graduate school in an area that requires a lot of international fieldwork - archaeology, anthropology, etc. - it could also work in your favor especially if you pick up the language or do intensive language study.</p>