<p>My University offers some pretty good study abroad programs to places like Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Tokyo. I thought it might be fun to spend a semester in a foreign country during my senior or junior year of college.</p>
<p>For people who've done study abroad programs, are they worth it? The trips themselves are about $20,000, about the amount it costs for a full academic year in the states. Plus, I'm thinking that your social life back home could take a big hit as you'd be away for so long.</p>
<p>What are some pros and cons of studying abroad?</p>
<p>I know people that have been to Ireland, England, and Spain to study abroad. All of them said it was one of the best experiences in their life. My friend that went to Granada for a semester is now fluent in spanish. I'd say if you can afford it, do it. I plan on studying abroad as soon as I can.</p>
<p>your school probably has tuition exchange programs with some schools. Of course, if you go to an expensive private school, then that probably wouldn't be very cheap either.</p>
<p>even though im only a hs senior, i defiently know that i wnat to go abroad in college. for most colleges, the cost of going abroad for one semester is the same as tutition and it is only extra if you want to go over the summer or during a break. last year, my brothers girlfriend went for a semester in italy. she absolutely loved it and said she wouldnt give it up for anything. academically, she set it up so that the courses she took over there would definetly count towards the requirements for her major. she made many friends that shared that experience with her and got to hang out in europe for 4 months! also, when else in your life will you get to do anything like it? go for it</p>
<p>I'm a college freshman right now, and will be spending both semesters next year studying in London. The majority of people at my school spend some time overseas; I've got friends who'll be in Germany, Italy, Buenos Aires, and Switzerland, though it seems like most of them are just going for one semester.</p>
<p>Everyone I've talked to who's gone overseas has said it's amazing. We get three day weekends while abroad to give us more time to travel, and from what I hear people who go on the different programs tend to try to meet up at some point. And like said above, when else will you have such an opprotunity? After college you end up with a job holding you down, and can't really just move to another country for an extended stay.</p>
<p>Everyone I know who did a semester abroad said it was one of the highlights of their college years, if not the highlight. As ennaxor says, when else will you get a chance to spend 3 mos abroad once you start working? The opportunities to explore and really immerse yourself in another culture are a chance not to be missed!
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Is it worth leaving the good ol' USA for a 3-6 months?
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Reading this, my first thought is this is something that will be even more valuable for YOU. I'm not bashing this country, I'm proud of it. But spending time overseas broadens your outlook; you get to see that the way things are done here is not the only way, and you'll meet lots of people who are just as happy with their life and proud of their culture even though it may be quite different in some ways then ours. I promise you, it will be eye-opening.</p>
<p>I think you should go for it if you can afford it.</p>
<p>Studying abroad isn't an experience many get to have, but it's one that can be extremely rewarding. Actually being in a different place, immersing yourself in a different culture, with different people, and a different lifestyle is a unique opportunity to increase your understanding of the world and of other people. I highly recommend it!</p>
<p>I'd really like to study abroad in Italy through my school (Texas A&M). My understanding is that we should have tuition exchange, and the only thing driving up costs would be airfare and food and stuff.</p>
<p>What im wondering is--how well do you need to know the language of your host country, and how long does it take to achieve that mastery?</p>
<p>Vyse, I just got back from studying in Italy. Depending on where you are, a knowledge of Italian isn't strictly necessary, but it helps, especially if you're going to be traveling places. In the main cities, Florence, Rome, Venice, etc, you won't have a problem finding someone who speaks English, but if you learn just a little Italian it'll be easier. I had only taken one Italian course before I got there (I took another while I was there), and I felt like there was never a situation where I needed to say something that I couldn't.</p>
<p>And if you're talking about mastery of a language, I'll let you know when I get there, but it's going to be awhile yet.</p>