<p>I have always dreamed about studying abroad. In fact, that was one of the reasons why I even wanted to go to college. But I'm looking at the prices, and they're pretty pricey. It's probably bound to inflate as well. I was also concerned if I would not be too used to another country's teaching system, and if the credits would not transfer over well. I also changed majors a few times, so I'm quite behind. I don't know if schools from other countries would help fulfill my graduation requirements. Anyway, I'm just asking that if you went abroad, was it worth it? Or would you recommend I just go on vacation to whereever I want when I actually have the money? I probably won't meet as many people this way, and won't get the real experience. But I might also consider working abroad. College has been one of the worst experiences. I hope something can make up for it.</p>
<p>YES!!!!! I don't really know anyone who regretted it. I met sooo many wonderful people, really learned the language, and get very involved in the society that I almost didn't want to go home! :)</p>
<p>YES. So worth it. I'm sorry your college experience has been bad. You might want to try a private program (not sponsored by your college) so that you can meet more people (most people going won't know each other and will be very open to making friends). It is expensive but remember, you aren't paying tuition at your school that semester!! You can typically find classes that will transfer. Your school probably has a study abroad office or advisor that you can talk to about finding a program that will have credits transfer back and fulfill your graduation requirements.</p>
<p>I've never met anyone who regretted their study abroad experience but I've met several people who have regretted NOT going. Make what you will of it. I'm going to France this summer.</p>
<p>Worth it. ^Ditto to the above. You will not regret it.</p>
<p>Study abroad... and try to get some work experience when you're there, if possible.</p>
<p>It will change your outlook on a lot of things, and you will become a better job applicant. There is no reason not to do it.</p>
<p>Definitely do it! Not only was my year abroad the highlight of my college years, but helped me ultimately choose my career path. On every job interview I ever had, prospective employers asked about my year abroad. You will come back with a bigger view of the world around you and the people in it, and that will always be useful in life, no matter what you choose to do. I work today for a multinational company and still use the language skills I honed many years ago.</p>
<p>Why has college been such a bad experience for you? The answer to that question is important when it comes to your making a decision on whether it's worth it to spend the money to study abroad.</p>
<p>To remain competitive in the top tiers of today's world you need international experience, period. At the top level, those who have it will always have a leg up on those that don't.</p>
<p>how many credits hours can you take when you study abroad?
Would 12 or 14 be reasonable? I would love to study abroad, but I don't want to delay my degree, since I am thinking about doing coop too.</p>
<p>most people i know who went abroad partied more and enjoyed that more than their education. They pretty much went to like every bar and club in the city. Oh yeah and its very expensive.</p>
<p>Yes ...............................................</p>
<p>If you've dreamed of studying abroad then you should probably study abroad. Follow your dreams.</p>
<p>as far as classes go it really depends on your major and program. I’m studying in Germany right now. my school’s study abroad program had a unit limit so i could only take two classes for my major (environmental science), and because my major has such specific courses (being a junior) it was pretty difficult to find classes that would count. That said though, there were few people in my group of study abroad students who had too much trouble. And, since my main goal was to learn German, it wasn’t too big of a deal for me. If you haven’t decided on where to go, it may help to look into which country would be best suited for your major. Study abroad was a more expensive for me than the program’s “suggested spending plan” said, but you have to take those things with a grain of salt. As for whether it’s worth it? I would say definitely. The experiences and adventures I have had are much better than any that you would get from travelling. All i can say is, if you don’t go you KNOW you will regret it. If you do go the worst that could happen is you’ll be a bit behind. Study abroad has put me almost a year behind in my classes but it was definitely worth it for me and it is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss out on if you have the chance. I was really iffy on study abroad and it wasn’t something i had even considered before i got into college, but now that I’m here, I’m glad I made this decision. You can travel instead but you will never really get into the culture until you live in that country for a while. You will meet so many interesting people and see so many amazing things while studying abroad. I’d say go for it! 
p.s. Just make sure if you’re studying in a spring or summer semester (especially in europe) that you work out the dates of the finals with your professor. because the semester dates are different in Germany science classes in my university end when my school back in the States begin, so i had to ask to take the exam early. As long as you do that I don’t think you should have any problems. Hope this helps.
you seem like you really want to study abroad so follow your dream. Remember, if study abroad was one of the reasons you went to college than don’t let college keep you from studying abroad. And don’t worry, I’m sure everything will work out. Keep your chin up!</p>
<p>I spent some time at a college known primarily for its study abroad opportunities. The way it worked was that you were charged by the home institution (the college you attended), and all of the same financial aid/scholarships, etc. applied, so it was not an additional cost (minus the cost of air fare, any additional cost of living overseas, etc.). They had agreements with a large number of universities in a wide variety of locations all over the world, so you would know in advance if the courses you were registering for would transfer back (but I don’t think your GPA did, I don’t remember). So if you are that serious about studying abroad, you may want to consider transferring to a college known for this type of program. </p>
<p>I did not actually study abroad, even though I did look into it. I ended up transferring to a school closer to home instead. I don’t necessarily regret it, but I don’t know of anyone who regretted going, either. </p>
<p>Studying abroad will offer a whole different perspective than just vacationing some place. You will feel like less of a tourist and become more familiar with the language and culture if you are living in it for several months.</p>
<p>Many schools also offer summer programs abroad, where you do volunteer work rather than studies (although some might require a class or two as well). Some can last from 3 weeks to 6+ weeks, so that may be something to look into as well and might be cheaper depending on your school’s study abroad program.</p>
<p>YES! </p>
<p>If price is an issue, try looking at central America. My two month program cost less than the majority of European opportunities which only lasted for a few weeks.</p>
<p>YES! I echo others in saying, people don’t regret going on study abroad, they regret missing out on the opportunity to study abroad. If cost is the main driver of not studying abroad, that is completely understandable, but you have to look at all possible avenues for funding. I was able to receive 4 different study abroad scholarships that covered my entire expenses on my 9 week trip (airfare, food, living, transportation, tuition, spending money etc). And it’s not like my GPA is stellar by any means, I didn’t even qualify for my school Office of Study Abroad scholarships or any need-based financial aid, I just applied to my school departmental ones that were merit-based and wrote a good 500 word essay. Definitely make sure you exhaust all scholarship possibilities, because there are a lot out there. If your school has a good study abroad office, they can give you leads/advice on where to start.</p>
<p>I wish I had done it when I had the channnce!!</p>
<p>Now I’m graduating and gotta find a stupid joooB.</p>
<p>But 50/50 chance I’m going to grad school right now, so I might get lucky with some conferences. oh baby!</p>
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<p>not a bad idea. Pesos it is!</p>