Last semester, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba, Australia. Like many students, I was incredibly apprehensive about my trip due to the many rumors I had heard about studying abroad. Looking back on my experience, I would like to first refute some of the rumors you may have heard about studying abroad, as well as provide some helpful tips and strategies you should employ in order to get the most out of your experience. Below are five things everyone should know about studying abroad.
1. It's not as expensive as you think.
The number one reason why students do not consider studying abroad isn’t because they are scared of culture shock or homesickness, but because they believe they cannot afford the trip. The truth of the matter is that most exchange programs use a 1-to-1 exchange, meaning that for every student that goes abroad from the host university, they accept you international student. Through direct exchange programs such as this, you pays the exact same tuition and fees that he or she pays regularly. The only additional expenses incurred for me were the cost of my plane ticket and the spending money I brought along. Since I studied abroad in Australia, which is geographically you of the farthest away nations to travel to, my plane ticket was around $2000. In addition, it is advised you bring $2000 for spending money. So, in essence, studying abroad only cost me $4000 more than a typical semester. Keep in mind that all scholarships you have at your home university still apply to their international program, and that most plane tickets are not as expensive as the you to Australia. Moreover, currency rates in several countries benefit the US dollar, so $4000 could very well be a lot less. For example, in Australia, the US dollar was worth roughly $1.40 AUD, so everything I purchased was practically 40 percent off. If you’re really tight on money, seek out countries that have even better exchange rates.
2. You don’t have to be fluent in another language to go abroad.
Although countries that speak other languages require a language proficiency test prior to international student placement, you must simply have a general understanding and knowledge of the language. The whole point of studying abroad in countries that speak in other tongues is to develop foreign language skills at a rapid pace in a setting where you are immersed in foreign culture. Don’t worry though, for those of us who can barely speak a word of any language other than English, there are still plenty of options available. Australia, South Africa, England, and Ireland are just a few of the popular English speaking destinations that you can visit and still experience a unique cultural environment much different from that of the United States.
3. To ensure success, you need to plan ahead. Like… WAY ahead.
It is suggested that you begin planning for an international program at least six months in advance. Personally, I would recommend at least eight, for in my experience, little will go as planned. It is important that you be flexible and open-minded, and understand that the school you choose from the beginning will likely not be the school you attend. I was set to go to SIX different schools throughout my application and admissions process before finally being admitted to USQ. I promise you that you will run into mismatches of courses, housing issues, and practically anything possible that could go wrong. Planning ahead and scheduling regular meetings with your international adviser will ensure that you will overcome the many obstacles that present themselves during the application process. Keep in mind that the process includes timely errands like acquiring or renewing a passport and filling out foreign visa applications. Simply prepare for adversity and start early and I promise you that everything will turn out OK.
4. Seize the opportunity to travel.
I’m not going to pretend that every aspect of studying abroad is fantastic and euphoric. Although your international program director will provide you with ample brochures and booklets that “prepare you for re-entry,” there is simply no way to avoid the emotional pain accompanied with leaving your host country. There is nothing worse that driving away from the people who have become your family over the course of your time abroad, knowing that you will likely never see them again. You will always feel as though your heart is in two places, meaning that you will forever be homesick no matter where you are. Luckily, with social networking and cell phones, communication has never been easier. You will form lifelong relationships with the friends you make while abroad, and will forever be a part of their lives, no matter how far away you are.
