Study Abroad | Travel Ed

Paying for Study Abroad Programs

Study abroad programs involve a variety of costs including tuition and student fees, room and board fees, fees for passports and visa, medical insurance, and transportation fees. The policies of financing study abroad programs vary among higher education institutions in the United States, but financial aid is often available and includes federal grants and federal student loans.

To receive any type of financial aid students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Grants

The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunities Grant (SEOG): this grant is awarded on a need basis to students that show a high financial need. Students generally have to qualify for the Federal Pell Grant to be eligible for the SEOG Grant.
The Pell Grant: this grant is a need-based grant and students must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) must be below a specific limit that is determined annually.

Federal Loans

Federal Perkins Loan: a low-interest loan, typically 5% that is granted to students that show the greatest financial need.
Federal Stafford Loan: a loan in the name of a student that is available to all students, no matter the financial needs. There are subsidized and unsubsidized types of this loan. Payment of the principle amount does not start until six months post graduation for both types of this loan as long as students stay enrolled on at least a half-time basis, which is a minimum of six credits per academic term.
- The subsidized type means the government pays the interest of the loan while the student is in school.
- The unsubsidized type means students are able to pay the interest on a quarterly basis while attending school or they can capitalize the interest.

3. Parent PLUS Loan for Undergraduate Students: this loan enables parents to borrow up to the complete cost of the student’s education, minus the amount of other financial aid.

Filed Under: Study Abroad Tagged With: FAFSA, Pell Grant, PLUS Loan

Facts About Studying Abroad

Studying abroad involves students completing educational experiences in a foreign country. It is most common among students pursuing post-secondary education, but an increasing amount of opportunities are available for primary and secondary education.

As stated by the Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange, during the 2008-2009 academic school year approximately 260,327 students in the United States studied abroad.

Typically students from the United States select short-term study abroad options that are completed within one to two academic terms. Individuals traveling to the U.S. from another country generally stay to complete a full academic degree.

Study Abroad Trends

The most common countries U.S. students choose study abroad programs in are the United Kingdom, China, France, Spain and Italy. An increasing amount of U.S. students are also choosing less traditional countries where English is not the native language. Examples of increasingly host countries include South Africa, Argentina, Denmark, Chile, Czech Republic, South Korea, and Costa Rica. Countries that are decreasing in popularity include India, Mexico, and Austria.

Program Types

One-Month Summer Programs: students learn the basic concepts of a particular field of study and are generally not required to be proficient in the native language of the country. Students typically live with American roommates.
Semester or One-Term Programs: students commonly choose specific subjects to receive credit based on one academic term. They may complete courses from a U.S. college or those offered by a local institution. Students commonly live with other American roommates.
Full-Year Programs: students gain a more in-depth understanding of particular subjects and typically need to have advanced linguistic proficiency of the host language. Students usually complete courses from a local university and participate in service-learning and professional internship opportunities. They also commonly live with a host family.

Study abroad programs in various areas of the world are expected to continue to increase to provide an array of higher education opportunities to a wide range of international students.

Filed Under: Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: Costa Rica, Study abroad in the United States, United States

There Is Trouble Brewing

If studying abroad is an exciting aspect of many students’ college careers. It exposes the student to different cultures, offers them the opportunity to meet people from the global community and continues their education in the field of their choice. While many colleges and universities have a well developed foreign studies programs a student safety is not guaranteed. Unfortunately there’s a series of common problems faced by students who choose to study overseas.

The first problem most students encounter is the language barrier. Even students with several years of foreign language courses often find themselves struggling with native speakers. For this reason it is critical to carefully consider which country you are opting to study in. If you do not have strong foreign language skills is important to consider a country whose native language is English.

The second problem is a matter of legalities. Many students do not take the time to understand local laws and customs. They do not understand that while they are still studying in a foreign country the laws and regulations of that country must be followed. It is important students who have decided to study abroad take the time to understand the differences and laws that they will be faced with.

The third problem is a matter of finances. While most American colleges and universities with study abroad programs work diligently to keep costs similar to a semester at home they cannot control how expensive travel and the extras can cost. Students who are planning on studying abroad must carefully review their finances and develop a budget that includes money for additional travel, souvenirs and the fun stuff.

There are other problems faced by students as well. Students and parents are encouraged to develop a network of friends and administrators in order to ensure that a trip is a successful as it can be

Filed Under: Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: Study abroad, Study abroad in the United States

Taking Time To Travel

If you’re going abroad to study for one or more semesters is important that you consider what additional travel you can include during your time abroad. One of the most important aspects of a semester abroad has nothing to do with the time spent in the classroom. The additional travel a student takes during their semester abroad plays a very large role in how successful their semester abroad can be. There is a direct correlation between travel and education as it applies to foreign studies.

While a student is studying abroad they will spend a good deal of time in a traditional classroom setting. They’ll take classes in history, literature and philosophy. They can also take these classes at home. What makes a difference is the travel the student experiences during their trip.

It is common practice for students who are studying abroad to spend several weeks to several months traveling to other cities and countries. It is in this way that they are exposed to different cultures, foods, art, history and more. This travel is almost as educational at the time spent a classroom. It helps develop an interest in global culture and builds life skills within the student that can be invaluable.

For those looking for a more definitive reason to travel while studying abroad, consider history. Whether you’re a history major not, an understanding of history and the impact it has on society is critical for success. Studying history and visiting historical sites throughout the country or continent can help solidify the lessons learned from those dusty old textbooks.

You cannot separate travel and study when you consider a foreign studies program. Study abroad programs work because these two elements blend together to create an experience which helps educate the student, develop their life skills and polish their personality.

Filed Under: Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: Education, Study abroad in the United States

Don’t Forget To Study

It is important to recognize that a big part of studying abroad is just that studying. Many students focus exclusively on the fun they will have while abroad and fail to adequately plan for the real purpose of their travels, continuing their education. While it is difficult to hit the books in a foreign country it is also important. Students are encouraged to remember that in spite of the travel, culture and new friends they must also plan adequate study time.

One mistake students make is planning their extra travel too far in advance. It is a good idea to create generalized plan for additional travel but to wait to confirm these plans until the first week of class. In this way it is possible to develop a plan that includes fun and travel while still focusing on the important aspect of studying.

Another common mistake is letting the new experiences, people and places overwhelm the student. Many find themselves struggling several weeks into their trip to balance fun and work. In this it is not unlike the freshmen year of a typical college student. While eating out, making new friends in spending time at the local pub are important aspects of your trip, if you are not careful you can quickly find yourself failing your classes?

Students are encouraged to develop a plan of study one that allows them adequate time for reading, homework in studying. It is a good idea to actually schedule this time and to force yourself to stick to it. It can be difficult to sit in your dorm and read an old book, but that is what you’re there for.

Try to find a balance between work and play. One that allows you to experience everything your foreign country has to offer while still being successful in your studies.

Filed Under: Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: Study abroad

It’s A Cultural Thing

You like Italy. You consider yourself an expert on all things Italian. Your favorite restaurant, the Leather Bottle, specializes in Italian cuisine. You have an Italian flag on your car and had even taken two whole classes on the language. Surely you’re an expert on Italian culture –right?

The truth is there a lot of students who think they are experts on their favorite culture. Most are really not experts. In fact in order to become a true expert on a given culture one must actually immerse themselves in that culture. That’s an expensive proposition. Spending three months in a foreign country could literally break the bank. It is for this reason that many students are turning to study abroad to learn about more than just academics, they’re learning about culture.

The best way to learn about culture is to live it and the most affordable way to do that, at least for a student, is by studying abroad. Students who choose to spend a semester or more in a foreign country have the ability to not only further their education but to learn about the whole culture of a given nation.

When students study abroad they are exposed to more than simply foreign professors. Instead their world becomes one of true ethnic food, real friendships with the natives and exposure to cultural events. There simply is no other way to gain a true understanding and appreciation of a foreign country and its culture.

Exposure to a new culture will not only deepen the students respect for it, it will also broaden the horizons of every student who experiences it. Once a student begins to more fully appreciate another culture they begin to have insight into how other people live and have different cultures blend together to create a separate that is our world.

Filed Under: Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: Student, Study abroad in the United States

The Best of the Best

Anyone who thinks that they might be interested in studying abroad must apply to and be accepted by a college or university that specializes in sending students overseas for one or more semesters. There are several reasons why this is critical. Finding the perfect college with a well developed overseas study program is the best way to ensure that a student has the college experience of their dreams.

Throughout the country there are many colleges and universities that actively promote overseas studies as part of their bachelor’s program. They believe that the benefits that students reap from a semester or more a broad are invaluable. The best schools understand that the experience, knowledge and contacts students came from a semester abroad will immediately change their future.

The best schools focus on study abroad by preparing their students through seminars and guidance sessions designed to help students pick a country to study in, prepare for their trip and provide them with the knowledge and skills they will need for successful trip. Because of a focus on foreign studies these schools are able to keep the price of a semester abroad just about the same as a semester at home.

While many schools offer an overseas study program there are some that are actually known for how well their program works. Students with an interest in studying abroad should consider one of the following schools:

Lee University
Thomas Moore College of Liberal Arts
California Maritime Academy
Queen’s University of Charlotte
Center College
Austin College
University of Dallas
University of Denver
Loyola University Maryland
Kalamazoo College

All of these colleges and universities send at least 70% of their students abroad to study. Lee University and Thomas Moore College of Liberal Arts send all of them!

Filed Under: Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: Education, Study abroad in the United States

It Is All In The Details

Students who are planning on studying abroad are encouraged to plan every aspect of their trip. This will allow them to take full advantage of the experience, will keep them safe and allow them to achieve their goals. There are also several tips that students who are studying abroad should always keep in mind.

The first tip is always keeping safety in mind. This should be always kept at the forefront of students mind. This encompasses much more than simple personal safety. Student’s most adequately plan for protecting their personal belongings including documentation such as their passport and student visas. Security measures must also be taken to secure money. Students should work closely with their adviser to develop a security plan.

Students should also be aware of their status in the country in which they study. A careful review of the laws of the country is important as is an understanding of where to turn for help. This may be as simple as learning the location of the nearest embassy, but maybe a bit more difficult for those without easy access to an embassy.

Students should also be aware of any language barrier. A basic understanding of the local language is important. For those without this knowledge it is important to find an interpreter when one is needed. Failing to prepare adequately to address the language barrier can be disastrous for a student abroad.

Another good tip for students planning to study abroad is the simple act of organization. There’s no way around the fact that studying abroad is exciting and offers the student access to tons of distractions. Adequately planning your time to include study, personal and travel time can make for a safe trip.

Studying abroad can be a fun experience and a beneficial one as well but only for those who take the time to prepare for the trip.

Filed Under: Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: Study abroad, Study abroad in the United States

It’s All In The School

One thing many high school students do not think to consider when attempting to choose a college is whether or not they offer a study abroad program. It is hard to think about spending a semester in Greece or England when you are still safe and snug in high school. Preparing for college, filling out applications and picking classes for your freshmen year makes it all the more difficult to think about the fact that at one point you may very well be interested in a semester or two abroad.

It is for this reason in particular that students should ask their administration department about their study abroad program. Colleges with well developed programs have affiliations with schools throughout the world, making it simple for American students to find safe schools in the countries they are interested in studying in. They also have resources that help students and their parents plan for their time abroad.

More importantly, attending a school with a well developed study abroad program means saving money on the overall cost of a semester at a foreign school. This is because, in most cases, the colleges strive to keep the price of a semester at an affiliated school the same as a semester at home. These same schools also have better financial aid resources that can help students find ways to finance a semester abroad.

In many cases the schools with the best study abroad programs are smaller liberal arts schools. They often have a reputation for their study abroad program and take great pride in sending students abroad for a semester or more and having their trips be safe, successful and productive.

Take a bit of time to think about whether you might want to spend a semester studying overseas. If you think you might, it is important to consider colleges with well developed programs.

Filed Under: Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: Study abroad in the United States

The Experience

Studying abroad is about so much more than simply taking a class in a foreign country. Instead, it encompasses a whole world of experiences. It strengthens a student’s ability to learn, helps develop networking skills, and exposes students to new cultures and new people and so much more. In short, a semester abroad is literally the experience of a lifetime.

Many students make the experience even greater by adding travel and/or volunteering to their overseas experiences. By registering with the overseas college or university of your choice, you can begin the process of developing your overall study abroad plan. Most students find it helpful to begin their plan at the start of their college career – by choosing a college that promotes study abroad. They often have additional resources available to students that can help them create the best possible program.

Take, for example, the student who opts to study ancient languages in Greece for a semester. During the semester the student will have the opportunity to experience the ruins in Athens, travel to the Greek islands and experience other wonders of the area. Once their course is completed, they can travel throughout Europe – for as much or as little time as they wish. Some may wish to add an internship on to their trip.

The experience of studying abroad, when properly planned, can expose students to history in a way they have never before had. Visiting ruins and historical sites allows for new insights. Eating local cuisine and speaking to natives teaches students about culture in a natural and exciting way. The friends, memories and lessons that a student learns during their time abroad cannot be replaced.

Every student with the opportunity should consider including at least one semester abroad. The experience is invaluable and will change a student’s path in life

Filed Under: Education, Study Abroad Tagged With: Greece, Student, Study abroad in the United States