Study Abroad
Living Outside of the Box

I was 16 when I first traveled abroad to London with my high school theater group. That experience awakened a desire in me to see the world. I later taught English in Japan after graduation from college. In graduate school I returned to England to study at the British Library. Now as a college professor and Study Abroad Director, I share the world with my students. Every summer I take students to Oxford to study Shakespeare. This summer we saw Jude Law on stage in Hamlet. Right before going to Oxford, I spent two weeks with another group of students in Egypt climbing the Great Pyramids of Giza and cruising down the River Nile. It sounds like bragging, but it’s not. When you travel the world, these are the kinds of things you have to talk about—and people listen.

Why should I study abroad?

I cannot stress enough the vital importance of studying abroad. In this age of globalization and shrinking employment opportunities, an abroad experience can make a significant difference in getting a job. When less than 2% of all college students study abroad, this experience becomes an investment in your future. In a tough job market, studying abroad can give you a substantial edge over other job candidates. Why? Based on that percentage, out of the 100 people applying for your job, all of them will have taken the classes you took, have the degree you have, played the sports you played, and done the extracurriculars you did. But only 2 of you will have studied abroad. That difference may be the deciding factor in having your application noticed and getting you an interview. Once in an interview, you will further impress the interviewer(s) as you talk about your experiences abroad in relation to the position for which you are being considered. A former student who studied in Oxford now works for a prestigious private school, and he credits studying abroad with landing him the job.

Studying abroad will also benefit you personally. There is an excitement and passion that radiates from people who have visited other countries. When I meet with students who have returned from their study abroad experience, I notice immediately the change in the way they carry themselves, in their heightened self-confidence, and in the way they talk about the world. Family and friends also notice their increased wisdom and maturity. These young people are happier, more conscientious students and employees, and their attitude improves the quality of their lives and their interactions with others. Their perspectives on themselves, their world, and on life in general are enriched, and they in turn enrich the lives of everyone around them.

How do I get myself abroad?

The best strategy for a successful study abroad experience is to plan well and plan ahead. The first step is to commit to studying abroad now—don’t worry about where or what.

The next step is to get all of the major players on board with your decision and have them help you with your plans. Getting you abroad is a team effort, so assemble your team and get them invested in your success. Remember, Dorothy didn’t get to the Emerald City and back to Kansas on her own, and you will need the help and advice of some key people along your way.

Talk over your decision with your parents—get them on board; assure them that they won’t be bankrupted—all you need is their moral support; you’ll take care of the rest.
When you are looking at colleges and universities, ask about their study abroad programs, meet with the Study Abroad Director or Advisor, find out the institution’s commitment to study abroad. Most importantly, find out what the institution’s policy is on (1) how financial aid may be used to pay for study abroad, and (2) how your credits will transfer back once you’ve returned.

In your first semester, meet with the Study Abroad Director or Advisor and let her know of your intentions to go abroad. With the help of the Director, narrow down your options, set a goal of where and when you’ll study abroad, and make a plan to implement your goal. It is the Director’s job to give you the guidance and assistance you need to meet your goal.

Meet with your Academic Advisor right away and inform him of your goal. It will be his job to help you take the right courses in the right sequence to open up a semester 2 years down the road so that you can study abroad without getting off of your major track.

You will also need to meet with the Financial Aid Director to discuss how you will pay for your abroad program. Depending on the college or university, some forms of aid may be used and others may not. Typically, any college or university scholarships and grants are not eligible for use with study abroad because they are specifically designated for use at the home institution. This kind of aid is like a store coupon—you can only use it at the issuing store. However, other kinds of aid—federal, state, private, loan, and scholarships specifically designated for study abroad—may be used to help pay for your program. It is important to find out ahead of time what your college or university’s policies are on financial aid regarding studying abroad so that you may plan accordingly. If you find that you must fund your program with loan money, do it. Most of the students I send abroad use loans to pay for all or part of their program, and all of them say that it was worth every penny. Remember: it isn’t debt; it’s an investment in your future—one that will yield great returns on many levels for years to come.

Studying abroad may be the single most significant/life-changing experience in your life. So go abroad and don’t just think outside of the box, LIVE THERE!

Editorial is provided by Robin Bott, Ph.D Professor of English and Director of the Institute for Study Abroad Adrian College, Adrian MI