Getting Started
General Study Abroad Information
Not sure if you want to study abroad? Or, how to get started? Below, you will find some information that will help you determine is studying abroad is right for you.
Everyone studies abroad for their own reasons, but here are a common reasons why some students decide to study abroad:
- Learn a Foreign Language
There is no better way to learn a language than from native speakers! By studying abroad, students have a chance immerse themselves in the culture of the people who speak the language. By surrounding themselves in environments where they can see and hear the language being used on a daily basis helps students understand how to better use the language in the proper cultural context. Language learning just happens most quickly under these circumstances.
- Expand Your Worldview
Cultural differences are more than just differences in language, food, appearances, and personal habits. A person's culture reflects very deep perceptions, beliefs, and values that influence lifestyles and worldviews. Students who experience cultural differences personally can come to truly understand others’ perspectives. Hence, students who study abroad can return home with an informed and much less biased perspective toward other cultures and peoples.
- Develop Your Self-Awareness
Being immersed in an entirely new cultural setting can be challenging. However, through conquering new challenges and solving new problems, study abroad students often discover new strengths and weaknesses. The new experience also allows them to reconsider their own beliefs and values and develop better self-awareness.
- Make Lifelong Friends
One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different backgrounds. While studying abroad, you have the opportunity to attend school and live with students from your host country. This gives students the opportunity to really get to know and create lasting relationships with their international peers. In addition to rewarding personal relationships, these friends can also become an important part of a student's social or professional network later on down the road.
- Boost Your Resume for Graduate Schools or Career Options
Based on responses of 10,0000 hiring managers and CEOs from 116 nations, the 2011 QS Global employer survey found that 60% of employers "value an international study experience." Study abroad allows students to develop skills such as understanding foreign language, communicating with various people, collaborating with different perspectives, resilience, problem-solving, and adapting to changing circumstances. Hence, those are desirable skills employers are looking for from potential employees. Future employers and graduate school admissions boards also look very highly on study abroad experiences. Students that study abroad display diversity and show that they aren’t afraid to seek out new challenges or put themselves in difficult situations. Most importantly, students who have studied abroad show just how committed they are to their education.
Myth #1: Study abroad is a luxury. I can’t afford it.
Fact: The cost varies depending on the type and location of the program, the length of the stay, and whether the program is administered through a university or an outside organization. Study abroad can be affordable. Many colleges and universities are committed to maintaining cost parity; a semester abroad should cost almost the same as one on the home campus, at least as far as tuition and board. Some study abroad programs — especially those in developing countries — can actually be less expensive than tuition and fees for the equivalent amount of time on home campus. Moreover, financial aid should be transferable as long as students are enrolled for a full-time course load and the home college accepts the transferred credits.
Myth #2: There aren’t many scholarships available for studying abroad.
Fact: There are hundreds and hundreds of study abroad scholarships available. TAMU-CC has a Study Abroad Scholarship for all program terms. In addition, students with a special need or good academic standing can apply for local, regional, national, and international study abroad scholarships. Many private organizations such as the Shawn Carter Foundation, Fulbright Awards, Boren Awards and the Benjamin A. Gilman Award also provide millions of scholarship for study abroad every year. For a comprehensive listing of scholarships and funding, check out our Finance section.
Myth #3: I have to study in an English-speaking country because I don't know any foreign languages.
Fact: It's true that the more language background you have before you leave, the more immersed you can become once you arrive. However, you shouldn't let lack of skills in a language stop you from studying in a particular country. There are many study abroad programs that require no prior foreign language instruction. They are fully taught in English, even though English is not their official language. Other programs may provide you with intensive language classes at the beginning of your stay abroad.
Myth #4: Study abroad is only for language and international relations majors.
Fact: All subjects can be taught through a global lens. Study abroad is for all majors, and students in every field will benefit from a global experience. Historically, most programs embraced the humanities, but today only 11.3 percent of students who study abroad major in the humanities and only an additional 5.6 percent major in languages. More colleges are offering or even requiring international stints for students in social sciences, business, and engineering/math/sciences.
Myth #5: Studying abroad is all about partying and having fun.
Fact: It’s about studying, learning and building valuable skills. Although it should be fun, it’s also a serious undertaking that will challenge students on a personal level and have an impact on their academic career. Studying abroad includes taking classes, preferably taught by local professors on locally-relevant subjects — and in the local language if possible. Students will learn about different education systems and ways of teaching. They will find themselves challenging their own ideas and beliefs once they’ve had a chance to experience an alternate perspective. Students will learn how to appreciate different cultures and solve problems while operating in an environment from what they’re used to.
Myth #6: Study abroad is only for juniors.
Fact: It is for any undergraduate or graduate student at any time. While studying abroad as a junior continues to be the most popular, freshmen, sophomores and seniors are studying abroad anywhere from two weeks to a full academic year. Many college programs offer study abroad opportunities, and increasing numbers of graduate students are spending part of their time abroad. Students should consider the pros and cons of studying abroad at different times and for different lengths of time and choose that which is best.
Myth #7: Traveling independently offers the same experience.
Fact: Studying abroad includes “studying,” whereas traveling does not. Traveling and tourism are added perks to studying abroad, but they should not overshadow the actual purpose of studying abroad, which is studying and living in another culture. Taking classes with local students, and honing language skills by communicating and interacting with local friends or a host family, will offer much deeper insight into the local culture. Rather than leaving town every weekend, students should explore their host community and spend time getting to know the local neighborhood, not just seeing the big sights. Students will learn more about themselves and others.
Myth #8: Studying abroad will delay graduation.
Fact: If students plan ahead and make sure their credits transfer, there’s no reason graduation will be delayed. In fact, research shows that four-year graduation rates for students who studied abroad are significantly higher than those who stayed at home — 17.8 percent higher. Study abroad students returns with a reinvigorated interest in academic pursuits and a renewed passion for lifelong learning. Some students who study abroad for a year have actually graduated in less than four years because of the accelerated classes they took while abroad.
Myth #9: Potential employers don’t value study abroad.
Fact: Employers increasingly want workers who can work cross-culturally and speak another language. Study abroad is one of the best ways (often the only way) for students to acquire marketable international qualifications, cross-cultural competency, and proficiency in a second language. In addition to valuing the soft skills acquired while spending time abroad, employers want workers who can collaborate with others around the world. But just listing study abroad on a resume or in a cover letter won’t cut it. Students must package their study abroad experience in a way that showcases what they’ve learned. Organizations will want to know what an applicant did and learned while abroad — and how that experience can be brought to bear on the job.
Source: HuffPost
Step 1: Academic Planning
Knowing where one stands, academically, can help narrow down program possibilities and determine the most appropriate time for when to participate in international experiences. You should work with both your academic advisor and study abroad advisor to determine:
- what kind of experience you want (study, research, or internship)
- what courses you can take abroad
- how long you can be abroad
Students with declared majors should work with their academic advisor to map out their academic track at TAMU-CC. Students currently “undeclared,” should meet with the Islander Transition Center to discuss potential academic majors, or programs.
Note: Most programs require students to be at least sophomore standing (24+ credits or more) by the study abroad program start date. It is also not recommended that students study abroad during their last semester at TAMU-CC either as residency requirements, specific degree requirements not met while overseas, or the delayed transfer of credits may lead to the possibility of delayed degree completion.
Step 2: Financial Planning
There are many projected expenses that students need to plan for, and making sure that you are financially prepared to meet these financial obligations will help you in the long run. Start planning and saving as far in advance as possible!
Projected Expenses:
- Tuition fees:All programs will be encompass a tuition fee; however, depending on the program, the institution which will assess the fee will vary. Exchange and faculty-led program participants will be assessed TAMU-CC tuition by TAMU-CC while abroad on their program. Tuition fees and deadlines will follow TAMU-CC deadlines for the term abroad. Students participating on provider programs will be assessed tuition by the provider program, or their host university. Tuition fees and deadlines for provider programs are determined by the provider or host university.
- Program fees: Program fees usually encompass the major amenities that may be provided to students for a program (i.e., housing, in-country transportation, meals (if included), scheduled excursions, etc.). Different programs will include various amenities, and program fees may be collected at different times based on the program selection. Some provider programs may include tuition in the overall program fees that they assess to participants, so check with your provider program to be sure.
- Out-of-pocket Expenses:Out of pocket expenses are individual expenses that students will need to be responsible for as the expense is specific to each participant and not something that can be assessed to a group as a whole. Out-of-pocket expenses will vary; however, may include some of the following: meals (if not provided by program), textbooks/materials, passport or visa fees, personal spending, additional excursions.
Types of Financial Resources Available:
- Financial Aid:Federal or state grants or loans available through the TAMU-CC Financial Aid Office.
- Scholarships:Department Scholarships/ TAMU-CC Scholarships/ Private Scholarship/ Regional, National, International Scholarships
- Other sources:Parent(s) or guardian(s), Family or friends, Fundraising campaign (through community organizations or online)
Step 3: Program Search
There are a lot of program options available to students; however, TAMU-CC utilizes three main program types: Exchange programs, Faculty-Led Programs, and Provider Programs.
Exchange Programs
- Direct partnerships, bilateral exchange agreement, with a specific university overseas
- Best for a semester or academic year students
- Offers the most consistency with course options
- More affordable tuition option for students
Faculty-Led Programs
- Short-term programs
- Study with TAMU-CC faculty & students
- Specific TAMU-CC courses offered
- Most affordable, short-term tuition option for students
Independent/Provider Programs
- Independent study abroad organizations, or other U.S./TAMU schools
- Offers more course options for different academic majors
- Offers more worldwide locations & host institution options
- Short-term, semester, & academic year
- More expensive tuition option; however, may include more program amenities, services, and flexible payment plans
Students should attempt to utilize exchange or faculty-led options first. If none of the available options is a match, then students are encouraged to utilize an approved provider program. Stop by the Office of International Education talk to one of our staff members about your program choice. Be sure you select the option that is best for you.
Step 4: Apply For A Program
All students, regardless of program selection, will need to submit a Study Abroad Application , Internal Records Release Form, and an Unofficial Transcript to the Office of International Education.
Additional application materials required will vary depending on which program students select. See list below for additional application materials:
- Exchange program checklist
- Faculty-led program checklist
- Provider program checklist
Submit documents on time. All programs have pre-established deadlines, so students should research not only WHAT application materials are due, but also WHEN they are due, and WHOM the items need to be submitted to.
- TAMU-CC Summer, Fall, or Academic Year Programs Deadline is March 1st.
- Summer Faculty Led programs are usually the Fall semester prior to the program start date.
- Exchange programs have a February 15th priority deadline date.
- TAMU-CC Spring Programs Deadline is October 1st.
- Exchange programs have a September 15th priority deadline date.
Apply for, or renew, your PASSPORT NOW. If you are thinking about studying abroad, apply for your passport NOW, rather than waiting until after you have submitted an application or been accepted to your program.
Passports have to remain valid for at least six months after the program end date for your study abroad program.
Step 5: Conditional Acceptance & Travel Approval Paperwork
All students will be considered for conditional acceptance into their study abroad programs after completing the initial application materials required for the TAMU-CC Office of International Education.
Official acceptance into a program will come after students have either submitted their confirmation $200 deposit (for faculty-led programs), or after students have completed and submitted all necessary application materials to their host institution (exchange university) or provider program.
- Note: Students applying for exchange or through a provider program will receive their "official" acceptance into the program from the host institution or from the provider program.
After being conditionally accepted into their program by the Office of International Education, ALL students must complete and submit the necessary documents to the office in order to complete TAMU-CC's travel approval process. All students must have their international travel documents approved and on file at least one week prior to their departure.
- Note: Students will receive information on what documents to submit after they have been conditionally accepted into their programs.
Step 6: Post Acceptance
The post-acceptance phase will vary based on program. Students may have to complete one or more of the following after they have been accepted into their program:
- Apply for a visa (Usually for programs longer than 90 days)
- Secure housing and/or flights (Exchange and provider programs)
- Attend Pre-departure orientation (All programs)
- Complete other pre-departure items
- Health/Dental Exam
- Vaccinations
- Notifying banks, landlord, housing, etc. of study abroad program
- Pay tuition and/or program fees (will vary by program)
Step 7: While Abroad
- Make a list of goals that you want to accomplish while abroad and put an actual plan together to make sure you accomplish those goals while abroad.
- Keep in touch with family in friends so they know you're okay.
- Be safe!
- Take time to explore your new surroundings, interact with the locals, and learn more about the local customs and culture.
Step 8: Return Home
- Students who participated on exchange and provider programs will need to make sure that they have requested that transcripts be sent back to TAMU-CC.
- Some students may need to complete the additional transcript evaluation process in order to have their classes, grades, and credits, transferred back to TAMU-CC.
- Consider how your international experience can impact your career and professional goals and find ways to share your experiences with other classmates.
- Network with fellow study abroad returnees and new study abroad students
- Enter photos into the Annual Office of International Education Photo Contest
- Complete the survey on your experience abroad
- Update your resume
- Consider going abroad again
Download our Study Abroad Planning Guide, to keep in your pocket what things students should be considering before study abroad.
- When should I study abroad?
There is no one-size-fits all answer for when to study abroad. However, most undergraduate students across the U.S. tend to study abroad between their second and third year. We recommend that students have a major declared and a clearly identified degree plan in place before selecting a study abroad program.
- How long does it take to plan for studying abroad?
The sooner a student can start on their plans for studying abroad, the better. As there are a lot of factors that may effect a student's ability to study abroad, students should start planning a year or more in advance. Students should refer to the Steps to Study Abroad information to learn more about specific steps and topics to consider. Below is the recommended timeline to help with planning.
1 year in Advance:
- Complete Step 1, 2, & 3
- Apply for Passport, or renew if expiring soon
- Prepare for steps 4 & 5
6 months to 9 months in Advance:
- Complete Step 4 & 5
- Apply for financial aid, scholarships, UG research, etc.
- Start Step 6 if possible
- Research visa requirements
- Research flights (Purchase flights only when you have been officially accepted for your program.)
- Schedule health/dental check-up
3-6 months prior to departure
- Complete Step 6
- Attend Pre-Departure Orientation
- Make final preparations for departure
- Get final health/dental check-up
- Make sure all necessary materials/documents have been completed for your program
1-2 months prior to departure
- Ensure all necessary paperwork or travel documents have been secured
- Obtain all emergency/contact information for your program/host institution
- Notify banking institution, credit card companies, landlord of travel plans
- Review arrival plans (Airport Pick-Up, Address/contact for accommodations, etc.)
- Do I need to learn another language?
Not necessarily. Most study abroad programs offer courses taught in English. However, some locations may have language restrictions based on the host university's language requirements. Knowing the host language will help student's navigate life abroad easier.
- Can I get credit while abroad?
Yes. Students must get course approvals for their study abroad programs before their departure. Approval is granted by the specific Academic Departments and Colleges. Students going on faculty-led programs do not need to obtain additional approval; however, students participating on exchange and provider programs will need to complete the course approval form for all courses they will attempt while overseas.
- Is study abroad expensive?
Yes and No. Depending on the program and the location of study, study abroad programs can be more expensive or comparable to studying at TAMU-CC. Provider programs, generally, are more expensive; however, they do include more program amenities. Exchange and Faculty-led programs can be more comparable, with regards to tuition, because students are assessed TAMU-CC tuition while abroad. Out-of-state students may find that studying abroad may be a more affordable option.
- Where can I study abroad?
Basically, anywhere that we have a program to. It depends on your preferences. With the program options that we have available, students can study in over 100 cities in over 40 different countries.