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| Jacque Lenz | The Appalachian |
| Erin P. Dorney, a senior clothing
and textiles major, traveled to Spain this summer as part
of the Study Abroad program. |
On average, university students are given eight
semesters to make the most of their college experience.
Embedded in this time lies the opportunity to study abroad or on
exchange through Appalachian State University’s International
program.
For some, this opportunity is easier said than done.
However, each and every student can grasp this chance with a little
research and a lot of unwavering knowledge that such an experience
may open their eyes to amazing experiences.
“Every student I’ve spoken with after studying abroad
has had a life-changing experience; no one regrets having done it,”
said Nancy Wells, the Director of International Student Exchange
and Study Abroad Programs.
Last year a total of 85 students studied abroad for the year and
semester combined from places ranging from Australia, to Costa Rica,
to England.
One of the first questions many students ask is how financially
feasible it is to study abroad or be an exchange student.
Many things factor into how expensive or inexpensive it will be.
The difference (and there is a difference), between studying abroad
and studying on exchange is the tuition.
Students who chose to study abroad pay the tuition that particular
university sets.
An exchange student pays the same tuition they would pay for a semester
or year at Appalachian State University.
According to the pamphlet, “Financing Your Study Abroad Experience:
An Investment in Your Future,”for out-of-state students, a
study abroad program could possibly end up being cheaper , but for
most students these programs are more expensive than the exchange
program.
Other things factor into the expenses, such as location, how much
one will travel while abroad, and airfare.
The biggest key is planning ahead. Do not go with the idea in mind
of obtaining a job, instead rely on saving enough money before departure.
Also, financial aid can be applied to the semester or year on study
abroad or exchange, and some scholarships are available.
After the intial decision is made to seize this opportunity, the
question of where to study is at hand. Appalachian State University
offers placement at an overwhelming amount of locations all over
the world.
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| Jacque Lenz | The Appalachian |
| Dorney picked up many things
on her trip, including souvenirs. Because of financial aid,
many students are able to afford trips abroad. |
The courses offered at each institution and how well they are factored
into a chosen major at Appalachian State can be a large part in
deciding which university abroad works best for each particular
student.
“I chose to participate in the summer program in Australia
where I was able to earn course credit and experience an entirely
different culture simultaneosly, said Kandi L. Ellis, a senior and
a Business major.
In order for credits to transfer back to Appalachian State a student
must first determine which courses will be taken at the chosen university
abroad.
Then the student must get the chosen courses approved by the department
at Appalachian State in which they will be applied to.
For example, if a student is an English major and they want to take
a course entitled 17th Century Restoration Comedies, they would
need to get that course approved by the department of English at
Applachian in order for it to transfer back as an English credit,
even though that couse is not offered here.
One thing that may ease anxities about studying at an institution
where the learning environment may vary significantly is the knowledge
that grades transfer back to Appalachian State on a pass/fail basis.
I chose to study abroad for a semester because I needed a change
and I wanted to experience life from a different perspective,”
said Jennifer N., Kruse, a senior and an Elementary Education major.
Here are some tips if interested in applying to study abroad or
on exchange:
If interested in studying abroad for a semester or a year, according
to the “Study Abroad” pamphlet put out by the International
Office, follow these three steps:
1. Sign up to attend an introductory session on the logistics of
planning a semester or year abroad. Times are posted outside room
231 I.G. Greer.
2. Explore options for semester and year programs by becoming familiar
with our Resource Room (from 237 I.G. Greer) and Web sites.
3. After attending a meeting and doing some initial research, sign
up for an appointment with Nancy Wells ( in the red notebook, also
next to room 231 I.G. Greer) to discuss interests options, and other
considerations.
The application deadline to study abroad for spring 2004 is due
by Sept. 22, 2003.
“There’s every reason to explore what the possiblities
are because with careful, timely planning, everyone can find an
appropriate and affordable program,” said Wells.
For more information visit the Study Abroad Web site at: www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html.
For information on funding a Study Abroad trip, visit www.fund-raising.com/ideabank.html
or www.studyabroad.com/handbook/costs.html#aid.
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