| Study Abroad |
These sections will aid you in the application process:
1. Welcome Letter*
2. Steps to Take
- Complete “Evaluating Study Abroad Interests and Goals” Page
- Research the available programs
- Evaluate costs versus financial aid and budgetary considerations to find the best fit
- Apply early to ensure acceptance and enough time to make travel preparations and living arrangements
- Keep up with your studies
3. Evaluating Study Abroad Interests and Goals
Take a moment to evaluate the following questions in your own life. They may help you to determine the type and length of program you should seek for study abroad.
I. Objectives
- Why do you want to study abroad?
- Where in the world do you want to go and why?
- How does study abroad compliment past accomplishments or work?
- How will study abroad help you achieve your goals for the future?
- What can you learn from studying in another country that you cannot learn in the United States and at YSU?
II. Personal Considerations
- Are you interested in living totally immersed within another culture, or might you like to study with other Americans in another country?
- How do you adjust to new and unfamiliar situations?
- What kind of living situation do you prefer: Host family, student dormitory with residents of the host country, student dormitory with other American study abroad students, alone in an apartment?
- Would you prefer to arrange meals, housing, and travel preparations, or would you like your program to take care of these considerations?
- What languages are you interested in learning?
- How have your family and friends responded to your ideas about study abroad?
- Do you know someone who has been to this country/city before?
- Have you traveled before?
III. Practical Considerations
- Do you receive financial aid?
- When do you plan to go?
- How long do you plan to live abroad?
- How much money do you have to spend?
- Do you have other means of financial support?
- Am I eligible to apply for other scholarships, fellowships, grants, or loans?
- Do you have the ability to take a leave of absence from your job(s)?
- What other real-life considerations do you need to think about before planning a study abroad program?
IV. Academic Considerations
- What sort of courses would you like to take?
- Do you want your courses to be applicable to your major?
- Are you interested in more general coursework?
- How important is it that you receive academic credits for your coursework studied?
- Do you want to take courses in English or the language of the destination country?
- Can you read, write, or speak in the language of your destination country?
- How has your academic advisor responded to your plans?
5. Electronic Resources on International Education
- Bureau of Consular Affairs, State Department State Department information on international travel, passports, visas, and law and policies.
- Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, State Department State Department information on international education, study abroad, travel warnings, and Fulbright.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health related information and precautionary information about staying healthy.
- Institute of International Education Independent, nonprofit organization designed to aid people in traveling, learning, and working abroad. Also serves as a clearinghouse for many scholarship opportunities.
- International Topics and Issues, State Department Lists articles on international topics and issues.
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators Website Provides information about international education, links to other international education websites, and issues with public policy.
- Mobility International USA Website dedicated to empowering people with disabilities by ensuring their participation in international exchange and development programs.
- Office of Postsecondary Education: US Department of Education Website Information about postsecondary education in general, with links for the US Department of Education’s International Education Programs.
- Open Doors Report Offers statistical information on international students studying in the United States and citizens of the United States studying abroad. Full subscription is required to access total website, but some free information is provided.
- State Department Website Contains information about various countries, traveling and living abroad, international issues, history, culture and education, and other topics. Comprehensive website about the US government and its relationship with the other countries of the world.
- StudyAbroad.com Commercial site about study abroad. Has travel resources, information about different programs offered, and a weekly newsletter with information about financial aid, travel and other announcements.
- Universal Currency Exchange Currency exchange for countries worldwide.
Vaccinations Page on the CDC Website Country specific information about recommended vaccinations, common health concerns, and health precautions to take to ensure health while abroad. - World Health Organization Provides information on world-wide health concerns, immunizations, and general health concerns.
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