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So you want to study abroad? Good idea. But
choosing the right host country is probably the most important
decision you'll ever make, one that will affect the course of your
personal and professional life for many, many years. You'll be
leaving your country for a new culture, a new way of life, and new
people.
Studying abroad may be that defining moment in your education that
will change your life. Nothing will be quite the same after you
have studied abroad. Your perspectives will be global, your
attitudes will be international and you will have memories that
you will carry forever. Your resume will be more attractive, in
some cases your language proficiency will be advanced, and you
will have developed lifelong friendships.
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The largest misconception that prevents students from
participating in study abroad is its perceived inaccessibility.
Students who do study abroad are often amazed at how easy it was
to put the whole thing together. Financial aid is often available,
every major field of study can partake, and study abroad is an
experience available for every student. It's as easy as a working
through a checklist. The following information is just that, it
should be used only as a guideline, each university or college has
their own study abroad policy.
Why Study Abroad.
·
Academic credit
- The most obvious reason why students study abroad is to earn
academic credit. You should consider the type of credit you will
earn on your study abroad program. Will you earn credit towards
your major or elective credit only? Will you receive grades or
pass/fail credit only? You may study abroad to earn upper division
credits in your major field or you may be overseas to earn some of
your core or general education hours your freshman year.
·
Language
acquisition - The world
market place is shrinking rapidly, many companies require second
languages. Foreign languages are not only valuable in the work
force they are valuable in the real world.
·
Practical
experience - Study abroad
coupled with an international internship is an incredible way to
gain some real world experience. Additionally you may find that
only an international program can offer the real expertise you
desire in your education. Australia is a great place to find a
marine biology program, the engineering labs in sweden may exceed
your facilities at your home institution, and peace studies in
Geneva would offer an insight that couldn't be matched in Nebraska
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Resume building -
International experience is ranked high among many employers as
a critical asset for prospective employees. Study abroad shows
that you are resourceful, adventurous, internationally minded,
and diverse.
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Experience of a lifetime -
In a couple years you will forget the name of your literature
professor in Grenoble or the name of your dorm in Beijing, but
you'll never forget the friends you made or the incredible
experiences you shared.
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