Picture this: It’s Sunday night, and (as usual) you’re procrastinating, putting off the work that you didn’t do this weekend while absentmindedly scrolling between Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Then you see it: that old high school friend’s album featuring hundreds of photos from their adventures abroad. Naturally, you have to click through every single photo. An hour later, you feel like you’ve been with them the past semester, jet setting to a new city across the globe each weekend. You have a serious case of wanderlust – but you also have a few questions.
Okay, maybe this is just me. For some of us, we’ve just submitted our applications to study abroad this spring, while others are just beginning to entertain the idea of spending a semester on a different continent. No matter where you are in the process, if spending a semester abroad is on your mind, do yourself a favor and explore all of your options.
1. Check out Clark’s study abroad website. As applicants know, it’s safe to say this page will become a frequently visited site in the next few months. This is your home base where you’ll find everything from lists of countries in which Clark offers programs, to costs, to those pesky deadlines and more. This is a great place to start and will quickly become your lifeline in the application process.
2. Talk to people. Research is great and there is certainly an abundance of material to read regarding going abroad. BUT, the best way to get a feel for whether or not you want to go abroad is to talk to people! Get in touch with your program ambassador, advisors in the study abroad office or your friends on campus.
3. Create a Pinterest board. Name it something cheesy and fill it with everything from travel tips and tricks to how to pack 15 weeks in one suitcase to outfits to wear down the streets of Seville. If there’s a Pinterest board, you know it’s happening.
4. Evaluate your academic standing. Talk with your academic advisor to determine if it makes sense for you academically to go abroad. If so, what will the ‘study’ aspect of studying abroad look like for you? Will you have to complete requirements while abroad or will you be able to take classes that immerse you in the country’s culture and interest you.
5. Start saving! While you may not be sure whether study abroad is for you, one thing you can be sure of is that it’s expensive. Make sure you’re aware of the costs of your program and know if/how your financial aid applies to those costs. Sit down with a parent, or with one of Clark’s great financial aid advisers. Know what you will be spending and ultimately if the experience of studying abroad is worth the price tag. If you’ve already decided to study abroad, start saving NOW! You’ll thank yourself later when you can afford to travel on the weekends.
6.Think about housing. If you’re just entertaining the idea of studying abroad, it may seem way too early to think about housing for next year (didn’t we just finish the lottery?!) but this is an important decision. Many students study abroad during their junior year; many students also choose to live off campus their junior year. While it was difficult to choose to live away from one of my best friends, ultimately, I chose to live on campus the fall semester before I went abroad to avoid the stress of subletting during the spring. Looking way ahead, if you’re getting ready to go abroad, make sure you have housing to come back to.
7. Get excited! Congratulations! You’re embarking on one of the most exciting adventures of your life. You’re bound to be nervous – and that’s okay! Embrace it and get excited – you’re going abroad!