One of the best ways to travel is through studying abroad. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself and to learn more about the world you live in. It may surprise you that there are actually a lot of people who don’t take advantage of the opportunity. Here is a list of excuses of why students don’t study abroad and easy solutions for you to begin traveling!
Excuse #1: Money, money, and money: Like most things in life, studying abroad is not free. Most of the programs that are sponsored by your University may be the same price as your on-campus tuition, more or even less. The rates really do vary. The cost of the program majorly depends on your destination and your personal expenses.
Solution: Where do you want to travel, and what‘s your budget? Abroad locations such as Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic or even remote locations such as India may be cheaper than Europe or Australia. The University of Illinois offers scholarships to help you fund your trip. There are also countless third-party scholarships that you can apply to to help you fund your study abroad experience. For some, you can start applying before you get accepted into your program of choice. If you research hard enough, there is a good chance you will find a viable option for your budget.
Excuse #2: I want to graduate in four years: Unless you’re in a major that requires studying abroad, many students believe they just don’t have the time to travel if they want to graduate on time. The truth is that there are numerous programs that let you complete requirements for your major while you’re abroad.
Solution: Research different study abroad programs your university offers. Your advisor can help you design a graduation plan that will permit you to graduate in four years while also studying abroad. Who says that you can only study during the school year? Spend two weeks of your winter or summer break abroad. There are countless summer and winter break programs out there. With a little research, it’s possible to enjoy study abroad and still walk across the stage on time.
Excuse #3: I’ll be homesick: Studying abroad can feel like the first time you moved away from home except you’re many miles further from home. While it’s normal to be frightened by the idea of leaving home for a foreign country, you can’t let your chance go by.
Solution: Do a little research on your dream destination. Most programs offer their participants to choose where to live. Options often include dorms, apartments or a host family. To cure the feeling of homesickness, be sure to connect with your loved ones as much as possible using technology, using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email, Skype, Viber or WhatsApp. The only thing technology won’t be able to bring you is mom’s home-cooked meals, but at least you’ll be trying new food in an international country!
Excuse #4: “I’ll travel after graduation:” Ask yourself this question: Are you really going to travel after graduation? If you have serious plans to do so, more power to you. In reality, though, a lot of graduates say they are going to, and then plans fall through.
Solution: Rather than putting it off, just go for it now! Our college years are one of the best times to study abroad because we don’t have hefty responsibilities yet. After graduation come adult responsibilities like paying back loans, avoiding living with your parents, paying bills or finding a real-world job. The responsibilities are endless. Our college years are one of the best times to study abroad because we don’t have those responsibilities yet, so take advantage of your freedom.