Just over two weeks ago – three when this article will be published – I moved to the United States of America for my study abroad semester. In this article, I am going to discuss what it took to get me here, in hopes that those of you who are considering taking a semester abroad will really have a sense of what the process involves. Before I begin, I am going to give a small disclaimer; if you have the opportunity, if you have the support system, and if you have always dreamed of it, then you should go for it. Please keep this in mind for the next few paragraphs.
I handed in my application to study abroad in the second semester of my third year. This section of the application entailed a portion of short answer questions testing your knowledge of the process of applying and questions that allow you to highlight what your main reasons are for taking a semester abroad. This stage of the application also required a selection of four universities you wanted to attend. I already knew that I wanted to study in the USA, so the location was not a big question for me. For those of you who are deciding between several countries, the biggest factor should be the culture. By this, I mean the way of life and the attitudes of the people. Moving away from all of your friends and family for four months will be hard but if you know that you are going to a location where you have a higher chance of finding friends, then it could make the whole process just that little bit less stressful. In other words, a culture that you will feel comfortable in is the right one for you. I think it is important to remember that whilst it may seem appealing to study somewhere that feels like a complete contrast to your everyday life, when you are studying abroad you are studying and attending classes, something that can be challenging in your home university. If you do not feel like you can access your environment, it could hinder your studies as well as your mental health. However, if you know that you are ready for a complete culture shock, I would suggest researching the academic culture in the country to see if you can work in that environment.
Now, after completing this stage of the application you are going to have to wait for a few months to find out if you have been given a place at one of your chosen institutions. Waiting is a huge part of applying to study abroad, it definitely brings on feelings of frustration and impatience. It certainly taught me that not everything is in my control but that does not mean it will not work out for you.
After several months of practicing patience, finally, in July I found out that I had been selected to apply to The University of California. This institution is made up of several universities and I was required to choose four to apply to. For me this was a big decision, the locations are not that similar, and I will admit to my ignorance here, I did not realise how huge California actually is. I based this decision on the academic standing of the university, and the courses it offered. Whilst I am not mere metres from the beach, I am still in the sun, as most cities are in California, so the academic environment is what I kept in mind when choosing my preferred institution. For most other institutions you will already know by this point which university you could be attending but I had to play the waiting game again. I found out which UC institution I would be spending my semester abroad at by the end of August. When I received the email telling me I got into my first choice school, the moment felt completely surreal, and the whole concept of my study abroad really began to come into existence.
Within the following months, I had to apply for a visa, and sort out everything that I would need to move to a different continent for four months. For me, the visa process was, and I am putting it kindly, a complete nightmare. All I can recommend is for you to apply earlier than your home university suggests because even if you are advised that you have applied within the correct time frame, once the application is out of your hands and has been sent to the embassy, it really is up to them how quickly it is processed. Be prepared for the worst-case scenario. I am not saying this to terrify you, but just as a general warning. What I kept in mind throughout the whole process was why I wanted to study abroad in the first place. The process can be completely overwhelming and does require a lot of your time, something that I am sure university students are already limited with on top of classes and part-time jobs.
I received my visa the day before my flight. On top of packing, saying goodbyes, and mentally preparing myself, the administrative mission, as I am now calling it, was an extra stress that really did make me consider if this was all worth it. If you are resilient and patient then it will all be okay. I am writing this from my dorm room in California. A year ago this was something that I had thought about but I did not believe it could be a reality. I know that it may seem cheesy to say, but I am proud of myself. I am excited to see what this experience will bring for me, and what I can make of it.
I hope this helps at least one person to know the truth of what it takes to apply for a semester abroad. Good Luck. Take a chance.