Thinking about studying abroad next semester, but don’t know where to start? While time is most DEFINITELY of the essence when planning to go abroad, fear not! I’m dropping a boatload of knowledge early on to help you out. Follow these five steps and you’ll be smooth sailing into your next international destination:
Identify A Program
Studying Abroad is a fantastic, unique, life-changing opportunity. First thing’s first- where do you want to go? Go to the Rutgers study abroad website to find a program. Some host institutions only welcome specific majors and the more competitive ones have strict GPA requirements. Also, take note of the session. Do you want to go the entire academic year, a semester or just for the Summer? Also look at lodging options. I was stuck between the program in Rome and the program in Paris, but I found out I would be staying with a host family in Paris instead of the dorms on the college campus. Not exactly for me. Be observant of language requirements, there are some amazing programs in Madrid and Barcelona, but you have to be fluent in Spanish. Take note of everything! There are also Study Abroad fairs that occur several times throughout the school year if you’re looking to study abroad in the future.
Make an Appointment ASAP
Time is of the essence when you are preparing to study abroad for the following semester. While the study abroad office on College Avenue does offer walk-ins, I, highly suggest you make an appointment ahead of time, so you don’t have to wait. This is when you will meet your new BFF, your study abroad advisor! Have a list of questions and programs you are looking at for your appointment and be sure to keep in contact with your them through the entire process.
Documentation
This might be the most important section of this article. So you’ve been accepted into your program. Congrats! But now comes the not so fun part- getting your documents in order and into Rutgers on their designated deadlines. This can be a stressful headache that I wouldn’t wish even on my worst enemy. I’m not even trying to be dramatic.
Storytime. Yours truly went to Rome for Spring 2017 and needed to travel to the Italian Consulate in New York to get a student visa. First, I needed to make an appointment, the soonest available one was in late November. Mind you, I started looking in September and my visa needed to be submitted into Rutgers by late October. Headache number one.
Once at the consulate, I was required to present a plane ticket, acceptance letter from the host school, proof of health insurance (which Rutgers provides to you btw), proof I actually attended Rutgers, my passport, financial documents, and about a million other things. I provided a flight itinerary TO Rome but didn’t book my return flight back, which was not made clear. As a result, I was denied a request for my visa.
Regardless of having everything else tied up in a pretty little bow, I needed to go through the process all over again. So I emphasize this strongly, make sure you have ALL of your documentation. If the list says “no copies” do NOT bring copies in the hopes they’ll look the other way, they won’t!
Budget
So you’ve successfully gotten your visa, yay! Now comes budgeting. Study abroad programs are not cheap, so it’s important to be strategic about how you are going to spend your money, however, there are ways to alleviate some of that financial strain. Are you in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority? Do you have a 4.0 GPA along with an extensive list of volunteer work? Apply for scholarships! Utilize as many resources as you can. Coming from someone who has gone through the process, I can honestly say I didn’t do as much as I could’ve when it came to looking around, so I’m hoping you succeed where many people (me) have failed.
Take Side Trips Into Consideration
One of the most convenient parts of studying in Europe is how inexpensive flights from one country is to another. You are going to take side trips. Plan these ahead of time, because tickets can go quickly. Popular agencies like bus2alps is the perfect place to look. They have weekend trips with pre-planned activities to countries and cities like the Amalfi Coast, Paris, Barcelona, Croatia, and other countries in the EU and beyond! They assist you with flight scheduling, airport pickup, and help make your trip as stress-free as possible. I took advantage of their weekend Morocco trip and it was life changing (Yep, thats me on a camel)! You are housed with plenty of students, mostly from America, in study abroad programs in other countries and it’s a great opportunity to meet new friends! (I also went to Amsterdam to see Drake front row, but that’s a story for another time ;)
Use Social Media
You’ve budgeted, your passport is in order, you’ve been on the host university’s website millions of times. Now what? Well, believe it or not there are Facebook groups specifically for students all over the country participating in the same program. These groups can help you find people with common interests, people to take trips with and even potential roommates! It can help you feel less alone and calm down any possible anxiety you may have going abroad.
Enjoy Yourself
Get excited! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that not many people get. Once all the logistics are sorted out, be proud that you are embarking on a journey that is sure to change your life. Bon Voyage!
Oh, here are a couple more pictures of yours truly :)