To many, college is about branching out, trying new things and self-discovery.
Students who study abroad and take advantage of classes like surfing or cuisine, that aren’t offered at the University of Idaho may do all of the above, said Holly Greenfield, study abroad advisor, at the First-Time Study Abroad Information Session Thursday.
The International Programs Study Abroad Office hosts informational sessions in the Idaho Commons throughout the semester to give students general information that will help prepare them for a successful trip.
The benefits of studying abroad include earning credit toward a degree, becoming more marketable in the workforce, learning to adapt and practicing human relation skills, Greenfield said.
She said it’s important for students to remember they are, in a sense, ambassadors when they travel abroad.
“You may be running into people that have never met somebody from Idaho, or the University of Idaho,” she said. “They’re really going to be judging all Idahoans based on what they learn from you. So it’s good to make sure that you are a good representative of Idaho, the university and America in general.”
Greenfield said open-mindedness, kindness and patience are beneficial characteristics when studying abroad.
“Just make sure you remain flexible when you go abroad,” she said. “You are going to a very different country, dealing with cultures that are very different from your own, so it’s good to make sure you’re flexible and have a good sense of personal responsibility… and independence.”
Students are able to use their current financial aid and scholarships to help pay for study abroad trips, which is oftentimes misunderstood, Greenfield said.
She said typically, study abroad costs range from $12,500 to $17,000, with the biggest difference being the cost of a plane ticket.
Greenfield said there are several options — UI direct programs, program providers and faculty-led options — available to students studying abroad.
The direct programs consist of about 30 different universities around the world that UI has an agreement with. These options are generally cheaper and offer less on-site support, but there’s not an option in every country, Greenfield said.
The program providers, such as the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) or International Studies Abroad, Inc. (ISA), each work with different locations around the world.
“Some (program providers) have more specialty options if you’re wanting to go to countries where you don’t know the language,” she said. “You can take classes in English, while also studying the language from a beginning to advanced level.”
Greenfield said locations available to UI students include, but are not limited to, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Mainland Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
She said some locations require prior study of the language, while others do not.
Few locations, outside of the Spanish-speaking world, have a “homestay” option to live with a host family, Greenfield said. Otherwise, students have the opportunity to live in an apartment or dorm with local students, or other American students on the trip.
UI senior in political science Luisa Uribe, said she plans to travel abroad and study in Viterbo, Italy during the spring semester. She said although she never attended a First-Time Study Abroad Information Session, the International Programs Office was helpful.
“One of my friends went to Viterbo a year ago and she loved it,” Uribe said. “So, after hearing about her experiences, I went to the IPO office directly. They helped me with the location and financial planning, and facilitated the communication with USAC after I changed my mind about the semester I wanted to study abroad.”
Greenfield said all the options are good, but may not be practical for every student, which is why she recommends all interested students schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor. The main differences between programs are the cost and support students can get while they’re abroad.
A downside to studying abroad is that students get caught up on financial problems, Greenfield said.
“It’s understandable… some students look at the cost from a negative perspective,” she said. “But I try to tell them it’s an investment that’s well worth the money, I think.”
She said this is something students can go over with a Study Abroad Advisor in a one-on-one appointment.
“We want to make sure you’re choosing a program that’s going to be good for you both academically and financially,” she said.
The Study Abroad advisors are available on weekdays by appointment from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-in hours are from 1 to 4:30 p.m. each weekday.
Students looking for more information about studying abroad can visit the IPO Study Abroad, located in the Living and Learning Community building, room 3, or visit its website at www.webs.uidaho.edu/ipo/abroad/.