Many students are not aware of the numerous international opportunities available here at the University of Idaho. With more than 250 locations to choose from in more than 60 countries, the only difficulty should be choosing where you want to study, which is something our advisers can help you with. As an intern in the study abroad office on campus and study abroad alumnus, I know this experience is one students should not pass up.
Naturally, students have their concerns about studying abroad such as “I can’t afford it,” “It doesn’t fit into my major” or “I don’t speak a foreign language.” These are all common concerns students have. However, in reality none of these should hold students back.
There are many affordable programs available to students that will not break the bank, with some of these options being relatively on par with or cheaper than the cost of attending UI. There are also various study-abroad-specific scholarships available to students that help offset the cost. Don’t let finances hold you back.
While you are abroad you can definitely take classes for whatever major you may be. There is a program out there that has classes specifically for your major, so fitting it in should not be a problem as long as you are open to locations. By carefully planning with a study abroad adviser and your own academic adviser, studying abroad should fit into your academic schedule without putting you behind for graduation.
As far as the concern about not speaking a foreign language — simply put, it does not matter. There are programs available where you can study in English and not have to worry about learning a foreign language. Additionally, there are programs where no prior language experience is necessary and you will start with introductory courses. You will have the opportunity to learn a foreign language in half the time and complete courses for a major or a minor at a rapid pace.
You can use your current financial aid and scholarships to finance your time abroad. This is one of the only times in a student’s life they can use government and state funding to live in another country for an extended period of time.
Another benefit is becoming more marketable. We live in an internationally expanding world, and more employers are hiring people who have international experience. Just having that study abroad experience on your resume can increase your chances of obtaining employment.
Last, but certainly not least, you can make friends and connections while you are abroad. You can form lifelong friendships with people from around the world. You can also form networking contacts, which can be beneficial in the future.
Now that you know the benefits of studying abroad the only question left is, “Where in the world do you want to go?”
Aaron Hosington can be reached at [email protected]