
Study Abroad 101:The Basics Presented by: University Center for International Education (UCIE)
Welcome • Michael Coon, Study Abroad Advisor • Study Abroad Experience • Italy • Luxembourg • Italy (graduate student)
Overview • Why Study Abroad • Introduction to Study Abroad at Wright State • Role of UCIE • Types of Study Abroad Programs at Wright State • How to Select a Program • Funding Study Abroad
Role of the UCIE • Support students • Provide information about study abroad options • Answer questions about study abroad programs • Assist with application process • Administer process to get study abroad courses pre-approved • Administer pre-departure orientation • Coordinate grade conversion process when students return from program
Why Study Abroad • Travel and Earn WSU Credit • Become a true “global citizen” • Learn or enhance language skills • Develop strong interpersonal skills • Experience personal growth • Experience new ideas, values and customs • Get an edge on your resume
Study Abroad at WSU: Important Things to Know • Financial Aid and Scholarships can be used for WSU approved study abroad programs • WSU has programs in more than 40 countries • You do not need to be fluent in a foreign language for most programs • Programs/classes are available for most fields including math, business, sciences, engineering, nursing and more • You will receive full academic credit for the coursework you complete abroad
Where Can I Go… …And How Do I Get There
What Are My Options • WSU offers 3 different and unique study abroad options • Ambassador Programs • Third Party Affiliate Programs • Direct Exchange Programs
Ambassador Programs • Excellent first study abroad experience • Led by WSU faculty • Last 2-4 weeks in summer and winter intersession • Full credit for at least 1 class • Financial aid can be applied toward cost of program
Third Party Programs • USAC, ISA, AIFS, ASA, CIS Abroad, SFS, & Semester at Sea • Good for students with limited international experience • No language requirements in most cases • Full credit for any courses taken • Volunteer & Internship opportunities are available • Financial Aid can be applied towards cost of program
Direct Exchange Programs • Allow students to study in destinations such as China, Spain, Sweden, France or Chile • Students pay WSU tuition and living costs abroad • Good for independent students • Full credit for courses completed • 3.0 GPA required in most cases • Financial Aid can be applied
How Do I Find A Program That Is Right For Me • Research your options to find a program that fits your needs • Gather information from different resources • Talk to a study abroad advisor • Talk to your academic advisor • Talk to financial aid • Talk to friends who have studied abroad • Contact Peer Mentors (returned study abroad students)
How Do I Find A Program That Is Right For Me • Things to consider • Type of Program • Academics/Courses Offered • Location • Cost • Timing • Level of Immersion
What Should I Do When I Find A Program I Like • Submit your Study Abroad Application • For non-Ambassador Programs this is a two-step process • WSU Education Abroad Application • Application for Program Provider or Institution
How Can You Afford Study Abroad • Plan Ahead • Use Your Financial Aid • Apply for Institutional (WSU) Scholarships • Apply for External Scholarships
External Scholarships and Grants The Following Are Examples of External Study Abroad Scholarships • Gilman Scholarship • Students receiving Federal Pell Grant can be awarded up to $5,000 • Non-traditional Locations preferred • Freeman Asia • Awards up to $3,000/summer, $5,000/semester or $7,000/year to study in East or Southeast Asia • Must receive federal need-based financial aid • Priority to students with no previous experience in country • Complete project to promote study abroad on campus once returned to home campus
External Scholarships and Grants • Boren Scholarship • Provides up to $10,000/semester based on need assessment • Study in non-traditional locations to which U.S. has security interest • Service requirement post-graduation • Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant • Awards 45 $1,000 Study Abroad Grants • Must have 3.5 or higher GPA • Have 45 – 135 quarter credit hours at time of program
Study Abroad Scholarship Resources Other Scholarship Resources • 3rdParty Providers offer there own in-house scholarships • There are many websites that provide scholarship information such as: • www.studyabroadfunding.org • www.diversityabroad.com/scholarships • www.fastweb.com • www.goldenkey.org/GKIHS/MemberBenefits/ScholarshipsandAwards/ScholarshipandAwardListing/
This Could Be You… Questions?