For those who are planning to, or already have studied in another country, what was it like? Where did you go, and did you enjoy your time there? I have a feeling that it might be awkward for me since the only other country I’ve been to is Germany.
Me and my brother are thinking of going to Australia for the upcoming summer term, and I want to be an intern at a zoo there since I’m going for the Zoology degree anyway. If you’ve been there recently could you give me any websites that give you more information on it? Anything would be helpful.
Another thing is how do I arrange the flight and normal living expenses plus payments for classes? Are there any scholarships or grants for U.S. students that can cover this, or does it come out of pocket? Do I have to get any medical examinations before or after I go? Are there any shots required? What if something bad happens back home, is the student allowed to leave for a while or are they forced to stay?
Can I be placed with the same host family as my bro, or are we going to be separated? Do I even have to stay with a host family, or are we on our own since we’re in college? Where can I go to find out what classes they have during the term I want to attend a colege there? What animal/nature conservation programs would you recommend there?
Also what country would you rather visit if you could– China, Japan, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Denmark (my family’s from there) or the UK? I’m also considering one of those. Thanks for any and all help!
One Comment
Hi,
A lot of these questions are program specific and/or could be answered by your school’s study abroad advisor if you find my or anyone else’s answers here lacking.
If you go with an organized program, typically what happens is that you pay them the program fee and they arrange everything for you, and airfare if you so choose. Typically you get a meal allotment and a dorm room or whatever student housing they have set up. You may have the option to stay with a host family, but not necessarily be required. There are certain advantages to staying with a host family, mostly language acquisition, which is irrelevant in Oz.
In contrast, you could do what I’m doing and go for the direct enroll. I’m studying abroad in Budapest next semester, and I applied as a nondegree student so I’m just paying tuition. I’m responsible for everything else, such as finding housing. Those study abroad agencies such as CIEE or AIFS are very expensive. The direct enroll lets me cut costs but cutting out the middle man. I’m still getting my regular financial aid because the program was approved by the study abroad office.
If you are receiving a Pell Grant you can apply for the GILMAN SCHOLARSHIP. I have received this scholarship, and its covering about half my costs.
Medical stuff – depends on the country and program
Regarding classes – research some universities you might be interested in studying at and look at their course descriptions
My #1 tip for you is to talk to your study abroad office ASAP. If you want to know anymore specific info you can write me at elizabethanelso@gmail.com. I always want to spread knowledge and encourage everyone to study/travel abroad.
Good luck!