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10 Myths About Studying Abroad |
Myth #1 I cant afford it!!!!
Fact #1 The cost of
studying abroad is almost equal to what you would pay studying and living at
Penn State. The tuition is the same, if you choose a Penn State program. Room
and board is almost equal as well as what you would spend on meals and other
necessary expenses. The added expenses that you would incur while studying
abroad is the plane ticket and the extra traveling and shopping you would do
while abroad that you would not normally do while studying in Pennsylvania.
There is also a minimal study abroad fee that covers your international
insurance and the administrative costs to produce the program.
All financial aid you have
now can be used for study abroad just like if you were taking classes here.
There are additional scholarships available to students who decide to study
abroad. Visit
http://www.international.psu.edu/students_study_abroad/info_financial_aid.htm
to find out about the
scholarship opportunities that are available to you. Students enrolled in Penn
State Altoona bachelor degree programs are also eligible for a special travel
grant to assist in paying for travel expenses. Students also have the
opportunity to study abroad anywhere from one week (with add-on programs to
existing courses) to an academic year depending on their academic and financial
needs.
Myth #2 I dont speak a foreign language so I cant
study abroad.
Fact #2 There are
many programs available in English-speaking countries such as England and
Australia. There are also excellent programs available in non-English speaking
countries that have all their classes, except for the language classes, taught
in English, such as Spain, Italy, Japan, Ghana, the Netherlands, and Thailand.
Also, students who plan ahead can take basic language courses before they leave
for their study abroad experience to have a basic understanding of a language
before they study abroad. Studying abroad can give students a terrific
opportunity to be able to communicate in another language.
Myth #3 My parents will never let me go abroad; no one in my family has ever
studied abroad or been out of the country before.
Fact #3 Many
students who have studied abroad are the first in their families to leave the
country. Give your parents the facts about the program. Direct them to the
Office of Education Abroad website at
www.altoona.psu.edu/studyabroad to help them find answers to their questions. Go
to information sessions and talk to the Education Abroad Advisor and your
Academic Advisor to get the facts about the programs, the cost, the application
process, and the academic requirements so you can share the details with your
family. Finally, if you parents have further questions have them speak to the
Education Abroad Advisor.
Myth #4 I am a science or engineering major so
there are no programs that would fit my academic needs.
Fact #4 A study
abroad program can be found for any major. There are quite a few Penn
State-sponsored programs available to engineering and science majors. There are
several universities in Australia, Japan, and New Zealand that have courses with
strengths in engineering and the sciences. The Global Engineering Exchange is
also available to outstanding engineering students. There are also programs
throughout England, Australia, Japan, and other European, South American,
African, and Asian countries that have science courses that may fit your
academic goals.
Myth #5 Studying abroad would delay my graduation
and transferring credits from a study abroad program would be difficult.
Fact
#5 As long as a student plans ahead there
is NO reason studying abroad for a semester or longer would delay graduation.
The earlier a student starts planning the easier it becomes to fit studying
abroad into their academic schedule and make sure that they meet all the
requirements. If a student participates on a Penn State-sponsored program, all
their credits will transfer because they will still be enrolled in Penn State
and will get credit for actual Penn State courses.
Myth
#6 Studying abroad will not help me get a job or get into graduate, law, or
medical school.
Fact #6 Studying
abroad actually enhances your resume/CV. Employers and graduate schools are
looking for students who have had a more well-rounded experience and are able to
adapt to new situations. Many businesses and graduate schools want students who
know a second language or can demonstrate that they are able to adjust to
changing environments.
Myth
#7 Only Juniors and Seniors can study abroad.
Fact #7 Although
most semester-long and academic year programs do require students to be at least
5th semester standing at the time of departure, there are many
short-term programs, such as summer or one-week add-on programs, where you can
go with having only 2nd semester standing. There are also a few
semester-long programs that permit you to go as long as you have sophomore
standing. The sooner you start planning for your study abroad experience
the easier it becomes to fit it into your academic schedule .
Myth
#8 You have to have a 3.0 G.P.A. to apply to study abroad.
Fact #8 Although
many programs require students to have at least a 3.0 G.P.A. there are a number
of programs that only require a 2.5 or 2.75 G.P.A., especially the short-term
programs. In addition, many of the program providers are not extremely strict
with the G.P.A. requirement and if you are close to the required G.P.A. (i.e.
2.95 for 3.0 G.P.A. requirement) they will usually let you still participate in
the program. If you start planning for your study abroad experience earlier you
will have time to make sure you will meet the G.P.A. requirement.
Myth
#9 Studying abroad is not safe for Americans.
Fact #9 Penn State
will not send their students into unsafe situations. All programs and cities
are thoroughly researched before students are sent on the programs. The Office
of Education Abroad also keeps in contact with the host institution or 3rd
Party Provider to keep informed about what is happening with that program, its
students and the country. Penn State also keeps in contact with the State
Department to keep informed about what is happening around the world. Many of
our programs are held in smaller towns or villages. These small towns have less
crime than major cities and provide a safer environment for students to learn.
If you have further questions regarding the safety of Penn State Altoona study
abroad programs please visit
http://www.international.psu.edu/students_study_abroad/tss.htm for further
information.
Myth
#10 I have to take courses in my major when studying abroad.
Fact #10 Students
do not have to take courses in their major. In fact, many programs do not allow
students to take courses in their major while studying abroad (i.e. Smeal
College of Business). You can take courses that will count towards your
elective or minor credits. With early planning you can also take classes to
fulfill your general education requirements. There are a wide array of options
that can be arranged to fit into your academic schedule.
Discover Where Your Next Adventure Will Take You!
Visit the Office of Education Abroad
Penn State Altoona
W120 Smith Building
814-949-5282
PDF Version of Myths Handout
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