|
 Welcome to the World of Study Abroad! 
Our
mission is to prepare you for a journey of a
lifetime! With over 60 different countries to
consider for your study abroad opportunity,
there's a special place that will work for each
and every one of you. Study in English, or study
in the native tongue of the country you select.
Go for a year, a semester, a summer or a winter,
but just GO! Take regular courses, participate
in service learning, or do an internship while
earning University of Hartford credits. At the
Study Abroad Office, we strive to answer all of
your questions - including the ones you haven't
even thought of yet!
The
benefits of world travel are universal, no
matter where you study. Inspiration can be found
anywhere you go, whether it's in the
architecture of castles and cathedrals in
Europe, the dramatic landscapes of the southern
hemisphere, the vivid cities of Southeast Asia,
or the local communities of Latin America. Every
destination will have a friendly and supportive
program director or international office to
guide you along the way, helping you achieve the
most out of your time away.
Study abroad can enhance your program of study
at the University of Hartford, no matter what
your major is. You will work with the Study
Abroad Office and your department to identify a
program that best fits your needs. By exploring
your options as early as possible you will
ensure the program you chose will fit well into
your overall curriculum and enable you to
graduate on time. Financial aid is available for
semester and year programs; there are also
scholarships you can apply for.
We
work with you every step of the way. The Study
Abroad Office helps you sort through the many
countries and programs, assists with passport
and visa questions, gives advice about what to
expect and what to pack, works with you while
you are abroad, and helps you get reacquainted
with the life you left for a semester. We are
here to make the process as easy for you as
possible.
If
you are looking for a way to spend a semester
growing personally, socially, culturally and
intellectually… read on!!
Table of Contents
Pg. 4 Why Study Abroad
Pg. 5 Study Abroad Facts
Pg. 6 Approved Countries
Pg. 7 Fact or Fiction
Pg. 8 Study Abroad Options
Pg. 9 Frequently Asked Questions
Pg. 11 Funding Study Abroad
Pg. 15 Outcomes of an International Experience
Pg. 16 Steps to Study Abroad
Pg. 17 For your consideration
Words from the
Wise…. Advice from Study Abroad Alum!
I couldn’t believe how easy it was! I was
apprehensive at first and couldn’t imagine
spending a semester in another country. I had
never left the United States before
my semester abroad. I have now traveled
throughout Europe and can’t wait to go back to work there!
-Josh Satine
I was worried about
finances but all of my UH scholarships &
financial aid applied to mysemester abroad.
My charge for housing & food was actually less
than if I stayed here.There are also
scholarships to apply for. Don’t let finances be
the reason you don’t go!
~Carley Saltzman
I am a business
major and know that employers are looking for
graduates with globalexperience. My
semester abroad has given me that competitive
edge to set myselfapart when I
graduate next year.
-Tim O’Connor
I can honestly say
that this was the best semester of collegeI’ve had yet. It’s
tough to leave your friends & family and
everything isso familiar at UH;
but believe me, you will not regret going
abroad.
~ Erica Rescigno
I didn’t think I
could study abroad as a Physical Therapy major,
but I planned earlyand worked closely
with the Study Abroad Office and my advisor. It
worked, I am graduating on time
and had the best semester of my life in England.
-Tracy Whately
Why Study Abroad?
Last year, over
206,000 students from the United States studied
abroad. Does that number surprise you? These
students already know the benefits of study
abroad. You may be wondering why you should
study abroad. Here are some answers for you.
Timing
This is the absolute best time in your life to
study abroad! You'll never get a better
opportunity than right now. If you've ever
thought about studying overseas, do it while
you're in college. If you miss this window of
opportunity, it's almost impossible to do later
in life. Traveling overseas is just not the
same.
To
broaden your horizons and gain a new perspective
Open your eyes! Life in the USA is pretty much
the same day in, day out. Life overseas makes
you see your everyday world in a whole new
light. You don't even realize it, but our
culture shapes the way we view the world and
affects us every minute of the day. Differences
in culture are more than just differences in
language, food, clothing, and art. Cultural
differences reflect deeply ingrained perceptions
about the world and about one's way of life, and
these perceptions are radically different from
one culture to the next. Americans don't tend to
venture outside the confines of their day-to-day
lives. Students who study abroad return home
with a broadened and less biased perspective
toward other cultures. You'll be more sensitive
to what is happening in the news from places
around the world.
To
gain a better perspective about yourself
Studying abroad encourages you to question who
you are. What are you passionate about? What are
your limits? How do you overcome obstacles
you've never before encountered? How far can you
push yourself? How independent are you? These
questions are hard to answer until you are
removed from your usual surroundings. By leaving
your "comfort zone" of life in the U.S., you'll
get to know strengths you never before knew you
had. After solving difficult problems on your
own overseas, you'll find that almost nothing
fazes you at home. Students who study abroad
commonly report that their study abroad
experience actually changed their life.
To
gain a competitive edge after graduation
We live in a global world and potential
employers are impressed when students have an
international experience. It shows that you're
motivated, inquisitive, assertive, flexible,
independent, and willing to try new things - all
very appealing qualities in an employee People
who study abroad tend to be willing to take
risks, willing to put themselves in unusual
situations, and able to overcome the fear of the
unknown.
To
learn things first-hand, for yourself
Let the world be your classroom! It's one thing
to read about the culture of another country,
but another entirely to experience it yourself.
Things you had previously only read about in a
book or learned about in a classroom will become
your own personal experiences.
What
Are Your Reasons? What Are Your Goals?
After considering these potential benefits, you
must still ask yourself why you want to study
abroad. Take some time to think about your
reasons, for they will become your goals and
your personal measures of success. You might
want to learn about another culture, diversify
your studies, or prepare for graduate school.
Perhaps you want to learn a second language, or
perfect one you already know. Maybe you want to
travel and meet new people.
Study Abroad Facts
So you think you
want to study abroad? Well here are the facts
that can help you determine if this is really
for you. How does housing work? What are the
requirements? What are my options? Can I keep my
financial aid? We are here to answer these
questions and more.
Requirements:
Minimum GPA of 2.5. Some programs have a minimum
of 3.0. Students should have completed two
semesters by the time their program begins.
Eligibility:
Students from all colleges can
participate in study abroad programs with proper
planning. It’s never too early to start
planning!
Credits:
Students will earn UH course credit while
studying abroad on approved fall and spring
semester programs, which will be applied to
their program of study. General education,
electives, AUCs, and most program major courses
can be taken abroad. Students are responsible
for ensuring that their credits transfer back as
they wish.
Financial Aid:
UH Financial Aid & Grants are applied to all
fall and spring approved study abroad programs.
Scholarships are available as well. UH Financial
Aid is not available for summer programs but
scholarships may be available.
Planning:
To ensure that students find a program that
exactly fits their interests and program of
study, they should begin planning about one year
in advance by visiting the Study Abroad Office
and speaking with their academic advisor.
Programs:
Students will experience the fullest cultural
immersion by spending a semester or year in one
of the 60 countries available. UH also offers a
variety of summer, winter, and spring break
programs that are run by our faculty for our
students. Various summer options are also
available through outside programs.
Housing:
As part of the study abroad experience, students
will live in a campus dormitory or apartment
with other students, or they can experience the
local customs and culture by living with a host
family.
Language:
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to
develop or to advance skills in a foreign
language. In addition, in a number of study
abroad programs, English is the primary language
of instruction.
Travel:
Students have ample opportunity to travel in
their host country and adjacent countries. Take
advantage of the excursions and field trips that
are often part of the program.
Career:
A study abroad experience can give students a
competitive edge when looking for a career in
our expanding global world or can lead to
graduate study opportunities.
Approved Study Abroad Locations
|
Argentina |
Germany* |
Nicaragua |
|
Australia* |
Ghana |
Panama |
|
Austria* |
Greece* |
Poland* |
|
Balkans |
Hungary |
Romania* |
|
Belgium* |
India* |
Russia* |
|
elize |
Indonesia |
Samoa |
|
Bolivia |
Ireland* |
Scotland* |
|
Botswana |
Israel* |
Senegal |
|
Brazil |
Italy* |
Sicily* |
|
Cameroon |
Jamaica |
South Africa* |
|
Chile |
Japan* |
Spain* |
|
China* |
Jordan |
Sweden * |
|
Costa Rica |
Kenya |
Switzerland* |
|
Cuba |
Madagascar |
Taiwan |
|
Czech Republic* |
Mali* |
Tanzania |
|
Denmark |
Malta |
Thailand |
|
Dominican Republic |
Mexico* |
Tunisia |
|
Dubai |
Mongolia |
Turkey* |
|
Ecuador* |
Morocco |
Uganda |
|
England* |
Nepal |
Vietnam* |
|
Fiji |
Netherlands* |
Wales* |
|
France* |
New Zealand* |
Zimbabwe* |
*Locations
Where U of H Students Have Studied
Is it Fact or
Fiction: Unraveling the Myths of Study Abroad
There are many
misconceptions when it comes to study abroad.Students might
believe some things they have heard from friends
or family. We strive to
unravel these myths that often time keep
students from filling out that
application and committing to study abroad.
Too expensive
- Your financial aid and UH scholarships can be
applied towards study abroad- you can’t afford
not to!!
I can’t take
courses in my major
- Many courses are
offered in every major, as well as electives,
general education, major electives, AUC, and
internship courses.
I don’t speak a
second language
- Many programs offer courses that are taught in
English throughout the world.
My credits will not
transfer back
- Earn UH credit
while abroad and graduate on time.
None of my friends
want to go
- Study abroad is
best to do on your own, you will make new
friends from all over the world.
I’m too involved
here on campus
- Study abroad
allows you to explore the world beyond
Hartford & get involved on an campus overseas.
Only Juniors can
study abroad
- You can study
abroad anytime after your freshman year, as
often as you like.
A semester is the
only option I have
- UH offers many
short-term programs during summer, winter or
spring break run by our faculty for
our students.
I have never
traveled abroad before
- Most of our
students get their first passport when they
study abroad. You don’t have to be a travel
expert, but you will be when you get back!
Study Abroad Options
There are heaps of
choices when it comes to how long you want to
spend abroad and what
kind of program you want.
Semester/Year
Study abroad for a
semester or full year in one of the over 60
countries available. You can study a wide range
of subjects including language, humanities,
business, science, engineering, music, theatre,
social science, and art. You can take electives,
general education requirements, major courses,
and AUCs. You can go abroad and take the classes
you need and still graduate on time! All of your
Financial Aid is available to take with you, and
scholarships are available. Earn UH credit while
abroad.
Service Learning
Students may also
choose to participate in service learning
opportunities in Europe, Asia, South America,
Africa, and the Middle East. You can enroll in
a full-semester credit bearing program organized
by the Partnership for Service Learning or the
School for International Training. These are
wonderful hands-on opportunities for students to
work with local communities and earn academic
credit. You can also choose to compliment your
academic studies by engaging in service learning
for a few hours a week. This allows you to take
the courses you need while working with people
from your host country.
Experiential
Learning
The Washington
Semester Program at American University offers
internship programs in several distinct areas:
American politics, public law, justice, foreign
policy, international business and trade,
economic policy, journalism, environmental
studies, the arts, education, and others. This
is a dynamic program that takes you outside the
classroom and into the real world. The program
is comprised of seminars, field trips, and the
internship to offer an inside look into a field
of your interest.
University of
Hartford Summer / Winter / Spring Break Programs
Study abroad on a
2 or 3 week short-term course run by UH faculty
for UH students. These programs change every
summer and winter session depending on the
faculty member that is designing them. Please check out
our website or ask the Study Abroad Office
about upcoming courses for this year.
Summer / Winter Programs
Study
abroad with a program provider for 2-9 weeks. A
wide variety of courses can be taken. The
credits will return to UH as transfer credits so
you must work with Transfer Admissions. There is
no UH scholarship money available for these
courses, however loan money can be used, talk
with the Financial Aid Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there a
specific GPA required for studying abroad?
A. You must have a
cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better in order to be
eligible to study abroad. Some programs require
a 2.75, 3.0, or higher.
Q. Do I have to be
a junior in order to study abroad?
A. No.
While many students who go abroad do so during
their junior year, there are many programs open
to qualified, sophomores and seniors.
Q. When should I
apply?
A.
Application deadlines vary from program to
program. Generally, for a semester program, one
semester in advance. For a year program, one
year in advance. In all cases, refer to the
specific deadline for the program you are
interested in.
Q. May I use
financial aid for my study abroad program?
A. Yes. Most financial aid will transfer for
semester and year-long programs approved by the
University of Hartford. Check with the Study
Abroad Office for specifics.
Q. Do I pay
University of Hartford tuition in addition to
the cost of the study abroad program?
A. No.
For many approved semester and year-long
programs students pay University of Hartford
tuition OR the host university tuition if
it is higher. Note: If the host
program’s tuition is less than UofH’s tuition,
you still must pay UofH tuition. However, you
will never pay the tuition twice.
Q. How does room
and board work?
A. Housing varies
on every program from dormitories, to
apartments, to host families. Whatever room and
board choice you choose through your program
provider is the amount that will be charged to
your University of Hartford account. You will
not be billed for UofH room and board when you
are abroad.
Q. Do I pay the
program provider or University of Hartford?
A. The only time
that you will pay the program provider directly
is for an application fee, an initial deposit,
or for a room damage deposit. Thereafter, you
will be billed by UofH for all program fees.
Q. Are there any
special fees associated with study abroad?
A. Yes. All
students receiving UofH credit must participate
in an emergency insurance plan. The fee for a
semester long student is $160. Please contact
the Study Abroad Office for additional
information.
Q. Do I have to
withdraw from University of Hartford in order to
study abroad?
A. For
UofH approved fall and spring semester programs,
you are registered as a UofH student. If you
choose a program that is not approved you must
apply for active status through the
Registrar's Office to maintain your UofH status.
Q. Will the
courses I take abroad count toward my degree
program at the University of Hartford?.
Yes. Courses taken at approved study abroad
programs are considered UofH courses and both
grades and credits are included on your UofH
transcript and calculated into your GPA. All
courses must still be approved by your academic
advisor.
Q. May I take
courses in English in countries where English is
not the official language?
A. Yes.
English language programs exist in non-English
speaking countries. We highly recommend that you
take at least one language course in the country
you are considering studying in. This will add
to your immersion experience profoundly. If you
are looking to become fluent in a language, the
best way to learn is by going there!
Q.
Are the summer study
abroad programs just like fall/spring programs
only shorter? Are there advantages/disadvantages
to summer and semester?
A.
Summer programs range from 1-8 weeks, with most
running 3 weeks. UofH summer programs are
courses for our students designed and led by our
professors. These are a wonderful way to get a
glimpse into another culture. Numerous programs
offer summer programs all over the world that
students can go on. One main difference is UofH
financial aid can not be used for summer
programs, although private loans can. A
disadvantage to a summer program is that the
students do not have as much time to fully
immerse themselves in the host culture.
Q.
May I talk to a returned study abroad student?
A.
Yes! Returned students are one of your best
resources for information about all aspects of
study abroad programs. Many have volunteered to
share their experiences with students thinking
about going abroad. Get in touch with our Study
Abroad Alumni Network by calling our office
(860-768-5100).
Q.
What is a University of Hartford "Administered
Program?"
A.
These are programs administered and supervised
by UofH. UofH faculty are directly involved, and
the courses receive UofH credit and grades like
courses on campus. These are offered over
winter, summer, and spring break sessions.
Q.
What is a University of Hartford "Approved
Program?"
A.
These are semester and year-long programs
sponsored by program providers that have been
approved by UofH. Over 100 programs are approved
for UofH student participation in Africa, Asia,
Europe, South America, the Middle East and
Oceania. Students receive UofH grades and
credit toward their degree for courses taken
through these programs. Students are able to
apply all of their financial aid towards these
programs. The UofH approved program list is
available on our website
www.hartford.edu/studyabroad.
Q.
Why might potential employers value an employee
who has studied abroad?
A. We live in a
global world and potential employers are
impressed when students have an international
experience. It shows that you are motivated,
inquisitive, assertive, flexible, independent,
and willing to try new things - all very
appealing qualities in an employee. It also
shows cross-cultural competence.
Q.
If I require accommodations for a physical,
emotional, or psychological condition can I
study abroad?
A. Students should
consult with their physicians, psychologists and
counselors extensively regarding study abroad
plans. They should also self disclose to the
program providers about their circumstances.
This will allow the program provider to
appropriately assist the students. Students
should also continue their prescribed
medications while abroad, which may mean
bringing a supply sufficient for the duration of
their sojourn
Q. How do I get
started with my planning?
A.
Contact the Study Abroad Office in the
International Center to make an appointment.
(860) 768-5100
Funding your Study Abroad Experience
So you think
you want to study abroad but you are not sure if
you can afford it.
Choosing
a Program
When
choosing a program, cost may be an important
factor for you. You must first decide how much
you are able to spend to study abroad and look
at how much financial aid or scholarships you
usually receive.
If you are
looking at semester and year-long approved
programs, remember that you will pay UofH
tuition, and the program’s room and board costs.
Some program’s tuition is more expensive than
UofH, if this is true for the program you are
interested in you must pay the difference. Most
programs have their cost breakdowns on their
website or can be obtained by calling their
office.
Think
about what you want included in your program.
Do you want
meals included or would you like to cook for
yourself? Do you want many excursions planned
out for you or do you want to see your host
country on your own time? Do you want a cell
phone included in the cost? Do you want weekend
excursions included? Do you want to be picked up
at the airport or do you want the adventure of
locating your new home on your own?
Think
about different parts of the world.
We are all
familiar with images of Europe through the
media, the arts, and history; however, Europe is
expensive. Consider parts of the world where the
dollar will go much farther, like South Africa,
Asia, Latin America, or even Eastern Europe!
Financial
Aid
You can use
your financial aid to study abroad. The amount
of aid will not increase of decrease if you are
study abroad from a semester. You remain
enrolled as a UofH student so you should not
change anything on your FAFSA form.
Tuition
Waiver
Tuition
waiver does not apply when you are studying
abroad. You must pay the tuition and program
fees of the provider to UofH.
Scholarships
You have
to proactive about this! If you are willing
to do the legwork there is funding out there
for you!
The most
successful recipients take the time to do
research and apply to many scholarships to
increase their chances of getting funding.
Remember-
all of your UofH scholarships will be applied to
your study abroad if you choose an approved
semester or year-long program.
The Study
Abroad Office offers two Domenica Di Matteo
Scholarships each semester. This is to honor the
Study Abroad Advisor, Student Mentor and
Advocate that worked in the Study Abroad Office
for nearly 10 years. This scholarship is merit
and financial based. Please contact the Study
Abroad Office for details.
The Barney
School of Business offers scholarships each
semester to business students who study Abroad.
Please visit Annette Rogers for more
information.
There are
scholarships offered by many of the study abroad
provider programs. These focus on but are not
limited to merit, financial need, minority
students, non-traditional majors, and
non-traditional host countries. Please contact
your program provider for qualification details
and deadlines. Apply early for these.
The
National Security Education Program (NSEP)
scholarship fund focuses on geographic areas,
languages, and fields of study deemed critical
to U.S. national security, and applicants must
fulfill a one-year service requirement after the
exchange. Average award: $5,000- $10,000 per
semester for up to two semesters. For more
information, please go to
http://www.iie.org/nsep.
Sponsored by
the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
of the U.S. Department of State and administered
by the Institute of International Education, the
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
program seeks to lower barriers to undergraduate
study abroad by offering scholarships to
students with financial need. We encourage
those underrepresented in study abroad to apply.
The award is up to $5,000 for semester or
academic year programs.
http://www.iie.org//programs/gilman/index.html
The
Ambassadorial Scholarships Program of The Rotary
Foundation is the world's largest privately
funded international scholarships program. More
than 1,200 scholarships awarded annually.
http://www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/index.html
You can
also check out the following websites for more
scholarship information:
http://www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html
http://www.studyabroadfunding.org
Working During Study Abroad
There
are very few countries abroad where it will be
legal for you to work. Even if it is legal for
you to work, this does not mean that you will be
able to find a job once you arrive overseas.
Many countries are hesitant to hire someone who
is not a resident. When creating a budget you
must not count on any funds from working
abroad.
Creative Ways to Raise or Save Money
•
Apply for scholarships. See the websites listed
previously for some ideas.
•
Talk to your college or department about
scholarships or grants.
•
Find work or pick up extra hours during breaks
to save up. Plan early and spend carefully now
so you
have enough time to save.
•
Check local libraries, high schools, alumni
associations, religious organizations, the
Chamber of
-
Commerce, City Hall, Lions Clubs, travel
agents, media (TV, newspapers, radio
stations), country clubs (some will offer
scholarships to students who worked there as
caddies!), etc. for scholarships, or ask
them to sponsor a pancake breakfast or
raffle on your behalf.
•
Contact local heritage organizations for
funding, especially if you are a member of that
community or if
you are planning on studying abroad in a country
relevant to the organization’s members.
Examples include the Swedish-American Society
and the Japan-American Society.
•
Seek professional organizations in the area or
in your hometown in which you plan to work, or
are
working, and inquire about grants or
scholarships.
• Ask
credit unions, banks, or major corporations for
donations or scholarships.
•
Have your parents ask their employers about
scholarships for children of employees.
• Ask
a relative for a low- or no-interest loan.
•
Forgo birthday and holiday gifts in exchange for
study abroad financial assistance (gifts or
loans).
• Ask
your friends and neighbors to help contribute
money or used items, such as a backpack, travel gear,
etc. Also ask local stores to contribute
supplies.
•
Sell your non-essential items at a garage sale.
• If
you have a talent, do artwork, bake cookies, or
build crafts or similar items and sell them.
• Ask
your fraternity or sorority to sponsor you.
•
Organize a car wash in your neighborhood.
•
Arrange for someone to sublet your apartment
while you are gone. You will not be able to
receive
financial aid to maintain an apartment, car
payments, or other expenses back home while you
are away.
•
Offer to let a relative or friend use your car
while you are gone in exchange for helping you
make your
car payments. Or, if your car is paid off, ask
for a small amount of money.
•
Shop around early for your international airline
tickets. The Internet does not always give the
best
prices. Try the newspaper, local travel agents,
or look into group flight options offered by the
program provider. Ask for student discounts
whenever possible.
•
Look into alternative student loans if you do
not qualify for need-based financial aid.
Contact the Financial Aid Office (860-768-4296) for a list
of alternative loans.
“Creative Ways to Raise or Save Money” and
“Study Abroad Budget Planning Worksheet”
from the University of Minnesota’s Study Abroad
Advising Handbook
Study Abroad Budget Planning
Worksheet
Expense Description Cost
Program Fee
Travel Documents & Immunizations
-
passport
-
photos
-
visa
-
entry / exit tax
-
re-entry permit
-
immunizations
Transportation
-
international airfare
-
train, bus, or domestic
travel from airport to program site
-
transportation for personal
travel
Textbooks / Materials
Room and/or Board (if not included in program
fee)
Personal Living Expenses
-
local transportation (bus
pass, subway pass, taxi)
-
communications (phone card,
postage)
-
toiletries
-
emergency cash
Spending Money
Working During Study Abroad
There are very few countries
abroad where it will be legal for you to work.
Even if it is legal for you to work, this does
not mean that you will be able to find a job
once you arrive overseas. Many countries are
hesitant to hire someone who is not a resident.
When creating a budget you must not count
on any funds from working abroad.
Creative Ways to Raise or Save
Money
• Apply for scholarships. See
the websites listed previously for some ideas.
• Talk to your college or
department about scholarships or grants.
• Find work or pick up extra
hours during breaks to save up. Plan early and
spend carefully now so you have enough time to
save.
• Check local libraries, high
schools, alumni associations, religious
organizations, the Chamber of
Commerce, City Hall, Lions Clubs,
travel agents, media (TV, newspapers, radio
stations), country clubs (some will offer
scholarships to students who worked there as
caddies!), etc. forscholarships, or ask them to
sponsor a pancake breakfast or raffle on your
behalf.
• Contact local heritage
organizations for funding, especially if you are
a member of that communityor if you are planning
on studying abroad in a country relevant to the
organization’s members. Examples include the
Swedish-American Society and the Japan-American
Society.
• Seek professional organizations
in the area or in your hometown in which you
plan to work, or are working, and inquire about
grants or scholarships.
• Ask credit unions, banks, or
major corporations for donations or
scholarships.
• Have your parents ask their
employers about scholarships for children of
employees.
• Ask a relative for a low- or
no-interest loan.
• Forgo birthday and holiday
gifts in exchange for study abroad financial
assistance (gifts or loans).
• Ask your friends and neighbors
to help contribute money or used items, such as
a backpack, travel gear, etc. Also ask local
stores to contribute supplies.
• Sell your non-essential items
at a garage sale.
• If you have a talent, do
artwork, bake cookies, or build crafts or
similar items and sell them.
• Ask your fraternity or sorority
to sponsor you.
• Organize a car wash in your
neighborhood.
• Arrange for someone to sublet
your apartment while you are gone. You will not
be able to receive
financial aid to maintain an
apartment, car payments, or other expenses back
home while you are away.
• Offer to let a relative or
friend use your car while you are gone in
exchange for helping you make your car payments.
Or, if your car is paid off, ask for a small
amount of money.
• Shop around early for your
international airline tickets. The Internet does
not always give the best prices. Try the
newspaper, local travel agents, or look into
group flight options offered by the program
provider. Ask for student discounts whenever
possible.
• Look into alternative student
loans if you do not qualify for need-based
financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office
(860-768-4296) for a list of alternative loans.
“Creative Ways to Raise or Save
Money” and “Study Abroad Budget Planning
Worksheet” from the University of Minnesota’s
Study Abroad Advising Handbook
Outcomes of an
International Experience
This sheet provides a handy reference of skills
you may develop as a direct result of your experiences
abroad. You can use this to spark ideas for
creating a resume, preparing for an interview, and
reflecting upon your experiences.
Skills
-
Understand cultural
differences and similarities
-
Adapt to new
environments
-
Learn through
listening and observing
-
Establish rapport
quickly
-
Function with a
high level of ambiguity
-
Take initiative and
risks
-
Utilize time
management skills
-
Identify problems
and utilize available resources to solve the
problems
-
Accept
responsibility
-
Communicate despite
barriers
-
Learn quickly
-
Handle difficult
situations
-
Handle stress
-
Manage/organize
-
Lead others in
formal/informal groups
-
Conduct research
despite language and cultural differences
-
Cope with rejection
Qualities
Steps to Study Abroad
1. Meet with the
Study Abroad Office.
2. Look over the
catalogs to determine where & what you want to
study.
3. Meet with your
Academic Advisor to carefully go over your
plan of study and how study abroad fits in.
Do you want to take major courses, AUCs,
electives, gen eds, a language? These are all
things you should talk about with your Academic
Advisor.
4. Meet with the
Study Abroad Office again once a program has
been selected to talk about the application
process & finances.
5. Complete the
application including request for transcript
from the registrar, as well as essays,
recommendations, application fee etc., as
specified for your program.
6. Address the
financial aspect of study abroad with your
parent/guardian. Remember all financial aid is
applied; and you are responsible for your flight
& personal expenses. There are scholarships
available through the Study Abroad Office, your
program & others, just ask!
7. Pay attention
to deadlines & make sure all material is
submitted to the Study Abroad Office for
approval prior to the deadline. The Study
Abroad Office will submit all application
materials on your behalf and begin a file for
you. Programs usually take 3-5 weeks to
respond with an acceptance.
7. Complete all UH
paperwork for course approval including Program
Approval Form & Course Adjustment Form if
necessary. You must make sure these are
completed and on file with the Study Abroad
Office.
8. Apply for a
passport ASAP! Passports are taking up to 4
months to process. A Student Visa may be
required by your host country, ask your program.
9. Always ask
questions & stay on top of program paperwork &
deadlines regarding housing, courses, visas,
etc.
10. Research your
host country, attend the UH pre-departure
meeting, pack your bags & have the best
semester of your college career!
For your Consideration
Why
do you want to study abroad? What
are your goals?
Academics
- Which
semester is better for you to study abroad?
- Do you
want to learn a language?
- Do you
want to study one topic intensively or take
a variety of course?
- Do you
have classes that need to be taken in
sequence?
- What do
you think you need to do to prepare yourself
for study abroad?
- Can you
afford to study abroad?
Learning Style
- Do you
learn better in a classroom or outside of
the classroom?
- Do you
like independent or guided learning?
- Are you
able to adapt to different style of
learning?
- Do you
like small or large classes?
Geographic
Interests
-
Are you
interested in a region of the world or a
specific country?
-
Is there
something happening in the world today that
you want to learn more about?
-
Is there
a political system that intrigues you?
Personal Identity
-
Do you
want to explore family roots?
-
Do you
want to live in your home country?
-
Are
there historical or current factors in
places around the world that may impact your
experience there?
Career Path
-
What
will help your graduate school applications
or make your resume stand out?
Other
-
Do you
want to study abroad more than once?
-
How
immersed in the culture do you want to be?
-
You may
have other ideas; include them all!
Identify Challenges
Now think about
what, if anything, might prevent you from
studying abroad. Use the same sort of
brainstorming technique to record the
challenges. Identify the factors you'll have to
consider:
- Family
- Money
- Job
obligations
- Social,
academic, or athletic commitments
- Psychological, emotional, or physical issues
Consider how these
factors affect studying abroad. The aim of this
is to list the real challenges along with your
goals.
Set Priorities
Once you have completed this list, you can start
setting priorities. Try ranking the factors. You
may place the number 1 beside a geographic
location that is extremely important to you, and
then the number 2 n | 
