The Who, What, When, Where and Why of Study Abroad:
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information Questions
Q: Who can study abroad?
A: Study abroad opportunities exist for undergraduate, graduate, and New College students. Students in any major can benefit from studying abroad. Undecided majors may discover new interests while studying abroad that may help them choose a major and career path.
Q: Why should I study abroad?
A: In addition to the benefits of becoming familiar with another culture and improving your foreign language skills, study abroad can help you:
- Gain increased independence
- Develop new perspectives on your own culture and your role in the world
- Acquire new and/or improved communication skills
- Enrich your academic studies
- Increase your confidence
- Become more open-minded
- Develop a new academic or career direction
- Develop a heightened sense of global community
Q: Should I notify the Office of International Education (OIE) if I plan to go abroad?
A: All St. Edward's students completing study, internship or volunteer abroad experiences must coordinate with the OIE. In addition to providing useful information that will help you maximize your abroad experience, the OIE facilitates the process of transferring credits from study abroad programs, conducts required pre-departure orientations, and works with other campus offices to help students have a successful abroad experience.
Q: When can I study abroad?
A: You can study abroad as early as the summer after your freshman year. Transfer students must have established a GPA at St. Edward's before studying abroad. Remember, the earlier you get started, the more study abroad experiences you can have while you are a
Q: Can I really study abroad more than once?
A: Definitely. Multiple study abroad experiences require planning to ensure that you can continue to make progress toward your degree but many students have done this with the help of the OIE.
Q: Where can I study abroad?
A: The possibilities are endless, although choosing a study abroad location requires much research and thought. The first step is to attend a Study Abroad 101 session with a study abroad returnee where you will learn about the many study abroad options available to
There are long-term and short-term study abroad options. Students may study abroad for four or six weeks in the summer, a full semester, or a whole academic year. Remember, the longer the program, the better your understanding of your host country's culture and language will be.
Q: What opportunities other than study abroad are available?
A: While study abroad offers students an excellent way to incorporate an international experience into their time at St. Edward's, students may also consider an internship abroad, completing a volunteer program abroad, working abroad after graduation, or pursuing graduate studies abroad. More and more, study abroad programs are combining experiential learning with classroom learning, so there are many possibilities and the OIE can help you research each of them to determine the right program for you.
Q: What information can I give my parents about study abroad?
A: Your parents might like to know the following information about studying abroad through St. Edward's:
- The realities of a global workplace demand that students demonstrate their ability to function cross-culturally to be considered competitive in the job market. Most employers value study or work abroad experience because it shows flexibility and an ability to interact with many different types of people.
- Through study abroad one can gain increased maturity and independence, a more open mind, and a better understanding of one's own and other cultures.
- Many families are concerned about the safety of their child while abroad. We discuss safety and health issues in depth with all students before they go abroad. The advisors in the Office of International Education are also happy to speak with any parents who have concerns they would like to discuss.
Academic Concerns
Q: Do I have to speak a foreign language to go abroad?
A: Not necessarily. Many programs are offered in English, even in non-English speaking countries. However, studying abroad presents the opportunity to enhance your language skills or learn a new language, while taking courses toward your degree. The OIE encourages all students to have a little knowledge of the host country language out of respect for the culture of the country.
Q: Will studying abroad delay my graduation?
A: In most cases, students can continue to make progress toward their degree while studying abroad. Many majors include courses that are frequently taught in study abroad programs. Students can also take general education requirements and electives abroad. Academic planning for your study abroad experience also helps. If you're thinking about studying abroad, talk to the OIE and your academic advisor about the classes in your degree plan that you might want to take abroad.
Q: Can I transfer credits from any study abroad experience to St. Edward's?
A: The OIE helps students identify accredited study abroad programs. Not all programs are appropriate for students to receive academic credit. Make sure you work with the OIE to identify a study abroad program that will allow you to transfer credit back to St. Edward's and follow all of the steps to get credit once you have chosen an approved program.
Financial Questions
Q: How expensive is it to study abroad?
A: It depends on what type of program you choose, where you go, and how long you are gone. Some programs allow you to use more of your financial aid than others. Some countries and cities are more expensive than others. For all of these reasons, you should plan ahead and work with the OIE to choose a program that meets your needs.
Q: Can I use financial aid to study abroad?
A: Federal aid can be applied to all types of study abroad programs. The OIE, in coordination with Student Financial Services, can help you choose a program that allows you to maximize your financial aid package. As with many of the aspects of studying abroad, advance planning broadens your program options and ensures that you will be able to use as much of your financial aid as possible.
Q: Are there scholarships available for study abroad?
A: There are a number of scholarships specifically designed to help students defray the cost of study abroad. Again, most scholarships require that students plan in advance as the application process may take place a semester or even a full year before the program begins. In addition to scholarships offered by various study abroad companies and providers, students may compete for scholarships such as the Gilman Scholarship, and the NSEP. Contact the OIE for more information.
Q: What about scholarships that allow you to complete a graduate degree abroad?
A: Programs like the Fulbright, the Rhodes Scholarship, and Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships afford students the opportunity to do graduate study and research abroad. The Director of Fellowships helps students prepare applications for such scholarship opportunities. Ask the OIE for more information.
Questions about Study Abroad Programs
Q: What kinds of programs are available and how do they differ?
A: Students at St. Edward’s can select from a variety of program types and options. 1) Reciprocal Exchange Programs, 2) Study Abroad Program Providers, 3) St. Edward's Faculty-Led Programs. Each type of experience offers students different benefits so it is important to determine which type of program is best for you. See Types of Programs for more information about each of these models of study abroad.
Q: How do I know which program to go on?
A: The OIE will help you to determine the best program given your academic goals, your language skills, your financial aid package, and your preferences. Your advisor in the OIE will talk to you about each of these aspects of study abroad and help you choose a program in an individualized advising appointment.
Q: What should I think about before meeting with my OIE advisor?
A: You should be prepared to talk about the following questions when you meet with an advisor:
- Location: In what kind of culture do you wish to live? Non-western? Western?
Large city? Small town? What do you want to do in your spare time while abroad?
Outdoor activities? Museums and cultural events? Both? - Courses: What are your academic goals for your study abroad experience? Do you want to satisfy major requirements? General electives? Do you prefer to concentrate on your language skills and learn the culture? Do you want to do an internship?
- Degree of integration: Do you prefer to take classes with host-country students and is your language proficiency sufficient to do so? Or would you prefer classes in English with other U.S. and international students?
- Housing: Do you want to live with a family? Would you rather live in an apartment or in program housing with other U.S. and international students?
- Cost: How will you pay for your study abroad experience? Do you plan to use financial aid? What kind of financial aid do you have?
- Program Structure: Do you want the program to include extra-curricular activities such as field trips and cultural activities? Would you prefer to have your weekends and breaks free to pursue your own interests?