SStudying abroad in college is truly a

once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The experi-

ences, the camaraderie and the academics

are just some of the unforgettable aspects.

While the notion of studying abroad is

exciting, the process of choosing the right

program based on cost and academics,

amongst other reasons, may be intimidat-

ing. Rest assured, taking the

time to thoroughly plan

and prepare for a trip

will be rewarding—

studying abroad will

change your life.

HesitationsMany people have hesita-

tions about traveling,

usually with regards to

the financial and time

notions. While most

college students do

not have deep

pockets, not all

study abroad

programs

will leave you counting every last penny.

There are programs that may cost as much

as, if not less than, your university’s per

term tuition. Even if you do spend more

studying abroad, the unique and exciting

experiences are truly priceless. After all,

authentic cultural experiences cannot

be bought—they are felt first-hand. To

help offset costs, consider applying for

scholarships or securing a student loan.

By planning your journey early, the

income from a part-time or summer

job can help with the day-to-day

expenses you will incur while abroad.

With regards to time, think of all

the options you can pursue that can

fit to your schedule: year-long, one

semester/quarter, summer break,

winter break and even spring break.

Besides the traditional school year

programs, some schools offer

summer programs or travel

study opportunities which

tend to be lower cost and

of a shorter duration.

Travel study programs

are unique in the sense

that they focus on a

certain academic theme and the professors

travel alongside the students within the

country or particular region. The shortest

travel study session is usually one to two

weeks and can be a great introduction to the

world of both traveling and studying abroad.

When to Go?Once you have embraced the idea of

studying abroad, your trip’s timing is the

next order of business. Students typically

study abroad their junior year of college,

but you can easily do this during your

sophomore and senior years if you plan

accordingly. This is why it is so important

to embrace the idea of studying abroad

early in your college career. By doing this,

you will allow yourself to create a plan to

balance your home university’s workload

with the classes you will take abroad. Keep

in mind that certain classes for your major

may only be offered during certain terms.

Taking this into consideration will help

keep your graduation date on schedule.

Choosing a ProgramNow that a timeframe and class schedule

have been established, the fun part can

start— selecting a program! Your first

inquiry should be with your university’s

study abroad office, as they will offer

On Campus

Studying by Kristina Wegscheider, Π (University of California-Berkeley)

programs that are either affiliated with

or are pre-screened by the school. This

will make transferring units back to

your home university guaranteed and

hassle-free. When looking at various

programs, consider the following:

1) Cost

2) Language requirements

3) Available courses

With regards to cost, you may be

surprised to learn that many study abroad

programs are actually cheaper than the

regular tuition and fees from your home

university. Be sure to closely examine

what is included and also factor in other

costs, if applicable (like housing, transporta-

tion, meals, social activities and weekend

excursions). For many countries, you will

need to obtain a student visa, which will

incur additional fees.

While most schools offer classes in

English in non-English speaking countries,

you may find that some programs require

a certain level of language proficiency.

Again, this is why planning ahead is so

helpful. You can take a foreign language

class during your first year or two and

be ready to put newly-acquired foreign

language skills to good use while

abroad. Alpha Chi collegian Amy

Qin (Π) did this when she stud-

ied abroad with the Inter-University Program

(IUP) at Tsinghua University in Beijing,

China. When Amy selected her program,

she specifically wanted a full immersion

program that would allow her to improve

her Mandarin language skills and also

experience the culture first-hand.

Before choosing classes in the preced-

ing term(s), be sure to thoroughly look at

what courses are available and if they will

transfer back to your home university. If

you find a program that is not affiliated

with your school, make an appointment

with your academic advisor and bring as

much info about the program (course

description, school information, etc.) so

a judgment can be made as to whether or

not the units will transfer in the long run.

During Your ProgramOnce you have selected a program, you

can begin to prepare for one of the most

amazing experiences of your life. This

may be the first time you are away

from friends and family, and

you may even be in a country where you

do not know anyone. It is all a part of

the adventure!

Depending on your geographical

location, you may suddenly find that other

countries are just a stone’s throw away and

are much different than most places in the

United States. If you opt for Europe, you

can hop on the easy-to-use EuroRail railway

network to experience another country for

the weekend with your new friends. If you

are mostly isolated, like in Australia or Japan,

try exploring the lesser-known regions of

the country or budget for one journey dur-

ing your study abroad program that will

require a short flight. In most countries,

domestic airfare can be quite inexpensive,

especially in Europe.

For those in organized programs, you

may find that there are activities and excur-

sions arranged for you! Alpha Chi Gillian

Clow (Π) studied at the Universitat Pompeu

Abroad:An International Outlook for Your Future

26 Spring 2010 ❘❘ The Lyre

Fabra in Barcelona,

Spain with International

Studies Abroad (ISA).

She opted for a homes-

tay with a local family

during her time abroad but

still was able to take advantage

of the built-in events that ISA

offered, like roller-blading

around the city for Carnaval

and heading out to the coastal town of

Sitges for a long weekend.

Impact on FutureWhen you return from your time

abroad, you will come home with lots

of souvenirs, new friends and amazing

memories. But you will also bring back

the experience of living abroad, which can

help in a variety of ways as you assimilate

back into your regular schedule. In the

short-term, you may find yourself looking

at the world with a new perspective and

may suddenly discover local restaurants

and shops you never knew existed before,

as they remind you of your time abroad.

In the long-term, studying abroad is

an insightful experience to put on your

résumé. As you approach your senior year

in college and begin applying for jobs, the

experience from spending time abroad

can assist you with catching an employer’s

attention. If you apply to a multi-national

corporation, you will be all the more

appealing with your knowledge of concepts

outside of your hometown. Additional travel

can also appear as you become a seasoned

professional. After establishing yourself with

a local firm, there are occasionally opportuni-

ties to do an “ex-pat” assignment where you

work from your company’s office in another

country for a set duration.

Some students fall in love with the con-

cept of living abroad and decide to continue

the adventure post-graduation by pursuing

graduate school or working abroad. By

continuing your studies abroad, you can

begin to build a foundation for years ahead.

Take Alpha Chi Omega alumna Anna

Heimbichner (Π), who spent a year abroad

studying history at Oxford University in

England, as an example. Anna fell in love

with the city and upon graduation, com-

pleted a Master’s degree in International

Relations from Oxford. She then continued

her studies to obtain a law degree. Her law

firm employment begins next year, but

in the interim, Anna has been doing non-

profit legal work in Johannesburg, South

Africa, escaping to neighboring African

nations for short jaunts to take advantage

of the proximity. Anna noted that “one

experience has led to another” starting

with her time at Oxford and continuing on

with the adventures that are in her future.

Others opt to find employment abroad

immediately following school which is a

great chance to see the world while earning

income. Whether it is teaching English

in Japan or joining the Peace Corps and

venturing to a remote nation, the chance

to immerse yourself in another culture

can be invaluable and having funding to

subsidize the cost can make it a more feasi-

ble opportunity for many. This experience

can help open new doors for networking

and can add incredible experience to your

employment history.

Another benefit of being abroad is the

opportunity to either pick-up a new language

or to perfect your skills. By challenging your-

self to some introductory courses at your

home campus, you can use your newfound

knowledge in a practical setting and, hopefully,

become fluent. This fluency translates to an

invaluable asset to your professional career

and future traveling. Employers value, and

often pay extra, for employees who possess

foreign language skills relevant to their

occupation as it eliminates the need for the

employer to use outside consultants or ven-

dors. Even if foreign language skills are not a

part of the job requirements, it is still impor-

tant to highlight as it can help differentiate

you from other candidates.

Studying abroad is an incredible

opportunity that will help you now and

in your long-term future. Exposure to other

cultures, languages and places early in life

creates a lifetime of interest and intrigue

in travel. So, get started planning your

trip abroad today!

Your decision to study abroad can be a bit con-

fusing and overwhelming, so do not make it lightly.

Research and planning are keys to your success. The

following are just a few places to start your search:

• Consult the study abroad office, career center or your

academic advisor at your school for initial leads on

program recommendations.

• What did your Alpha Chi sisters like or dislike about

studying abroad? Ask your sisters about their experi-

ences abroad and factor in that information.

• Search the web for programs, and always be sure to

thoroughly research a program before applying or

sending a deposit. Programs should be affiliated with

an accredited university. Ask to speak with previous

program participants for first-hand information.

On Campus