Facts on Study Abroad
Student Concerns Regarding Study Abroad
| Student Concerns |
Considerations |
| Cost |
Money from federal financial aid programs may be used for
studying abroad. Many students
save money to pay for part or all of their study abroad programs.
There are also some scholarships available. Study abroad is an
investment in your future. |
| Foreign Language |
Not all programs require fluency in, or even knowledge of, the
host country language, and many programs offer courses in English.
Those wishing to learn a language may seek a language immersion program. |
| Academic Credit |
Credits will transfer back to your institution, and many
programs offer resident credit at the home institution. Approval for
academic credit for your study abroad program should be arranged prior
to your departure. |
| Diverse Courses of Study |
Program options are diverse in both fields of study and location. |
| Diverse Destinations |
Program options are available for most destinations. In the 2004-2005 academic year the UM Study Abroad Office offered programs in more than 35 countries. |
How can study abroad help me?
Students report that study abroad experiences change their lives - they open their eyes to the world. As
such, study abroad has been the topic of much research. A 1988 survey of more than 2,500 students reported
that educational exchange was associated with a variety of learning outcomes. Students in this survey
reported developing bilingual skills; expanding their knowledge of the host country, its people, culture,
politics, economy, society and role in the world; developing the capacity to empathize with people from other
countries; and gaining an understanding that the world is one community. Developing such knowledge,
attitudes and beliefs tends to make one less ethnocentric and more adaptable. Study abroad also helps
students gain skills in creative and critical thinking as well as expand their knowledge of their home
country and culture.
In addition to personal development, study abroad can also be an excellent addition to a resume.
A 1994 study found that employers now put a high value on international skills such as knowledge of a
foreign language and cross-cultural competence. A student that makes the most of a study abroad experience
will certainly enhance these skills. This means reaching out to people of another culture, and learning
to communicate within another cultural and linguistic framework.
| "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness
. . . Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired
by vegetating in one corner of the earth all one's lifetime." |
| - Mark Twain |
|
