Study Abroad 101:The Basics

Presented by:University Center for International Education (UCIE)

Welcome

• Michael Coon, Study Abroad Advisor

• Study Abroad Experience

• Italy • Luxembourg• Italy (graduate student)

Overview

• Why Study Abroad

• Introduction to Study Abroad at Wright State

• Role of UCIE

• Types of Study Abroad Programs at Wright State

• How to Select a Program

• Funding Study Abroad

Role of the UCIE

• Support students• Provide information about

study abroad options• Answer questions about

study abroad programs• Assist with application

process• Administer process to get

study abroad courses pre-approved

• Administer pre-departure orientation

• Coordinate grade conversion process when students return from program

Why Study Abroad

• Travel and Earn WSU Credit

• Become a true “global citizen”

• Learn or enhance language skills

• Develop strong interpersonal skills

• Experience personal growth

• Experience new ideas, values and customs

• Get an edge on your resume

Study Abroad at WSU: Important Things to Know

• Financial Aid and Scholarships can be used for WSU approved study abroad programs

• WSU has programs in more than 40 countries• You do not need to be fluent in a foreign language for

most programs• Programs/classes are available for most fields including

math, business, sciences, engineering, nursing and more

• You will receive full academic credit for the coursework you complete abroad

Where Can I Go…

…And How Do I Get There

What Are My Options

• WSU offers 3 different and unique study abroad options

• Ambassador Programs

• Third Party Affiliate Programs

• Direct Exchange Programs

Ambassador Programs

• Excellent first study abroad experience

• Led by WSU faculty• Last 2-4 weeks in summer

and winter intersession• Full credit for at least 1

class• Financial aid can be

applied toward cost of program

Third Party Programs

• USAC, ISA, AIFS, ASA, CIS Abroad, SFS, & Semester at Sea

• Good for students with limited international experience

• No language requirements in most cases

• Full credit for any courses taken

• Volunteer & Internship opportunities are available

• Financial Aid can be applied towards cost of program

Direct Exchange Programs

• Allow students to study in destinations such as China, Spain, Sweden, France or Chile

• Students pay WSU tuition and living costs abroad

• Good for independent students

• Full credit for courses completed

• 3.0 GPA required in most cases

• Financial Aid can be applied

How Do I Find A Program That Is Right For Me

• Research your options to find a program that fits your needs

• Gather information from different resources• Talk to a study abroad

advisor• Talk to your academic

advisor• Talk to financial aid• Talk to friends who have

studied abroad• Contact Peer Mentors

(returned study abroad students)

How Do I Find A Program That Is Right For Me

• Things to consider• Type of Program• Academics/Courses

Offered• Location• Cost• Timing• Level of Immersion

What Should I Do When I Find A Program I Like

• Submit your Study Abroad Application

• For non-Ambassador Programs this is a two-step process• WSU Education Abroad

Application• Application for Program

Provider or Institution

How Can You Afford Study Abroad

• Plan Ahead

• Use Your Financial Aid

• Apply for Institutional (WSU) Scholarships

• Apply for External Scholarships

External Scholarships and Grants

The Following Are Examples of External Study Abroad Scholarships

• Gilman Scholarship• Students receiving Federal Pell Grant can be awarded

up to $5,000• Non-traditional Locations preferred

• Freeman Asia• Awards up to $3,000/summer, $5,000/semester or

$7,000/year to study in East or Southeast Asia• Must receive federal need-based financial aid• Priority to students with no previous experience in

country• Complete project to promote study abroad on campus

once returned to home campus

External Scholarships and Grants

• Boren Scholarship• Provides up to $10,000/semester based on need

assessment• Study in non-traditional locations to which U.S. has

security interest• Service requirement post-graduation

• Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant• Awards 45 $1,000 Study Abroad Grants• Must have 3.5 or higher GPA• Have 45 – 135 quarter credit hours at time of program

Study Abroad Scholarship Resources

Other Scholarship Resources

• 3rd Party Providers offer there own in-house scholarships

• There are many websites that provide scholarship information such as:• www.studyabroadfunding.org• www.diversityabroad.com/scholarships• www.fastweb.com• www.goldenkey.org/GKIHS/MemberBenefits/

ScholarshipsandAwards/ScholarshipandAwardListing/

This Could Be You…

Questions?