Myths Prevent Going Abroad

The study abroad program at the University of Cincinnati is quickly building an excellent reputation. Many students come into their college careers with the desire to go abroad but fail to put it into action.

The International and Education Abroad Programs at UC can help students customize their educational programs according to their curriculum and financial needs.

Any UC student can study abroad. From engineering to violin majors, students have added international travels to their resume. UC also offers an extensive study abroad resource library with information about thousands of programs in all fields of study.

In the study abroad library, there is information about programs on every continent other than Antarctica. Even if UC does not have a program in the country a student is looking for, there are ways to find one.

“Many students shy away from studying abroad each year because they think it would be too expensive,” said Karen Ramos, Education Abroad program manager. “But what we try to tell students is that studying abroad can be a wonderful, affordable experience.”

There are many grants and scholarships available when considering going abroad, such as the Globalization Grant from UC International Programs. They give nearly $100,000 in grant money each year to UC students who are studying abroad to help pay for airfare. Many students receive awards up to $10,000 to help pay for their programs. Some programs abroad even cost less than UC tuition.

Students can chose a program as short as a week or as long as a year. The shorter programs, lasting one to three weeks, are often study tours led by UC faculty. Many opportunities present themselves during the summer months and others for the full academic year. Many students have studied abroad multiple times.

Universities around the globe cooperate with UC’s co-op program and quarter system. Because of this, graduation will not be delayed if a student decides to go for a quarter or even a full year. Many students even receive more credits when they are abroad than when they stay in the U.S. All credits will transfer back to UC as long as the student takes initiative to work with an academic adviser, preferably in his or her college.

Advisers usually recommend that freshman wait until they have completed their first year or have a few quarters worth of courses under their belt before studying abroad.

It’s even possible to find a job or volunteer while a student is abroad. Some co-op students at UC participate in the International Co-op Program and are paid to work in Chile, Germany and Japan, among others.

The idea of traveling alone often prevents students from going through with it. There are many opportunities where a student can go abroad with a group of UC students where faculty will be present at all times. If a student wants something more independent, they can enroll directly into a foreign university to really integrate with local students.

Language is another roadblock for many students. Studying abroad is a good time to learn a new language, and many academic programs are based in English.

“I love to travel, and I felt that traveling to a Spanish-speaking country would be the only way I could really improve my Spanish,” said Elisabeth Ampthor, international affairs student.

After choosing to study abroad in Santiago, Chile, Ampthor learned a new perception of the United States and the Chilean culture. Now, she spends part of her week as a peer adviser.

“You’ll never know just how big the world is and what it has to offer unless you get out there and see it for yourself,” Ampthor said. “Now that I’ve studied abroad once, I can’t get enough. I’m currently planning my next study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, next year.”

Ramos and other study abroad advisers are available to provide more insight through individual appointments and first timers sessions.

Visit their Web site at www.uc.edu/global or call 513-556-4278 to set up a meeting time. The resource library is open to all students at 3134 One Edwards Center.