Events

More events with an international flavor can be found on the World at Appalachian calendar.

Resources

Study Abroad FAQs

Who can I call with my questions?

Email: studyabroad@appstate.edu (International Student Exchange and Study Abroad - semester/year/summer programs)

Why should I study abroad?

In our increasingly interdependent world, international experience is a vital aspect of being a responsible citizen. Only abroad can you get an accurate picture of the US and her role in the world. Moreover, the careful selection of a study abroad program will give you valuable perspective in your field of interest-perspectives that would simply be unavailable in the US. After an international experience, you will be more flexible about what kinds of environments in which you can competently work. Further, if you have developed fluency in another language, you may find that you have a wider array of career choices upon graduation.

Many employers want to hire people with international experience, and graduate schools often consider study abroad a plus when reviewing applications. Study abroad can be good for you academically and personally no matter what your major.

Study abroad returnees routinely report their experience abroad as a life-changing experience. It is unlikely that you will ever again have the opportunity to spend an extended amount of time in another culture. Grab it while you can!

What are the two types of Programs: Exchange vs Study Abroad? (One-Way)

While your experience will be the same or similar whether you choose an exchange or a study abroad (also called one-way) program, it is important for you to know the difference because it impacts directly on the cost. The Semester/Year programs are either Study Abroad or Exchange Programs. Particpants on Exchange Programs pay tuition and fees (sometimes room and board) at Appalachian and not at the host institution.  Study Abroad program fees are set by the host institution/program. 

Exchange Programs

This is the way to keep your cost as close as possible to the cost of Appalachian, and it has the advantage of creating an opportunity for us to host an international exchange student in your place here at Appalachian.

Here's how it works: before leaving you pay the following (all costs are per semester unless otherwise noted and are approximate for the 2009-2010 academic year):

  • Appalachian 2009/2010 Estimated tuition and fees: in-state $2,345 per semester; out-of-state $7,656 per semester
  • Appalachian room charge*: $1,900 per semester
  • Food charge*: $1,350 per semester (This cost is figured on what it really costs to support an incoming exchange student for a full semester; remember that they will not have a family to feed them over breaks or on weekends.)
  • Required study abroad insurance: $1 per day
  • OIED administrative cost for Study Abroad: $200
  • OIED administrative cost for internships: $100
  • If applicable, ISEP application fee: as determined by ISEP website

* Some of Appalachian's direct exchange programs require that the student pay for food and/or housing once they arrive at the host institution rather than before departure. See individual program descriptions for details.

By paying these costs, you create a space for an incoming international student at Appalachian; similarly, an international student has paid the equivalent at his/her university to create a space for you. When you arrive at the foreign university, you will receive whatever benefits you've already paid for here at Appalachian. The amount you receive at the foreign institution will be based on the cost of living in that country, not the same amount you paid here.

Study Abroad or One-Way Programs

These programs are called "one-way" because students only go from Appalachian to these programs; we do not receive any international students from these programs. You pay at costs that are determined by that program, not by Appalachian. You will still be responsible for costs that apply to any program. There are several one-way Appalachian programs, and there are literally hundreds of organizations that market one-way study abroad programs to students from any university. These programs can range from $4000 to $16,000 per semester!

What should I look for in a study abroad or exchange program?

First and foremost, you are looking for courses that will fulfill your academic needs. Ideally, you will find course descriptions, which will allow you to seek prior approval for courses you plan to take overseas. Be aware that foreign universities do not necessarily have the same advance information available about course offerings that Appalachian does. Be patient. It may be that you will have to wait until closer to your enrollment period or even until you get to the foreign university to know exactly what courses you will take. We can make tentative academic decisions based on past students' experiences.

You should also consider your personal needs. Are you an experienced and independent traveler? Many programs expect you to function like a native student with minimal assistance. On the other hand, if you prefer traveling with a group and having more student support services, you should look for programs which provide those services

When is the best time to study abroad?

Determining the best time to spend a semester or year abroad is a very individual decision based on your academic progress as well as personal considerations. Once you have completed at least 2 successful semesters at Appalachian, you are eligible to apply to study abroad; it's a good idea to begin researching your options during your freshman year in case you decide that your sophomore year would the best time for you. Junior year was formerly the most common time students studied abroad, and that's still an option for some. The senior year is also an option, but you must be aware that academic calendars abroad do not always coincide with our academic calendar, which could create conflicts for you if you want to walk in graduation.

When reading program descriptions, be sure to pay careful attention to the calendar of the foreign institution; if you plan to study abroad for only one semester, you must be sure that the semester does not overlap with Appalachian's semesters preventing you from getting back in time to start the next semester here. You should consider what courses you need here at Appalachian and whether or not those courses are sequenced.

Can I study abroad and still graduate on time?

With careful planning, you can receive credit towards your major, minor, elective, or core curriculum requirements and still graduate on time. The key is to come to a general information session early -your first semester is not too soon-in order to explore your options.

Will I be in a university? Will I be with other Americans?

Wherever possible, Appalachian encourages study in universities abroad alongside regular degree candidates from the host country. The goals of this kind of educational immersion are several: to deepen your understanding of your host country and its system of education; to involve you in social relationships with peers who may hold a new and unexpected range of social attitudes; to hear from foreign academics the modes of inquiry, methods of analysis, and educational values offered to students of another country as quality higher education. You may find yourself in the company of a few, or perhaps even many, other American students, but we encourage you to use your time wisely and to take full advantage of the opportunity to distance yourself as much as possible from your home culture.

Where will I live?

Most programs provide residence halls where you live alongside native students. There are also home stay opportunities where students live with a host family and immerse themselves in the language and culture, which as noted above, is recommended if you want to achieve fluency in a foreign language.

How do I get academic credit for courses taken while studying abroad?

In general, Study Abroad programs are considered to be educationally sound and comparable in quality to academic programs offered at Appalachian State University. Individual academic departments at Appalachian are solely responsible for determining exactly which courses taken abroad will receive credit in particular disciplines and whether the courses fulfill major or other requirements. Every study abroad applicant must carefully research what courses are offered by the foreign university and take course descriptions to the appropriate faculty here on App's campus for approval. We recommend that you get more courses approved than you will actually take, since unexpected circumstances can prevent you from enrolling in particular courses.

During your participation in an Appalachian Study Abroad program, you will remain registered at Appalachian. You must commit yourself to regular class attendance and strict compliance with all program regulations and individual course requirements. You are required to carry a full course load as defined by the host institution abroad. There are often uncertainties about what academic credit you will earn while studying abroad. Be aware that all academic decisions regarding credit are made in academic departments, not in the Office of International Education and Development. It is your responsibility to do what is necessary to see that the credit gets on your transcript and approved for appropriate credit.

I only speak English. Does that mean I can't study abroad?

Absolutely not! There are many study sites available where courses are taught in English. Such sites include the obvious places like England, Ireland and Australia, as well as not so obvious places like Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Korea and others. You should not assume that you can't study abroad just because you haven't studied a foreign language-there are many possibilities. A good place to start looking is the ISEP database where you can search by subject and language.