Semester/Year Programs - Planning
Know Your Motivation
The first step is to reflect on what has motivated you to pursue this option--you don't choose to study abroad just because your friends are doing it or just because you like to travel. The operative word here is "study," so your goal should be to identify the program or programs that will complement your overall academic focus here at Appalachian. Studying abroad may also contribute to some career goal you have. It will be fun, but it requires commitment and hard work to make sure you find a program that suits your academic needs; once you are overseas, you must maintain your commitment to assure your success in classes.
Know Your Foreign Language Skills
You must also consider your foreign language preparation. Appalachian advocates study abroad which enables you to become competent in another language and culture, that is, to experience daily life, to develop social relationships, and to complete formal course work in that language. If you have studied a foreign language to the point where you are on the verge of making the breakthrough to fluency, we strongly encourage you to consider studying in a university in a country where that language is spoken. There are home stay opportunities where students live with a host family and immerse themselves in the language and culture, which is considered the most successful approach to attaining real fluency. There are also programs where you will live in a residence hall alongside native students.
Most programs that teach in a language other than English require a minimum of 2 years of college study (or the equivalent) in the target language; at ASU that means you have completed Intermediate II: either 1050 or 1060. However, it is recommended that you take 2005 and/or 2010 (Intensive Grammar Review and Conversation and Composition I). Your most recent language professor will help you assess whether or not you are adequately prepared to study in that language.
Know Your Financial Resources
Since the costs for different programs vary widely, you must also consider your financial resources. The additional costs for any program are:
- the administrative cost for studying abroad (currently $200 per semester),
- airfare (which you research and arrange yourself unless otherwise specified), and
- required study abroad insurance ($1 per day).
For most programs, you pay these costs in addition to whatever you currently pay to live in Boone and study at Appalachian; some programs are considerably more expensive, so part of your research process must be to compare the costs with your resources. Individual program descriptions give estimates of cost, but you will be responsible for researching the exact costs. Exchange programs are less expensive than one-way programs, so you must be aware of how your program is administered. Financial Planning for Study Abroad has ideas to help in this area. Even if you don't currently receive aid; you may be surprised at what you might be eligible for, and it costs nothing to apply.
Know Where you Want to Go
Of course you must consider your geographic interests--where in the world do you want to study where you can satisfy the other considerations listed above? For most people, there are many possibilities, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to find out what's available and how the various programs would fit your needs.
Ask Questions
When you have questions or need help researching study abroad programs, please contact Jeanne d'Arc Gomis.
