subject: What is Study Abroad Programs? [print this page] What is Study Abroad Programs? What is Study Abroad Programs?
Have you ever thought of taking your learning experience into the next level? Are you tired of taking the same classes in your own country and getting limited learning experience? Do you want to try something new? You should consider studying abroad. It is one of the most exciting, fun, and effective way to increase your knowledge, develop your skills, and enhance your values. Studying abroad unlocks numerous opportunities for you to practice your abilities and increase your academic and career potentials.
Study Abroad Programs is basically taking your educational experience in another country. It serves as an extension of your campus learning from your home country. It consists of various teaching schemes to help you learn sufficient skills, knowledge, and attitude in any academic field of your choice. There are different types of study abroad programs:
1. Short-term programs arranged by your home institution faculty with little or no assistance from the foreign country institute. These are typically two to nine weeks in duration. It is mainly organized by the faculty from your home university.
2. The same as number 1, but with a longer duration typically one or more semesters.
3. Short-term programs set by your home institute faculty with considerable assistance from the foreign institute; usually two to nine weeks in duration.
4. The same as number 3, but with a longer duration typically one or more semesters.
From the types of programs above, study abroad programs can be branched into two types of curriculums.
1. Specialized programs these are generally short in duration. It is usually organized by the faculty members of the institution for you to take up certain special topics or courses.
2. Regular programs these allow you to take up courses that are normally offered at your home university. It is usually offered at periods from six to 15 weeks. The course might be equivalent to what is taught at your home institute and could be considered a regular credit.
If you want to begin your application for study abroad programs, it would be best for you to carefully think what course you would like to take up. Once you have made a good decision of what academic path you would like to venture, start looking up for foreign institutions that offer excellent study abroad programs. A good source to begin looking for study abroad programs would be the internet. Find out which study abroad programs offer the courses of your interest and determine if they are cost effective and coincide with your expectations, goals, and objectives. You could also inquire at your home university of which study abroad programs they are offering and how you could apply.
You should also take into consideration whether you would like to stay in a dormitory or reside with a host family. Selecting the host family option will open you to a unique experience. You might even get to practice and learn their language or develop your English, as well as benefit from their culture. However, you must be eager to do some help around the house and provide your own money to spend.
Financial matter is a great factor for you in selecting a country for studying abroad. If you find yourself in need of some financial assistance, try to seek out scholarships that might be available in your home institution.
Studying abroad offers great opportunities. It will expose you to different environments, people, and culture. You will harvest tremendous benefits in studying abroad such as academic and career advancement; personal and social growth; as well as develop cultural sensitivity.
