|
Studying abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your college education. Study Abroad typically involves:
- Enrolling in a foreign institution
- Living in a new cultural setting
- Negotiating a foreign language on daily basis
The outcome of an experience abroad will stay with you forever. By immersing in a new culture, you will increase your intercultural competence that will put you in a better position to live in an increasingly multicultural society and to pursue a global career. However, studying abroad is not be for everyone. Start planning your experience abroad by asking yourself:
- Why do I want to study abroad?
- What do I want to achieve from studying abroad?
- Do I like to explore a new culture and meet new people?
- How comfortable am I with uncertainty?
Call for an appointment or drop by the Office of International Programs (570-422-3527) to browse through brochures and talk with an adviser.
Students planning to study abroad are required to attend a Study Abroad orientation meeting. Plan about 45 minute for a one–on–one session to learn about how to begin your Study Abroad application. Topics in the orientation session include selecting the right type of program, assuring that all your credits will be transferred to ESU, getting approval from your academic department, and securing financial aid.
When to go
All ESU students who are Sophomores, Freshmen are eligible to enroll in a study abroad program. Senior students may also participate with the permission of the respective academic department. Students must have a GPA of at least 2.5, although some institutions abroad require a higher GPA to apply for an exchange. Freshman students interested in engaging in an academic experience abroad are encourage to get in touch with OIP to go on their Sophomore year.
Universities abroad have different academic calendar than that in the United States and it is up to you to decide when it will be the best period of the year to go abroad. It is never too early to start planning your experience abroad!
Where to go
ESU is member of an important association for student exchanges:
Through the Office of International Programs, students can apply for a study abroad or study away if going with NSE, experience. Vacancies are competitive and cannot be guaranteed. In the case of ISEP, students will apply for at least three preferences and the application you be considered accordingly. Consequently, it is important to keep an open mind about where you would like to study abroad.
In addition, ESU works with different study abroad providers. Some of these providers are the Center for International Studies (CIS) and CEA. Both offer study abroad opportunities for American students in a handful of destinations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and many others.
Summer Programs
Every year, ESU will offer summer programs for students interested in studying abroad for a shorter period. Summer programs are quite different from a regular summer exchange experience. In a typically summer programs, you will find:
- A group of ESU students will travel together to a foreign destination for a period that range between 1 and 4 weeks
- Students will travel with an ESU faculty, who will serve abroad as guide and professor
- The program balances seminars, lectures, workshops with excursions
- The program is typically centered in specific themes that might relate to the history, culture, environment and language of the country visited
- English is typically the language of instruction
Summer programs are shorter and offer limited opportunities to integrate with local students compared to semester programs. However, they may be a great opportunity for students who prefer structured and organized programs and those who are not sure about living abroad by themselves.
Passports & Visas
All U.S. citizens must have a passport at the time of traveling. Typically, getting a passport requires some preparation and may take more time than you anticipate. If you are planning for a study abroad, it is best if you start early applying or renewing your passport. For more information about how to obtain your passports, please click here!
Visa requirements vary from country to country. As a rule of thumb most countries will require a student visa for periods longer than 90 days. For more information about whether you will need a visa to study abroad, please click here!
Money
Student exchanges operate under the principle of reciprocity. ESU sends students to foreign institutions and receives students from other institutions. While away, ESU students continue to be regular students at ESU. They pay tuition and fees at ESU and do not have to pay tuition at the host institution. Some mandatory fees at the home institution may apply. In the case of study abroad providers, tuition is paid directly to these agencies and you will not have to tution at ESU while abroad.
Depending on the program, some mandatory study abroad application fee are required. Students are responsible for their living expenses while studying abroad. This may include housing, meals and all living expenses. Similarly, students are responsible for the costs associated with airfare and getting a passport and student visa.
Financial Aid
ESU encourages all undergraduates to include an international experience in their academic program, and offers comprehensive financial aid to eligible students during the academic year to support study abroad costs. If you receive Financial Aid at ESU, you must include in your planning for a study abroad a meeting with Ms. Brenda Hobson from Enrollment Services, who among other functions serves as financial aid adviser for students interested in studying abroad. Please contact the Financial Aid Office, located in Zimbar-Liljenstein Hall.
Language Preparation
Students participating in semester exchanges abroad must be able to communicate in the language of the host country. Attending classes in a foreign language and facing the need to use a foreign language can be overwhelming. Students are advised to take at least one full year of language courses at ESU prior to going abroad.
Living Arrangements
The availability of housing options depends on the local conditions and customs in the host country. Many destinations include a university dormitory, an apartment outside the university, or homestays with local families. Expectedly, the cost varies depending on the housing arrangements. Students wishing to improve their language skills often find homestays to be the best option, while students seeking independence may prefer apartments or dormitories.
Academic Credits
When students study abroad through ESU, the credits and courses approved in the host institution will be transferable to ESU. The Office of International Programs will provide students with the description of courses available at the host institution, but it is the student's responsibility to ensure with their academic department that all credits taken abroad will be approved and transferred to ESU.
Your grades earned abroad will not appear on your ESU transcript and will not be figured into your grade point average (GPA).
Students must request that the official transcript of work completed abroad be mailed to the ESU Office of International Programs. After your credit is transferred, the original transcript will be sent to your permanent academic file in your academic department.
| 
