SEMESTER / SUMMER / YEAR STUDY ABROAD
> Where can I go?
> Why should I study
abroad?
> Who can study abroad?
When can I go?
> How
do I start the process of studying abroad?
> Is
studying abroad more expensive than my normal college costs?
> Can
I use my financial aid when I study abroad?
> Do
I have to speak a foreign language to study abroad?
> How
many classes can I take while I am on study abroad?
> Will
the credits taken during study abroad apply to my program
at my home campus?
> When
should I start planning for full summer, semester or year
study abroad?
> Myth/Facts
> School
specific study abroad information
> Deadlines
 Where
can I go?
You can study in almost any country in the world for a summer,
semester or academic year. There are hundreds of opportunities
available to COF students. COF students have studied abroad
in Senegal, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Turkey, Scotland
and many other countries. Note: Study abroad in countries
on the US State Department Warning List at www.travel.state.gov
may not be allowed by your college.
Why should I study abroad?
Anyone who has studied abroad will tell you that it is one
of the best experiences of her/his life. Studying abroad will
expose you to different viewpoints, cultures and languages
and help you see your own experience from a new perspective.
Students typically return home with more independence and
confidence. This will enhance your resume and graduate school
applications.
Who can study abroad? When can I go?
Most COF students can study abroad. There are a wide variety
of dates and topics you can choose from. You can go away more
than once, so it is a good idea to go on a faculty-led travel
course in your first year and possibly go for a full summer
or semester study abroad experience as a sophomore – though
the academic requirements at your home college will dictate
when is the best time for you to go. Many students take general
education requirements while abroad, and some take electives
or courses in their major. GPA requirements vary from 2.5
to 3.0 for semester programs. Do as well as you can in your
courses at your home institution so you will be eligible for
the study abroad program of your choice.
How do I start the process of studying abroad?
Attend the COF Study Abroad Fairs and Info Sessions. There
are a number of excellent web sites that provide information
to use for selecting a destination and a program to meet your
needs, for example www.iiepassport.org
or www.studyabroad.com.
Discuss your intentions with your academic adviser. All COF
students who study abroad must register with their campus
contact which is listed on our contact us page.
After you have decided where you want to go, your campus contact
will provide procedural information and guide you in the process
of getting your credits pre-approved for transfer back to
your home campus.
Is studying abroad more expensive than my normal college
costs?
Not necessarily. Depending on the program you choose, costs
may actually be lower. Some study abroad programs cost about
the same as your home campus, and some are more expensive.
Don’t let price be the only factor in determining your destination.
Academic opportunities and cultural experiences are just as
important.
Can I use my financial aid when I study abroad?
Yes. Federal and state financial aid CAN be used if the credits
you earn will be applied towards your graduation from your
home campus. Federal work-study funds cannot be used for study
abroad. Meet with the financial aid adviser on your home campus
to discuss your individual needs and financial aid package.
Do I have to speak a foreign language to study abroad?
No. There are English-speaking countries and programs all
over the world, including in non-English speaking countries.
For example, you can study abroad in Spain, France or Mexico
and have all of your courses taught in English. Of course,
you may want to take foreign language classes while you are
studying away. If you have competency in another language,
you may do a study program in which you are in regular classes
with local student in places like Quebec, Spain, Venezuela
or Brazil.
How many classes can I take while I am on study abroad?
Students typically take 4 to 5 classes per semester, just
like you do at your home campus. Students must maintain full-time
status at an accredited academic institution abroad.
Will the credits taken during study abroad apply to my
program at my home campus?
Yes. There is a process to pre-approve the courses that you
plan to take for transfer of credits back to your home campus.
That way, you will know exactly how the courses will fit into
your academic program and graduation requirements. Your campus
study abroad contact and academic adviser can assist you.
When should I start planning for full summer, semester
or year study abroad?
Now. Most students participate during either their sophomore
or junior year, but it is possible for some students to go
during their senior year. Applicants for fall semester and
full year programs should be completed by March and for spring
semester programs by October. START PLANNING TODAY!
Myth/Facts
Myth: Study Abroad is too expensive.
Fact: Study abroad is more affordable than you might
think. Financial Aid sometimes "travels" with
you. Scholarships are available both from your school and
from outside sources. Some study abroad programs are actually
less expensive that U.S. college tuition, making study abroad
a great value for your education. Check with your study
abroad advisor for more information.
Myth: Study Abroad will hurt my chances to graduate on
time.
Fact: Planning a trip abroad does take a lot of
preparation. With careful planning, though, you can fit
a study abroad experience into your college career. Even
if you find that going away for a semester or a year is
not possible, short-term options are more plentiful today
than ever before.
Myth: Study Abroad isn't really important to my college
experience or my career.
Fact: Some form of international experience is
essential in today's globalized world. Most American businesses,
in fact, are now looking to colleges to provide global training
programs. In addition, college may be one of the few times
in your life where you will have the ability to travel in
an educational environment.
Myth: None of my friends are studying abroad.
Fact: A lot of students worry about missing their
friends and family, losing a chance to be involved in the
college experience, or feeling home sick. These are important
concerns that your school will help you with before and
after your departure. Remember that you might not get a
chance to have an experience like this again, so take advantage
of every opportunity!
Myth: Study Abroad is only for certain students.
Fact: This myth says that study abroad is just
for juniors, people with money, humanities and language
majors, and/or women. Overall, this myth implies that study
abroad is only for a certain type of student. In reality,
all students can find a study abroad program that fits their
needs and all students should study abroad--regardless of
their major, year, race, gender, and/or sexual orientation.
School specific study abroad information
> Emmanuel College
> Mass. College of Art
> MCPHS
> Simmons
> Wentworth
> Wheelock
Deadlines
Deadlines for summer and fall study abroad are generally
in March/ April and in September/October for spring. Check
with your program provider for specific application deadline
dates.
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