After talking to some of my fellow students, I realize that there are quite a few misconceptions when it comes to studying abroad. Many students may forgo such an unforgettable experience because of these!
Hopefully I can debunk some of these "myths" and convince students that studying abroad is something that they CAN do.
I'm not fluent in the language of the country I want to study in, so I can't study abroad there.
I think this is the most common misconception that people have about studying abroad. While fluency in the language—let's say knowing Italian when one is studying in Italy—can open up a variety of programs and opportunities for a student, it is not necessary for study abroad. There are many study abroad programs in English, and all it takes is a little research to find them. If you're an Adelphi student and want to be one-hundred percent sure that your credits transfer over, Adelphi offers a few study abroad programs that are taught in English.
Some knowledge of the language in the area where you're considering on studying is certainly helpful, so taking a language class or two before you go is probably a good idea.
If I study abroad, I won't be able to graduate on time, or I may not be able to leave my family or job for a whole semester.
While I'm sure that studying abroad for a semester or longer is a wonderful experience, it's not always feasible for some students. There are a variety of reasons that a student would not be able to study abroad, and there are programs out there for those students.
Summer or Winter study abroad programs are sometimes the better option for students. Not only will this not interfere with the regular academic semester (helpful to those students in structured programs), they can be a bit more affordable too. Also, Summer and Winter abroad programs tend to be shorter, which may be easier for students who have other obligations.
Adelphi offers some study abroad programs during the summer and winter.
If you're really determined on studying abroad for a semester or longer, see if your major offers study abroad programs or if you can find a program that complements your major. However, if you plan your study abroad carefully, you can apply your study abroad to your general education requirement and focus on your major when you return. You have to take General Education classes anyway—why not take them in a foreign country?
Study Abroad does not benefit people in my major.
Wrong! Study Abroad can "benefit" anyone—no matter what their major is! Venturing to another country and living there for a period of time gives you something that you can't get in the classroom, and it opens your eyes to the world around you.
Plus, the world is constantly getting "smaller" as technology advances and communications between people from different countries becomes easier and cheaper. Knowledge of and experience with other cultures can only benefit you in a global society. This "benefit" stretches across all majors.
I can't afford to study abroad.
There are a variety of scholarships and grants out there that can assist students in financial need. Also, as I mentioned earlier, summer or winter study can be an alternate option for students who cannot afford an entire semester.
Even if summer or winter study seems out of reach, it's still possible to get financial aid and scholarships. Some more information on getting scholarships and financial aid for summer or winter study can be found here.
I urge all students who wish to study abroad to explore all of their options. You can study abroad—and you won't regret it.
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Studying abroad is such great opportunity that will teach you a lot. You will learn the culture of other, you'll be meeting wonderful people and be totally independent that will develop ones personality..It is full of adventure and it will an unforgettable experience.
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