– 10 Easy Ways you can Study Abroad After Graduation –
Study Abroad After Graduation: Studying abroad could seem a little bit tedious and discouraging when you have no idea how to go about the desired processes to getting yourself enrolled.
Despite your numerous excitations and plans for your dream country, the beautiful view, culture, people, and food, not getting to know how to go about studying abroad could seem to decline your quest for all this fun. Not to worry, this article has got you covered as I will be bringing to you 10 ways to study abroad after graduation
1. Book a Study Abroad Program Through Your University
Students traditionally study abroad through their college or university. Often considered the easiest way to book a program, study abroad credits are almost guaranteed to fit your academic requirements, and primary fees often link directly to your tuition payments.
In addition to easily transferable courses, your university’s study abroad program may also manage logistics like visas and housing. Speaking of housing: did you know that many students report studying abroad costs to actually be less expensive than staying on campus?
2. Find Study Abroad Programs Through a Third-Party Provider
Just as not all schools are created equal, not all study abroad programs through universities are the same either. If your university doesn’t have a program with the focus, location, or dates that you’re looking for, don’t give up there and assume you’re not destined to study abroad.
There are many companies that work within the education sector to help students spend a semester, year, or summer abroad — regardless of your major or school.
These companies are called “third-party providers” and they specialize in matching students with study abroad programs around the world. One thing to note, though: there’s almost always a program fee for their services.
3. Supplement Your Learning with Field Research Abroad
Do you thrive in hands-on learning environments and can’t stand the thought of sitting in yet another classroom (even if it is in another country)? There’s a special type of study abroad for you.
Perfect for students who find global independent studies to be too demanding, field research is another type of immersive learning experience for prospective study abroad students. Though it may not offer as much academic credit as class-based studies, the field experience will be worthwhile.
4. Explore Your Options
There are plenty of opportunities for graduate study abroad. Some of them will allow you to earn an advanced degree, while internships and service-learning programs can help you build work experience and prepare for employment in your chosen field.
- Internship and Service-Learning Programs
If you’re looking for a short-term travel opportunity or non-credit work experience, a post-baccalaureate internship or service-learning program might be a good fit for you.
These programs can complement almost any major or field of study you can think of. For example, you might choose to work with a non-governmental organization in Botswana on a specific issue, such as economic development or health.
If your field of study in agriculture or the environment, you can seek out an internship on a wildlife sanctuary or with an agribusiness in New Zealand. For those who wish to work in international government, an internship in Brussels with NATO or the UN could be a great fit.
- Study Abroad Through a Graduate Program
If your goal is to earn a master’s or doctoral degree, you can complete all or part of it abroad. Many colleges in the U.S. have partnership and exchange agreements with overseas schools that will allow you to earn credit at your home institution while living and studying in another country, whether for a semester, summer session, or an entire year.
Your college can also help you set up an independent study program for a semester or other defined period of time, while your specific department might offer international travel programs lasting between one and four weeks. You can also contact one of several international education agencies, such as CIEE or CISA, to explore their many program options.
Keep in mind that earning an entire graduate degree can be done online these days, which means that you could theoretically live anywhere you want while completing the coursework. Some programs do have residential requirements, so be sure to read the fine print before applying.
5. Take a Global Independent Study
Are you working on a big project or academic paper within your major and the study abroad programs you’ve researched just seem too generic? Perhaps this project might be essential to the next phase of your academic and professional career, even. If this sounds like you, a global independent study overseas might be just what you need.
Independent studies are usually an in-depth course both created and completed by a student under the guidance of a faculty sponsor.
6. Find Out How to Apply
Many of these programs can have stringent application and admission requirements, so it’s a good idea to contact your college’s study abroad or international education office for guidance. They can help you find application forms, research schools, and programs, and connect with support systems in your chosen location to arrange for housing and transportation.
You can also conduct online research and send inquiries via email directly to the school or institution where you’d like to study. Don’t forget to investigate visa requirements and costs, and be sure you have a valid passport.
7. Be Sure to Get Credit
If you want to receive college credit for the time you spend abroad (and you should), be sure to meet with your U.S. school’s registrar or academic advisor to find out what types of study abroad experiences and courses will transfer.
If you plan to complete your entire degree abroad and then return to the U.S. to find a job, make sure that the overseas degree meets American requirements for equivalence, and be prepared to take state or federal certification exams in fields such as law, medicine, teaching, and engineering when you get back.
8. Study Abroad Through a Student Exchange
Have you ever considered swapping places with an international student just to see what a semester or year in their shoes would be like? Well, you’re in luck because that’s totally a thing!
Study abroad programs by way of student exchanges are usually facilitated through “sister schools”, or schools that have established relationships across the seas. These schools accept a foreign exchange student under the condition that the international school will, in turn, accept you into theirs. When both of you have completed your semester or year, you switch back!
9. Check Out Your Financial Aid Options
Attending college as an international student can be costly. In addition to tuition and fees, you might need to cover living expenses, including housing, food, and transportation.
However, there are scholarships and grants available through various entities, including the federal government. Check with the financial aid office at your current educational institution.
You might qualify for scholarships and awards specific to your program or field of study. Don’t forget to look into service clubs, such as Rotary, or associations offering scholarships to students of your particular ethnic origin (Chinese, Italian, Irish, etc.).
Some foreign governments also offer financial assistance to international students wishing to study there. International fellowships like Fulbright and Rhodes are highly competitive but worth investigating. There are a ton of scholarship portal websites where you can search by subject, qualifications, and location of study.
10. Get Supported by the Federal Government to Study Abroad
Did you know the Department of State and federal agencies fund study abroad opportunities for students of all ages? Whether you’re in grade K-12 or in a college or university, you can enhance your education and project research by applying to their partnered programs.
High school students are offered yearlong and summer merit-based scholarships and language programs, like The Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange and NationalSecurity Language Initiative for Youth.
Undergraduate and graduate students have access to need and merit-based scholarships, teaching assistant assignments, language studies, field research support, and more.
StudentsandScholarship Team.
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