|
|
|
|
|
|
With Fran Northcutt, Honors Adviser, Hunter College
of the City University of New
York |
| | | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Q&A for the Head Advisor |
|
|
|
The names have been changed, but the questions are real...
Recently there have been quite a few travel-related questions in the mailbag...
maybe the gloomy winter weather is inspiring many of you to dream of foreign lands and sunnier climates!
Q:
How much does it cost to study abroad?
-- Thrifty Todd
A:
Well, Todd, that depends on many factors. In most cases,
it's possible to find a program that suits both your adventurous desires
and your budgetary constraints.
But no matter the program or cost,
studying abroad is a priceless experience.
A short-term program will be less expensive than a full semester or year-long program.
It also matters where you go - airfare, housing, meal costs,
and monetary exchange rate will vary. Most importantly,
programs sponsored by your college will typically be cheaper,
especially if there's an exchange agreement with the college abroad
allowing you to pay the same tuition and room and board as you would back home.
You can search for the perfect study-abroad program
just as you searched for the perfect college:
Put together a list of programs that interest you,
ranging from high-cost "reach" programs down to some affordable "safety" programs.
Your college's study abroad office can help.
Next, apply for financial aid - colleges often have special scholarships
to help students study abroad, but you might not hear about them unless you ask.
Bon voyage!
Q:
Some of my friends are talking about studying abroad next spring.
I would like to go too, but I have a visa situation that means I can't leave the country.
Is there a way around this?
-- Passport Polly
A:
Thanks for asking, Polly.
I'm definitely not an expert on visas,
so you should talk to the international advisor at your college.
If it turns out that you can't go abroad,
you can still have a wonderful experience through "study away."
The US is a big country, and traveling to a region you've never seen before
could be just as exciting as going abroad.
If you're at college in the Northeast, consider studying "away" in the Southwest.
If you're in Alaska, think about Hawaii - or vice versa!
Many colleges will host outside students during summer session.
There are also some programs during the regular academic year.
The Internet, the study abroad office,
and your academic advisor can help you search.
Happy trails!
| |
| |
