Studying abroad can be beneficial for students

By Allegra Eslick

Myths revealed, improvements made -- just two of the reasons why Santa Clara students may take advantage of the upcoming "Study Abroad Week."

One of the largest myths about studying abroad for undergraduate students is that they might fall behind in units to graduate.

However, according to Barbara Colyar, director of study abroad at international programs, students who take the recommended five course load while abroad, will return with 22.5 quarter unit credits; more than the average Santa Clara student could obtain while taking classes on campus.

"To their advantage, students don't have to worry about losing credits while abroad, they actually gain more," says Colyar. "Students can graduate early because of it."

While the majority of study abroad programs are based on a semester system, students can take more classes and earn more quarter units, as long as they take approved courses within those programs.

"Kids who are worried about academics at Santa Clara not transferring over and not being able to graduate in time should not be," senior Michael Curry, a peer advisor for International Programs, said. "I know I jumped ahead in units because of it, and it put me in the place where I am going to graduate early."

Fellow senior and peer advisor, Danielle Rumpf, explains the simplicity of taking core classes and earning credits: "All our affiliated programs do all the pre-approved courses which makes it easier to take the core classes while abroad- if you plan for it, it's not a problem, just make sure to get your blue paper signed," Rumpf said. "It's a form inside the application with all the courses they wish to take abroad that will fulfill SCU requirements. Going abroad through an affiliated program automatically makes sure your credits will transfer. If they don't count for a specific class, you will still get elective credits for them."

Another myth that tends to ail the minds of undergraduates is that in order to go abroad, students must pay for it themselves. In the past years, financial aid has only been available in the fall to assist students with their financial burdens.

However, with recent improvements to the financial aid system, students are now able to go abroad during any time of the year, or the whole year if they choose, taking full advantage of the program's new opportunities.

"They can use their aid towards their study abroad program, as long as its affiliated," says Colyar. "Meaning once that it is approved by the university- we have had good luck with government grants and usually each program has some financial aid available."

Many students have found the benefits of financial aid to be rewarding.

In Curry's case, financial aid was a great asset for him.

"I didn't have any problems using my financial aid. If you go abroad at all, you can apply for any loan or grant, which is good for a lot of students- that problem is pretty much not a problem anymore with the new program."

According to Colyar, the new system allows students to receive aid for the entire year, however, students are still responsible to pay their own housing fees.

"Study Abroad Week" can be a beneficial and informative time for students to confront myths about being abroad as well as to find out more information about the programs that Santa Clara has to offer.

"The purpose is to inform students and faculty of the opportunities- it kicks off the whole year of talking about international education. A lot of students feel like they can't go abroad, but for most, if they talk to us about it, they find out that they actually can go," Dr. Dennis Gordon, executive director of international programs, said.

Students will have the opportunity throughout "Study Abroad Week" to speak with other students/peer advisors who have gone abroad.

"The best way to prepare is to talk to students that have gone," says Gordon. "For example, someone who went to Italy can tell you what the best pasta place is, what to see, and where to go."

Next week, students can also find out what programs and places are best suited for their major. Many destinations overseas can accommodate students by strengthening their field of study experience. Dr. Gordon tells us:

"There are certain programs in London that are better for business majors- one program in the Caribbean is for marine biology and is very rigorous academically. Students have a hands on experience in assisting the government with gathering information on certain endangered species."

Not only are students able to attend specific program sessions, but they can also attend informal "Bag Lunch" question and answer sessions Monday through Thursday, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Bronco, hosted by Heather Brown, special projects coordinator, and Vid Raatior, program coordinator.

Study Abroad Week takes place from Monday, Oct. 24, to Friday, Oct. 28.

For more information, visit www.scu.edu/studyabroad or contact the International Programs Office at the Cesar Chavez Commons, Building A (the portable buildings between O'Connor Hall and Franklin Street, near the Music and Dance Facility).

Contact Allegra Eslick at (408) 551-1918 or aeslick@scu.edu.