Study Abroad Study Abroad Study Abroad Online Resources International Studies Abroad (ISA) http://www.studiesabroad.com American Institute for Foreign Studies (AIFS) http://www.aifsabroad.com Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA) http://www.gowithcea.com Academic Programs International (API) http://www.academicintl.com Education Abroad Network (EAN) http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org Spanish Studies Abroad http://www.spanishstudies.org/ Arcadia University- Study abroad internships http://studyabroad.acadiau.ca/ SIT study abroad http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/ Summer service in rural Vietnam http://cetacademicprograms.com/ Study in India or China 2014 http://www.allianceglobaled.org/
By Lise Lookman
Studying abroad can be a wonderful experience. It’s a chance to learn a new language, view how people from other cultures live their daily lives, and see the sights of a foreign land, all while getting college credits. Most students study abroad for one or two terms or during the summer. Even though the study period is not very long, a lot of work must go into research and preparation. Research the programs: what do you want to study? Where do you want to go? Peruse the flyers and brochures on Study Abroad programs in the Career Services office. Look at the links at the end of this article. There are many colleges that offer study abroad programs, such as Beloit and St. Olaf College and they welcome student applicants from other institutions. There are also a multitude of third-party program providers for study abroad, including Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA) and International Studies Abroad (ISA). If you are interested in studying in France or Italy, check out two programs with ties to St. John’s College: The Marchutz School in Aix-en-Provence, France where you can combine studio arts, field trips, and museum study with St. John’s-style seminars http://www.marchutz-school.org/school.html. For first-hand information, talk with tutor Susan Stickney. The Rome Institute of Liberal Arts (RILA), started and staffed by SJC tutors, is a place where you can combine philosophy, theology, art, architecture and political theory through familiar seminar-style classes and educational tours throughout Italy. For specific details, check out http://www.rilarts.org/ or speak with Dean Sterling or tutor Jay Smith who have both taught at RILA. Regardless of which study abroad program you choose, make sure you plan ahead. Pay attention to the application deadline and admission requirements. Most programs demand a high GPA, some foreign language ability, proof of financial support, and immigration documents. Some programs offer scholarships or financial assistance. Also, remember that proposals to study abroad during the summer are eligible for up to $2,500 of funding through the new Pathways Fellowships Program. Finally, keep in mind that credits earned overseas cannot be transferred and used towards graduation from St. John’s. However, the experience of studying in another country and expanding your world view beyond the boundaries of Santa Fe, your hometown and the US, far outweighs this small disadvantage. There is always hard work involved in anything worthwhile, and studying in a foreign country can be very worthwhile. It offers the opportunity to be immersed in a culture for an extended period of time, learn the local customs and language, make friends with people you otherwise would never meet, and see exotic places. It can change your perspective on life. So what are you waiting for? Start researching. 12