LONGHORN LIFE
Page 8
Explore Four study abroad myths
by Channing Holman
1. “I can’t go because I don’t speak another language.”
Juggling languages might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t prevent students from studying abroad. The study abroad office offers many different programs for students to participate in, regardless of the number of languages the student speaks. Faculty-led programs, in particular, are more lenient for students that want to travel to non-English-speaking countries, but don’t have a multi-language background.
2. “Study abroad delays graduation.”
The study abroad office has advisors that can specifically incorporate studying abroad into a student’s degree plan. For example, for biology majors, the office suggests spending a fall or spring semester studying abroad in their third year, and finishing their fourth year back at the university. “It is a common myth that studying abroad delays graduation, but that’s not true,” said study abroad program coordinator Sejal Mehta. “We have curriculum integration tools to plan as early as freshman year. We support graduating in four years.”
3. “It’s too expensive.”
“Students usually apply for the numerous scholarships that the study abroad office offers,” said Chantal Follins, a peer advisor at the office. “By accessing Global Assist through the study abroad page, students are presented with several scholarships to choose from.” There are tons of ways to fund a study abroad trip, including scholarships, financial aid, donation letters and fundraising. In addition, he budget calculator estimates various financial costs for your trip. “Look at the real cost and compare spending a semester at UT vs. abroad,” Mehta said. “In some cases, the cost of living may be less.”
4. “There isn’t a program for me.”
Advisors in the study abroad office work with foreign universities to imitate courses that students would take in the classroom at UT. The study abroad office offers an array of program options in more than 100 countries, ranging from four-week programs to long semesters.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013