Study Abroad

[xeemzor]

The more I have been think about study abroad, the more it seems to interest me. It seems this is the best chance I will have to spend 1 month+ unsupervised in a foreign country. The programs my school offers are listed here. Since I only know English, I figured it would be best to go to an English speaking country. This program looked particularly attractive, since I plan to do law after I get my CPA. Besides, when else does one get a chance to go to Oxford?

Money is not an issue. I'm not rich, but I'm willing to use student loans for something like this. My GPA is pretty good(3.95), so I think I have a decent shot at most of the programs offered.

I was just hopping fellow ATOTers could give some thoughts/suggestions on the confusing maze of choices that is study abroad. Thanks

 

[xanis]

If you're planning on doing a study abroad program simply because it'll be "1 month+ unsupervised in a foreign country" then you're doing it for the wrong reasons. My cousin, who lives in Italy and has taught in a study abroad program, said that there are a lot of kids with the "I can drink and I'm unsupervised! Let's party!" mentality, and it's kids like those that give Americans a bad name. Also, I wouldn't base your decision on a language barrier. Immersing yourself in a foreign culture and trying to learn your way around a new language, however difficult it may be, seems like half the fun.

 

[xeemzor]

Originally posted by: Xanis
If you're planning on doing a study abroad program simply because it'll be "1 month+ unsupervised in a foreign country" then you're doing it for the wrong reasons. My cousin, who lives in Italy and has taught in a study abroad program, said that there are a lot of kids with the "I can drink and I'm unsupervised! Let's party!" mentality, and it's kids like those that give Americans a bad name. Also, I wouldn't base your decision on a language barrier. Immersing yourself in a foreign culture and trying to learn your way around a new language, however difficult it may be, seems like half the fun.

That's not at all why I'm going. I'm going because the only time I have ever "gone away" was to see family, or to go on a vacation with family. It would just be nice to do something on my own for once. Besides, how much partying can one do with the rigors of a pre-law course?

As for the language barrier, is there enough time to learn a language and culture during one summer? The only scheduling options available to me require that I take the program during the summer.

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: xeemzor

Originally posted by: Xanis
If you're planning on doing a study abroad program simply because it'll be "1 month+ unsupervised in a foreign country" then you're doing it for the wrong reasons. My cousin, who lives in Italy and has taught in a study abroad program, said that there are a lot of kids with the "I can drink and I'm unsupervised! Let's party!" mentality, and it's kids like those that give Americans a bad name. Also, I wouldn't base your decision on a language barrier. Immersing yourself in a foreign culture and trying to learn your way around a new language, however difficult it may be, seems like half the fun.

That's not at all why I'm going. I'm going because the only time I have ever "gone away" was to see family, or to go on a vacation with family. It would just be nice to do something on my own for once. Besides, how much partying can one do with the rigors of a pre-law course?

As for the language barrier, is there enough time to learn a language and culture during one summer? The only scheduling options available to me require that I take the program during the summer.

You should be alright with the language. A lot of study abroad programs have courses in English. Also, you don't need to be an expert in the language. You'll most likely pick up enough from professors and locals.

 

[miri]

I had a lot of fun doing a study abroad to Spain for the summer. We had class during the day and we would go out just about every night of the week and on the weekends we did weekend trips around the country and even to Morocco.

Probably the only thing I did not like was having to go home for siesta since I had to walk about 2 miles to school each way. I lost like 10 lbs the first week sweating so much during the walks.

 

[nonameo]

The only broad I'll be studying is your girlfriend.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

study abroad isn't really about studying is it? you basically just go and live in a foreign country with a bunch of other kids in your position and you get pissed every night. I think I went to about 30% of my classes when I did a semester abroad.

 

[Bibble]

I recommend going to the place that you find most interesting (perhaps do a little research for each one). Don't let the language barrier stop you! I think you will find that learning a new language (or at least trying to do so) is well worth your while. Also, I'm told that you'll generally find people who speak enough English so you can get around.

I'd suggest avoiding western Europe because of the poor exchange rates with the Euro but if money isn't an issue than forget about it.

Most people I know would call a 3.95 GPA fabulous, not "pretty good."

Will the classes you take count towards your GPA or will they be Pass/Fail? If the latter than I say go some place warm and party it up for a few months.

I myself will be in Geneva this Spring and am taking French for the first time this Fall. I feel the best part about this program is the location and proximity to the rest of Europe. I'll be out of town nearly every weekend visiting Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, etc. taking in as much as I can.

Overall, I say choose your program which is located in the place that interests you the most and offers the most to learn. I would not worry so much about your pre-law plans - a semester abroad is a time to do something different! Also, don't let language barriers stop you from going somewhere fun.