Study Abroad 101: The Basics Presented by: University Center for International Education (UCIE)

Welcome Michael Coon, Study Abroad Advisor Study Abroad Experience Italy Luxembourg Italy (graduate student)

Overview Why Study Abroad Introduction to Study Abroad at Wright State Role of UCIE Types of Study Abroad Programs at Wright State How to Select a Program Funding Study Abroad

Role of the UCIE Support students Provide information about study abroad options Answer questions about study abroad programs Assist with application process Administer process to get study abroad courses pre- approved Administer pre-departure orientation Coordinate grade conversion process when students return from program

Why Study Abroad Travel and Earn WSU Credit Become a true “global citizen” Learn or enhance language skills Develop strong interpersonal skills Experience personal growth Experience new ideas, values and customs Get an edge on your resume

Study Abroad at WSU: Important Things to Know Financial Aid and Scholarships can be used for WSU approved study abroad programs WSU has programs in more than 40 countries You do not need to be fluent in a foreign language for most programs Programs/classes are available for most fields including math, business, sciences, engineering, nursing and more You will receive full academic credit for the coursework you complete abroad

Where Can I Go… …And How Do I Get There

What Are My Options WSU offers 3 different and unique study abroad options Ambassador Programs Third Party Affiliate Programs Direct Exchange Programs

Ambassador Programs Excellent first study abroad experience Led by WSU faculty Last 2-4 weeks in summer and winter intersession Full credit for at least 1 class Financial aid can be applied toward cost of program

Third Party Programs USAC, ISA, AIFS, ASA, CIS Abroad, SFS, & Semester at Sea Good for students with limited international experience No language requirements in most cases Full credit for any courses taken Volunteer & Internship opportunities are available Financial Aid can be applied towards cost of program

Direct Exchange Programs Allow students to study in destinations such as China, Spain, Sweden, France or Chile Students pay WSU tuition and living costs abroad Good for independent students Full credit for courses completed 3.0 GPA required in most cases Financial Aid can be applied

How Do I Find A Program That Is Right For Me Research your options to find a program that fits your needs Gather information from different resources Talk to a study abroad advisor Talk to your academic advisor Talk to financial aid Talk to friends who have studied abroad Contact Peer Mentors (returned study abroad students)

How Do I Find A Program That Is Right For Me Things to consider Type of Program Academics/Courses Offered Location Cost Timing Level of Immersion

What Should I Do When I Find A Program I Like Submit your Study Abroad Application For non-Ambassador Programs this is a two-step process WSU Education Abroad Application Application for Program Provider or Institution

How Can You Afford Study Abroad Plan Ahead Use Your Financial Aid Apply for Institutional (WSU) Scholarships Apply for External Scholarships

External Scholarships and Grants The Following Are Examples of External Study Abroad Scholarships Gilman Scholarship Students receiving Federal Pell Grant can be awarded up to $5,000 Non-traditional Locations preferred Freeman Asia Awards up to $3,000/summer, $5,000/semester or $7,000/year to study in East or Southeast Asia Must receive federal need-based financial aid Priority to students with no previous experience in country Complete project to promote study abroad on campus once returned to home campus

External Scholarships and Grants Boren Scholarship Provides up to $10,000/semester based on need assessment Study in non-traditional locations to which U.S. has security interest Service requirement post-graduation Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant Awards 45 $1,000 Study Abroad Grants Must have 3.5 or higher GPA Have 45 – 135 quarter credit hours at time of program

Study Abroad Scholarship Resources Other Scholarship Resources 3 rd Party Providers offer there own in-house scholarships There are many websites that provide scholarship information such as: wards/ScholarshipandAwardListing/

This Could Be You… Questions?