1. What’s the Deal With… STUDY ABROAD

3. Liz : Business, Development & Social Entrepreneurship in Legon, Ghana Major: International Business “Studying abroad not only gives you a chance to learn in another country, but it gives you the ability to learn about new cultures, see the best sights of the world and experience personal growth. Boti Falls was one of the most beautiful natural sights I saw in Ghana.” Study Abroad Fact: In 2012-2013, 1,170 GW undergraduate students studied abroad— that’s 50% of the junior class!

4. Elaine : Business, Communications, and Culture in Brussels Majors: Criminal Justice, Political Science “The best part about studying abroad was getting to travel all over Europe and meet people from various countries and cultures. I was able to see and experience things that I never would have had the chance to had I not been living in Europe for a semester.” Study Abroad Fact: GW approves over 400 programs in more than 60 countries! The ten most popular destinations for 2012-2013 include the UK, Spain, France, Italy, Australia, Argentina, Ireland, China, South Africa, and Chile.

5. Alix : Korea University-GW Exchange Major: Systems Engineering Initially, being the only foreigner, the only female, and the only non- Korean speaker in a class full of 60 engineers was tough. However, once I was able to get over the physical differences, being able to work together and study in a different academic environment has been an enriching factor in contributing to my time abroad. Study Abroad Fact: Students in all majors can study abroad! GW sends 40% of undergraduate Business School students abroad and has special partnerships for students in SEAS. If you’re in a more restrictive major, discussion with your academic advisor and early planning are key to ensuring you can study abroad.

6. Hilary : ACC Beijing Major: International Affairs Study Abroad Fact: Language study is one of the top reasons GW students study abroad. “The most meaningful aspect of studying abroad in Beijing was learning how to speak the Chinese language more fluently. Because my program is so demanding and requires all students to only speak Chinese (not even one word of English is allowed!), my Chinese improved tremendously. Some nights, I would even have dreams in Chinese. That's when I realized that studying abroad really had paid off!”

7. Abigail : GW Chile Major: International Business “One of the best parts about studying abroad in Santiago with GW Chile were the 2 GW classes offered. The class Advanced Spanish Oral Communication through Chilean Cultural Topics gave me a deeper understanding of why Chileans speak and live the way they do by studying the history of the culture and the language. We visited the Plaza de Armas, one of the main squares that the city is centered around to see the history first-hand during a class field trip.” Study Abroad Fact: GW has four of its own Study Programs: GW Paris GW Madrid GW Chile GW England

8. Kelsey : Study in Rabat, Morocco Major: French Language, Literature, Culture “Not only did I get to use my French every day, but I picked up a good bit of Arabic too. Learning a language abroad gives you the opportunity to practically use your language skills, make mistakes, and really engage with the local culture.” Study Abroad Fact: GW has basic eligibility requirements for study abroad, including a 2.75 GPA, but many programs have their own requirements.

9. Chloe : CIEE Jordan Majors: International Affairs “Of course, the GW Blog Abroad Scholarship assisted me financially. Moreover, the GW Blog Abroad Scholarship helped me to find my voice by writing on issues of social justice, socioeconomic development and cross-culture exchanges experienced abroad.” Study Abroad Fact: Most federal and institutional financial aid applies while you are abroad for a semester or full year. In addition, GW offers 6 scholarships for study abroad. There are also many external organizations that offer scholarships for study abroad.

10. Jennie : CIEE Sevilla, Spain Major: American Studies “Through FOFAC, I met faculty members who have also spent time abroad, got involved with great opportunities on campus relating to study abroad, and became friends with exchange students from around the world. FOFAC definitely made my transition back to life at GW so much easier and more fun than it would have been otherwise!” Study Abroad Fact: Study abroad in the fall and become part of GW’s Focus on Fall Abroad Community (FOFAC) for housing options, possible scholarships, & special events!

11. For More Information and Assistance…. Visit our Resource Room –Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit our Website: www.studyabroad.gwu.edu Contact us: studyabr@gwu.edu