Exploring the world with Georgia College

A step-by-step guide to making study abroad experience possible

Every Georgia College student has access to the opportunity to explore, discover, and experience the world through the study abroad programs offered by the International Education Center.

Providing summer, semester and year-long programs in over 20 different countries, the International Education Center offers something for everyone. The study abroad process begins with the decision to go.

An interest in adventure, cultural exploration or expanded education may be the root of this decision, but a desire for new experiences makes an important foundation. The next step is to explore the many available options.

Some students choose a study abroad program based on location, and others make the decision by determining what coursework is available on what program. The best option will be the best personal and academic match, based upon both personal interest and academic requirements.

“There was a fair on campus, and I gathered a lot of information for all the programs the school was offering and I picked it based on the destination and the classes I’d be taking,” said senior philosophy and literature major Ivan Soto.

Following the selection of a program, the next step in the process is the application. The International Education Center recommends applying as early as possible to ensure space availability and ample time to prepare for the trip. Maymester and summer study abroad programs require an application and a deposit, as well as a minimum GPA of 2.0.

A semester or year exchange program requires an application, an essay, two letters of recommendation, and interviews to determine what is expected of students as well as what students can expect of their trip. A minimum of a 2.75 GPA is required for semester or year-long programs.

After the decision to study abroad, the selection of a program, and the application, the next step is preparation. Though the cost of studying abroad may appear to be a heavy financial burden, many different funding options are available to any student who seeks them out. Scholarships, grants, and fundraisers are the most common funding options for study abroad trips. Students have hosted bake sales, car washes, and even speed-dating events to raise money for a trip.

“I didn’t do a fundraiser, but I did get a Virginia Daniel Weir/Guy H. Wells scholarship from the International Office,” junior creative writing and art major Peggy Des Jardines said. “It wasn’t hard to apply and was definitely worth the extra funds.”

Once the financial aspects of the trip are secure, it’s time to pack. The packing checklist depends greatly on the location and climate of the study abroad trip, but a general list would include important things like comfortable walking shoes, a pocket dictionary for non-English speaking countries, guidebooks, a student visa, copies of all important documents (like passports and visas) and a practical budget.

“Most importantly, students need to bring an open mind,” Havey said.

Then after the months of anticipation and preparation, it will be time to leave. Students who have previously studied abroad suggest reading about the destination, making weekend travel plans to explore beyond the program’s plans, and researching as much as possible beforehand to ensure the fullest experience.

“The most important thing is flexibility. Things go wrong a lot, and it’s paramount to your experience that you don’t get flustered and angry about every single thing. It’s stressful to be abroad and confused, but only as stressful as you allow it to be,” Des Jardines said.

Havey and Des Jardines offer some other advice for students getting ready to travel abroad.

“My suggestion to students is to think outside the box. There is this big amazing world out there. Don’t be afraid to try something new, to explore your boundaries and yourself, and don’t be afraid of language barriers,” Havey said. “Picking up pieces of new languages and cultures is fun and invigorating.”

Posted by Caitlin Renn on Jan 27 2011. Filed under Close Up, Special Sections. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.