Study abroad 101: The basic facts

Black Collegian, Feb 1999 by Craig, Starlett

Is my GPA important? It is important to maintain a grade point ratio that reflects your academic ability and the effort you have made to achieve your educational goals; however, the criteria for eligibility will vary from program to program. For example, to participate in competitive programs in the United Kingdom and Australia, it is necessary to have an above average GPA (3.0 and above). In most instances an essay is required and a participant can play up their best good citizen characteristics.

Can I apply for financial aid to cover the cost of tuition during my study abroad experience? In most cases, federal financial aid in the form of the Stafford loan and Pell Grant can be used for an approved Study Abroad program. Be sure to discuss your financial needs with the Study Abroad Advisor during the early stages of your interview. The advisor may be able to help you complete your financial statement based on the expenses that you anticipate you will incur as a result of study abroad. Get definite answers about scholarships and if they will apply to the study abroad experience. Don't forget to complete the applications for those programs that award scholarships and/or travel grants. Keep in mind that most scholarships are merit based.

Do I have to speak a foreign language? Proficiency in a foreign language is not a requirement. Remember, there are many programs that offer English as the language of instruction and program requirements vary. You may be able to take courses in English at the American University of Paris or the American University in Cairo. Your study abroad advisor can help you choose a program that is tailored for your specific academic needs and abilities.

Where can I go? Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Ghana, Kenya and more than one hundred countries worldwide offer programs for American students who want to study abroad. You can begin your search with Peterson's Guide to Study Abroad or you might do a search on the internet. Again, the places where you can go are unlimited. Where you go may depend not only on the course of study but the climate as well. Do you like to ski? You might choose a cold climate in Austria, Germany or Switzerland. Are you a beachcomber? You just might set your sights on Martinique to learn French or Costa Rica to learn Spanish.

If you are now convinced that study abroad is for you and you cannot find the advising resources on your campus, I would encourage you to contact NAFSA: Association of International Educators at www.nafsa.org. Through this organization, you may be linked to the special interest group for Black and Muticultural Professionals in International Education. More than 100 educators are currently listed and they are willing to talk to you and your parents about your plans to study abroad. Moreover, NAFSA maintains a website and the most up to date listing of resources for students and advisors. The website contains a worldwide database and directories of study and work abroad programs. Please note the address at the end of this article. This list was compiled by William Nolting at the University of Michigan and is presented to you as a courtesy of the Section on United States Students Abroad professional membership for NAFSA: Association of International Educators.