Study Abroad FAQ
Here is a list of commonly asked questions about Education Abroad. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact the Director for Study Abroad & International Student Services.
WHAT IS STUDY ABROAD?
Studying abroad offers you an opportunity to earn college credit while meeting interesting people and visiting fascinating places. And studying abroad does so much more—it…
Introduces you to diverse peoples and cultures;
Increases your self-confidence;
Impresses job recruiters;
Enhances your academics; and most importantly,
Broadens your horizons and transforms you!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Studying abroad gives the student a number of short- and long-term benefits. And the skills students acquire abroad are ones employers cite as increasingly more important in the global marketplace.
Creatively solve problems—imagine, forecast, or address situations from a different frame of reference.
Become more ethnically and culturally sensitive.
Become more independent and take more initiative.
Become more flexible.
Acquire skills that shape career path.
Identify a clearer career direction.
“Studying abroad is something I never imagined doing. The feeling of being immersed in another culture is something everyone should try.”
—Adam Ziegler, Marion, Kansas
WHEN SHOULD I STUDY ABROAD?
While you can study abroad almost any time during your academic career, the best time to go abroad is during the third year of college. By this time, you have completed more classes, have a better sense of your academic and professional goals, and—when you return—still have time to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom.
START EARLY in the planning process to find the program of study best suited for you!
WHERE SHOULD I GO?
Any study abroad program is going to benefit the student, but some countries or continents may prove a better match for students. For example:
Business…France, Finland, Eastern Europe, China, India.
CIS…Asia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe.
History/Political Science…Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium), Middle East.
Fine Arts…Europe (Italy, Spain, Germany, Netherlands), China, South America.
Communication…Europe, South & Central America, Asia.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Program costs vary, depending on location, length of stay, and the type of program. Europe and Australia/NZ tend to be more expensive, while Asian, South American, and African countries tend to be less expensive, on average. But some programs will not cost you much more than a semester at Emporia State. The table below gives you an idea of average costs of various study abroad programs:
| Program—2006-2007 | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Semester @ ESU | $4393 |
| ESU Direct Exchange | $5600 |
| ESU Summer Program (3-6 Weeks) | $2000-$3600 |
| ISEP Exchange | $6250 |
| ISA (International Studies Abroad) | $8000-$16,000 |
*Unless otherwise indicated, total cost is for a semester-length program and includes the following: tuition, room, board, insurance, passport and visa, air transportation.
• Financial Aid & Scholarships: As long as a student carries 12 hours of transferable credits, thereby maintaining full-time status, they are eligible for financial aid, and in most cases scholarship monies will apply. Our students have also received additional scholarships through ISEP, AustraLearn, Rotary International, and other sources.
DO I NEED TO KNOW THE LANGUAGE?
No!
Students still have the impression that one must have, at best, an intermediate knowledge of the language of the country in which they will study. Many academic institutions teach a variety of courses in English; therefore, finding an academic program will not be a problem. And a big part of the international experience will be confronting a culture and language quite distinct from that in the US.
Finding a program that fits your comfort level—culturally & academically—is an important consideration. The programs we work with and develop help ensure that students have a positive and challenging experience from beginning to end.
“Studying abroad was the next step in my education. I wanted to improve my German skills…I learned a lot, but most of all tolerance.” —Erin Christians, Derby Kansas
Studies in Trier, Germany
WHAT KINDS OF STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS CAN I CHOOSE FROM?
There are a variety of Study Abroad programs available, and while a semester—and even a year—are ideal as far as immersion in the culture, any length of study will benefit you. At ESU, you have the following options:
Short-term programs: anywhere from one to six weeks, these typically are offered over Winter & Spring Breaks, or during a Summer Session.
Long-term Programs:
ESU Direct Exchanges: ESU has exchange agreements with a number of institutions world-wide. Paraguay, China, Estonia, Russia, Finland, South Korea, and Japan are just a few of the countries in which we have exchange agreements.
Affiliate Programs: ESU is affiliated with a number of Study Abroad organizations: ISEP, AIFS, & AustraLearn. ISEP, in particular, is attractive to students because of its affordability.
Other Programs: A number of organizations and companies help facilitate studying abroad, many of which can be found at www.studyabroad.com or through our website links.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Whom Do I Contact?
Dr. Philip R. Coleman-Hull
Director for Study Abroad & International Student Services
Office of International Education
Emporia State University
Ph: 620-341-5921
FAX: 620-341-5918
Email: pcoleman@emporia.edu
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Last Updated July 23, 2007