STUDY ABROAD!

[Illy]

Hi fellow Nerdfighters,

So, I want to start a forum for nerdfighters about Study Abroad. I think that it's an amazing opportunity that some people don't take advantage of because they don't know enough about it, or there's no one encouraging them to do it.

So, I thought it would be a great idea to start a post where nerdfighters who have questions about study abroad or are considering going abroad can ask other nerdfighters about their experience with different programs or options. So if you'd like to help and/or get answers or advice (or maybe you just want to share your experience with people who understand), this is the place.

Please introduce yourself, and if you've been abroad already, share anything about your program that you feel comfortable sharing. I'll start:

My name is Christine, and I just got back from a year abroad in Florence, Italy. It was the best year of my life. I'm happy to answer any questions I can about my experience, and different options for going abroad. If you want to know more about my experience, here is my blog: http://awayfromthesafeharbor.blogspot.com/

I'd also like to encourage anyone who thinks they don't have enough money to go abroad to look into scholarships. There are many available through universities and other resources. A great one is the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

[Gabie]

I was going to go on a coming of age trip the summer after I graduate from high school, but decided against it when I realistically looked at the costs. Now I'm going to try and minor in International Studies, which most universities require studying abroad to do. Do you have any advice for a high school senior that just wants to travel but doesn't quite know where to start?

[Illy]

If you've already decided on a university, you might start by just looking into the study abroad options at your particular school. (Just a google search of study abroad and your college's name should get you to the right place.) Most universities have specific programs, or partnerships with specific programs, and it will be much easier to go through one of those programs. So, I would start there and research the options they give you.

If you're a rising high school senior and don't have a college picked out yet, definitely look for schools with strong study abroad programs. You might also look into schools that offer scholarships for students who are studying abroad. Those can help cover the different costs of living over seas.

I hope some of that helps!