There is much more to studying abroad than just taking classes in a foreign country. Nothing will be quite the same after you have studied abroad. Your perspectives will be global, your attitudes will be international, and you will make memories that will last a lifetime. Studying abroad may be that defining moment that will change your life. Your international experience builds a noticeable sense of independence and self-confidence and opens doors to new opportunities, new friends, and new career paths.
SUNY offers approximately 400 study abroad options so the world is yours for the taking. Possibilities also exist to study abroad through a private school's program but the beauty of the SUNY programs is that you get a first rate educational experience and pay SUNY tuition!
"I think everyone can afford study abroad thanks to scholarships and student loans. The experience was so powerful and life changing that I could not see myself not making a way to afford it. I used student loans to pay for the courses, and I was creative in obtaining the rest of the money. For holidays I asked my family to help out with trip supplies and expenses. I also sold candy, wrote letters to community agencies and churches asking for donations in return for service, and picked up an extra part time job. The sacrifices you make now will be worth it once you get to the country your studying in. There is no way you can put a price on the study abroad experience, so no matter what the cost, you will walk away feeling like it's a small price to pay for a lifetime of experiences, memories, and friends."
"While previous knowledge of a foreign language would, of course, benefit you, it is definitely not required or necessary. I took Italian for two years prior to my study abroad experience and found that I learned the most while I was there! The other people on my program had never taken a day of the language before going, and some of them stayed with host families who spoke no English! If you do get stuck, you can just about always find a helpful English-speaking stranger, no matter what country you're in!"
"Studying abroad didn't set me behind, it actually sped things up. With the boost from studying abroad, I'm a double major graduating on time. Taking a semester to concentrate on one major was a great help."
"Study abroad is a great experience and a great way to see how people in other countries live. People look at you as an adventurous person who isn't afraid of a little change and who is willing to take the chance to try something new. I know all of my friends were amazed that I had the courage to study abroad, and I'm sure others, including future employers, will look at it in this same way."
"Study Abroad not only gives you the opportunity to take classes in another country; it is also an opportunity for you to open your eyes and discover other parts of the planet, and to learn the things you can't learn when on your own campus. Not only was the academic component of the program intensive, my life outside the program was also intense! Every single corner of the city was a place to learn about the culture of the country. There is no better way to learn about a new culture than by putting yourself inside it. "Being there" is always best."
Last updated: January 05, 2007 9:55 am EST