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Myths about Study Abroad Misinformation and outright falsehoods keep many students from even considering studying abroad each year. Too many students mistakenly believe that there is no place in their academic plan or major for time abroad or that study abroad is just a luxury that they can neither afford nor benefit from. Au contraire! Below are some of the most common myths students believe about studying abroad and, more importantly, the facts that debunk them. Myth #1: Study Abroad is too expensive. Only the rich can afford to study overseas.
Fact #1: Finances shouldn’t stop any student. The cost of studying abroad is almost equal to what you would pay studying and living at UC. . All financial aid you have now can be used while studying in a credit-earning study abroad program just like if you were taking classes here. The added expenses that you would incur while studying abroad is the plane ticket and the extra traveling and shopping you would do while abroad. The growing number of students studying abroad dispels the myth that only rich can study abroad.
Myth #2: Courses in my major are not available.
Fact #2: Students in any major can study abroad and stay on track for graduation. There are a myriad of programs available around the world. Students majoring in subjects like history, political science, and language tend to have a widest range of programs available but with careful choice of program and planning any major can study abroad. Take Biology in Australia, Business in China, Tropical Ecology in Costa Rica…
Myth #3: I won't graduate on time if I take time out to go abroad.
Fact # 3: Plan ahead and you won’t delay graduation. It’s all about planning carefully your study abroad and getting approval for the transfer of credit from UC before you leave. You receive full home credit for the courses you take, courses that may count toward your major, minor or elective requirements. The earlier a student starts planning the easier it becomes to fit studying abroad into their academic schedule.
Myth #4: All programs are alike, so I just need to pick my favorite country.
Fact #4: There are many types of study-abroad programs, designed to meet the wants and needs of all kinds of students in terms of academics and extra-curricular activities. You need to find a program that matches your academic needs and your personal objectives. Selecting a Study Abroad program can be difficult since there is wide variety of programs from which to choose. There are many factors that you should consider: destination, field of study, program length, program term, course offerings, language of instruction, etc. Myth #5: I have to be fluent in a foreign language when I study abroad.
Fact #5: There are many programs available in English. Don’t forget that English is the language of Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, India and South Africa. There are also excellent programs available in non-English speaking countries that have all their classes, except for the language classes, taught in English. Many programs do not require prior foreign language instruction and will provide you with intensive language classes at the beginning of your stay abroad.
Myth #6: I can always travel later once I have a job and am earning money. That is just as good.
Fact #6: The above statement is “Easier to say than done”. Once students are locked into jobs and responsibilities, they can hardly get time out for higher education. You may have a difficult time getting time off from work and you probably won’t be able to afford unpaid vacation time. In addition, traveling as a tourist is a much different experience than living as an integrated part of a foreign culture.
Myth #7: If I’m paying the same as at my home university, so I should get exactly the same level of services, technology, extracurricular opportunities…
Fact #7: You are in a different country and things will be different. Remember that you have gone abroad to experience differences: Enjoy them! There are different standards of living, expectations, and priorities in other cultures. You’ll think some things are better than at home and some things are worse.
Myth #8: I play sports so I am unable to study abroad.
Fact #8: Students who play sports do have the opportunity to study abroad. If their sport is played during the fall or spring semester they can go abroad during the semester their sport is not in session. If their sport covers both semesters, athletes can go abroad during the summer or on one of the short-term programs.
Myth #9: Studying abroad will not help me get a job or get into graduate school.
Fact #9: The entire experience abroad will enhace your resume and employment potential. In fact, employers and graduate schools are looking for students who have a more global understanding of the world and are able to adapt to new situations. Your international experience will make the difference. Myth # 10: Study Abroad is not safe, especially for Americans.
Fact #10: UC will not send their students into unsafe situations. We researched thoroughly all the programs and cities before students are sent on the programs. Our Study Abroad Office keeps in contact with the host institution or 3rd Party Provider and the State Department to keep close tabs on what’s happening with that program, our students, and the country. The idea that students are put on a plane and that’s the last heard from them until they come home is false.
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