Study Abroad--FAQs
This FAQ is also available as a PDF file.
1. ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST
Most students study abroad for one or more of the following reasons:
--To take advantage of a unique living and learning experience not available
on the Amherst campus.
--To improve their foreign language ability in a language previously studied,
or to begin a new language.
--To immerse themselves in a foreign culture, recognizing that knowing only their
own is insufficient preparation for true 21st century global awareness
--To test themselves in new places, meet new people, and experience different
cultural modes and ways of learning.
--To enhance their career preparation, knowing that we now live in a culturally
diverse social environment and work in the global marketplace
Less satisfactory motivations might include
going abroad because your friends are going,
escaping from an unsatisfactory campus
or home situation, or getting away from
a personal relationship or other problems.
The difficulty with these latter reasons
is that study abroad may not be an answer
at all and, indeed, could make matters
worse. There are other and usually better
ways of resolving some of these issues:
taking time off altogether from studying,
seeking counseling, or directly confronting
the problem. In short, study abroad is
not for everyone, and should not be entered
into lightly, with no forethought as to
how it fits in with your personal, academic,
or career goals.
Past Amherst students have cited one or more of the following reasons for not
doing so:
--Hesitation to give up even a semester's worth of campus academic study, fearing
that overseas courses will not be as good
--The need to fulfill College curricular requirements on campus, especially
when double-majoring
--Conflicts with campus obligations, such as sports, arts, or other extracurricular
activities
--Lack of parental support
--Concerns over health, safety, and security issues which might arise abroad
2. WHO CAN HELP ME DECIDE
WHETHER STUDY ABROAD IS FOR ME?
--The study abroad advisor, an experienced professional in the field of international
education.
--Faculty members, many of whom have extensive international experience and
advised other students on reasons for taking some of your degree studies in
a foreign environment.
--Your parents, who may or may not have overseas experience, but know you.
--Study abroad program/university representatives, who can point out the particular
features of what they offer.
-- Amherst students who have returned from study abroad.
Gathering as much information as possible
can makes the decision easier.
3.
WHEN
SHOULD
I
STUDY
ABROAD?
The Junior year--either the full academic year, or during the Fall or Spring
semester--is the normal time to study abroad, in part because your academic
goals (the major in particular) should be solidified by that time, and study
abroad should be seen in relation to these goals. Many foreign universities
and programs, additionally, require U.S. Junior standing for admission as a
result of differences between the American and foreign systems of higher education,
or language proficiency requirements. But, if your academic major requirements
fall heavily during the Junior year, you may want to consider studying abroad
during the last semester of your Sophomore year. If you are thinking about
going abroad as a Sophomore, consult as soon as possible with your department
chair, as well as the study abroad advisor. Note: Amherst
students are expected to be in residence during both semesters of the senior
year.
4. WHAT TYPE OF PROGRAM SHOULD
I CHOOSE?
An important part of deciding where to study abroad is familiarizing yourself
with other ways of teaching and learning. Programs, of course, vary greatly
in terms of academic content and emphases, distinctive subject matter strengths,
formats of instruction, professional profiles of teaching (and other) staff,
nature of assignments, how cultural immersion is fostered, and the ways in
which the non-academic components of students' lives are configured. Integrated
Study, Branch Campus, and Hybrid programs are the three main types:
Integrated Study:
Typically, integrated study makes cultural immersion virtually inescapable.
You take regular courses, use the library, and write papers and exams the
way native students do. The academic culture of foreign universities can
be vastly different from that of Amherst . Universities in many countries
are not set up to handle a student who is not enrolling in a degree program.
Before you spend the time exploring direct enrollment possibilities in the
universities of particular country or at a specific university, you should
speak with the Study Abroad Advisor about whether or not such enrollment
is feasible. Studying in a foreign university is suited to students who need
to fulfill certain specific (usually science-based) course sequences during
their term abroad; students who want to do research in a specific field;
and students who have already had some experience overseas, and are looking
for a more in-depth educational experience.
Integrated study offers access to the full curriculum within a given university
(subject to your having course or departmental prerequisites). Integrated study
program options include direct enrollment, enrolling via a U.S. institution
(e.g., Arcadia, Butler) at a foreign university, and participating in an Amherst
College exchange program (U-Gottingen, in Germany). Integrated study is particularly
well suited for: students who want to achieve near-native fluency in a foreign
language. Obviously, if you do not know the language of the country well enough
to be able to do course work in it sitting next to native students, such opportunities
would seem to be limited to English-speaking countries.
However, integrated study is not in fact
limited to English-speaking countries (e.g.,
the United Kingdom , Ireland , Australia
, and New Zealand ). Amherst students have
also recently pursued integrated study
in Scandinavia, the Netherlands , Hong
Kong , Israel , India , Egypt , and some
other nations in Africa , all of which
offer university-level course work in English.
Branch Campus Study Abroad:
At the other extreme from Integrated Study are programs set up by U.S. and
foreign institutions specifically for American students. In such programs,
students take courses with each other, taught by host country faculty, though
some may be offered by U.S. faculty. Academic policies tend to be similar
to U.S. domestic study. Credit transfer for Amherst students is often done
via a School of Record .
While Branch Campus programs do not as a rule offer a high degree of cultural
immersion, many include social activities and a home-stay program to facilitate
integration into the culture. There are also non-integrated programs intended
for international students, run by foreign universities and Amherst students
is often done via a School of Record . There are also non-integrated programs
intended for international students, run by foreign universities and agencies.
In this case, your classmates could be from nations around the world; as in
the DIS, Hebrew University , and Maastricht Center for European Studies programs,
where English is the lingua franca of the diverse student and professorial
populations.
Hybrid Programs:
Borrowing aspects of both integrated and branch campus study abroad, there
are many hybrid programs which combine special courses for U.S. students
with some study (usually one to two courses) at a host country university
or institute for foreigners. Such programs allow students to choose whatever
blend of 'American' and 'foreign' courses is appropriate for them. Language
instruction is often offered at several levels. Courses offered by the program
frequently include an overview of the history and culture of the country,
something that would not need to be offered to native students, but is essential
to visitors. Students staying for the academic year can move from the more
specialized course and those taught in English to university courses taught
in the native language. Hybrid programs are usually overseen by a resident
director who assists students in choosing courses, making arrangements for
room and board, and pursuing extracurricular activities and travel.
5. WHERE SHOULD I STUDY ABROAD?
Many students select a country on the basis of a desire to become more proficient
in its language, after previous study. Some do so on the basis of knowing that
a particular academic subject is exceptionally well-taught there, or that the
social history, politics, arts, or natural setting is uniquely interesting
to them. Others simply have an interest in studying a specific region of the
world, drawn by the experience of having traveled there or having met someone
from there. Seeking their ethnic or national 'roots' also has inspired some
students to want to study in a particular location. Think carefully about these
and other considerations, remembering that the 'study' in study abroad should
remain central.
It is also important to know yourself
well enough to consider whether you would
like to live and study in an urban or in
a more rural academic setting. Although
metropolitan areas tend to offer more in
the way of culture and excitement, past
students often have said that the best
way to get to know a foreign country is
to live in a small town visited by few
foreigners. The size of the university
or program, as well as the number of other
American students enrolled with you, are
also important variables. Look at past
evaluations to find out what others say
about these things.
6. SHOULD I STUDY ABROAD FOR A SEMESTER
OR A YEAR?
Most students who have studied abroad for year recommend that others considering
study abroad should indeed commit themselves to a full academic year, rather
than a semester. Even some who have chosen to study for only a semester report
that it was too short a period of time to become part of a foreign culture,
gain fluency in the language, get acclimated to a new educational system, make
friends, and travel.
Others have found a semester just right. Nearly all study abroad "alumni" agree,
however, that if your choice is between going abroad for a semester or not
going at all, you should definitely not miss the experience, whatever its duration.
What is important is that you do what is appropriate and what is possible for
you. Here are some pros and cons to the semester vs. year debate:
Semester
--Certain courses at Amherst (pre-requisites, required courses for your major,
or others that you want to take from particular professors) may not be offered
every semester; going abroad for one semester tends to allow greater flexibility
in course planning.
--A year may seem too long to be away from special people, places, and activities.
--Some programs are designed as one-semester units. You couldn't stay for a
year if you wanted to.
Year
--Allows enough time to develop language skills and friendships, become integrated
into the culture, and overcome "home-sickness."
--Some programs only admit students for the year.
--Many foreign universities operate on a different academic calendar than Amherst
does, making it impossible to attend them for less than a year.
--As at Amherst , it takes time to discover the professors with whom you would
most like to study.
7. IF I DOUBLE MAJOR, CAN I STILL STUDY
ABROAD?
Yes, but this requires additional advance planning in order to work out course
credits in one or both majors. All students must declare at least one major
before studying abroad. In any and all cases, it is essential to speak with
your new major advisor(s), or someone in the department(s) before handing in
the Study Abroad Proposal Form. Make sure that you discuss course requirements
for one or both majors which may be satisfied overseas. This will ensure before
departure that you are on track with required course work, and that you will
be able to receive major course credit for course work taken while abroad.
If anything changes between the Spring and when you leave, make sure you get
further assurances from your advisor(s).
8. IF I AM FULFILLING PRE-MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS,
IS STUDY ABROAD STILL POSSIBLE?
Yes, but premedical students have to plan carefully and consider all the consequences
if they wish to take advantage of this opportunity. If there are conflicts
with courses or sequences, you should consider studying abroad in the spring
semester of your sophomore year for the following reasons:
--First, it is usually impossible to take pre-med science courses in most study
abroad programs, which tend, with some notable exceptions, to focus on language
and cultural study. You may need to double-up in labs most semesters, take
a summer course, or postpone applying until the end of your senior year.
--Second, if you go away for the entire junior year, you will probably not
be able to take the MCAT exam in the Spring of that year as recommended. You
will either have to delay taking the MCAT until the late summer, which may
put you at a disadvantage, or decide to go abroad only for the fall semester.
--Third, time away from Amherst --even if you do manage to get some science
courses in your study abroad program--means fewer Amherst faculty members will
know you well and be able to supply recommendations. On the other hand, many
Medical schools look with favor on applications which show a breadth of interests
beyond the pre-med curriculum.
To discuss this, check with Carolyn
Bassett , Health Careers Advisor.
9. WHAT DOES IT COST TO STUDY ABROAD?
Costs vary by program type, foreign university tuition, location, duration,
currency exchange fluctuations, and other considerations. Amherst College runs
no study abroad programs of its own and charges no administrative fees. Students
therefore enroll in foreign universities or in programs sponsored by other
U.S. and overseas institutions. Unless you qualify for Amherst College financial
aid, you and your parents are solely responsible for paying such institutions
directly. If you qualify for Amherst College financial aid, this aid, up to the limit of Amherst tuition, will "travel" for
all approved study abroad and Amherst will pay the cost of your study abroad
program (up to the upper limit of the aid package). Go to Money
Matters .
Some programs on the approved list cost
less than Amherst College, while some cost more, when overseas
airfare and other travel expenses are taken into account. Direct enrollment
in a foreign university on the approved
list often appears to cost less than enrolling
in that same institution via a U.S. college
(e.g., Butler-Institute for Study Abroad;
Arcadia-Center for Education Abroad). But
students also receive less in terms of
support services such as transportation,
accommodations, orientation, excursions,
and expediting credit transfer. Make sure
you have a realistic estimate of all costs
and arrangements before you make this decision.
If you do not qualify for financial aid,
there are a few undergraduate scholarships
and fellowships for study abroad which
are not need-based. Go to Money Matters.
10.
CAN
MY
HEALTH
AND
SAFETY
BE
GUARANTEED
IF
I
STUDY
ABROAD?
No. That is, no more than it can be living and learning on a U.S. campus. In
point of fact, studying abroad is probably no more risky than domestic study.
However, it is imperative that you understand how to maximize your overseas
health and safety and minimize the risks that do exist through your own preparation
and behavior. This means becoming informed both in choosing a program and in
readying yourself before departure. One of the considerations Amherst College
has in choosing programs for the approved list is concern that they are as
well-run and safe as is humanly possible.
Immunizations and Prescriptions
Some non-Western countries advise or require travelers to carry certificates
showing that they have been vaccinated against smallpox, yellow fever, cholera,
and other diseases. Some may require proof that you are HIV negative. Specific
information may be obtained from most doctors' offices and from local public
health offices. Some general advice about health: go to the dentist and doctor
for check-ups before you leave, have extra glasses made (or have your doctor
write out your prescription), and take along any prescription drugs (in clearly
marked bottles) that you use regularly. Have the written prescription with
you in case a customs officer asks you for it.
Health Insurance
It is extremely important to have health insurance while studying abroad, be
it purchased through Amherst, your study abroad program or an outside company.
Students with insurance from outside organizations should check with their
companies to see if their policies are valid abroad. You will be covered
while you are studying abroad if you have Amherst College Insurance, though
you should read your policy carefully as some limitations may exist when
you are away from campus. Students interested in purchasing insurance through
Amherst should contact the Student Accounts Office in the Comptroller's Office
in August (for a full year's insurance) or January (for second semester only).
If you receive scholarship assistance from Amherst and wish to continue to
participate in the college's plan, or if your study abroad program fee includes
the cost of insurance, your scholarship will cover your insurance. However,
you must still inform Student Accounts that you wish to participate in the
College's insurance plan.
11. HOW DO I GO ABOUT APPLYING TO A
PROGRAM?
The Study Abroad section of the Career Center 's bookshelves contains program
materials and information. Application forms for most but not all study abroad
programs on the approved list are often included in brochures, which you are
free to take with you. Otherwise, you will have to contact the program sponsor
via its 800-number or e-mail, and ask that the application be sent. You can
also check the websites of approved programs to gain more information about
the application process. Make sure that you respect application deadlines and
send in all supporting materials by these dates--which can sometimes be prior
to Amherst College deadlines. Some programs have rolling admissions and fill-up
when upper enrollment limits have been reached.
12. DO I NEED A PASSPORT AND VISA TO STUDY
ABROAD?
Yes, you will always need a valid passport, U.S. , or foreign, to enter and
leave any country (except Canada and Mexico ). In addition, while many countries
routinely allow short-term visits (up to three months, usually), many do not.
Often, you will need to apply for and be granted a Student Visa. Follow the
advice of your program sponsor.
Passports
Application for a passport should be made, in person, to: 1) a post office
which has been authorized to accept passport applications (the Northampton
and South Hadley Post Offices may do so); 2) one of the Passport Agencies located
in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans,
New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Stafford, and Washington, D.C.;
3) a clerk of a federal court or state court of record; or 4) a judge or clerk
of a probate court. The following items must be presented when you apply; 1)
proof of U.S. citizenship (a certified copy of your birth certificate, including
a seal of the city where you were born, your date of birth, and the date your
birth was recorded; naturalization certificate; or previous passport); 2) two
recent, identical 2" x 2" photographs giving clear frontal view of
your face; 3) identification (a valid driver=s license with your signature
and photograph); and 4) $60 ($40 if renewing a passport). Apply at least four
weeks in advance.
Visas
A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed by officials of a foreign government
on a U.S. passport which allows the bearer to enter that foreign country. Visa
requirements vary from country to country and should be checked with each country's
embassy or consular office. Photographs are required for many visas so it is
advisable to get several copies when having your passport photos made. In either
case, check with the appropriate embassy or consulate, study abroad program,
or university, to find out specific materials needed to study abroad.
International Student Identity Card
While it is not a diplomatic requirement like the passport or visa, Amherst
College strongly urges all students to purchase the International Student Identity
Card, well worth its $20 cost. Identifying you as a bone fide student, it provides
reductions in travel fares, museum and cultural event entrance fees, as well
as a number of other student discounts. In addition, it carries with it a basic
medical package and accident insurance, including repatriation in case of an
medical emergency. Here is further information regarding acquiring a card .
13. CAN I STUDY ABROAD IN THE SUMMER?
Yes, there are hundreds and hundreds of summer study abroad programs, spread
over the whole world, in every imaginable subject, including language-learning.
The most comprehensive listing is to be found in the IIE guide, Short Term
Study Abroad, in the Study Abroad Library. A sampling of recommended summer
program materials can be found in the Library, as well. However, Amherst College
does not allow credit to be transferred in from summer study abroad programs
and provides no financial aid.
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