littlebear

Hi, I'm a junior in high school and my entire summer is based on science research in Germany. I'm going all the way there since I wasn't able to find a place in a lab in the US and I just really loved this field of study. I was wondering if colleges would think of this as being significant. Personally, this is a really big challenge and adventure for me because I've never really traveled outside of my state, let alone by myself. But I feel like colleges might think of it as "she's just making an excuse to have a vacation in Europe" or "why use money on the plane ticket when you could just commute to a nearby lab". I'm also afraid that admissions would think I'm lying about my family's financial status. My family is well off, but traveling to another country for two months is pretty unusual. I was able to make a deal with my dad that if he could pay for my ticket, I would pay for everything else (room and board, food). This troubles me and makes me rethink my plan to study abroad in Germany. Am I just being paranoid or something?

ticklemepink

Absolutely not. Just enjoy your time in Germany!

littlebear

Oh thanks. Sorry if I'm prying, but would this look pretty good on my application? or just eh?

ticklemepink

Depends how you word it and frame it. The more detail to show that this wasn't some "rich kid enrichment" program, the more informed the adcom is of why you went to Germany.

wrathofachilles

if you only hung out with other Americans, drank heavily, and went clubbing the whole time, then it probably won't help. However, if your language abilities and cultural understanding improved, then it's a huge benefit in your favor.

rocketman08

What you described sounds very impressive and I think it certainly would stand out on your application.

There are a lot of "rich kids tour Europe" programs out there that I don't think end up looking too impressive (although they may still provide a good experience for the kids); however, I get the impression from your description that you both showed the initiative to set all this up and are also going to be spending the time doing some serious work and not just taking a glorified vacation (although be sure to at least take some time to have fun ;-) ).

Sligh_Anarchist

Does this "lab" perhaps involve Germany's awesome beer?

I am no authority on this, but I just see this as another rich kid going to Europe. No offense or anything, of course.

redwingshockey

i think it would look great on your resume! i have some friends who did a lot of traveling and mission work in south america, and from the feedback they have gotten it looks great...they even got a letter of recommendation from the person running their program, which will help give it authenticity to colleges, so maybe you could try the same thing

krongman

i mean the fact that you went to germany to do "science research" is by nature an option available only to the well-off.

mattwonder

Depends on what you take and learn from the experience. With most summer activities, it's not the experience per se but the knowledge you gather and how it changes it you that make them valuable. That's why many of those other "tour Europe" programs don't really offer a benefit for colleges - people don't learn much on those vacations, certainly not in the sense colleges are looking for.

Don't worry about the financial aspects. At most schools, admissions are need-blind, and a college won't see this as evidence that you're poor or rich, and it's not like there's some huge conspiracy out there to judge your financial decisions. In fact, most colleges would be glad to see you taking advantage of any opportunities, including studying in another country.

Of course, the standard disclaimer applies. This activity alone will not get you into college. You should only do it if you want to do it. But it sounds to me like you want to do this, and you should. Never look back.

nauru

If you could get them to pay you a small (even if it's a very small ) salary, then it would change the entire appearance of the experience. It goes from "rich kid who can afford to just go to Europe" to "kid who reached out to and got noticed by an overseas research group, which would not have gone to the trouble to hire a foreigner if the kid wasn't exceptional".

ceds419

As you said, "Personally, this is a really big challenge and adventure for me because I've never really traveled outside of my state, let alone by myself."

Sounds exciting--I say do it for the adventure!
Whether it helps in admissions or not..

dtex50

Just curious - what is this field of study that you love and what is your previous experience in that area?

chiaro

My son will be studying in Japan for 6 months, starting in August. Living with a family and attending high school (Japanese spoken only). Prior to giving the OK for this, we attended several college fairs and asked MANY admissions officers specifically whether doing this would help or hurt an application (he intends to major in Japanese Language/Lit.). The unanimous answer was "Do it - it will be a great experience and would be a big plus on your application."

Of course, much depends on the actual program and your intended major, but study abroad will always show your interest/awareness of other cultures, willingness to leave your comfort zone, etc. The fact that you are putting this trip together yourself shows a lot of motivation and independence. Go, definitely, and have a great time. Keep a journal if possible and try to get documentation of your work (a letter, transcript, etc.).

Inthebiz

Doing research, whether in Europe or in the US (or elsewhere), is just the kind of thing we look for when reviewing applications for our presidential scholarship (full ride+) and for our Honors College. You do need to elaborate on the experience in your application materials, but it will stand out from what we typically see applicants doing during their summers.

Have great time (do get out of the lab and experience the culture as well!)