Has anyone ever looked into doing independent study abroad? I go to a smaller university that does not offer major specific study abroad trips, so I am considering using a study abroad company to go abroad. Has any one ever considered or heard anything about the study abroad company broadreach? I am considering doing the costa rica veterinary trip. If anyone has done a trip independently abroad, was it difficult to transfer credit back to your university?
Hey! I was a student on the Broadreach Costa Rica vet med trip, and it was absolutely incredible. I highly recommend it! I am currently an undergrad student and I have not yet transferred my credits for the trip back to my university, however it’s not difficult at all (you just have to call the university they are tied in with and ask them to transfer the credits). The trip was hands down the best three weeks of my life, and it was the deciding factor of what I wanted to major in in college. It helped me determine the future I want and I can’t thank Broadreach enough for it! Check out my video for the program! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZddRWLGI1I
Back in the day I did a study abroad independently. I applied directly to the foreign university myself, and matched up courses at my home university and applied for credit, BEFORE, I went. Well I at least cleared that the home university would be willing to accept the credits if I passed the classes. It was a huge undertaking, there was no support and when I had an issue at the foreign university which you inevitably will, I was on my own to deal with it. I was gone for a semester. It was hard, but doable, just have all of your ducks in a row before you go.
I would want to clarify the difference between what I characterize as educational tourism vs actually studying abroad at a university, multiple courses, just like you are doing at a home uni.
Broadreach gives credit through Lesley University, a fully accredited US college in Cambridge, MA. I would still recommend checking with your home university to make sure they’ll accept the credits. Some schools won’t take credits for courses that don’t match up with ones they offer or that don’t meet certain other criteria.
Broadreach is a well run program. As I imagine you’ve already discovered it’s very pricey, but if you do decide to do the program I expect you’ll have a wonderful experience. It is not your typical study abroad program. More like a “I’m going to do a really fun summer program and earn credits while I’m at it” deal. The company originally started by offering high school scuba programs, then expanded into sailing, community service, high school learning, and eventually education programs offering college credit.
I just showed this to my son and he is very interested in it. I like that they have a syllabus that he can take to the study abroad office to ask about credit. Do they do the 3 hours pass/fail or graded and how difficult is it? At his school when they go on a trip they have to sign up for three hours the next semester and meet an hour a week to get credit. His doesn’t really work with that but this sounds great to get the study abroad animal science experience he is looking for.