Prospective freshman with a study abroad question.

mikemac
Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:26:18 +0000

Do it! Do it! Do it! This is the last time in most people’s lives when they’ll have the chance to spend a few months in another country and really get a feel of the local culture, as opposed to a few much more expensive weeks on vacation. Not only that, there are a lot of opportunities as a college student (staying with a host family, for example) that will be much more difficult or impossible when you’re older and have a spouse and possibly a family of your own.

As zamzam points out, most majors outside of something like engineering do not dictate virtually every course you will take. You’ll have some breadth and distribution requirements. So you can figure out a plan where you take these types of classes while abroad so you both stay on track to graduate and get the overseas experience.

People in almost any major can and do study abroad. Given your enthusiasm for it, this is something you just shouldn’t compromise on. I’m not sure if you’re already a HS senior, but if not take some time to look into the program at schools you are considering. Some schools do a better job of integrating study abroad in so that the credit transfers easily and they have a center of people experienced in advising people on how to do it.