MYTH:
Credits won't transfer from my foreign university...
It's all about planning ahead and getting written approval for the transfer of credit from your home university before you leave. CEA Academic Relations Manager, Ann Halpin, advises students, "Although some schools have strict study abroad requirements, many allow students to study abroad after their freshman year and receive full credit for their coursework. It's best to work closely with your study abroad office to plan your experience. That way you won't get any surprises at the end!" Ann points out that at CEA, students work with advisors to choose courses and go through the course pre-approval process. These same advisors assist students after the program ends to make sure transcripts are properly issued.
MYTH:
Study abroad is only for language majors...
Maybe you do not know Ca va? from allez-vous-en, but that does not mean you cannot still study abroad. Language majors do enjoy electives taught in the native tongue of the country, but they only comprise 8.2% of students who study abroad, according to a 2003 survey by the Institute of International Education. Opportunities to take courses instructed in English obviously abound in England, Ireland, and Australia. Electives instructed in English are also available in places such as Spain, France, Costa Rica and Italy. If you do desire to learn a new language, there is no better place than with the people who speak it themselves. Regardless of your current language level, there are courses for you. Sheri Long, Chair of the Language Department at the University of Alabama Birmingham, emphasizes that study abroad "programs are for language majors and non-language majors alike."
MYTH:
Courses in my major are not available...
Universities across the globe offer more courses than just language and culture. The opportunity to study abroad is available to every student regardless of their major. Take Mathematics in Australia, Business in Spain, Fashion Design in Italy, Tropical Ecology in Costa Rica, or Photography in France. Regardless of your major, the right courses are waiting for you in exotic new lands.
MYTH:
Studying abroad will deter me from graduating on time...
Graduate with your class, but take a semester to live life to the fullest. Students who study abroad typically earn 12-18 credits per semester and 3-9 credits per summer session, enough credit to keep them on track with the amount needed to graduate. Your four years of college are followed by forty years of work - focus one year now doing something special that will impact all the rest. When else will you have the time to study abroad?
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