Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I study abroad? Participants benefit from the study abroad experience in so many ways. Study abroad will enrich your education at the University of Northern Iowa. You will have an opportunity to experience studying in another educational system, earn credit toward graduation, improve your foreign language competency; live in a new and challenging environment, meet people culturally different from you, in addition to being able to travel and make discoveries. Study, internships, work and volunteer experiences abroad related to your future career also enhances your employability and is viewed as assets when applying for a job or to graduate schools. Many careers in international education (foreign student advising, study abroad advising and administration, ESL teaching, etc.), international business, politics, law, etc. often require previous experience living or studying abroad. Employers value flexibility, independence, problem-solving skills and people who work well with people from diverse backgrounds. These skills are enhanced by studying overseas even for just a short period of time. Who should study abroad? Students with a sense of adventure who are curious about other cultures should seriously consider studying abroad. In our opinion, everyone would benefit from studying abroad whether for only a few weeks during the summer, or a semester, or a full year. Generally, applicants need to be in good academic standing to be considered for admission. Regardless of your major - Anthropology, Business, Computer Science, Fashion Design, French or Pre-Law - , you will find many options that are just right for you. When is the best time to study abroad? During your years in college, between college and job/grad school, during graduate school - anytime! The first year in college is a perfect time to start planning your adventure. Not completing all general education requirements in the first two years in order to "get them out of the way" will leave you with more options later. We suggest that you "save" course requirements in General Education, the social sciences, art, geography, non-western cultures, etc. and a few electives to give you more options to fulfill graduation requirements while abroad . The sophomore or junior year is often the ideal time to study abroad for a semester or year. According to study abroad statistics however, most students study abroad as juniors and seniors. Graduate students have many options as well. Summer and short-term programs are a good alternative if you are unable to commit to a semester or a year abroad. Instead of taking courses on campus in the summer, you may want to study abroad instead. Can I study abroad if I don't know a foreign language? Yes. Language programs, of course, are specifically designed to help improve your ability to understand, speak, read and write in another language. Higher level of language proficiency allows you to take regular courses at a foreign at a university in Austria, France, Germany or Russia if you so desire. HOWEVER, you will find plenty of study programs taught in English around the globe as well. You may chose to study in an English-speaking country (U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand) or in a group program where courses are offered in English. Is it expensive to study abroad? It does not have to be. Some programs are more expensive than others but everyone can find a program that fits his or her budget. Reciprocal exchanges usually cost less, especially for in-state students since you pay tuition at home. Semester or academic programs are the most affordable as you get to spend a long period of time and pay for airfare only once. While abroad, students take advantage of the location to explore their host country on day or weekend trips and during breaks. In doing so, they save thousands of dollars on round-trip airfare, lodging, and airfare specials. To calculate your program budget, include the cost of tuition, room and board, round-trip air transportation and in-country travel, books, personal expenses, passport, and visa (if required). Most students budget separately for gifts, souvenirs and additional travel. You may use your financial aid to pay for your expenses on an approved study abroad program. Various UNI and external scholarships are also available. For more details, check our "Funding" page. Will my credits transfer back to UNI? Credits should be evaluated for transfer before you go. That way, you'll know if a course will apply toward your major, minor, or Liberal Arts Core requirements. We strongly suggest you complete this process prior to your departure. You will work with your academic/faculty advisor, the Office of Admissions and your department to accomplish this task. It is usually a good idea to print your degree audit and find out what requirements you still have to fulfill toward your liberal arts core before selecting courses from the host university catalog. Course descriptions must be attached to the Study Abroad Preliminary Credit Evaluation Form. To learn more about academic planning, follow this link. Do I need a passport or a visa to study abroad? Yes. You will need a passport to study abroad. Apply for one as soon as possible after you decide to study abroad as the process may take a few months during peek times. The State Department web site has more information on how to apply for your passport. Student visa - permission to enter a country with the purpose of studying there - may also be required. Where will I live overseas? Different programs have different housing options. These usually include dormitories, university houses/apartments, home stay with families, or private accommodation. There are times when only off-campus housing is available in which case you will have to find your own place to live. Students who plan to arrive before the official start date of the program or wish to stay after the program ends are responsible for making arrangements for temporary accommodation. Will I have e-mail access overseas? Students maintain their privilege to use their UNI e-mail account while abroad on a UNI program. Most other universities/programs abroad also provide students with access to an e-mail account, especially if your program is longer than a few weeks in the summer. . It is possible that you may have to pay for access from your room or it may not be available at all. There are internet cafes almost everywhere you travel in Europe and elsewhere so you can check your e-mail even while you are on the road. Can I talk to a student who's already studied abroad? That is usually not a problem. If your program is through UNI, contact either the faculty program director or study abroad coordinator. They will be happy to put you in touch with a student who's "been there and done that". Recognize, however, that your experience will be uniquely different from someone else's so it may be a good idea to talk to more than one person. If you wish to meet or speak with a student who has "Been there, done that", then please send your request to study-abroad@uni.edu. If you are considering a non-UNI program and wish to speak with a former participant, then contact the program directly. We also strongly encourage you to attend the annual UNI International Opportunities Fair during the month of September. Informational meetings that feature returning students are available throughout the year. Check our Calendar of Events page for dates and times. |