Creating a Roadmap to Study Abroad in 2020

What an exciting time it is to explore another country and gain some cultural perspective! Though it may seem like a long time from now until the end of fall semester, it will certainly fly by. For those students who are looking into studying overseas, here are a few ways to start creating your roadmap to going abroad! 

Figuring Out Housing - Before and After

Should you sign a year long lease and sublease part of it while you’re abroad? Should you put your belongings in a storage unit or keep them with a friend while you’re abroad? Neither of these questions have easy answers, but we have some ideas to help!

When you plan to go abroad, and if you currently live off-campus where you have signed a lease, you’ll be better off speaking to your landlord, and roommates, as early as possible about the option of subleasing your room. You’ll allow everyone to help you find another temporary roommate so you aren't solely responsible for your room and bills while you’re studying abroad. 

Online sites, like Facebook groups or Housing Universe, advertise student accommodations which are helpful when other students are looking for potential places to live for a semester or summer break. 

Another option, especially if you live on-campus, is to put your items into a storage unit for the time being if you’re moving out, or you could ask your family and friends for assistance with holding onto your car, furniture, and valuable items while you’re overseas.

You’ll want to make sure that campus housing department knows of your plans to go abroad and you’ll wait to convey who you plan on living with well in advance.

This might also be a good time to go through everything you own and potentially share your belongings amongst family and friends so that you don’t have to organize or donate things when you return. Definitely keep a list so you don’t lose track of your stuff!   

Coming up with a plan of what to do with your belongings is important when planning to go abroad. Be sure to also have a solid plan when you return home, so that you won’t be scrabbling to find a place or trying to gather all of your belongings before that next semester kicks off. 

Have You Mapped Your Courses? 

For first and second-year students in college, declaring a major and mapping credits needed can be daunting. However, this is important when planning what’s needed to complete during your remaining time in college!

Find out what fundamental courses are offered in fall or spring, if there are any classes open for winter intersession, and which classes have higher priority to be completed. 

For those who are upperclassmen, double check which courses are still needed before graduation. Are there any lower level credits (100/200 level courses) or upper level credits (300/400 level courses) still needed to get checked off of your list?

Which courses are required? Are any only offered during spring or fall semester? Which courses are mandatory for graduation and which are considered elective major or minor courses? 

Regardless of your class standing, staying in open communication with an academic advisor is beneficial to gather the correct information and receive supportive advice on courses required.  

Can I Gain Credit In Creative Ways? 

The simple answer is yes! There are multiple ways of gaining credit through studying abroad. Independent studies is one option, where you can work with your professors in coming up with a game plan.

Independent study courses can also be taken as pass/fail or credit/no credit, which means that you don’t have to worry about getting the highest grade, rather, as long as you complete the class successfully, you will pass and receive the appropriate credit.

Cross-listed courses can also be smart way of completing multiple disciplines in one course, such as political science, policy and history. A cross-listed course is a single course offered collaboratively through two departments or programs. This means that students can get two department requirements completed at the same time! 

Lastly, you can also receive credit for an internship or volunteer hours. Depending on your major and minor, you may be eligible to volunteer your time in exchange for credit while overseas. Be sure to discuss these options with your academic advisor in order to receive accurate information regarding courses, units, and available opportunities. 

Check out our past blog, How to Make Studying Abroad Work For You, for more tips on academically preparing for your study abroad experience!