Study Abroad for Dummies (For Dummies)

Studying abroad can be the most memorable semester or year of your undergraduate college experience. What can be more exciting, but at the same time equally terrifying, as packing up and moving to another country? And don’t worry if you don’t know anyone or fluently speak the language or know how to find your way around the place you’re going! You can make friends ad discover everything you need to manage in your abroad destination quickly enough. Think of it as one big, exciting, and educational adventure.

Study Abroad For Dummies is for any student who wants to find out about another country’s customs, languages, and people by living in that country for an extended period of time. This easy-to-understand guide is also for those who are ready to

• Gain self-confidence, independence, and cross-cultural skills
• Change your perspective on the world
• Earn home university course credit
• Master another language or improve your existing language skills
• Increase your career opportunities in the global marketplace
• Meet some great new friends
• See places you’ve only dreamed about!

Explore the challenges and rich rewards of studying abroad, and begin to chart the course for your own academic adventure. Study Abroad For Dummies covers the following topics and more:

• Researching your program options
• Transferring credits to your home university
• Submitting applications
• Adding up the costs
• Finding a place to live
• Adjusting to a new culture
• Staying healthy and safe
• Getting ready to come home

Now, more than ever, students are heightening their awareness of the world outside the U.S. While Europe continues to be the most popular destination for U.S. students studying abroad, more students are option to explore places such as Latin America, Oceania, Africa, and Asia. Study Abroad For Dummies gives you all the information you could possibly need to plan and spend a successful semester or year abroad, wherever that may be!

Transfer credits, handle culture shock, and stay safe and healthy

Get ready to leave home and have an adventure studying in another country!

Want to study abroad? This easy-to-follow guide gives you the lowdown on the entire process, from deciding where to go and filing applications to meeting prerequisites, obtaining a visa, and finding a place to live. You get the inside scoop on getting through the paperwork, adjusting to your new environment, and studying successfully.

Discover how to:

• Find the program that’s right for you
• Apply to schools and programs abroad
• Write a successful application essay
• Obtain financial aid
• Study in non-English- speaking programs

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Transfer credits, handle culture shock, and stay safe and healthy

Get ready to leave home and have an adventure studying in another country!

Want to study abroad? This easy-to-follow guide gives you the lowdown on the entire process, from deciding where to go and filing applications to meeting prerequisites, obtaining a visa, and finding a place to live. You get the inside scoop on getting through the paperwork, adjusting to your new environment, and studying successfully.

Discover how to:

• Find the program that’s right for you
• Apply to schools and programs abroad
• Write a successful application essay
• Obtain financial aid
• Study in non-English- speaking programs

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Erin Sullivan is a Research Associate at Harvard Business School and a graduate of Wellesley College, where she was a Peer Advisor in their Study Abroad Office. She is going abroad again to pursue graduate studies in business.

Introduction.

Part I: Study Abroad Basics.

Chapter 1: All Abroad! Getting the Lowdown on Studying Abroad.

Chapter 2: Timing Is Everything: Knowing When to Go.

Chapter 3: Ready, Set, Plan!

Chapter 4: Thinking Ahead: Prerequisites for Studying Abroad.

Part II: Finding a Program That Is Right for You.

Chapter 5: Hitting the Library: Researching Program Options.

Chapter 6: Beware: Hazards in Transferring Credit.

Chapter 7: Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief: Considering Special Areas of Study.

Chapter 8: Daring to Be Different: The British University System.

Part III: Applying to Schools and Programs Abroad.

Chapter 9: Submitting Applications.

Chapter 10: What Will It Cost and How Will I Pay for It?

Chapter 11: I’ve Been Accepted! Now What?

Part IV: Leaving Home and Going Abroad.

Chapter 12: Getting Ready to Go.

Chapter 13: All the Right Stuff: Taking What You Need.

Chapter 14: Settling In and Enjoying Your New Home.

Chapter 15: Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road and Other Cultural Differences.

Chapter 16: Money Makes the World Go ’Round.

Chapter 17: Staying Safe Abroad.

Chapter 18: An Apple a Day: Staying Healthy While You’re Away.

Part V: Returning Home.

Chapter 19: All Good Things Must End: Getting Ready to Go Home.

Chapter 20: Bracing Yourself for Re-entry Shock.

Chapter 21: Going Abroad Again!

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 22: Ten Unique Study Abroad Programs.

Chapter 23: Ten Fun Adventures.

Chapter 24: Ten Considerations for Nontraditional Destinations.

Chapter 25: Ten Reasons to Do Grad School Abroad.

Index.