|
MU
()
Who can study abroad?
You can! MU undergraduate students in good standing who have completed at least one semester at MU are eligible to study abroad, although individual programs will have their own particular eligibility requirements. Some programs require sophomore or junior standing and many have minimum GPA requirements, usually from 2.5 - 3.0. Please consult specific program information for further information about eligibility requirements.
Where can I study abroad?
Just about any where! Nearly 400 MU and MU Partner Programs are available sponsors programs in over 50 countries. The sky's the limit!
How long is a study abroad program?
It depends. The International Center encourages students to consider studying abroad for a semester or academic year. Summer programs are also available. The length of time you spend abroad will depend on your particular needs and goals, your financial resources, as well as the limits placed on you by your academic program at MU.
You may be hesitant to apply for a year-long program because you feel that this is a long time to be away. However, if your goal is to master a language or become completely immersed in another culture, you may find that even a year seems like a short time. Returning study abroad students often report back about how fast their time abroad went by and how much they regretted having to return home after one semester, just as they were "getting the hang of things" in their host country.
How much does it cost to study abroad?
Not as much as you might think!! While costs can vary widely from program to program, many MU programs are based on exchange agreements with universities abroad. What this means is that MU students can study at an international university for essentially the same cost as remaining here in Columbia. Tuition and fees are paid at MU, while housing is usually paid for in the host country. Additional expenses would include international travel, passports and visas, and incidentals, such as travel within the host country or region.
Some programs, in countries where the cost of living is significantly less than in the U.S., such as China or Mexico, can turn out to be much cheaper than a comparable period of time at MU. Other programs, in high-cost cities, such as London or Tokyo, can be substantially more expensive than studying at MU. Please refer to information about specific programs for detailed information on costs.
Can I apply my financial aid and scholarships to study abroad?
Yes!! Most federal, state and campus-based aid can be applied to the costs of studying on any MU or MU Partner study abroad program. Almost half a million dollars of financial aid were applied to study abroad for MU students last year. The International Center also offers a growing number of study abroad scholarships each year. Awards typically range from $500 - $1,000. In addition, there are a growing number of third-party scholarships available expressly for study abroad. Inquire at the International Center for more information.
Can I get academic credit for study abroad?
Absolutely!! MU students can transfer up to 15 credit hours per semester from study abroad.
Will I have to delay graduation if I study abroad?
Not necessarily. With careful planning, you can remain on track to graduate in four years and still study abroad for up to a year. We advise students to start planning early and to work closely with their college and academic advisers to design the best course of study and to ensure that they remain on track toward graduation.
Some students find that it is best for them to remain at MU for an extra semester or year after studying abroad because of the new focus they gained as a result of their time overseas. Of course, your own circumstances and needs will determine the best co urse of action for you.
Do I need to speak a foreign language to study abroad?
Not necessarily. Many programs, including some in countries where English isnot spoken as a native language, do not require any foreign language background. Many of these programs in non-Englishspeaking countries emphasize language study, especially inlanguages such as Romanian that are not readily available on US university campuses.
Where will I live if I study abroad?
This will vary by program. The most common types of accommodation arranged for study abroad students are: residence hall-type housing, homestays, or private apartments or rooms.
Residence hall housing abroad is usually quite different from here at MU. Most students are housed in single rooms with shared bathroom, kitchen and "living room." These are often self-catering arrangements, in which students are responsible for buying an d preparing their own meals. There is a great deal more freedom and responsibility for the students than is usual in American university residence halls.
Homestays may be the best way to immerse yourself in the host country. The experience of living with a family can provide profound insights into the host culture in a way that other arrangements can not. However, homestays may be more restrictive in that you will be expected to conform to the rules and norms of the family, which will certainly be different from your own family.
Private rooms or apartments generally offer the most freedom, but they are generally the most expensive and difficult housing arrangements to make. Students must make all arrangements themselves for leases, payment of rent, utilities, etc., and must often pay a sizable deposit before being allowed to move in.
OK, I'm convinced. Where do I start?
Come to the International Center. We're located in N52 Memorial Union, and can provide you with comprehensive information about MU study abroad programs, as well as information about more than 2,000 programs worldwide. The International Center Resource Room also contains information about travel, living, volunteer and work abroad opportunities, as well as financial aid for international study. Peer advisors who have recently returned from their own study abroad experience are available during the semester to help you get started and answer any questions you may have.
|
