FAQ

1. Why should I study abroad?
Study abroad is an enriching and eye-opening adventure, where learning extends far beyond the classroom. The experience will expose you to new ways of thinking, living, and viewing the world. Benefits include the opportunity to learn about another culture firsthand, learn an entirely new language or become fluent in one you have already studied, you can travel, fulfill major and minor coursework requirements, and develop new intellectual pursuits, skills, and perspectives. By living within another culture, you are likely to gain a new understanding of, and perhaps even appreciation for, the United States and its way of life. You can also expect to make friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.

2. How will a study abroad experience enhance my employability after I graduate?
Employers increasingly seek graduates who have international experience, and a study abroad experience will enhance your employability. International knowledge, cross-cultural communication skills, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances are skills enhanced through study abroad that are important to employers in various fields.

According to a June 2007 article in the Going Global newsletter, global executives say that “study abroad boosts employability” and here are a few reasons why:

• Three out of four executives cite study abroad as important when evaluating candidates for junior-level positions.
• Eight in 10 human resource (HR) executives surveyed believed that a study abroad experience was an important factor for overseas job placement within their companies.
• Two-thirds (67 percent) of HR executives surveyed said that a study abroad experience within a culturally diverse student environment distinguishes a job candidate.

3. Who can participate in study abroad?
Most programs are designed for students who have already studied at least 1 year at a university. Many programs require a GPA of at least 2.75, but some of the more competitive programs require a 3.0 GPA. General qualifications for acceptance include good academic standing, letters of recommendation, and a personal study statement. Language requirements vary per program. Additional qualifications may exist depending on the program to which you apply. See application procedures for more information.

4. When should I start planning to study abroad?
Early planning is the key to successful study abroad. Hundreds of study abroad opportunities exist; they differ in location, duration, curriculum, language, degree of cultural immersion, cost, and many other factors. In order to find the program that is the right “fit” for your personal and academic objectives, you should begin planning your study abroad experience at least one semester before you actually depart. 

5. How long should I study abroad?
It is possible to plan a study abroad experience for a summer, semester, or full academic year. There are even some short term travel study programs that last just a few weeks.

6. When should I study abroad?
It is advantageous to undertake study abroad in your sophomore year in order to complete general education requirements. However, it is also possible to study abroad in your junior or senior year. Major requirements for graduation can make it more difficult to study abroad for a full semester during senior year. For this reason, it is usually advantageous to undertake study abroad during the sophomore or junior year. The Study Abroad Office advises on undergraduate study abroad opportunities only.

7. Do I need to know a foreign language to study abroad?
No. Study Abroad programs with courses taught in English are available all over the world – not just native English speaking countries. If you participate in a program where English is not the native language, you will likely have the opportunity to take local language courses as part of your program. The following countries are just some of the non-native English speaking countries with SIUE approved study abroad programs offering courses taught in English: Austria, Finland, Sweden, Bulgaria, South Africa, Japan, Thailand, Korea, and China. Beginning level instruction in the language of the host country is usually included in such programs.

8. Can I afford to study abroad?
Yes, you can! Generally, all financial aid awards, including loans, grants, and scholarships, are applicable to SIUE approved study abroad programs. Financial aid packages are reevaluated to consider the cost of a specific program, and aid packages may be adjusted (up to the maximum eligibility amount) according to the modified cost of the study abroad program. Students may also be able to receive additional loans (available under the Stafford Student Loan program through private lenders -- banks, savings and loan associations, or credit unions) to help finance their study abroad. See online study abroad financial aid information at http://www.siue.edu/studyabroad/financial_aid.shtml

Keep in mind that the cost of participation in a study abroad program depends on a host of factors and these should be taken into consideration as you select the program that is right for you. These factors include the type of study program (direct placement or an exchange program), duration of program, location, cost of living in host country, exchange rates, etc.
Exchange type programs through ISEP (International Student Exchange Program) or study abroad through one of the School of Business programs provide some of the most economical opportunities for SIUE students to study abroad.

9. Are there special scholarships for study abroad?
Yes. Some scholarship money is available for certain study abroad programs and through independent organizations. Generally there are more scholarships available for study in non-western or developing countries. Being flexible about your location may help you cut your study abroad costs. If you are set on one particular city, you may not find scholarships or lower cost programs there. Instead, focus on a region, country, or language area, and find the program which best suits your budget. For more information see SCHOLARSHIPS.

10. What types of living accommodations are available?
The options range from apartments, to residential halls, to homestays with families and are dependent on the program that you choose.

11. Can I study abroad if I haven’t declared my major yet?
Yes. A variety of general education courses are offered within most study abroad programs.

12. Will I graduate on time if I study abroad?
Yes, study abroad is easily integrated into most academic programs.