Apr 28

Apr 28 Opportunities with Study Abroad

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels.

Ryley Findlay

Studying abroad is a transformative experience that allows students to immerse themselves in a new culture while gaining a global perspective on education and life. It provides opportunities to develop language skills, build cross-cultural connections, and enhance personal growth. Beyond academics, studying abroad fosters independence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of diverse worldviews. By stepping out of their comfort zones, students open the door to unforgettable experiences and career-enhancing opportunities. This article will highlight some of the most important aspects of studying abroad like the benefits, how to choose a location, prices, and websites that can set you on your path to educational success. This article also features Emily Hokanson—a Hamilton alumni now studying veterinary medicine at UW-Madison—who studied abroad in Thailand.

What are the benefits of studying abroad?/What did you get out of studying abroad?

“I grew to be close with many people on my trip. Being together for two weeks and experiencing all the opportunities we did really bonded all of us. I still talk to most of the people from my trip.”

Develop language skills
Expand cultural awareness
Gain independence
Meet lots of different people
Gain an enhanced academic experience

Choosing the best place

6 steps to figure out where to study abroad

Make a List of Where You've Always Dreamed of Traveling
Write Out the Pros and Cons of Each
Get a Handle on Projected Costs

Third Party, Direct Enrollment, Fees, Travel, etc.

Check You Can Take Courses that Count Towards Your Degree
Narrow Down Your Choices by asking questions like…

Where will I thrive?
Looking back in 20 years, where will I be most excited that I studied abroad in?
How will or *could* the location potentially impact my future career or post-college choices?
What is gut saying?

Pick Your Country! And Then Your City

Common Locations

The U.K.
France
China
New Zealand

Unique Locations

Thailand
Oman
Nicaragua
Namibia

How did you decide where to travel abroad?

“I found out about the study abroad opportunity through the Pre-Veterinary Club at UW-Madison and when they offered the trip it said Thailand was the location, so I didn’t have to pick.” -Emily Hokanson

Money/graduating credits:

There are two types of enrollment and payment options available for prospective students. The first is direct enrollment in which you will take care of your application and transition to a foreign university on your own. The other option is going through a third-party provider. These tend to be pricier, but they tend to arrange everything for you and usually include housing and insurance.You will be registered for classes and supported through visa applications and other travel and study arrangements.
Many countries are also happy to gain students from outside of their nations, so scholarship opportunities and financial aid are usually available.

South Africa: Direct - $2,000-$4,000 3rd Party - $15,000-$19,500

China: Direct - $2,000-$7,000 3rd Party - $7,500-$12,000

Italy: Direct - $1,500-$6,000 3rd Party - $15,000-$19,000

Costa Rica: Direct - $1,000-$3,000 3rd Party - $8,500-$11,000

Australia: Direct - $10,000-$13,000 3rd Party - $17,000-$23,500

Workplace Advantages/Cultural Advantages/Resume Advantages

Institute of International Education (IIE), 2023 “By looking at research on the more directly quantifiable aspects of study abroad impact, studies show students who study abroad have better grades, experience less attrition, and graduate from college at higher rates than students who do not study abroad”.
Institute of International Education (IIE), 2023 “Over 70% of students reported that their study abroad experiences significantly helped develop their intercultural skills, flexibility and adaptability, self-awareness, curiosity, and confidence”.
Studying abroad gives you workplace advantages and looks great on a resume. Studying abroad gives employers the opportunity to see that you can work with others and are willing to go out of your comfort zone to learn new things. It allows you to stand out from the crowd and gets the attention of employers.

What are some of the advantages (cultural, resume, workplace) you got from traveling abroad?

“Learning about the Buddhist religion was incredibly cool, and I felt honored to be able to meditate with a Thai monk. Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to put on your resume because it shows that you're seeing your potential future career through a different lens which can be valuable, people are often so career driven that they don't realize having a wide range of experiences whether that's through study abroad or taking classes that are not directly related to your major is a huge indicator to graduate schools and employers that you are a well-rounded person and not a person who can only be good in one area.” -Emily Hokanson

How to stay safe in your chosen country

Know the country’s emergency number
Keep your belongings safe (locks, hidden pockets, keeping belongings in front of you)
Use common sense (don’t put yourself in a position of danger)
Always carry a copy of your visa and passport with you
Do your research about the place your visiting

What are some safety tips that people studying abroad should know?

“People steal things, so have a bag that you can put in front of you so no one can unzip your bag while you are not looking. KNOW AIRPORT RULES! If you don't, they will throw your stuff away. Make sure you have a safe and very secure place for your passport (this is one of the most important things). Do not overpack unnecessary items.” -Emily Hokanson

What surprised you the most about studying abroad?

“How much I grew as a person from it and how it gave me an entirely new perspective on the world.” -Emily Hokanson

Do you have any other fun stories or general things you think people should know?

“I went to Chiang Mai in Thailand and there were so many cool opportunities there like when we visited all the temples, we went ziplining (some of the craziest views I've ever seen, and we got to try so many cultural foods.” -Emily Hokanson