Published on
Studying abroad in college can easily become one of the most defining chapters of your student experience. From learning about different cultures, exploring different cities and engaging in enriching learning experiences studying abroad can be influential in your individual and professional growth. Those moments spent abroad will continue to fuel and propel your career forward upon your return.
In today’s job market technical knowledge gets you through the door, but adaptability, cross-cultural fluency and creativity are what makes you stand out in a crowd. Things like navigating new cities, engaging with local languages and learning a different cultural environment push you to think on your feet in a way that transcends learning in a classroom. It truly is an experiential hands-on endeavor that will provide you with lifelong skills. Studying abroad is not only a life-changing adventure, but it’s the ultimate investment in your professional career ahead.
Figuring out how to start can often be the hardest part, but you don’t have to navigate planning your trip alone. We sat down with Erin Jorgensen, Director of Communications at the MU Study Abroad office to help answer all of your pressing questions. We covered things like finding the right program, funding your trip and why going abroad is one of the best moves you can make for your professional future.
Program Overview
Q: What are some of the programs students tend to gravitate to the most?
A: Mizzou students choose from our wide variety of study, internship, research and service programs in more than 50 countries. With options for every major varying from one week to a full year, you’re sure to find a program to engage your curiosity and add a global dimension to your degree.
Q: Where should students start when they are considering studying abroad? How should they go about choosing the right program for them?
A: Our Study Abroad 101 sessions are the best place to get answers to all your preliminary questions. We cover choosing a program, financing strategies, deadlines to keep an eye out for and more. These half-hour sessions are held weekly at 3 p.m. Mondays and 3:30 p.m. Thursdays in the International Center, N52 Memorial Union.
Q: Is studying abroad feasible if students plan to graduate on time?
A: Yes, the courses you take abroad will count toward your Mizzou degree. With early planning, you can take courses that you need to graduate on time or even get ahead on your coursework.
Career and Skill Development
Q: What are some of the biggest soft and technical skills students stand to gain while studying abroad? How does studying abroad benefit students in the long run?
A: Studying abroad develops critical skills employers look for — adaptability and agility, communication skills, cultural competence, language and interpersonal confidence, critical thinking and problem solving. According to recent research from the Forum on Education Abroad, 90% of study abroad alumni said that their experience abroad helped them build job skills.
Overcoming Common Barriers
Q: In terms of funding a study abroad experience, what resources should students be tapping into? How can the study abroad office be of assistance to prospective study abroad students?
A: Most federal, state, institutional or private financial aid can apply to study abroad program costs. Additionally, there are many study abroad-specific scholarships available, both from Mizzou and external sources. You can find more information on the Mizzou Abroad website.
We’re hosting a Study Abroad Financing 101 session at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, where we’ll discuss financing strategies and our scholarship process, walk through a study abroad financial planning worksheet, and give tips and tricks on budgeting before going abroad.
Final Takeaways
Q: If you could tell every student one thing about taking their education international, what would it be?
A: Study abroad can be the most life-changing, inspiring experience of your college career — and it’s never too early to start planning for it.
For more information about studying abroad, visit their office or visit the MU Study Abroad website.
By Raigan Clay