UNH Today

I went to a recent study abroad information session in the MUB. Two students, Marina Bowie ’18 and Jackie Klatt ’18, led the informal, 30-minute session. Bowie studied abroad in Denmark and Klatt went to the Netherlands. After their presentation, attendees asked questions.?Here are five things I took away from the session.

1. Start planning early

As soon as you know you want to study abroad, start planning. The earlier you do so, the greater chance that you can participate in the program of your dreams.

Visit the Center for International Education and Global Engagement (CIEGE) website to learn how study abroad works, meet with your academic advisor to discuss your goals and attend a mandatory information session. Also, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements to go abroad (like having a declared major).

2. There are many choices

UNH has 570 study abroad programs to choose from. There are three different types: managed (administered by a UNH department and developed by UNH faculty); exchange (trade places with a student from a select university) and approved (programs are managed by other universities or third-party providers). While some programs require you to know another language, others do not. Not sure which ones are right for you? Create a UNH-Via account to search for and get matched to programs.

3. It can be affordable

Study abroad does not have to be expensive. Federal, state and institutional aid can be applied for all of the study abroad programs listed on the CIEGE website. Applying for scholarships through UNH or other organizations is another way to bring costs down. Do not let cost keep you from looking into studying abroad. It is likely less expensive than you think.

4. Study abroad can help your future

Students who have gone abroad are more likely to have higher grades as a result of their travels and graduate at higher rates than their peers who did not. Studying abroad can also help you gain or improve skills like problem solving, independence and cultural appreciation, which can help you when it comes to jobs and opportunities after graduation.

5. You can have fun

Even though it is called “study" abroad,?you can still have fun during your time away. You can take elective courses, which could include visits to local sites and other cultural opportunities (sightseeing in the Netherlands or food tasting in Italy, anyone?) or travel to other countries to take advantage of opportunities that you could not have in the U.S. The possibilities are endless.

Study abroad information sessions are held every Tuesday in MUB 338 at 12:45 p.m. Visit the CIEGE website for more information. ?

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