College is a great time to study abroad, especially during your sophomore or junior year. Although it can seem intimidating to understand the logistics of a study abroad experience, it's easier to find your feet if you're prepared.
Whether you just want to study abroad or are about to venture to a new country, don't worry. Here is a list of tips to help you before and during your stay abroad:
Do your research in advance
Before applying for study abroad experiences, you should do some research in advance. You should research countries and experiences offered by Ohio University at least three to four months in advance. You can find this information from the Office of Global Opportunities, or OGO, on its website. website or in person.
The office is located at 15 Park Place and you can make an appointment in person or online in advance by contacting the office. E-mail or by calling 740-593-4583. You can also attend drop-in consultations Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Baker University Center 417. At these meetings, you can talk to OGO staff about experiences that interest you and receive advice on financial planning and the application process. .
Talk to those you know who studied abroad
Talking to peers who have previously studied abroad can help ease your mind about moving to a new place. People with this experience can help you choose the right places and programs to invest your time in. You can also stay in touch with them and send them updates about your time abroad. Usually the first few weeks are stressful and overwhelming, and having someone to talk to about these feelings can help normalize them as part of your experience.
Make sure your course requirements match your exchange university
Studying abroad may not be worth the money or time if your course requirements cannot be met at the exchange university you are considering going to. Therefore, you need to make sure that the course requirements you still need to take in Athens can match the courses you enroll in abroad.
If your course requirements are not met, you may need to take additional time once you return home to complete these courses. This could lead to more credit hours or an additional semester at OU. Before committing to a study abroad experience, meet with your OU academic advisor.
Don't force friendships right away
When I first arrived at my exchange university, I felt like I needed to make friends instantly, and that only added more stress to my first weeks there. 'stranger. Eventually, I learned that making friends abroad is no different than making friends at home; just talk to people and be ready to strike up a conversation.
Try talking to a few people at orientation events or in class. Slowly but surely, you will form friendships. Forcing relationships while studying abroad can also make people uncomfortable, so be patient rather than rushing into new situations with new people.
Enjoy the journey
Travel as much as possible, as you may not have as much time once you graduate. You can find cheap trains, buses and flights to most places in Europe on websites like Ryanair And easyJetand it really made my study abroad experience even more exciting.
Immersing yourself in other cultures is also extremely important during this phase of your life, and you should at least try going to one or two new places if it fits your budget. You can even venture to other cities in the country you are studying abroad in, which is just as meaningful.