Myth: I can't afford to study abroad.
Fact: Many scholarships are available to help make studying
abroad more affordable. Federal loans, scholarships, and grants
can be used to study abroad. Careful advance planning can help you
find a program that is within your budget.
Tip: Check out your eligibility
for CIEE scholarships.
Myth: I can't study abroad if I don't speak a foreign
language.
Fact: There are many programs available in English
in both English-speaking countries and non-English-speaking
countries. And studying abroad can be an excellent opportunity
to pick up new skills in a foreign language.
Tip: Use the Advanced Search to find the many programs available in English
around the globe.
Myth: I won't be able to graduate when I am supposed
to if I study abroad.
Fact: If you plan carefully and well in advance, studying
abroad should not delay your graduation. Consult an academic
advisor at your institution to make sure the courses you plan
to take can be applied to your degree.
Myth: My GPA is not high enough to study abroad.
Fact: Many programs have a GPA requirement of 2.75.
Myth: I won't be able to take courses in my major
while I study abroad.
Fact: Almost all fields can be studied abroad although
you may not find your field of study at every location. Many
students complete their major at home and complete electives
while abroad. Consult with an academic advisor and check out
our Advanced Search to
find a program that is suited to you.
Myth: I won't get credit for courses
I take while studying abroad.
Fact: If you plan carefully, you will receive credit
for all the courses that you take. If your home school will
not accept the CIEE Academic Record then you can apply through
a designated U.S. educational institution and receive a U.S.
transcript. You can then transfer the credit to your home school.
You should work with an academic advisor at your educational
institution, while planning your studies abroad, to ensure
that the courses you take meet the requirements of your institution.
Tip: Check out How
to Apply for detailed on assuring credit.
Myth: Studying abroad is a luxury that won't help
me finding a job.
Fact: In today's global economy, overseas experience
can be a valuable asset to many employers. Employers look favorably
at students with experience abroad since this indicates an
ability to cope with new experiences and, often, competency
in a foreign language.
Myth: I can't study abroad because I'm on financial
aid.
Fact: Most grants and loans can be used for studying
overseas. You are still considered to be a full-time student
at your educational institution when you study abroad, so any
benefits that depend on this condition should be unaffected.
In some countries you are allowed to work part-time while you
go to school.
Myth: Only language majors can study abroad.
Fact: Studying abroad looks good on your résumé no
matter what field you are in. And all educational institutions
have general education requirements that can be fulfilled by
studying abroad.
Myth: Only juniors can study abroad.
Fact: As long as you have at least one
semester of college and your home institution has no semester
restrictions, you can study abroad at any time. You can use your
time abroad to fulfill your general education requirements and
then choose a major based on your experiences abroad. Studying
abroad can help you decide what you want to do with your life.