Planning is key to taking a trip overseas

It isn't necessary to expound on the benefits of studying abroad. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone willing to challenge its worth. No one would deny that studying overseas is a once-in-a-lifetime, horizon-expanding opportunity for growth, whether you're in Ghana or Paris.

The real question is: are there any reasons not to study abroad? While taking a semester in a foreign country is a given for some students, others find themselves pressured by yet another decision amidst the sea of choosing courses, deciding on a major, finding extracurriculars, and landing internships or jobs ... not to mention decisions like picking a social niche, starting or ending relationships and, of course, developing a "sense of self." Just when we've adjusted to college life, we're expected to do it all over again -- this time in a much more foreign environment.

But perhaps that's what draws students to pursue scholarship overseas -- the promise of a completely new and eye-opening experience that will not only delight but challenge them. Even students whose experiences were less than perfect judge their overseas encounters as invaluable.

"The very vast majority [of trips abroad] are wonderfully successful," said Ruth Aranow, senior academic advisor and director of study abroad programs.

Post-study evaluations by Hopkins students of programs in Australia, South America and England were overwhelmingly positive -- students raved about instructors, travel and host families, as well as a more intangible sense of wisdom gained.

"It's such a growth experience," says Aranow. "Students learn about themselves ... their own worlds expand."

But Aranow concedes that the planning required can be complicated, especially for students pursuing engineering or pre-med. Though she says it's "not as hard as planning to go to college," it always requires advance preparation ... and often some dexterous scheduling.

According to Aranow, it's best to apply sophomore year for programs that will take place junior year. Since pre-med students are discouraged from taking core science requirements abroad, many are compelled to take Physics I and II during the summer. While many students choose to take courses abroad that relate to their major, others use the time to take electives -- a lighter course load is usually favored, since it allows time for travel and sight-seeing.

With careful planning and counsel from both a faculty advisor and the Office of Study Abroad, students should be able to take a semester overseas and still have time to complete their requirements and graduate on time, says Aranow.

But what about the students who are still undecided by sophomore year, or who have switched majors from pre-med to Poli Sci to French? According to Aranow, there is no reason why they can't take a semester, or perhaps a summer or intersession, abroad.

"[Students] shouldn't assume they can't do it," says Aranow. "I can always steer them towards a school where there are a lot of options."

Aranow has options even for junior and senior late-comers, including a program at Villa Spelman for second-semester seniors.

"It depends on the individual case," she says. "We look at goals, plans and needs ... [and] find out all options. But it's up to the student to be active enough to start the search."

According to Aranow, even financial problems can be overcome. Depending on the program, Hopkins financial aid can transfer to study overseas, and other sources of funding exist for students unable to fully afford the costs.

Since costs always extend beyond tuition and travel expenses, one of the most frequent problems cited in post-study evaluations was the high cost of entertainment and/or living, especially in London and Australia. Other problems reported by students centered around adjustment issues and language barriers, but the students who cited these problems rated their experiences as excellent overall. The majority of students reported that their course workload was far lighter and their classes less challenging abroad than at Hopkins.

According to Aranow, unforeseen major problems can occur overseas; once made aware of them, the Office of Study Abroad makes sure to forewarn students who are considering the same program.

Problems with planning and problems abroad should be expected, but Aranow feels that the overall experience is worth it.

Students who have the desire to study abroad should not feel deterred by scheduling or financial constraints. While it might require complicated planning and perhaps a few concessions, taking a semester overseas is not impossible.

"Go for it," says Aranow. "If anyone has a doubt, they should really come talk to me.