Description

Studying abroad is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience that has many academic, professional, and personal benefits. Studying abroad provides a great resume builder, is a valuable experience, aides in the development of cross-cultural communication skills, increases cultural awareness, provides leadership skills and independence, and establishes connections throughout the world. Students with an interest in studying overseas can now do so through Bismarck State College’s agreements with the University of Dundee in Scotland and Edge Hill University in England. Students of sophomore standing (24 credits or more) are offered the opportunity to spend Fall semester (August through December) at one of these schools. Overseas credits and grades will be converted back into BSC transfer credits. If you qualify for Financial Aid, that can be applied towards your overseas fees. Students attending the University of Dundee (Scotland) take three courses (five credits each), and students attending Edge Hill University (England) take three courses (four credits each) from a list of pre-selected courses in the fields of English, History, Humanities, Social Behavior Science, and Science that smoothly transfer back to BSC.

Tuition costs at each institution vary and are influenced by currency exchange rates. Each school provides on-campus housing for international students. Housing is in multi-student apartments or dorms with self-catering (“cook for yourself”) facilities and/or a meal plan. Each school provides single rooms.

Preparation

Students should have an interest in international education and travel. Students should also have an interest in setting personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Living in a different country for several months requires independence and an adventurous spirit, but the benefits that you gain from the experience will outweigh any initial insecurity or homesickness. Studying abroad also requires a strong personal commitment to academic excellence. While living abroad can be exciting and full of new experiences, do not let that overwhelm your education.

Requirements

Students must be of sophomore standing (earned at least 24 credits) by the start of the semester abroad. Students should have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 to participate. Overseas credits and grades will be converted into BSC transfer credits. Tuition is paid directly to the foreign institution. Financial Aid can be used to help pay a portion of the international tuition, but students should have sufficient funds available for the remaining tuition, room-and-board, and assorted out-of-pocket expenses. Students are not allowed to work or hold a job while studying abroad, so make sure you have enough money saved before you depart.

Career opportunities

A large-scale survey by the Institute for the International Education of Students explored the long-term impact of study abroad on a student’s personal, professional, and academic life. The survey showed that study abroad positively and unequivocally influences the career path, world-view, and self-confidence of students. When asked about personal growth, 97 percent said studying abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity, 96 percent reported increased self-confidence, and 95 percent stated that it has had a lasting impact on their world view. Findings also show that study abroad leads to long-lasting friendships with other U.S. students and still impacts current relationships. Ninety percent said that the experience influenced them to seek out a greater diversity of friends, and 64 percent said that it also influenced them to explore other cultures. When questioned about academic pursuits, 87 percent of respondents said that study abroad influenced subsequent educational experiences, 63 percent said that it influenced their decision to expand or change academic majors, and 64 percent reported that it influenced their decision to attend graduate school. Nearly half of all respondents have engaged in international work or volunteerism since studying abroad. Few other experiences in life have proven to net such a positive and sustainable impact.

Suggested courses to prepare for your experience

A sample of courses offered overseas

Edge Hill University:

• Europe Re-Made: The 19th Century
• Introduction to Cognitive & Biological Psychology
• Ecology
• The Medieval Outlook
• World Cinemas: Europe

University of Dundee:

• Global Economic Perspectives
• Reading the Screen: An Introduction to Film Studies
• Sustainable Development and the Environment
• World in Crisis? Population and Environment
• The Rise of Atlantic Empires, 1500-1750