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Studying abroad can be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of a college education. Because there are so many available options, planning ahead is necessary to guarantee a worthwhile trip. Students should look through potential programs, including those not sponsored by Tech, to get an accurate idea of what is accessible to them and then make a decision based on where they would like to go and what kind of course credit they will receive for their work.
The short summer study abroad programs, especially the one involving England's prestigious Oxford University, seem to be the most popular among Tech students. The short program is sponsored by the Institute, which means that Tech professors teach all the classes offered and students are housed together. The courses offered during the short summer program have Institute course numbers, and students receive letter grades for their work. Because students are grouped with other Americans during the summer program and because the summer programs are very short, students do not have as much of an opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of the country they are studying in.
Students also have the option of participating in the exchange program, which can last up to a full year. Exchange students do not go as part of a large Tech group; instead, they are "swapped" for foreign students who are interested in studying at Tech. The independence afforded by the exchange program encourages language mastery as well as a strong understanding of the host country's culture. Most exchange programs allow students to attend classes taught in English; others, however, require fluency (i.e. two years of college level study) in the language of the host country. Exchange students take their courses on a pass/fail basis, so their grades do not affect their GPAs.
Many students choose not to study abroad because of concerns about falling behind in course work. Such fears are unfounded says Camille Chapman, Tech's Study Abroad Coordinator. "Plan early. Really explore your options," advises Chapman. "If you come in and plan ahead with the [Study Abroad] Office and your academic department, you should not lose credits or get behind." Students should always have their courses approved through their major school to ensure that transfer credits will be accepted.
Finances are another issue for students interested in foreign study. The cost of studying abroad varies depending on the host country and also the program. Tech-sponsored programs equate tuition and fees at the foreign university to those at Tech so that tuition, fees, etc. for a term abroad are the same as for a term at Tech. Students can apply scholarships and financial aid towards any Tech-sponsored program.
Anyone considering foreign study should visit the Study Abroad Office in Room 115A of the Hightower Textile Building before making any plans. The Study Abroad Office has information on all the different programs, including those not sponsored by Tech. They are organized by department so that students can find programs of interest to them and of value to their major. Interested students can also attend the International Opportunities Fair on October 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
The Study Abroad Office invites interested students to contact them via e-mail at study.abroad@gatech.edu or to look at their website, www.study-abroad.gatech.edu, for more detailed information regarding specific programs and costs.