GUIDE FOR STUDYING ABROAD ON A NON-STANFORD PROGRAM

Index:

Introduction to the ORC's Resources
Stage I: Start with a Self-Evaluation
Stage II: Explore!
Stage III: Focus
Stage IV: Pinpoint and Evaluate
Stage V: Prepare
Stanford Campus Resources

Introduction to the ORC's Resources
While the chief purpose of the Overseas Resource Center (ORC) is to advise on international scholarships, we also house an extensive library of resources for study abroad. We encourage students to make use of these publications, which are available in the sitting area of the ORC.

In creating this guide, we hope to assist students in the process of choosing a study abroad experience. Given the wide range of overseas study opportunities available, we feel that it is crucial not only to critically evaluate each study option, but also to carefully examine one's own interests and needs. This guide is not intended to promote any particular program or study experience but instead it focuses on the process of selecting an appropriate option. We have divided this guide into stages reflecting the various steps of a careful decision-making process. Drawing upon personal experiences, we share suggestions and questions which may help you in your assessment of your individual needs and then in your evaluation and selection of an option.

It is a challenge to find the program that perfectly fits your needs, but by thoughtfully engaging in the process of selection, you are already participating in action that will enhance your study abroad experience. Study programs are simply springboards; your experience abroad ultimately depends upon YOU! Give yourself enough time to imagine, to explore and to prepare yourself for one of the most enriching experiences of your lifetime!

Stage I: Start with a Self-Evaluation

Giving yourself the opportunity to study in another country is a highly individual experience; one that will be shaped not only by the particular program you select, but also by your own personality. Your study abroad experience can be enhanced by examining your individual needs and goals, and then choosing a program that realistically meets those needs.

To help you think through the various aspects of what you are looking for in a program, you might find it helpful to create priority checklists using the following questions to get you started. We've divided the questions into two categories: those that relate to your personal and/or emotional needs, and those of a more concrete, practical nature. As you work through these questions you may want to jot down your thoughts so that later you will be able to review and prioritize your answers in light of choosing a study-abroad program.

A. The fundamental question

Why do I want to study abroad, and what do I hope to gain from such an experience?

Perhaps you have been inspired by others who have gone overseas, or maybe going abroad is something you've always dreamed of doing even though you can't pinpoint any specific reasons. Maybe you feel you need to take a break from your current program of study and want to learn a foreign language. We encourage you to examine your reasons for wanting to study abroad, because we believe that with such an awareness you will be able to choose the program that suits you best.

B. Personal Questions

What goals do I hope to attain from my experience abroad (e.g. mastering a language, pursuing a specific hobby or area of interest?)

What skills (language, cross-cultural understanding) do I already have and how developed are they?

What personal experiences can I draw upon (e.g. previous overseas experiences, foreign friends or exposure to other languages and cultures) that will help me choose where to go?

Is my priority more to simply enjoy myself or to learn in a serious and structured way?

What countries, regions, climates etc. would I be comfortable living in, and where would I definitely be unwilling to go?

Do I want to be in a major city, with museums and nightclubs easily accessible, or would I rather get a taste of a more rural lifestyle?

When would be the ideal (or realistically best) time for me to go? How long would I like to stay?

What would I be leaving behind (academically, personally) and what would I be coming back to?

What are my preferences regarding a living situation (on my own, in a homestay with a family, in a dormitory with other students)?

Would I prefer total immersion in a culture and educational environment, or would I rather have other exchangestudents around? Am I willing to accept the possible loneliness of going overseas without a built-in network?

Am I interested in working or traveling outside of my study program while overseas

C. Practical Questions

In addition to personal considerations, there are certain practical considerations that nearly everyone who is choosing a study-abroad program will need to think over when deciding on the best option. How much you can afford, how receiving credit will or will not affect the program you select and so forth.

What financial limitations do I need to take into consideration? (See: Financial Aid Resources)

How much time can I realistically take out of my academic schedule to go abroad? How important is staying on a four-year academic timetable?

Do I want to pursue my major or do I want to try taking some courses in completely different areas?

Is it important that I receive credit transfer? Do I need certain credits for my major? Can I fulfill distribution requirements? (Contact Phil Spitz , Office of Transfer Credit Evaluation, 725-1895)

What balance of language and culturally-based classes would I prefer in considering the program content?Would I prefer classes in English or in the native language? Would I prefer to study with other foreign students or in classes with native students (if you have the necessary language skills)?

Are there any health considerations I need to think about? Both my own health and conditions in the country in which I will be studying.

How will I arrange transportation to and from my study destination? Do I want to travel before, during or after my study program?

Do I have the language ability necessary to find housing on my own?

Am I willing to take care of administrative paperwork on my own?

D. Prioritizing Needs

Now that you have had a chance to think over some of the things that are important to you in considering any study abroad program, it might be helpful for you to spend some time prioritizing your personal and practical needs. Once you have decided for yourself what issues are most important to you, it will be easier to evaluate the various programs you are considering.

 "When I first started thinking about going overseas, I knew several things for sure. I knew that I wanted to go to be in London. I had studied there before, and liked it a great deal; also, I am very interested in theatre and wanted to have access to the live theatre there. I did not really consider going on the Stanford program to Oxford because, as I said, I wanted to be in London proper. Also, I was fairly sure that I did not want to be with other Stanford students; I wanted ''time off' from Stanford. "I started thinking about these things in the spring of my sophomore year. I decided that I wanted to go winter-spring of my Junior year; I wasn't ready to be away for a full year. Now, looking back, I realize that a full year might have been a good idea..

-Karen, Westfield, England

Stage II: Explore!

After having taken time to carefully evaluate your needs and interests, you will want to begin exploring the study abroad options available to you. At this stage, the key to the exploration of potential study abroad programs is to remember to keep your options open! Perhaps you listed French as a skill and are considering a program in Paris. If you are interested mainly in improving and using your French, what about considering a program that will take you to the Ivory Coast, Morocco or the French Caribbean? If you are concerned about having to take university courses in a language other than English, did you know that many classes at the University of Hong Kong are taught in English? Why not consider turning you interest in East Asia into a semester of study at the famous School of Oriental Studies at the University of London?

There are also other unique opportunities for study that you may not have considered yet. Have you thought about attending classes for a year on board a ship that takes you around the world, or perfecting your Hebrew as you work alongside Israelis on a kibbutz? If you are interested in ancient civilizations, you may want to look into becoming part of an archeological expedition in Egypt. Some programs offer students the possibility of internships in politics, local government, social services etc. The range of possibilities is limited only by your own imagination.

A. Tools for the Trip: Where and How to Begin Exploring

Hopefully, as you familiarize yourself with the human, electronic and material resources that are available on campus, you will discover particular areas of interest that will lend themselves to a study abroad experience. Again, the important thing is to be open-minded and flexible in your approach to the process of choosing a suitable study program. Utilize available resources!

Talk with people.

You have already given some thought to a number of important issues concerning your needs and interests. Take the opportunity now to clarify them by talking with various people, including professors and friends.

Go to the experts.

There are thousands of international students and scholars on campus, and most are willing to be approached about issues concerning their native country. Try to talk with students from countries you are interested in going to and ask them about their student experiences and lifestyles. The Bechtel International Center is not only a great place to meet foreign students, it also hosts many international visitors and international events and gatherings which can put you in touch with people of other nations.In addition, other U.S. students who have been on study abroad programs are usually more than willing to discuss their experiences. Their testimony can help you to understand more not only about specific countries and programs, but also about being an American abroad. Try consulting some alumni of study abroad programs by contacting the programs to which you are interested in applying and asking for phone numbers or e-mail addresses of returnees.

The Internet

You will be amazed at how much useful information can be located by doing a simple search based on your area of interest or by using the many links provided in this website. Everything you will need from searchable databases of study abroad and language programs to information and advice on traveling to your overseas destination can be found easily on the World Wide Web. This is a welcome change from just a few years ago when we had to rely on paper-only resources that are wasteful and become quickly outdated. Give it a try, and if you need assistance, don't hesitate to ask an ORC advisor for assistance with your search.

Books, magazines, newspapers

Atlases and travel guides, as well as books about the local economy, history and political situation are available at the library. Newspapers and magazines from the country or area in which you plan to study can be interesting and useful. Many of these papers can be found in the Stanford University libraries. By doing this type of "research," you may help to clarify your own academic objectives.

Courses, lectures, theme houses

You may be able to schedule coursework relevant to your interests; if you are unable to take more credits, however, you may be able just to audit a class. Try to take advantage of the numerous lectures, cultural performances, and international gatherings held on campus and in the community in order to learn more about your areas of international interest.

This is a good time to become familiar with the Overseas Resource Center library, located on the second floor of the Bechtel International Center. The library houses a great volume of information on various study abroad options, and carries brochures and program descriptions from both the U.S. and foreign-based organizations and schools. Staff advisors are on hand to familiarize you with the ORC resources and to assist you in your search. You can use the Global Mentorship Network to familiarize yourself with past experiences of others who have studied, worked or traveled abroad.

B. Study Abroad Options

Study abroad options usually fall into one of the following categories:

-Programs sponsored by a U.S. college or university, with classes held at a program-governed location (e.g. Stanford Overseas programs)

-Programs sponsored by a U.S. college or university in cooperation with a foreign university or institution (e.g. Amherst College at Doshisha University in Kyoto, or an art appreciation program run in conjunction with the Louvre)

-Programs designed especially for international students at a foreign university (e.g. the Jagellonian Summer School of Language and Culture in Krakow)

-Direct enrollment in a foreign university as a degree candidate or as an occasional or special student (e.g. enrolling directly in the University of Lancaster and taking classes with British students)

-Programs sponsored by an organization other than a college or university, which may or may not be held at a foreign university (e.g. the U.S. - China Friendship Summer Language Seminar in Beijing, Council on International Educational Exchange)

-Enrollment in an international or U.S. College abroad (e.g. the American University in Paris)

C. Your Timeline

Depending upon which option you choose, you will need to construct a timeline in selecting and preparing for a study abroad experience. The general rule of thumb is to give yourself plenty of time!

For an intended stay of a year or more, you may want to start thinking about study abroad options as early as your freshman year in order to plan your college course schedule accordingly. In any case, ideally you will want to get started planning as early as nine months to one year prior to when you would like to go. (This is not meant to discourage you if you don't have that much time before you go, however.)

Different nations have varying academic calendars (Japan's school year begins in April, for example, while Australia's begins in January) so country-specific planning is a necessity. Also, program application deadlines will vary according to the length and the starting date of the program. It would behoove you to check into application deadlines as soon as possible, so that you don't accidentally miss any.

A note on Scholarships and Financial Aid: If you are considering applying for a scholarship to assist with the cost of going abroad, be sure to work that element into your personal timeline as well. Some scholarships, such as the Rotary International Scholarship, must be applied for over one year in advance. There is information on ORC Administered Scholarships on this website or on other scholarships for studying overseas in the orange binders in the scholarship section of the Overseas Resource Library. You can also research scholarship opportunities through the FOLIO database, the Undergraduate Advising Center (first floor, Sweet Hall) and in Meyer and Green Libraries. Check also with your major departments. It is very difficult to use Stanford Financial Aid for study abroad other than through the Stanford Overseas Studies Programs. You should be aware of this when you strart to think about study abroad.

Stage III: Focus

A. Research

After you have allowed yourself to imagine many different possible study options, the next step is to begin the process of narrowing down your array of choices. The priority list which you developed earlier will be essential as you look through the literature on various study abroad options.

The Overseas Resource Center is the appropriate place to begin researching study abroad options. You can also get information on specific countries directly from the cultural offices and/or the government information services of those nations you are interested in (many nations have have consulates in San Francisco). These offices can be especially helpful if you have decided that enrolling directly in a foreign university is your first priority, as they would be able to provide information on their country's education system.

I spent some time abroad last year and I just wanted to highlight some of the advantages to going abroad on a non-Stanford program. There are countless other opportunities for studying abroad, which allows you greater flexibility of choice of location. The vast majority of other programs, or going independently, is usually a fraction of the cost of going abroad with Stanford. Finding your own program requires initiative, but the entire experience can be more rewarding for you. Also, it is very possible to get Stanford credit for whatever you do. So, although it takes some footwork, I encourage anyone interested to at least look into the abroad options other than Stanford. Save some money, and integrate more thoroughly with the local culture.

-Tom Goff

B. Interpreting the Literature

A few words of advice when reading through the study-abroad program literature: Look with a critical eye!!!! Beware of flashy advertisements or posters; many times they can be deceiving. If a pamphlet has a beautiful cover, that does not have any bearing upon the quality of the program, it just means that they have spent money to look impressive. As you flip through information, be aware of what kind of information is supplied about the organization. Is there a name of a responsible person, or just a title? Is there an address or just a P.O. box? What information is provided about the curriculum of the program? Is it possible for you to contact students who have been on the program before? It is important to interpret material carefully because some of the programs misrepresent the exact services and instruction they provide. We suggest you try to narrow your choices down to about six programs that satisfy the requirements you will have made in conjunction with your needs. Later, we will suggest a list of specific criteria that you can combine with your priority lists to use in evaluating these programs.

C. The Importance of Human Resources

This is an especially important time to talk with someone about your plans. If you haven't already done so, this may be a good time to approach your academic advisor and discuss which options would best complement your current study program. Professors and department administrators can provide a great deal of information on various study-abroad options, especially once you have narrowed your choices down and have specific questions. In addition, the advisors at the ORC are always happy to discuss your plans with you. If you are considering the option of enrolling directly in a foreign university, the most valuable resource may be foreign students from that country or area.

D. A Special Note About Direct Enrollment

Direct enrollment in an overseas university is perhaps the most complete cultural, linguistic and academic immersion you can have in a foreign country. It allows you to study in the same classrooms and the same language as native students. It also requires a larger degree of independence and self-sufficiency than using a U.S. based program as an intermediary with a foreign university. While this independence can create problems with everything from bureaucratic snags to loneliness, it also allows you a number of options in choosing a university and a course of study.

Fees and aid: If you enroll directly in a foreign university, you may be able to enroll with the status of a citizen of that country. This means that you will benefit from the support many countries give higher education. Tuition and housing may be subsidized heavily enough to make them much less than what Americans are accustomed to paying. Scholarships (e.g. Rotary) are also available for direct enrollment. However many overseas institutions are now aware of the income possibilities associated with American students enrolling at their college so fees for direct enrollment have, in many countries, increased to a level higher than that for a home student.

Note: Some foreign universities are not accredited with student loan programs, so the grace period on your loans may expire and force you to pay for a few months until you return to school in the U.S. Nonetheless, direct enrollment may still be the least expensive way to study overseas.

Language: Most or all coursework will be in the language of the country in which you wish to study. This is where direct enrollment really pays off in linguistic immersion. This also means that extensive preparation in necessary. However, your ability will improve quickly, so if you begin with a solid grounding in grammar and reading and writing skills, you will be increasingly able to handle the work. A language test may be given before enrollment is authorized and the test may be offered by the consulate or the university.

Credit transfer: Credit transfer may not be automatic, though reasonable courses from accredited foreign universities are most likely acceptable. If you are not terribly concerned about fulfilling requirements, which could be difficult since parallel courses may not be offered, consider this an opportunity to step outside of your normal program of study. It is especially important to talk with the Transfer Credit, Housing and Registrar's offices before leaving and to save papers, exams, syllabi and professors' evaluations. A more complete discussion of credit transfer and related issues can be found in the ORC Guide to Studying Abroad on a Non-Stanford Program.

Resources for direct enrollment: Foreign university catalogs are available in the ORC and in the university libraries. Also, please see our list of internet resources for foreign university websites. Again, talking with foreign students who are alumni, with faculty and language teachers at Stanford, and with educational experts at consulates can help you in your decision.

 "When I was choosing among my options for study abroad I had a set of fairly limiting criteria that made direct enrollment the most appropriate choice. I was leaning towards an International Relations major, but felt that my undergraduate years were passing quickly and that I needed some time to consider where I wanted to go. I wanted to go overseas for an entire year to have a more profound cultural and linguistic experience, but was aware that there were a lot of courses that I wanted to take at Stanford. I felt that coming back from Europe with only one year to go would not leave me enough time to finish my coursework, assuming my time overseas was going to change and focus my academic plans. I thus felt that credit transfer, though helpful, was not absolutely necessary. Cost was also a major factor, especially since I planned to pay four full years of Stanford tuition. Direct enrollment is certainly the cheapest was to study abroad since you don't pay anyone to take care of the administrative hassles for you. I was allowed to enroll on the same basis as a French student. My background in French was solid, though it was far from beautiful and full of errors. I felt that my needs would be better suited by practice than by further study..."

-Matt, Nice, France

Stage IV: Pinpoint and Evaluate

The next step in the decision process is to write or e-mail for further information and application materials from the study programs you are most interested in. By combining your personal priorities with the following criteria, you will be able to better evaluate the quality of a certain program as well as its capacity to satisfy your interests and needs. These criteria are interrelated, but we will treat them separately here so as to point out as many issues as possible.

A. Cost

1. What is included in the cost of the program?

International Transportation: Some programs include the cost of transportation to and from the country, while others expect you to arrange travel yourself and to pay for it separately.

Administrative fees: The fees for the program may apply only to administrative expenses, may include administration and tuition only, or may be all inclusive. If the program fees include room and board, what is the specific arrangement and will it be agreeable to you? If you will be living with a family or in a dormitory, are all meals provided, or are you responsible for buying lunches during the week and all meals on the weekend? Does the program provide provisions for local travel expenses if applicable? Do the program fees include cultural outings and excursions? Is health insurance included?

2. Scholarships

Some programs may provide scholarship opportunities based upon merit or need. If you might be eligible for either, be sure to check on the procedures and deadlines for applying. Also, be aware of the exact specifications of the scholarships - some cover only tuition fees, others include room and board stipends. In some cases, financial aid which you receive from your home university or from other outside sources may be used on certain programs abroad; you will want to verify this with your home institutions financial aid office, and then work with the program you eventually choose in arranging for such financial assistance.

"I did research at Bechtel at the ORC and tried first to find programs that I could afford and that had things I was interested in studying. Of course the easiest way for me to go was with Stanford Overseas Studies, which I eventually did. The main reason I decided to do that was financial. I got financial aid from all kinds of people and it was confusing to stop out. I also knew I couldn't afford any other program without aid, and a lot of schools reserve aid for their own students."

-Beth, Berlin, Germany

B. General Program Structure and Support

1. What administrative work does the program do for you?

 "Some people will like to be taken care of, some people will hate it and feel cheated out of the experience of having to deal with all of these things. It is important to know how you will feel about it. I think there is no question that doing it more independently is harder, but for some people it will be more rewarding. In the end, if someone else takes care of things for you, that is one less thing that you learn to handle on your own.

-Aaron, Paris, France

2. Length of the program

When does the program actually begin? Is it based on a semester or quarter system, and which would fit better in your academic schedule? What provisions are made for travelling before, during, and/or after the program?

3. What relationship does the program have with the community?

Is the program well established and respected in the local community? Does the program actively involve their students in community activities? If the program is under the auspices of a foreign university, how exactly is it connected with the university?

 "Westfield is TINY . There are three American programs sending students there. Therefore, there are over 300 Americans in the 1000 student population--not exactly the haven of Britishness I was picturing. There is a history of tension between the Brits and the Americans at Westfield and its very hard to start mixing. I even had warning of all of this -- a friend from Tufts has been to Westfield the year before and had told me a a lot of things I chose not to hear because I had bewitched myself into thinking that Westfield was the only place to be."

-Karen, Westfield, England

4. Support

Orientation: What kind of orientation program or pre-departure information does the program provide? Orientations range from two or three days when you arrive and before classes begin, to several weeks of pre-program intensive language and cultural studies.

On-going support: Does the program provide initial orientation and then leave you, or is there some form of ongoing support? Some programs include weekly administrative meetings, gatherings, excursions and so forth. With any program, you will want to carefully weigh whether or not the administrative tasks the program does provide are worth the money you will be paying.

C. Academic Structure

1. Enrollment

Will you be officially enrolled in a foreign university? Is the program under the auspices of a foreign student service in the university? Will you be taking courses with native students, with other foreigners, or exclusively with other American students? Are there opportunities to audit courses at a nearby university if you like? Are there opportunities to pursue independent research?

2. Instruction

What will be the language of instruction? What is the language prerequisite for the programs you are interested in? Some programs do not require previous language training, while others may ask for a minimum of 2 years college-level study to enroll. The language prerequisites are a good indication of the level of language proficiency of your future classmates. What are the credentials of the instructors? Will you have native instructors? Having native instructors can definitely be advantageous from the viewpoint of one seeking greater immersion in a culture, and may provide a great resource for future contacts. On the other hand, some students have difficulties adjusting to the teaching methods of a native instructor, who may be accustomed to a different style of teacher/student interaction.

You should also familiarize yourself with the method of grading overseas. The system you have been used to at Stanford may not apply, especially if you are studying as a direct enrollment student. This can lead to anxieties as to how you can evaluate your progress in a course or class. Talk to students and scholars at Stanford who are from that country to get a sense of both the instructional methods and the grading procedures.

3. Coursework/Curriculum

Course content: As you look over the curriculum, ask yourself if it satisfies your interests and needs. Some programs emphasize language training, others stress culturally-related courses in art, politics, history etc. or may even focus on a particular subject. Other programs strive for a balance of language and subject studies.

How much time will you spend in the classroom per week? Be sure that the program will be providing you with a desirable balance between academic and cultural aspects (i.e. social interaction with friends, family, exploring, traveling and so forth). The academic aspect of the program should not be the only aspect of your study experience! Be realistic, though, and if you are not at all interested in an academic setting, perhaps you can find an alternative channel for going overseas.

4. Transferring Credits

If transfer of credits is an issue for you, your choice of one particular study abroad program over another may be affected by this. It is easier to have transfer credit granted from some programs than from others; Phil Spitz in the Transfer Credit office in Old Union 141 (725-1895) can tell you immediately if the programs you are considering are accredited or not. As a general rule plan to bring back with you from overseas every possible document that will describe your course of study!!

 The difficulties of studying on a non-Stanford program are few, but those few can be great obstacles ... It is often difficult to know how much credit you will actually be able to transfer. This is frustrating, but in the long run, the time and effort are worth it.

-Holly, San Jose, Costa Rica

D. Housing/Room and Board

Is room and board prearranged by the program? What situations are available? Housing options usually fall under one of the following categories:

1. Housing with families: You may be integrated in the family and considered more or less one of the family members, or you may be more isolated and considered more as just a tenant renting a room. If possible, you may want to try and find out if families are paid a good sum for housing you or if they more or less volunteer their homes and are given only a small amount to help cover additional food and utility expenses. Generally a family that volunteers their home will be more likely to take an interest in incorporating you into their family and providing you with a unique and interesting homestay.

 "I lived with a woman and her 13-year old son. She was an amazing person - she worked close to full time, kept closely in tune with her son and his growing pains, and hosted two American students during the academic school year. Although Mannick was not able to take us sightseeing and so forth, she somehow managed to provide both myself and the other American student living with her the emotional support and encouragement that we so needed. She said 'Bon Courage' to us each morning as we left the house and she was always very patient and interested in hearing about our adventures of the day. We developed a very close older-sister/younger-sister relationship."

-Christa, Rennes, France

It is important to keep in mind that a homestay experience is a two way street: the family has certain responsibilities towards you as a temporary member of the family and you in return have responsibilities towards them. Having respect for the way you family conducts their household is an essential part of a successful homestay. In addition, one thing to keep in mind is the importance of spending an appropriate amount of time with your family. Though this will vary from situation to situation, as the new arrival it will ultimately be up to you to be as sensitive as possible to the manner and extent to which you introduce yourself into the family setting. If you are not interested in participating in a family life and would rather be more independent, perhaps another housing alternative would be more suitable.

2. Dormitory: You may be offered housing in a dormitory with other students. This can be a very unique opportunity to interact with other people your age, but you may want to verify the situation in which you would be living. Would you be housed exclusively with foreign students, American students, or would you be intermixed with native students? Are the dormitories open over breaks and if not, where can you stay during those periods? Are there kitchens and laundry facilities? Does the dormitory have any form of residential education?

3. Apartment: If you plan to live on your own, does the program provide any assistance for seeking an apartment or shared housing? Could you could handle looking for your own place?

THE "IDEAL" PROGRAM FOR YOU....depends upon your needs and the list of priorities you have established for yourself. Nonetheless, a solid program should provide you with ample information about the various criteria we have outlined: a straight-forward breakdown of the program, a detailed description of the academic structure (i.e. enrollment, instructors and coursework), and a clear explanation of living situations.

 There were a variety of reasons I chose to study abroad on the program I did. I wanted to go to Latin America, and Stanford's only program (at the time) was in Chile. I wanted to study for at least six months, not three. I also wanted complete immersion in the culture. I was afraid if I studied on a Stanford program, I would end up speaking too much English . With the program I chose, I lived with a Costa Rican family, took all my courses with Costa Rican students and had all Costa Rican friends. This combination helped my Spanish to become fluent. A final consideration for me was cost. I spent $4,500 for room, board, tuition, plane fare and spending money for six months, allowing me to save considerably.

- Holly, San Jose, Costa Rica

Stage V: Prepare

A. Application

The application process for the programs you have selected should be explained in detail in the application materials you receive from each program. Be aware of the deadline dates for each; it may take some time to gather the various things you need to apply. Most programs will require you to have your health certified by a physician, which may entail setting up an appointment for a physical specifically for this purpose. As some applications require letters of recommendation, you will want to be sure to contact references several weeks in advance of the deadline, giving them ample time to complete and mail your references in addressed, stamped envelopes you provide them. You may also need to request a transcript from the Registrar's Office. If it is necessary to request a transcript for a previous school, allow yourself several weeks for receipt.

We have already touched upon the issue of scholarship possibilities briefly, but perhaps have not emphasized enough that financial aid should be applied for as early as possible. If you already have financial aid and/or scholarships, you will want to inquire early if these awards can be applied to your study abroad program.

B. Preparations

Culture shock: Always a possibility...Try to approach your study abroad experience with as much of an open mind as you can. Be aware that almost everyone inevitably experiences some form of culture shock when they go overseas, and that as a fairly common occurrence, it is one that can easily be made into a learning opportunity. Although you may seemingly be unaffected by all of the changes you are going through when you first arrive in a foreign culture, it is not at all uncommon to feel tired and even a little homesick several weeks after arriving. Going abroad aware of issues such as culture shock can help you to work through the more difficult times when you are away from home, and help you to have a positive overall experience overseas.

You should also keep me in mind there is no perfect study abroad program; they all offer moments of frustration, they all offer different challenges, and they all offer times when things aren't going right. Try and think this through before you go, think of the things that have frustrated you at Stanford (yes--it can happen!) and how you dealt with such frustrations. Start to look forward to the experience of being overseas, the ups and downs, the few moments of regret and the many moments of excitement and pleasure.

Reverse culture shock: .... As you will probably want to share your experience with others interested, try volunteering to participate in presentations on the country and culture you visited. Come back and talk to people in the ORC office and let them know how your experience abroad went. The ORC has the Global Mentorship Network designed for peer advising with the intent of creating a resource for information study abroad experiences. Staff in the ORC are interested in communicating your fresh perspective on your program and your experience to other students who might be interested in going abroad.

CAMPUS RESOURCES:

Stanford Overseas Studies, First Floor, Sweet Hall

Haas Center for Public Service, located on Salvatierra Walk

Undergraduate Research Opportunities, First Floor, Sweet Hall

Undergraduate Advising Center, First Floor, Sweet Hall

Office of Transfer Credit, 630 SERRA STREET

Overseas Resource Center, Bechtel International Center, 2nd. floor