Top 5 myths about study abroad
Fact: If you can afford to be at Concordia, you can afford to study abroad!
- There are numerous programs we offer where students actually save money compared to being on-campus for a semester!
- For most semester programs, tuition is the same as at Concordia, except housing and cost-of-living expenses can be much cheaper
- Financial aid applies to semester abroad programs
- There are additional scholarships available just for study abroad programs that most students qualify for
Fact: We can help you find a program that keeps you on track to graduate on-time!
- With some advance planning, anyone can study abroad, so talk to the Study Abroad Office as early as possible!
- With over 400 different program options for students to choose from, there is something for everyone to allow you to find the courses you need to stay on track
- We coordinate advising between the Study Abroad Office and your Academic Advisor to make sure the program you select gets you the courses you need
- Summer, Winterim, and Global Ed. Courses definitely won't delay your graduation. They may actually help you get ahead!
Fact: Most students who study abroad don't speak a foreign language
- English is the most spoken language in the world
- We offer dozens of programs in English-speaking destinations like the England, Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore
- Even in non-English speaking destinations, the VAST majority of courses are taught in English
- There's no better way to learn a foreign language than studying abroad, even if you have no previous experience in the language
Fact: Not studying abroad is a bigger regret than not being at home for 4 months.
- Graduating seniors were surveyed and not studying abroad was one of their biggest regrets
- Most students who study abroad say it was the best experience of their lives. Can you say the same about one semester at home?
- You'll be with other American and international students during your program, and it's a great opportunity to make life-long friendships
- You'll have to grow up and strike it out on your own at some point, and studying abroad is GREAT preparation for that
Fact: It can be!
- Not only do we have programs that are catered to your academic needs, but we also have programs that fit you uniquely
- More of a home-body? Do a home stay with a local family. More of a small-town person? We've got plenty of options in small cities
- More of an independent spirit? Stay in an apartment and plan your own adventures! More of a big-city, nightlife person? Plenty of options there!
- Looking to develop yourself spiritually? Check out Westfield House. Want to do some volunteering? Add a service-learning experience to you program!
Frequently asked questions
Deciding on a place and program for your semester abroad
Consider what is most important to you. Is it more important to be in a particular geographic location, or are you willing to go anywhere as long as it fits your budget? Can you afford to take some core requirements and electives, or are you on a strict course schedule and need to take specific classes within your major? Do you want to be more flexible and independent while abroad or do you desire more structure and support? Answer these questions first and it will help give you some direction. Schedule an advising meeting with the Study Abroad Office to help you narrow down your options.
Look at our semester programs page to see if Concordia has specific affiliated universities in the places you are considering. If not, research some other programs such as API or TEAN to see what they offer. Figure out what classes you could possibly take abroad and if those programs offer similar courses.
Once you have thoroughly researched and settled on a place/program make sure to set up a meeting with your academic advisor to talk about study abroad and how it will fit in with your Concordia education.
Coming prepared with a list of courses offered and other information about the foreign university will help your advisor work with you on deciding if it fits with your degree aspirations. Also make sure to confirm your class options with the Registrar's office after applying to make sure the credits will transfer.
After acceptance
The process is straightforward:
- Review the foreign university's class/module list (one that includes descriptions)
- Match up their classes with classes required at CUAA
- Set up a meeting with your advisor to discuss and approve your classes
- Bring the advisor-approved list to the Registrar's office for a final approval
While you can never be fully prepared for the adventure of spending time abroad, there are a few things you can do for a smoother transition.
- Research the country so you know what's acceptable and what key differences exist
- Contact other students who have studied abroad in your destination
- Identify the parts of studying abroad that may be the most difficult for you and develop plans to minimize them
- Attend the mandatory orientation hosted by Concordia's Study Abroad Office
While abroad
Finances
As long as you are enrolled in one of Concordia's study abroad programs, you're still considered a Concordia student while abroad, so you will still pay regular tuition to Concordia. Concordia will then pay the foreign university's tuition up to the amount of Concordia’s tuition.
This means that as long as your foreign university tuition doesn't exceed Concordia's, you'll still pay the same tuition you would at Concordia. (There aren't many cases in which tuition abroad will be more expensive.) Students must contact the Financial Aid office to verify all tuition costs.