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Studying abroad can be one of the most significant experiences of your undergraduate education. Studying abroad is an opportunity to discover new aspects of yourself, increase global competency skills, and build your resume.

The following guide takes you through some of the steps you may want to consider as you prepare for studying abroad. It is meant to help you through the process, both the steps leading up to selecting a program that is right for you, and the practical aspects of applying for a program.

What Do You Want to Get Out of the Study Abroad Experience?

Are you planning to study abroad in France just because your roommate is studying abroad there?  Perhaps you aren’t really interested in French culture, but have always been fascinated with the culture of Japan, Italy, South Africa, Chile or India.

Since studying abroad often involves a significant amount of money and time, taking time to reflect upon what you hope to gain from the experience is an important first step.  The following are some statements that are intended to help you hone in on your reasons for studying abroad and what you may hope to gain from the experience:

•I want to increase my cross-cultural communication skills

•I want to increase my language skills in a language (French, Spanish, Chinese, etc.)

•I want to travel as much as possible in a particular country or region and see specific sites (the Vatican, the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu)

•I want to learn how to do business in a particular region of the world

•I want to do research overseas

•I want to explore the culture of a particular country and have inter-culture experiences such as learning about traditional Chinese medicine, the role of women in the Middle East, liberation theology in El Salvador, etc.

•I want to do an internship in another country to build my resume

•I want to meet people from other countries and have fun!

•I want to take particular courses that will build my resume

•I want to stretch myself and try to live in a culture that is very different from my own

Where Do You Want to Study Abroad?

For some students, this is a no-brainer. They have always been interested in a particular country or culture, and know exactly where they want to study abroad.

But, for many students, a particular destination is not clear, or many regions of the world interest them. If you are one of these students, exploring the possibilities for study abroad is a big part of the process!

Don’t jump to a conclusion too soon about a destination.  Review your reasons as to why you want to study abroad and what you hope to get out of the experience as you think about a destination.  Consider factors such as type of program, cost, etc. before you make a final decision. Check out the possibilities, and weigh the information available to you.

The most popular destinations for study abroad are the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and France.  But fifth on the list is China, and other destinations in the top 25 that are receiving increasing numbers of American students for study abroad are:  Germany, Japan, Argentina, South Africa, India, Greece, Israel, New Zealand, Brazil, Ecuador, the Netherlands, and Peru.  Some less well known destinations are worth exploring, and they may stand out to a potential employer looking for someone who doesn’t always follow the crowd.

Types of Study Abroad Programs

There are several ways to study abroad, including exchange programs, direct enroll programs, and going on a faculty-led program.  The paragraphs below provide information about each way of studying abroad.

      1.      Exchange Programs

Exchange programs are special agreements that Otterbein University has with certain universities overseas.  Under exchange programs, for each student who comes to study at Otterbein University for a semester or year, Otterbein sends a student to the partner university overseas.  Currently, Otterbein University has exchange agreements with the following universities:

     • Maastricht University – The Netherlands

     • Kansai Gaidai – Japan

     • Linnaeus University – Sweden

     • Roehampton University – United Kingdom

     • Guildford School of Acting – United Kingdom

     • Western Australia University – Australia

A potential agreement is underway with Western Australian University and additional exchange opportunities are being explored. 

What you need to know about exchange programs:

     • You pay Otterbein tuition

     • All federal and Otterbein scholarships stay in effect

     • In most cases, you are responsible for air travel, housing and food

     • You will need to be nominated by Otterbein University to participate in an exchange program

      2.      Semester Abroad through a Study Abroad Provider

There are many study abroad providers that coordinate study abroad programs all over the world.  Some of the larger study abroad organizations are CIS Abroad, AIFS, SIT Study Abroad, and Semester-at-Sea.  These organizations/providers have pre-packaged programs and arrangements with universities overseas, and they often have an on-site coordinator who helps students with housing, local travel, etc.  You pay for these services, and have the comfort of being in a group with other American students.

What you need to know about Study Abroad Providers:

     • You usually pay more but receive services such as an on-site coordinator, coordinated housing arrangements, and field trips

     • Academic Otterbein scholarship do not stay in effect

     • You receive $2,000 in aid from Otterbein University

     • Federal financial aid stays in effect for these programs

      3.      Direct Enroll Study Abroad

Direct enroll programs usually require more work from the student, but they are often the least expensive way to study abroad.  The student is required to gather information about the university overseas, apply directly to the university, sign up for courses and work with university personnel overseas to arrange for housing.  This can be a very cost-effective way to study abroad, but puts more of the work on the student. 

What you need to know about Direct Enroll Study Abroad:

     • Student does the work to find a university, apply, enroll in courses, and make housing arrangements

     • Can save significant amounts of $$$$

     • Student receives $2,000 in aid from Otterbein University

     • Academic Otterbein scholarships do not stay in effect

     • Federal financial aid can stay in effect for these programs

      4.      Short-term Faculty-led Study Abroad

Short-term faculty-led study abroad programs are a popular way to experience travel outside the United States.  Students often enroll in these classes during January term or Spring term and travel with their professor/s and classmates to a destination or destinations overseas.  Studying abroad with a faculty member and classmates is a good way to “get your feet wet” and experience life outside of the U.S.  The duration of the travel component of these courses ranges from 10 days to 3 or 4 weeks.

Currently, Otterbein University offers the following faculty-led programs:

      5.      Summer Programs

Summer study abroad programs and internships are offered by many study abroad agencies. Students usually take 4 - 8 credit courses and can sometimes participate in internships.

In addition, some Otterbein faculty members and coaches take students overseas for several weeks for service projects.  Since these faculty and staff-led programs do not provide the opportunity for course credit, they are not officially considered to be study abroad programs. 

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Center for International Education and Global Engagement
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