UNCA - STUDY ABROAD

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Why Not Study Abroad?

Study abroad doesn't have to be expensive!

If you select a program run by UNCA or the North Carolina Consortium for Study Abroad, you can keep costs about the same as staying in the U.S. This way, you can go just about anywhere in the world for little more than the cost of tuition, room and board at your home school!

You can apply your federal financial aid to the costs of study abroad. Most state financial aid can also be used for study abroad. You can apply for study abroad scholarships, too (see the Study Abroad Office, Highsmith 30 for information).

You don't have to be fluent in a foreign language.

UNCA offers exciting summer programs in Oxford and Cambridge as well as a semester program in Chester, England. You can also study in other English-speaking countries like Ireland, Scotland and Australia. Or you can participate in study abroad programs where courses are especially taught in English for English-speaking students. Such programs are offered in countries like Finland, Denmark, Israel and Ghana.

You can also learn a foreign language from scratch while studying abroad. Spend the summer studying Spanish in Costa Rica, Spain, or Mexico, or travel to countries such as India, Nepal or Vietnam to learn Hindi, Nepali or Vietnamese.

You can study abroad and still graduate on time.

If you plan your study abroad carefully, you'll receive full home credit for all courses you take, and these can be planned so that they count toward your major, minor, or elective requirements. You CAN graduate on time and still study abroad, with proper planning. Visit UNCA's Study Abroad Office (Highsmith 30) EARLY to start planning.

Whatever your major, you can study abroad!

Study abroad is not just for rich kids or specialists. In our increasingly interdependent world, a study abroad experience is an essential ingredient of a complete education and an advantage in the job market. Study abroad not only allows you to learn more about the world but gives you new perspectives on your situation at home.

It's possible for students to study abroad in every discipline --- not only in Humanities and Social Sciences but also in Management, the Arts and the Natural Sciences. Employers want to hire people with international experience, and graduate schools consider study abroad a "plus" when reviewing applications.

You can study abroad at whatever time is most convenient for you. You can go as early as the summer after your freshman year! Studying abroad can help you make up your mind about what you want to do with your life and your major.

For more information, contact:
Pete Williams, Study Abroad Coordinator
Highsmith 30, UNC-Asheville
(828) 251-666
pwilliams@unca.edu

What Do Students Say About Study Abroad?

"Participating in Cambridge allowed me to be a part of a learning environment incomparable to any other I have experienced. Being able to personally witness the sights, sounds, and taste of Europe, undergraduates are offered the opportunity to construct their own knowledge"

"My experiences in Cambridge, Paris and Barcelona were absolutely amazing. The greatest thing about my travel abroad in Europe was being able to see with my own eyes places, structures and pieces of art that I have studied about for my whole life."

See what other students say about study abroad:
http://www.unc.edu/depts/arts/Archive.html

What Choices Do I Have?

University College Chester

Study for one (spring) or two semesters at a small campus located in a medieval English town near the Welsh border and the Lake District. Internships maybe arranged. Eligibility: good academic standing. Cost: UNCA tuition and fees, airfare, room and board in Chester (university housing available).

Oxford Program (with NC State)

One-month summer program; earn 3-6 credits in Literature, Art and/or Political Science/History. courses taught by British professors. Eligibility: good academic standing. Cost: $2,500, plus about $750 for airfare.

Cambridge Program

One-month summer program coordinated by UNCA's Department of Education. Program designed for Teaching Fellows: a few other students may be accepted. Earn 3-7 credits in Arts 310 and/or Humanities 224. Courses taught by UNCA faculty. Cost: $2,000, plus airfare, tuition, and spending/travel money.

Semester in Spain (NC Consortium for Study Abroad)

Fall program in Santander. Earn credits in Spanish Grammar, Geography, Art, History and/or Literature. Eligibility: 4 semesters college Spanish. Cost: $6,500 (including airfare).

UNC-Exchange Program (UNC-EP)

Study for a semester or a full year through this UNC State-wide program: Countries available are Germany (Baden-Wurttemberg), Mexico, Finland and Australia (New South Wales). Language requirements: complete 4 semesters of German language for Germany and 4 semesters Spanish for Mexico. Finland and Australia have an English speaking curriculum. Cost: Equal to UNCA cost plus airfare.

Links to National Programs

NRCSA - National Registration Center For Study Abroad
http://www.nrcsa.com/

Study Abroad Experiential Programs
http://www.studyabroad.com/exp.html

Amerispan
http://www.amerispan.com/

AmeriSpan specializes in Spanish Immersion, Volunteer/Intern and Educational Travel in programs throughout México, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Spain. Described as "neither a language school nor a travel agent - we're a hybrid of the two, an educational travel company."

NAISA –North American Institute for Study Abroad
http://www.naisa.com/

Center for Global Education – Undergraduate Study Abroad Programs
http://www.augsburg.edu/global/studyabd.html

FinAid – The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/exchange.phtml

World Wide Classroom – Library of International Programs
http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/exchange.phtml

Is a compilation of intercultural and educational programs around the world. Offerings include: University Study, Adult Enrichment, Foreign Language Immersion, Teen Camps, Volunteerism, Internships, Cultural, Craft and Heritage Programs.

Rotary International - Ambassadorial Scholarships
http://www.rotary.org/programs/amb_scho/

"The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships Program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. Today, the program sponsors several types of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with local Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries."

Fulbright Programs
http://e.usia.gov/education/fulbright/

The Fulbright Program provides grants for Graduate Students, Scholars and Professionals, and Teachers and Administrators from the U.S. and other countries. This site includes Fulbright Commissions and other related links.

International Education Finance Corporation
http://www.iefc.com/
"In this time of globalization and increased student desire to study abroad, the International Education Finance Corporation (IEFC) has developed the International Student Loan Program (ISLP) and the Canadian Higher Education Loan Program (CanHELP). IEFC offers financial assistance for the growing population of students who wish to study in foreign countries. To date, our programs have helped over 8,000 students reach their goal of an international education. "

Comments to Pete Williams, pwilliams@unca.edu, Study Abroad Coordinator, UNCA