Can You Study Abroad in Grad School?
Can you study abroad in grad school? Yes, you can! There are numerous benefits to this, and you can study abroad for as little as a semester! Here are a few tips to help you choose the right program:
Finding a program that offers
Before you find a study abroad program, you should first learn about the culture of the country you’ll be attending. Research what the expectations are at the university in question. Also, be sure to know whether your degree will be recognized in the U.S. Some programs offer little institutional support. Be sure to understand this if you plan to get a professional degree from your international program. If you’re concerned about the legitimacy of your degree, it may be best to stay away from these programs.
Choosing a program that provides professional or volunteer-based experience
Taking a year off to volunteer in your area of interest is a great way to reset and explore career options before going back to school. While volunteering for a nonprofit organization might not bring you immediate financial rewards, it can give you valuable experience that you can leverage in your graduate school application. Volunteer experiences are especially useful in higher education, where the emphasis is on service-learning and developing skills. During your gap year, you can seek volunteer opportunities through your school or the community.
Writing a blog during a program
During your study abroad program, you might consider writing a blog. Many UW-Madison students do so to share their experiences with the community. Writing a blog will give you a chance to tell your stories about living in a foreign country, and it can also serve as a journal upon your return. Read on to learn how to keep a blog while studying abroad.
Getting financial aid for a program
Whether you are pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree, there are many ways to get financial aid for grad school. The most effective way to get funding for graduate school is through personal savings. You can also turn to the Federal Student Aid Office for advice on creating a budget. More than half of employers offer some sort of tuition assistance. Getting financial aid for a program in grad school is possible, but there are ways to maximize your chances of success.
Getting into a program
One of the best ways to increase your chances of getting into a grad school program while studying abroad is to keep a blog about your experiences. Some graduate school selection committee members will look for this to determine the type of student you are. Make sure your blog reflects your plans for the future, and it shows multiple sides of your personality. You may also be asked to present a multimedia presentation about your experience abroad to impress a panel of potential admissions officers.