Preceived Barriers to Study Abroad

Perceived Barriers to Study Abroad

You may find that students have misperceptions about Study Abroad that may serve as a hindrance. Some of the more common myths are listed below with some matter-of-fact responses.

Study Abroad is not affordable

Financial Aid awards (grants, loans and scholarships) all apply for semester program. Financial aid is not available specifically for  summer programs.  If students have questions about financial aid, please refer them to our Financial Aid and Costs page for more information or to OEA and the Financial Aid if they have specific concerns or challenges.

Obligations to Athletics or other responsibilities do not allow Study Abroad to fit into a four-year degree

Have student athletes consider doing a semester program during your off season if possible. A number of our study abroad sites have access to fitness facilities.  Also, we have some programs that don't follow our academic calendar, so by mid-February your season might be over and you can still do a semester program.  Alternatively, studying abroad in the summer is a perfect solution. CSB/SJU sponsors many options, ranging from three to eight weeks.

Study Abroad would keep a student from graduating in four years 

All of our semester programs support the Common Curriculum and students can gain at least 2 or more designations while abroad.  In addition, an Education Abroad Advisor will assist students in finding a program that supports making progress towards the degree while abroad. They also work closely with CSB/SJU academic departments to obtain pre-approval for possible major/minor courses intended to be taken abroad.  In 2011-2012, the top major that went abroad was Biology!

Fluency in a foreign language is required to Study Abroad 

While language study is always encouraged (and supports the Common Curriculum Language requirement), only 5 of our 19 semester programs require previous language experience to participate.  There are many programs available where English is the primary language and students can take most or all of their courses in English.