Study Abroad Opportunities for Online Students
Posted: December 02, 2024 | Author: Madelyn Bushman | Read Time: 6 minutes
Not many online students are aware of the study abroad opportunities that are available to them during the course of their degree.
Southern Utah University takes pride in its study abroad programs as it sends students out into the world to gain a unique educational experience. While some study abroad programs span a semester or even a full year, online students generally find the short-term programs to be a better fit for their busy schedules and demanding responsibilities.
Short-term programs are generally 2-4 weeks in length and take place over seasonal school breaks in the summer, spring, or winter. They typically offer students between 3-6 course credits that will apply toward their degree.
Why Study Abroad?
There are a few reasons why online students should take the opportunity to study abroad, whether that is with SUU’s short-term study abroad programs or semester exchange programs.
- Students can earn course credits while abroad which will be included in their degree and help them progress toward graduation.
- Scholarships may be available to help pay for the study abroad costs
- Tons of networking opportunities! This gives online students the chance to connect with other students, professors, and industry professionals during the study abroad program.
- Immersive opportunities to learn more about the world. Online students will be exposed to new cultures, languages, and people, enriching their own experiences and perspectives. Such experiences aid creative problem-solving in their professional lives.
Study Abroad Programs
SUU’s Office of Learning Abroad (OLA) provides five different programs for students to travel and study abroad. All programs are available to all students, including online graduate students and online undergraduate students. The five programs include:
- Semester Exchange Abroad
- Short-term Study Abroad
- Volunteer and Intern Abroad
- National Student Exchange
- Study Away
The two most popular for online students are the short-term study abroad programs and semester exchange abroad programs.
Let’s take a closer look at the two programs!
Short-Term Study Abroad
Short-term study abroad programs typically range from 2-4 weeks and take place over summer, spring, or winter breaks. The short-term programs offer between 3-6 course credits that will apply to the student's degree plan and keep them on track for graduation. In most cases, non-SUU students can also join these programs, meaning you can bring a family member, a friend, etc.
It’s important to note that programs offered do change from year to year, offering new locations or foci of study. For example, currently, there is a program entitled: The Art and Science of Harry Potter in the UK.
“Though this program has been running for several years, the number of students participating has been slowly declining. So at some point, it will probably be discontinued,” said Director of Learning Abroad Kurt Harris.
SUU Master of Public Administration (MPA) alumna Karen Peterson took advantage of the MPA study abroad program. Peterson stated, “The Study Abroad Program was really well-planned, reasonably priced, and included meaningful individual projects for each student.”
Peterson spent a fulfilling two weeks in Europe exploring seven countries. Students in that program obtained six credits that applied to their degree. Peterson explained that this experience provided her with valuable insights and information that greatly contributed to her academic and career aspirations.
Semester Exchange Abroad Programs
Semester exchange programs at SUU provide the opportunity for SUU students to study abroad at one of our 50+ partner universities around the world for either a semester or a full year. While students are abroad, they must enroll in a full-time load of courses (minimum of 12 credits), that will be transferred back to SUU and apply toward their degree. And don’t worry, SUU’s OLA works with students to select the courses that will transfer to SUU. Additionally, if students enroll in a course that doesn’t directly match SUU’s coursework, they can receive elective credit for the course.
Students will pay their typical tuition to SUU, which will cover their courses, tuition, and fees at the partner university abroad. In addition to SUU tuition, students must pay for their living expenses while abroad.
When SUU’s OLA evaluates partner universities, they look for universities that offer courses in English and have an International Student Office that will help shepherd foreign students, such as helping them find housing, guide them as they learn how to navigate the community, and more.
Harris expressed, “It’s important that the school has an International Office because we want to make sure that students are looked after, that their needs are met, and that they have a good experience while they are abroad.”
How to Find Study Abroad Opportunities
Online students can find out about study abroad opportunities available to them in a few different ways.
- Go to the Study Abroad Programs Page on SUU’s website to explore and apply for available programs.
- Visit your academic program’s web page to see if there is any information about a study abroad program coming up.
- Reach out to the Office of Learning Abroad, where their advisors can explain which study abroad programs are available and help you find one to meet your academic needs and personal interests: learningabroad@suu.edu or schedule an appointment.
How to Prepare for a Study Abroad Experience
There are quite a few different ways students should prepare for their study abroad experience.
Financial Preparation
First, financially, students should consider all of the expenses that may be associated with the experience such as the program fee, airfare, meals, tips, and additional expenses like souvenirs or extending travel past program length. For semester programs, this will also include living expenses.
Academic Preparation
Second, academically, students should prepare to have three letters of recommendation when applying for the study abroad program and know they need to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA for short-term programs and a minimum 3.0 GPA for semester exchange.
For short-term programs, students should also prepare by following the professor’s instructions and guidelines. Professors lead trips to places they are personally familiar with and have planned ahead. For example, professors guide students on cultural and logistical considerations, such as what type of money to carry, cultural behaviors, and more. Students should also actively participate in pre-trip meetings in order to get to know other participants.
Logistical Preparation
Fourth, students should prepare for their study abroad experience by having their passport, which can take up to eight weeks to receive. Additionally, students should do research to know if visas are required. For example, starting January 2025, the UK requires visas for anyone traveling there, including tourists and students.
Preparing the best you can for your study abroad experience will help alleviate stress and provide opportunities for you to have the best experience possible.
How to pay for Study Abroad?
Financial aid and most scholarships can be applied to courses taken on semester exchange, just as if the student were studying on campus. However, short-term programs cannot use Federal Financial Aid, but some scholarships can be used to help fund the trip. While OLA does not offer study abroad scholarships, some SUU departments and colleges do, so it’s worth checking with them.
Studying abroad can be an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for online students. Learn more about studying abroad.
To meet with an OLA advisor, schedule an appointment.Tags: International Affairs Academic SUU Online
