Studying abroad opens doors for NDSU students
Studying abroad can be a wonderful experience for many students. For those who would like to travel but don’t want to miss a semester of college, it’s one of the simplest options.
Rebecca Wangler, a senior majoring in sociology, traveled to Australia for a study abroad program.
“ I’ve always wanted to go Australia,” Wangler said. “It was right after high school and I just kind of woke up one morning and decided to go.”
Wangler started to research the program online and through a family member who worked at MSUM.
According to an informational handout from the Office of International Studies, there are a few steps that students must go through before packing up for the trip.
First, students must complete a questionnaire and attend a study abroad 101 course.
The next steps include meeting with the student’s academic adviser, selecting the program, applying for a specific program and meeting with a financial aid counselor.
Students have the option to either pay for the trip themselves or apply for financial aid.
Wangler said although she saved her money to cover the trip’s expenses, her parents did help pay for a plane ticket.
Wangler said after her tuition, room and board were paid for, the only expenses she had to worry about was extra spending money.
“ All I had to pay for was anything extra that I wanted to purchase on my own time and while touring and traveling,” Wangler said. “It was worth saving the money though.”
Wangler said she lived on a college campus in a co-ed residence hall with three girls and five or six guys.
After meeting with the financial aid counselor, the International Programs handout said that acceptance notifications must be received and financial payments must be arranged.
Students must then attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation session and make travel arrangements.
Once the student reaches their destination, the International Programs handout said students must register for courses.
“ I just took three beginners classes because I knew that I wasn’t going to study,” Wangler said.
According to the handout, a re-entry seminar must be taken once students return.
“ The relationships and friends I made during the trip made it all worth it,” Wangler said. “I would definitely encourage it. Just keep an open mind through it all. People aren’t going to change their culture to accommodate you, you have to change yourself.”
Sara Johnson, NDSU’s study abroad adviser, is in charge of helping students get through the application process.
To learn more about studying abroad or to make an appointment, contact Johnson by e-mail at Sara.J.Johnson @ndsu.edu or call the International Studies Office at 701-231-7895.