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How to Arrange Your Own Study Abroad Program (2/5)
audrey
15 April, 2009 18:16
This is the second article of a series of 5, explaining how to arrange your own study abroad program.
First article: Decide Where to Go
Determine When to Go
If you are arranging your own study abroad program, scheduling is an
important consideration. Especially if you are working, your work
schedule will be a major factor in deciding when you can go and how
long you can stay. While workers in many countries enjoy holidays of
several weeks or longer, the standard vacation in America is no more
than two weeks and often as short as one week. While it is possible to
plan a study abroad program for such a brief period of time, it will
require even more planning than a longer program.
Summer is a logical time to plan a shorter study abroad program, and
there are several to choose from. However, be careful if you decide to
study abroad during the summer and select a program which is not
specifically geared toward summer students. Especially in Europe, many
cities and even some countries are effectively shut down for long
periods during the summer holiday season. On the other hand, if you are
seeking a co-op or internship abroad, you may be able to temporarily
replace a worker on holiday if you have the right background. This can
be valuable experience. If you do manage an arrangement like this, you
may be able to develop an independent study program which will be
recognized by a host university or a university in your own country.
Again, this will require substantial lead time, so don't leave this
task until the last minute.
Overseas volunteer programs are another possibility if you have an
extremely limited period where you can go abroad. They are usually
available all year round. Such programs often also have the advantage
of arranging accommodations for their workers. However, most volunteer
programs require workers to pay their own expenses, especially travel
expenses, and financial aid is limited.
Some professionals may be able to arrange a sabbatical or leave in
order to arrange a longer study abroad program. Depending on the
employer, this leave may be paid or unpaid. It goes without saying that
you should try to obtain a guarantee that your job will be held open
upon your return, unless you are seeking a change in career.
If you have a family, you have to make the decision about whether to
bring your family with you. If you travel during the summer and your
spouse or partner also has time off, this will be less complicated than
traveling during the academic year. If you have school age children and
you decide to travel with your family during the academic year, you may
have to arrange for a temporary school or home school for your children
so that they don't fall too far behind, depending on the length of your
stay.
No matter when you decide you want to go, you should allow at least
several months lead time in order to plan all the necessary details. In
fact, it is not unreasonable to begin planning a year in advance. The
list below is just a brief selection of summer school, internship and
volunteer programs. Much more information can be found on the Internet.
Useful Resources
Summer
Internship
Volunteer
Next Steps
You have completed two major steps! The next step is to determine
what language you will use during your study abroad program - your
native language or a new language. That subject will be covered in the
next article.
Audrey Henderson
Freelance writer based in Chicago
Very nice article which helps expats arrange their own study abroad program. Another very helpful resource is Facultyled.com.
Faculyled.com is an informational website for facutly and portal for various study abroad directories(programs, scholarships, customized program providers, group facilities, etc.). Its goal is to support and empower faculty-led programs (international study-travel courses developed and/or taught by
college professors).
