Cross-Cultural and Off-Campus Programs 
FAQs
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Q: I’m a poor college student and studying abroad costs thousands of dollars. How will I pay for it? Are there scholarships available for those who study abroad?
A: Susquehanna will cover the cost of the tuition, but you will pay for your room and board. You will be paying the same amount for tuition as if you were studying at Susquehanna, which means that all scholarships you already have will still be in effect. [However Work Study is not eligible.] Room and board will be paid directly to the program you attend. These program offer scholarships, but in order to benefit, students must request that they be applied only to room and board costs or airfare costs, NOT tuition. The SU application for study abroad financial aid is required for all students. Here are some other scholarship opportunities:
Q: Are Summer Programs the same as Semester/Full Year Programs in regards to the cost?
A: Because you are attending a program outside of the school year, Susquehanna will not be paying the costs of the program. You will be responsible for the tuition and the room and board costs. However, summer programs give you more leeway when choosing programs because you are not required to attend only a Susquehanna University approved program. Many summer programs also offer scholarships.
Q: With all the spending that I am bound to do, will I be able to find a job for extra cash?
A: It will be illegal for you to get a job while in a foreign country due to the fact that you do not possess a work permit for that country. Also, it is not recommended to have a cash paying job because you will want to spend most of your time exploring the country.
Q: What type of money should I carry while studying abroad, i.e. credit card, cash etc?
A: Debit cards are the best way to go, because there are ATMs everywhere. However, make sure that you have extra copies in case you lose them. It is always wise to carry a little cash for emergencies, but not too much. The same with credit cards, it may be easier to have a credit card, but keep copies in case you must cancel lost or stolen credit cards.
Q: How much does the average student spend in other expenses while abroad?
A: Students found that they generally spent about $2500 - $3500, although of course this will vary depending on the student. This usually includes some local travel, additional meals, books, and social activities. One way to keep costs down is to check out what locals eat, drink, and do for fun. Students who try to maintain all of their American habits may spend MUCH more for them abroad. Finally, knowing and keeping an eye on the Exchange Rates is also very important!
Q: Is it a huge hassle to contact my parents or friends by phone?
A: Generally, no. If there are phones in the dorm buildings, the phone call will usually be billed directly to you. However if that is not available to you, cell phones and calling cards work just as well. Cell phones are fairly reasonble and "pay as you go" plans are available. You do not generally have to pay to receive calls abroad as you do on US cell phones. Students living with host families will have some access to their phone but it may be very limited. It is important not to forget about the time difference, your friend and family might not like being woken up in the middle of the night! A good way around this is to note the time differences.
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Q: Is it possible for me to participate in a program not currently approved by Susquehanna University?
A: Yes. However, you must petition one semester BEFORE the regular application date. Petitions are approved only for specific academic reasons. Students pay all costs beyond SU tuition and there is a $500.00 administrative fee. Petition forms are available in Bogar 203.
Q: What will my class schedule be like?
A: It all depends on the program. Many have classes four days a week to allow students the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. However there are exceptions, you must research the program to determine their class schedule. Most also have a full week break mid-semester for additional travel.
Q: How are students usually housed and fed while abroad?
A: Again, it depends on the program. Many programs in English speaking countries offer a choice between a dormitory where they will mix American students in with local students, or a shared apartment. However, if you are attending a foreign language program you usually have the opportunity to live with a family. This ensures a quicker adaptation by immersing yourself completely in the the culture and language and language of the host country.
Some dormitory stays offer meal plans, others have shared kitchens, as do apartments. Students living with families are provided breakfast and most evening meals at home.
Q: Will there be a lot of opportunities to interact with people in the host country?
A: Depending on the intensity of your schedule and the program, you may have more or fewer opportunities to interact with locals. Classrooms, clubs, social spaces and shared kitchens are all places to meet other students on campus. Local hangouts, cafés and community groups are also possibilities. Many foreign language programs provide conversation partners - locals who want to practice English in exchange for practicing their language with you!
Q: Are people generally helpful and understanding if I do not understand something about their culture?
A: Like anywhere you go, you will meet some people who are very understanding and others who are not - that's life! However, if you are open to learning about another culture you will generally find that people are very eager to help you understand it better. Like people anywhere, most of them are very proud of their city or country and will be glad for the opportunity to tell you about it. That said, you may well encounter someone who has negative feelings about Americans. Sometimes what these people really don't like is the American government, and in fact hold no ill will toward you as an individual. But at other times, you may just have to accept the fact that removing yourself from the situation is your best course of action.
One thing you should never assume is that if someone criticizes you or comments on your behavior it is because they dislike Americans. If they assume that you are visiting their country in order to learn about their culture they will assume that you would want to know when you are behaving inappropriately in their cultural context. Be sure to visit What's Up With Culture? to learn more about intercultural learning.
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Q: What are some of the specific advantages of Studying Abroad?
A: There are so many advantages to studying abroad. The general consensus of past students is that experiencing diversity and culture first-hand in another country is unbeatable. You grow so much and push your limits beyond what you thought was possible. You also meet so many people and create lifelong friendships with people you have nothing in common with and never thought you would be friends with. To sum it all up, you broaden your horizon in the best way possible and it is an opportunity that should be taken advantage of by everyone.
Q: Will the credits I take abroad go towards my graduation requirement?
A: You must fill out a Course Approval form for the Registrar’s Office to insure that your credits will transfer. If you intend to take classes to fulfill core, major or minor requirements who will need approval for these courses from the corresponding Department Chair at SU before you leave. Course abroad are assigned S/U grades when they are received by SU - you must receive a C- or higher in your classes in order for them to count. However, graduate schools or others will require transcripts with grades from any programs you attended and they will recalculate your gpa to reflect courses at SU AND courses taken abroad.
Q: How do I obtain a passport/student visa, if needed for my program?
A: Applications for passports can be obtained and submitted at most major post offices. Selinsgrove Post Office does not have the materials but you can get them at the Courthouse in Sunbury or information and applications are available online. A Student Visa is required for most countries (except UK). Individual requirements are set by the country you will visit and can be found on that country's embassy web page. You can not apply for the visa until you have proof of acceptance to the study abroad program. The study abroad program will also provide more detailed information about applying for a visa. Student visas cost between 100 and 300 dollars and sometimes require a personal visit to the Embassy or Consulate.
Q: How long does the whole application process usually take?
A: The process can take anywhere between six to eight weeks. During this time, students should acquire the signatures needed from the department heads and the registrar staff. Letters of recommendations may also take quite a long time so the process should begin as soon as possible.
Q: What about safety issues or health risks that I should be aware of?
A: Students are recommended to check the Travel Advisory provided by the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and the Centers for Disease Control: Travel Health, if concerned about diseases in the countries where they are studying. Students should also ALWAYS check in with the local US Embassy when they arrive in the country for study.
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There are many other resources available that may be able to help you in your process of applying for Study Abroad. When studying abroad, you must be aware of the safety hazards and culture shock among many others that will occur with immersing yourself in a new culture.
Foreign Embassies in the United States: Foreign Embassies
Passport Information: Information and Form
Health and Safety/Travel Warnings and more info: Studentsabroad.state.gov
Travel Health: travelersvaccines.com
SU Forms Checklist for Fall Study Abroad
SU Forms Checklist for Spring Study Abroad
SU Forms Checklist for Summer Study Abroad
Scholarship Opportunities: Studyabroadfunding.org or Diversityabroad.com
Airfare Web sites: STAtravel or Student Universe
Study Abroad Safety Handbook: Safety Handbook
A useful Study Abroad Web site: Studyabroad.com
Tips on Culture Shock: What’s Up With Culture?
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Last reviewed
Scott Manning, Study Abroad Program. Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA 17870. |