The study abroad program at Iowa State University offers students the opportunity to experience college in a new way. There are an array of programs that students can choose from, differing in country, trip length and group size.
The wide variety of programs is designed to help fit every student’s interests and needs. Nervous about being away for a whole semester? Look into summer and winter break trips that can range from 2 to 12 weeks.
Want to truly immerse in a culture? Check out semester-long programs. Other options include faculty-led trips that are often shorter than a full semester or exchange programs.
Semester-long programs are a good option for students who want to spend a lot of time in a culture. Semester trips are also more affordable than often perceived. There are programs in 28 countries where the tuition costs the same or less than at Iowa State, according to the study abroad center.
Frank Peters, director of study abroad, encourages students not to have the misconception that study abroad is expensive or that they’ll get off track to graduate.
“Take a look at the cost and compare abroad to here; there are also scholarships available, and you can most likely use your Iowa State financial aid,” Peters said. “It does not delay graduation; we work very hard to make sure that the courses you’re taking at a partner school will transfer back and satisfy your Iowa State degree requirements.”
Allie Vaughn, a sophomore majoring in industrial engineering, is currently studying abroad at the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland. She is taking 12 credits, completing required classes and earning elective credits, notably taking an Irish dance class.
While taking classes in Ireland, Vaughn takes the opportunity while abroad to travel to other countries in Europe with classmates on weekends. She has flown to Budapest, Hungary, Trieste, Italy and the country of Georgia. These experiences have given Vaughn confidence in her ability to travel abroad and coordinate trips efficiently.
“There’s a lot of group coordination and leadership involved,” Vaughn said.
Vaughn also suggests that students who study abroad should choose a country where they don’t know the language. This will push students to learn the culture and allow them to try something new.
“If you can, choose a country where you don’t know the language because it will really push you to get out of your comfort zone,” Vaughn said.
Study abroad allows students to gain an international perspective and grow as students and travelers.
Peters recommends studying abroad because of the positive impact it can have on students’ careers.
“From a career aspect, the careers that most of our students are going into have a global impact; your suppliers, competitors and collaborators. Having a better feel how they look at problems and have different perspectives is valuable for your career,” Peters said.
When selecting a program, each college offers specific options, allowing students to choose a trip that closely aligns with their major. Some options include:
- College of Engineering: Engineering in Italy and Ireland: University of Limerick
- College of Design: Semester in Rome
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Greece and Italy: Food, Culture and Agriculture (faculty-led)
- Ivy College of Business: Accounting in Paris (4-week)
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: A Semester in Urbino – Italy (faculty-led)
- College of Health and Human Sciences: Sports Medicine in Italy (spring break)
To explore all available programs, see here.
If studying abroad sounds like an interesting opportunity, students can find more information by stopping by the study abroad center at Parks Library or find an advisor to meet with by visiting the Study Abroad Center Staff – Study Abroad Center.
