Studying abroad is a great way to explore your major while also exploring the world. Unfortunately, many students think less about the potential gain and worry more about the cost of the study.

Shannon Miner, the director of Engineering Services and Engineering Study Abroad director, wants students to know that studying abroad doesn’t have to be expensive.

The cost of studying abroad is based on how much you are already paying at Iowa State, said Miner.

Students pay tuition based on their rate at Iowa State, and the only extra costs would be housing, food, and any class materials. These are costs that students often already pay for here at Iowa State.

As far as how much of a time commitment studying abroad is, Miner says that many study abroad programs are worked in to breaks at Iowa State. Programs are available over winter, spring, and summer breaks in addition to the semester and year long programs.

For around $3200 students can travel to China and study engineering as well as a Chinese culture class. The $3200 is a flat fee that goes towards the six credits, air fare, dining, and housing.

Katy Cromwell, a sophomore in mechanical engineering, went on the study abroad program to China last summer. While many students choose to study in locations where they are familiar with the language, she did not know any Mandarin, nor did she plan on learning it.

Cromwell especially liked the trips the group took every Wednesday and weekend, as well as being immersed in an entirely new culture.

The Engineering Study and Work Abroad Fair was on Tuesday. Many students came out to the fair, from freshmen to graduates, looking to learn about the opportunities for them to travel abroad within engineering.

David Leguizano, a freshman in Aerospace Engineering, said he went in to the fair thinking he would probably study abroad, but after the fair he says he definitely will.

Leguizano was worried that he wouldn’t find a program that he would be interested in. He saw a wide scope of opportunities at the fair and realized that there was a program for everyone.

To ensure every student who wants to study abroad finds a program, there are over 40 different programs offered at Iowa State ranging from Australia to India and Brazil. 

“Studying abroad takes you outside your comfort zone, shows you can problem solve, and shows awareness of the world” says Miner.

Miner also said that studying abroad is an experience, but seeing it through an engineer’s lens makes it so much more valuable in the real world.

Employers look at studying abroad as real world experience, and also shows that you can be “comfortable being uncomfortable,” said Miner.

Miner also said they are looking for more male participants in the program.

“Engineering is a predominantly male college,” Miner said. “A lot of our female students study abroad, but then we would also like to see more of our men studying abroad as well.”

If you are interested in studying abroad and missed the career fair, Miner says the best way to find the right program for you is to schedule an appointment with Engineering International Programs online.