Over 500 University students participated in education aboard programs last school year, acquiring course credit, internship experience, language skills and more.

“I was involved in two internships…I learned a lot from that, from getting to meet a lot of different people and challenge myself,” senior Maya Danner said.

Danner studied abroad last spring in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. While there, she participated in an elementary school internship teaching English, took classes and traveled while living with a host parent.

“Everything’s just really easy and accessible and at your fingertips,” Danner said. “If you want to go somewhere you can…I got myself immersed within the culture, which was hard but really worth it.”  

The study abroad office holds information sessions four days a week for students interested in studying abroad.    

“Anyone can study abroad. This can be for any major, any class level,” said Michelle Ploeger, coordinator of education abroad. “There is something for everyone, it’s accessible to everyone.”

Ploeger also said that with the new January session coming in 2019, even more opportunities will be available.

The over 500 programs scattered among 50 countries include BGSU abroad campuses, exchange programs, affiliate programs and faculty led trips. For those students who opt for BGSU abroad campuses or exchange programs, they will pay the same for tuition abroad as they do at the University.

Ploeger said faculty led programs are a great option for students who may be feeling a bit nervous to go abroad by themselves.

For a more independent and immersive study abroad experience, an exchange program might be better suited, said education abroad student advisor Mary Kate Traficano.

“This can be an affordable experience,” Ploeger said. “A lot of students think ‘It’s completely out of my price range’ or ‘There’s no way I could afford an experience like this,’ but this is an academic experience, so students are able to use their federal aid and they can also tap into their institutional aid.”

The education abroad office hopes students don’t rule out study abroad without researching first.

Steps to go abroad:

1)    Attend an information session.

2)    Research programs.

3)    Schedule an appointment with the education abroad advisor.

4)    Meet with academic advisor.

5)    Begin application about a year in advance.

6)    Explore financial aid and scholarships.

7)    Attend a pre-departure orientation.

8)    Attend an on-site orientation.  

Information Sessions Held in 402 University Hall:

•    Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m.

•    Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.

•    Thursdays at 12:00 p.m.

•    Fridays at 10:00 a.m.

Application Deadlines

•    Spring semester: October 1

•    Summer and Fall: March 1

Housing options:

•    Matched with a host family

•    Dormitory with other students

•    Apartment with other students

Duration options:

•    Full academic year

•    One semester

•    Summer semester

•    Winter session

•    Spring break

Financials:

•    Maintain all federal aid.

•    May drop out-of-state fees.

•    Apply for institutional scholarships.

•    Apply for other scholarships.