Hi Study Abroad fans!

This is our second post in a series about making study abroad a reality.  We've asked our friend Shannon to tell us about how she planned and prepared for studying abroad. 

Shannon studied abroad in Paris this past summer and gave us a few awesome tips to get started.

 

  • Visit your advisor
  • Make some decisions
    • Choose where you want to go
    • Choose a time frame that fits in your schedule
  • Apply!
  • Plan your financing
    • Apply for scholarships
    • Ask for funding
    • Talk to your financial aid office
  • Get your documents in order

Shannon was nice enough to let us ask her some questions about the application and planning process as well.

StudyAbroad.com: What was the toughest part of the planning process?
Shannon:  The toughest part of planning would have to be the application process. I did not expect it to be such a long process or to fill out so many different forms. I had to fill out forms in order to be eligible to study abroad and then I had to fill out even more forms to apply to the program I wanted to be apart of in Paris. It was a challenge managing my time and making sure not to miss any deadlines. 

StudyAbroad.com:  How did you find funding for your trip?
Shannon:   I didn't expect so many resources to be available to me financially! I had no idea that I could ask SGA for money and I didn't have a clue that there were so many incredible scholarships out there. That is why I am excited to go to London next Fall, I will make sure to apply for every single scholarship I am eligible for. 

StudyAbroad.com:  Where did you go for help?
Shannon:  Whenever I needed help I went to the study abroad adviser at my school. Every time I had a question I would either call her, email her, or visit her at the International Center. 

StudyAbroad.com:  How long did all of this take?
Shannon:   The whole entire process probably took me between 2 and 3 months. 

Check in next week when we talk about what to after you've been accepted!