It’s that time of year again—and no, I’m not referring to National Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day, but in fact the deadline for study abroad applications. That special time, unique to DU where study abroad participation ranks fourth in the nation, during which sophomores and even some juniors collectively lose all their motivation, sanity and hygiene. While the choice of where to spend your time abroad can be overwhelming, the process to get there doesn’t have to be if you follow the Clarion’s guide to study abroad applications.
Consider what you want
It’s tempting to choose Australia because your spirit animal is the kangaroo or London because hello, English accents, but you need to examine yourself a little deeper if you really want to write a compelling essay. Why do you want to spend your precious time overseas at this program over another? How will you meet your academic goals at this institution? What is it about this culture that appeals to you? Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be one step closer to eating pizza in Italy or learning the Salsa in Barcelona.
Do the legwork
There’s no doubt that completing this application amongst the vigor of the quarter system and the excitement of being back with your friends is a challenge, but there’s really no way around it. You’ve got to do the research to know whether your hopes and goals will align with a particular program. DU’s Passport system is a great resource for this; in addition to a summary of each program, it also provides a link to the school’s course offerings and, in most cases, a guide to the country it’s located in.
And don’t stop here—make sure you also explore the university’s own website and even outsider message boards and websites. To get a DU student’s very own account of the program and country you want to pursue, check out duabroad.com. Lastly, even if it’s not required for your program, see an advisor; they have invaluable insight and their mission is to match applicants with the program they’ll be most successful in.
Space it out
There may only be a few precious days until these applications are due at the incredibly dramatic stroke of midnight, but that doesn’t mean you have to do them all in one sitting. Spacing them out, even if it’s through the course of only one day, will yield better work and a clearer head.
Perhaps most important of all, don’t stress too much. It’s a big decision, but this process works and there’s a reason for it; soon enough these essays will be a thing of the past and you’ll be saying hello (in perhaps a foreign language) to the experience of your lifetime.
