My Big Question is an ongoing segment exploring various topics and answering your curious questions.
Welcome back to DU for Winter Quarter, and to another week of My Big Question. I hope y’all enjoyed a relaxing six weeks of vacationing, skiing, resting and probably thinking ahead to what this current quarter holds. I was able to go to Ireland for an interterm course, spend time at home with my parents and kitty and find my balance again. This leads to our first topic of 2023, which concerns something on the minds of many second-year students at this very moment.
This week’s big question: How can I make studying abroad easy?
While I have decided to go to Aix-en-Provence in the south of France (my middle school self is freaking out right now, as is my current self, but for different reasons), the process of getting there in September has just begun.
If you haven’t figured out whether or not you want to study abroad yet, that’s totally ok! The standard deadline to apply through DU Passport for a program in Fall 2023, Winter 2024, and/or Spring 2024 is Feb. 1. If you have already applied, scroll down for more helpful tips.
If you haven’t applied through DU Passport, you’ll need to attend a First-Step Session presentation given by the Office of International Education (OIE), outlined in the “Steps to Study Abroad” tab on their website. They offer sessions multiple times a week, readily accessible in the Community Commons.
From there, you can go through the programs listed in DU Passport and pick one that interests you. On the page of your favorite program, click the tab that says “Apply Now,” and it will open an application for that program. Complete the 12 steps, and you’ll be ready for approval from DU to study abroad.
Struggling to pick between programs? Try these methods.
- If it’s two programs you’re going between, get a coin and assign heads to one program and tails to the other. Flip the coin and see which it lands on; pretend whichever side it lands on is where you’re going. Gauge your reaction to this exercise–it can tell you a lot about your feelings.
- If it’s between a few programs, pick one and start “living into” going there–talk about it with friends, imagine your experience and pretend that’s your decision. If you have negative feelings, try the same with a different program and see if the feelings change.
- Talk it through with trusted friends or family. Usually, those people have good advice for you about what they think is best, and can help advise you. Sometimes they might even know you better than you know yourself and have an outside perspective on the situation.
Once you are approved, you MUST go back into DU Passport to approve the program, officially committing to that location, or your spot will be given to someone else. I was given a set timeline of three weeks by the OIE to make a decision, and to say I was nervous is an understatement.
Studying abroad is scary–that’s the truth. While many praise the benefits of studying abroad, it’s also incredibly intimidating. So if you decide it’s not for you–that’s ok. Don’t give in to the pressure of all those around you wanting the experience, because then you’ll be miserable. Stay true to who you are, because authenticity is of utmost importance during this time. Who you are will be called into question, and if you choose to ignore it, it can lead to saddening consequences.
That’s why I chose the program in Aix. I wasn’t sure about living in an apartment-style dorm abroad. I’ve barely cooked meals for myself here, much less in a different country! My program offers a homestay, which means I’ll be living with a French family who can teach me how to cook and who I can eat dinner with. Additionally, it’s through IAU, or the Institute for American Universities, which means I’ll be with a lot of other American students.
That was my comfort level. I know someone who is going to Thailand knowing nothing about the Thai language, who will, therefore, take a four-week intensive language course before heading into the jungle to do research for the remainder of the time abroad. Is that something I see myself doing? Not at all. However, the person I know is over the moon about the experience. Everyone has different expectations, fears and comfort zones.
If you do decide to go abroad, make sure you meet with your particular program’s advisor. You can set up a meeting here under the One-on-One section. You’ll be able to start applying to your program, pick and submit courses for credit approval and transfer, pick housing and buy your plane tickets! If you’re a Cherrington Global Scholar, you can get your flights paid for.
All in all, studying abroad is an amazing opportunity that DU offers in a unique way. It’s better to ask first, pick second and, honestly, go for it. If 2022 taught me anything, life is too short to pass up opportunities like these. Embrace all 2023 has to offer. Happy New Year!
Next week’s big question: Why is adulting so hard, and how can I manage it?
