Study Abroad Myths
There are a lot of myths about studying abroad that can deter students from taking advantage of the different opportunities. We want to students know that taking your education abroad is a possibility!
Myth #1: Studying abroad is too expensive.
Reality: Financing an education abroad experience is a big concern for students and the Office of International Education understands that costs can be a barrier. Taking your education abroad is an investment in your future and therefore, UW-Stout and the Office of International Education want to make this a reality for you! UW-Stout offers education abroad programs that range in cost and there are many programs that have a cost of attendance very comparable to studying at UW-Stout.
The financial aid that students receive can be used towards program costs. In addition, there are a variety of grants and scholarships that students can apply for. The Stout Foundation offers scholarships that apply to education abroad programs. Please visit the Financial Aid, Grants and Scholarships page on our website for details and a list of opportunities.
Students can plan ahead by saving for their experience, applying for financial aid and scholarships, and working with an Education Abroad Advisor to find a program that fits their budget.
Myth #2: It is necessary to be fluent in a second language to study abroad.
Reality: The majority of UW-Stout's study abroad programs are taught in English. For those students who wish to learn another language while abroad or continue to advance their language studies, there are many opportunities and program options for this as well.
Although students will be able to take their studies in English, it is recommended that students take a language course if studying in a country where English is not the first language.
Myth #3: Studying abroad will delay graduation.
Reality: One of our goals is to ensure that students stay on track in their degrees while studying abroad. The credits earned while abroad can satisfy major, minor, or general education requirements. This is why students are required to get their course approved by their program directors, minor advisors and the Transfer Coordinator prior to being accepted into their programs. Students are able to make progress towards their degrees and some students have even used studying abroad as a way to get ahead in their program plans.
Our Education Abroad Advisors work with students to find the program that best fits their academic needs.
Myth #4: Studying abroad is only for experienced travelers.
Reality: For many students, taking their education abroad during their undergraduate studies is the first time out of the country. For some, it may even be the first time on an airplane! There are many program options to fit students' comfort levels. Students who are not comfortable with being abroad for a whole semester or year, have the option to participate in a short-term program. Our Faculty-Led programs offer students the opportunity to study for a short-period with a UW-Stout professor.
Students can talk with our Education Abroad Advisors or Study Abroad Alumni to address any concerns. Even those students who have never traveled before often state how fast their time abroad goes and how they wish they would have stayed longer!
Myth #1: Studying abroad is too expensive.
Reality: Financing an education abroad experience is a big concern for students and the Office of International Education understands that costs can be a barrier. Taking your education abroad is an investment in your future and therefore, UW-Stout and the Office of International Education want to make this a reality for you! UW-Stout offers education abroad programs that range in cost and there are many programs that have a cost of attendance very comparable to studying at UW-Stout.
The financial aid that students receive can be used towards program costs. In addition, there are a variety of grants and scholarships that students can apply for. The Stout Foundation offers scholarships that apply to education abroad programs. Please visit the Financial Aid, Grants and Scholarships page on our website for details and a list of opportunities.
Students can plan ahead by saving for their experience, applying for financial aid and scholarships, and working with an Education Abroad Advisor to find a program that fits their budget.
Myth #2: It is necessary to be fluent in a second language to study abroad.
Reality: The majority of UW-Stout's study abroad programs are taught in English. For those students who wish to learn another language while abroad or continue to advance their language studies, there are many opportunities and program options for this as well.
Although students will be able to take their studies in English, it is recommended that students take a language course if studying in a country where English is not the first language.
Myth #3: Studying abroad will delay graduation.
Reality: One of our goals is to ensure that students stay on track in their degrees while studying abroad. The credits earned while abroad can satisfy major, minor, or general education requirements. This is why students are required to get their course approved by their program directors, minor advisors and the Transfer Coordinator prior to being accepted into their programs. Students are able to make progress towards their degrees and some students have even used studying abroad as a way to get ahead in their program plans.
Our Education Abroad Advisors work with students to find the program that best fits their academic needs.
Myth #4: Studying abroad is only for experienced travelers.
Reality: For many students, taking their education abroad during their undergraduate studies is the first time out of the country. For some, it may even be the first time on an airplane! There are many program options to fit students' comfort levels. Students who are not comfortable with being abroad for a whole semester or year, have the option to participate in a short-term program. Our Faculty-Led programs offer students the opportunity to study for a short-period with a UW-Stout professor.
Students can talk with our Education Abroad Advisors or Study Abroad Alumni to address any concerns. Even those students who have never traveled before often state how fast their time abroad goes and how they wish they would have stayed longer!