Can anyone share their esperiences of studying abroad at the university level?

Question

What is it like? is it expensive? how should I go about applying? do I have to be a superstar student to get accepted into one of these places? thanks!

Answer 1

I haven't studied abroad but since no one answered your question, I wanted to share what I know.

I work at a university and have talked to students that have studied abroad.

The answer to all of your questions is:  it depends.

Some foreign universities are very strict about who they'll accept.  Likewise, it is more expensive to live say in the middle of London than it is to live in the middle of Canada.

What you'll get out of the experience is only partially due to what you learn in the other country.  Do they really teach different math, physics, music, etc. than they do at your home university?  Not really.  The cultural experience is the greatest reason (and frustration) of studying abroad.  If going in, you know there'll be times you don't understand the culture, where you feel like a "stranger in a strange land", and you severly miss your friends and family, then you should do fine.  If you spend time researching where you want to study, then I'm certain it will be something you'll never forget and it will most likely be the highlight of your college experience.

The absolute best advice I can give you is to speak to someone who has done it.  Ask around on campus.

Good luck

Mike Honeycutt