Lincoln offers its citizens the basic elements of Midwestern culture: friendly people, shopping malls, Husker football, grade-A beef and a variety of Wal-Mart locations throughout the city. Yet beyond Nebraska’s borders exists a world full of culture unlike our own, and the only way to experience it is to get the heck out of here.
For a large portion of U. Nebraska-Lincoln students, studying abroad is a great way to experience another culture while learning within their fields of study. According to the Office of International Affairs, nearly 800 UNL students studied abroad during the 2009-2010 school year.
“I think that the international and intercultural experience that you can gain through study abroad is almost expected of graduates now,” said Sarah Barr, an advisor for study abroad programs. “To be able to compete you have to have it.”
Although studying abroad is purported to be such an important factor in achieving success post-graduation, students may wonder how they can accomplish such a venture. For many prospective study abroad students, there are barriers involved.
“I want to see how other cultures work and it would be a great experience,” said Eddie Merrill, a freshman marketing major. “But it’s too much money.”
Money being a major limiting factor for students doesn’t have to keep them from pursuing this academic goal.
“If finances are something students worry about, the earlier they start, the better,” Barr said. “UNL is really lucky because we have people in financial aid that specialize in study abroad. They know about all the financial stuff and how it works with specific study abroad programs.”
Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be considered,
“As a first priority, we always encourage students to complete the FAFSA,” said Caroline Routh, assistant director of Scholarship and Financial Aid. “Then we can look into scholarships – the Federal Pell Grant, as well as institutional scholarships.”
Barr suggests attending a GO session as a first step in the study abroad process, offered three times per week at the Office of International Affairs.
“A GO session is not a commitment. We will discuss the four different kinds of study abroad programs and the barriers involved: language, scheduling and credit transfer,” Barr said. “The earlier they can come in and start their research the better.”
Madeline Daly, a junior finance major, said her time abroad in Tokyo was worthwhile.
“I knew I wanted to see something different,” Daly said. “Of course studying abroad looks good on a resume. But really, it also helps you grow as a person, just by getting out of your comfort zone. It can be scary, but it’s worth it.”