Seven expansive continents are rich in culture, education, and excitement, offering a myriad of opportunities for exploration. For Sun Devils, embarking on this adventure is easily achievable through the diverse array of options available for studying abroad.
Arizona State University (ASU) boasts a selection of over 300 programs spanning across 65 countries, catering to the individual preferences and academic pursuits of students.
These programs vary in length, majors, financial considerations, and scholarship opportunities. To discover the ideal fit, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of each program.
Program types play a crucial role in shaping the study abroad experience. There are four primary options to choose from: faculty-directed programs, partnership programs, exchange programs, and [missing information].
Short-term programs include faculty-directed programs, lasting 2–8 weeks and exclusively offered during the summer, focusing on specific academic disciplines guided by ASU faculty. Global Intensive Experiences, comprising 1 or 3 credit courses, span 7–12 days during academic breaks.
On the other hand, partnership and exchange programs are categorized as long-term options. Partnership programs enable students to study abroad alongside ASU peers and faculty for a semester, summer, or academic year. Exchange programs involve students swapping places with international counterparts, attending classes taught by foreign faculty for a semester, summer, or year.
Certain study abroad programs may offer international internships based on the student’s chosen path. Virtual internships are also a possibility, allowing students to collaborate with global companies while remaining in the U.S.
Wyatt Henderson, a junior studying aerospace management technologies, shared his enriching experience of living with host families in Argentina and Japan during his semester abroad. Immersion in the local language and culture left a lasting impact on his academic journey.
Selecting the right study abroad program is contingent on one’s major and credit requirements. The Global Education Office provides a platform to identify a suitable travel course aligning with academic needs and credit specifications.
Notably, the Global Education Office recently introduced a program that enables students to pursue their degree online while immersing themselves in a foreign culture, catering to those with stringent degree timelines.
Lindsay Lohr, a graduate student specializing in digital audience strategy and a marketing coordinator at the Global Education Office, emphasized the flexibility of these programs for students with demanding degree schedules.
Financial considerations are a crucial aspect of studying abroad, with program fees, local transportation, and airfare costs comprising the overall expenses. ASU offers various funding opportunities, including scholarships and financial aid, to support students in their international academic pursuits.
Anna Montoya-Gaxiola, a junior studying journalism and mass communication, recounted her fully-funded summer program experience at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, underscoring the invaluable support provided by ASU.
The Global Education Office highlights scholarships such as the New American University Scholarship and the Obama Scholarship, applicable to both short-term and long-term study abroad programs. Pell/University Grants and loans are accessible across all ASU programs.
To alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad, ASU offers a range of financial aid programs and conducts financing workshops regularly to guide students through the funding process.
Student outreach services are available for personalized assistance, with student recruiters sharing their firsthand experiences and insights to help prospective study abroad participants navigate their options effectively.
The diverse portfolio of study abroad programs at ASU empowers students to tailor their international academic experience to suit their preferences and aspirations, fostering personal growth and global awareness.
In conclusion, the wealth of opportunities provided by ASU’s study abroad programs encourages students to broaden their horizons, embrace new cultures, and seize the multitude of possibilities awaiting them on a global scale.
Edited by Katrina Michalak, Sadie Buggle, and Caera Learmonth.
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