The study abroad program offers three different types of programs

There are opportunities here at Marshall that will enhance your college experience dramatically. The study abroad program offers three different types of programs including being an exchange student, interning, or doing a semester or a summer abroad. These programs offer the experience of learning and living in cultures that one can read about in history books.Lance West Jr., freshman international business major from Huntington, said,I would without a doubt take advantage of an opportunity to study abroad! There are so many outstanding benefits to studying in another country when asked if he would go abroad if the opportunity presented itself.

Experiencing other countries' history and present day culture is only a few steps away.It makes students much more appealing to employers said Clark Egnor, international programs representative, n asked why it is a good idea for students to study abroad. Egnor also went on to explain that many students go through personal growth, expand their horizons and have a life changing experience.If experiencing another country's rich culture is something of interest, start planning now to go abroad next spring.It is important to get across that students need to start planning in the first year of study at Marshall,said Egnor.Egnor explained that, although it is not mandatory in the first year of study, it is easier because students can take general education classes abroad. The office of international affairs recommends a full year of planning before going abroad. It ensures that all the steps have been taken and you are completely prepared.

Once you have decided where you want to go, you might apply to the school.To go abroad in fall or spring the application is the same as if a student was just going to school in fall or spring, said Sarah Musgrave, financial aid counselor.After the application process is complete you must choose what classes you would like to enroll in. This is one of the tricky parts, because you want to make sure that the classes you choose to take will count towards your degree. You must apply for the credit to be approved by Marshall. The study abroad advisor, regular advisor, the dean and the registrar must approve of the credit(s) prior to departure. Once it is approved you're halfway home when it comes to your credit. The other precaution you need to take is to have the credits sent over from where you studied to Marshall after the course are completed.After credit is dealt with, you must figure out how this trip will be paid for. This part is where most students struggle. "When I think of study abroad programs, I think that it will be overly expensive,said West. The financial aid office helps students with this dilemma. Musgrave is in charge of helping students figure out how they will finance their trips. Musgrave said that getting loans to go abroad is the same as getting loans for attending classes in the US. Students must still go through FAFSA. She said that summer is a little trickier, considering a student can only get a certain amount of money per year, if they use they're money in the fall and spring they are not eligible in the summer.

It is a case-by-case basis,Musgrave said. So to figure out financing for your trip abroad, contacting Musgrave in the financial aid office for financing.When it comes to studying abroad, many students don't know where to start and have misconceptions about the process.I also feel like it's difficult to find a lot of information regarding various study abroad programs,West said.For students who feel the same way, resources and people willing to help you get all the information you need are in the office of international affairs. They are always willing to help and make your study abroad program special and right for each individual.