Study Abroad application start January 15th

If spending a semester or year abroad in 2010-2011 is something that interests you it's time to get a start on the applications. This is particularly true if you are looking to spend a semester in Japan, as the deadline for application is this Friday January 15th. If you are interested in a study abroad experience in a country other than Japan there is still a little more time to work on the application as the deadline for all other countries is not until February 12th. If you aren’t prepared to apply by the these deadlines it’s never to early to start considering your options for next year as there is usually another chance to apply in the Fall.

There are also opportunities to spend the summer semester abroad which offers the same experience but with a shorter time commitment. A summer semester is also beneficial as it allows students to have a study abroad experience without hindering graduation eligibility or the September-April academic year at Saint Mary's. Summer programs are a great alternative for students whose degree programs do not allow time for a full semester abroad. The deadlines for the summer 2010 semester are also approaching. There is a full list of possible choices on the International Learning website with deadlines of January 22nd, February 1st and February 15th. 


Saint Mary’s has a great International Learning Program, with over 30 study programs available at host universities in 18 countries, including France, Mexico, Australia, Taiwan, China, Japan, and Sweden. There is an agreement between many universities and SMU that allows students to pay Saint Mary’s tuition for credits they receive at host Universities. Students are also able to spend a semester at schools that do not have agreements with Saint Mary's although the process is a little more complicated. 
Once you have decided where you would like to study the International Activities Office can, in most cases, put you in touch with other SMU students who have spent a semester abroad. This is a great way to get another perspective of what life in that country is really like. This also offers an opportunity to get suggestions or little facts that may help on the trip that you may not be able to find out otherwise; tips such as how the public transit system works, how to save money on living expenses, what to see, what to skip and other information only available from people who have lived the experience.


The International Activities Office is willing to offer lots of help and assistance to anyone considering a semester abroad; if you want more information check out the International Learning link on the SMU website.Language is not a barrier as students can take courses taught in English even in countries where English is not the primary language. Interested students are also not limited by their GPA, as long as you are not on academic probation you are eligible to apply as selection criteria is focused on more than just Academics. It is beneficial for students to have demonstrated an interested in other cultures and be willing to adapt to new environments quickly. 
The opportunity to study abroad often works out best when students are in their third year of study, but with planning students may be able to go in other years as well. Graduate students are also eligible for the program.


Once you have selected a destination and a list of possible courses it is important to meet with an academic advisor to find out how, or if, your courses will transfer back as SMU credits. Depending on the marking schemes at host universities it may actually be better if the marks don’t transfer back. Saint Mary’s does however award credit for courses on a pass/fail basis without giving it a specific letter grade. 


In addition to the tuition swap program there are plenty of grants, scholarships, and bursaries available to students once they are accepted into the program. With a strong commitment, budgeting, funding, and a plan studying abroad can be affordable for nearly all students making it worthwhile to consider the opportunity no matter what your financial situation may be. The cost of living in most areas is comparable to that of Canada with additional expenses for airfare, insurance, and initial set-up. 
Also, there are often departmental Field Study opportunities which allow students and professors to travel for research purposes for a week or two. These trips allow students a chance for a hands-on approach to classroom material, as well as the opportunity to gain new experiences. For instance, during the February reading break a group of Saint Mary's students will travel to Northern Ireland with the Conflict Resolution Society to lead workshops with children in schools there. 


If none of these programs are for you there are still many international learning opportunities right here on campus. Join a society, enrol in a language course, or attend an on campus event that is focused on a culture other than your own, or just engage others in conversation, you never know what you might learn. International Week will be kicking off soon and will provide many opportunities to learn about a variety of cultures through activities, presentations and meet and greets.