Want to Travel for School? Foreign Exchange
- Esprit
- Jan 10, 2017
- 3 min read
Some of the most common questions I get when I mention I went on a foreign exchange are "was it expensive?", "Didn't you lose time on your academic course work?", and "How did you do it?". These questions are all valid ones and some concerns I'm sure many students face before going abroad but I am here to put your mind at ease or at least I hope in regards to these questions.
First off going on a foreign exchange was quite easily one of the best experiences of my life and I highly recommend that every student goes on one for at least one semester during there academic career. To address the question of if it is expensive the answer is: it depends on how you go about it. I went on a direct exchange with my university which means that I payed the exact same tuition rate I would at my home university and I could use all of my academic funds (scholarship, financial aid, etc.) which made the exchange much more affordable than some other choices out there.
There are essentially two different types of exchange programs:
- Direct exchange: which is were your school made an agreement with the foreign institution and you are able to pay your home university the exact same amount you would any other semester. You may be able to work with your university to help open up an agreement for a direct exchange that you want to go on but this takes quite a bit of time and may not always work out.
- Private exchanges: These exchanges are hosted by different programs that may be affiliated with your university for credit transfer but they are not directly connected. These exchanges normally cost much more up to two or three times more but if your school doesn't offer an exchange at a location you would like to go to this may be an option you should take a look at.
Although you may still find these options pricey don't forget SCHOLARSHIPS one of the best forms of funds for any student. Speak to your Global Education Office about different scholarships they may offer to students, or you can always put in the research time yourself but here are just a few links and scholarships you should look into (they are hyperlinked so just click on them):
https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/65-study-abroad-grants-and-scholarships
Gilman Scholarship: The Gilman Scholarship is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and offers funding for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in study abroad.
As far as losing time on my academic course work for me the answer is no let me explain why. First something you should know about medical schools is that they don't except the prerequisites we are all required to take if they are taken on foreign exchange at a foreign institution for a couple of reasons (I called several medical schools when researching this); #1 The Academic standards of material may not be identical to those of US medical institutions (in my experience this is 100% true) #2 The classes although the title may be the same as a 4 year institution in the USA the course content may not prepare you for taking the MCAT or having the basic skills required before entering medical school in the USA (Also 100% true in my case). Also every medical school I have researched over the years which is in the hundreds, will NOT accept online course work for your premed requirements. Now with that said if you plan ahead of time and take summer courses before leaving to make sure you stay on track or double time for a semester which is possible but not recommended you should be just fine. This is one of the reasons I highly recommend if possible to take an exchange over the summer or in the first two years of your degree program.
To quickly answer the question of How I did it, I did a direct exchange through my university and used scholarships to pay for the airfare and my tuition. I HIGHLY recommend studying abroad and I think that everyone able should take part in a foreign exchange I promise that you will never look at anything the same way and that if you go with an open mind and a willingness to learn and respect those around you, your experience will be one of the most meaningful and beautiful experiences of your life. Use every opportunity you have to learn from those around you to grow listen, and share compassion with those you encounter. If you are compassionate you will never be in the wrong.
As always until next time, good luck on your journey!
Comments