This 1 hour 15 minute course (including time for questions) introduces students to the amazing world of Study Abroad and advises students on how/why to integrate study abroad into the college search! It is packed full with lots of information beyond 'Studying abroad is fun!' Taught by a former study abroad advisor and 11-year veteran in the field of international education, students will gain insider knowledge that most incoming college freshman (and even most college students) do not realize they do not know.

**Note - if enrollment for a class is only one student, the class may be shorter but all information will still be covered.

All universities structure their study abroad programs differently. These differences, often only known or understood by study abroad advisors at the university, can have a significant impact on students' program options, costs, and timing within their degree plan. In my career, I've spoken to students and staff from many universities and seen the vast array of experiences students have, including situations where students from two different schools attended the exact same study abroad program, but one student paid twice as much as the other student! With some knowledge, students can learn how to investigate study abroad programs as part of their college search.

This course has three goals: 
1. Introduce the concept of studying abroad with a discussion on the benefits and myths of study abroad
2. Introduce the idea of culture shock and cultural adaptation and how it relates to various types of programs
3. Introduce students to knowledge that can help them select a college that will offer them accessible opportunities to study abroad

This class will focus on:
- What is study abroad and why should I consider studying/interning/researching abroad?
- What are the various types of study abroad programs, and what are the reasons for choosing a specific type of program?
- What is culture shock?
- What questions do I need to ask a university study abroad office to ensure the programs are as accessible to me as possible, from both a financial and academic standpoint?
- How do I fund a study abroad program?
- What can I do now that will make my study abroad experience in college go as smooth as possible?

While this course uses a lecture-style format, we will also hear from study abroad alumni through videos they have created to learn more about the experience. We'll look at actual program examples on websites and see what makes each program unique. All individually-owned videos and program websites are used with the express written permission of the owner.