Euro Gator

Study Abroad Tips and Tricks

By Sarah Adler

While there are over 50,000 students at the University of Florida only around 2% of UF’s undergraduates pursue study abroad during their college career. What’s even more surprising is that 97% of study abroad students find employment within 12 months of graduation. Study abroad pushes students to get out of their comfort zone and explore other cultures and environments. The Center for European Studies at UF offers study abroad programs in Prague, Brussels, Istanbul, Krakow and Wrocław, and Salzburg. They also provide multiple funding and grant opportunities for other trips.

Selecting a study abroad program can be difficult and overwhelming, but here are some tips to help you find the perfect study abroad tailored to your needs:

1.     Blogs
Blogs can be a simple way to find unbiased information on the trip you plan to take.  Most reviews of study abroad programs will only be a couple paragraphs long, whereas a blog follows the entire trip from start to end. Through blogs you can find whether the trip meets your degree requirements, costs, and travel budgets. Some blogs can be very detailed, outlining the visa requirements and packing list- while others may start off well and fizzle out towards the end. Don’t be afraid to contact the people behind the blog, most of the time they’re extremely enthusiastic. Who wouldn’t want to talk more about their travels!

2.     Don’t trust everything you find online

While blogs can serve as a great way to find information, online sources are also where people like to vent about their frustrations. Don’t let one negative review dissuade you! Try to find a different blog about the same trip or contact the provider and address the questions you have.

3.     Look at the comments section to find the best information
The comment sections can answer some of your most pressing questions. I’ve found that other people who attended the same study abroad program will comment on the blog post with their own personal anecdotes. Most of the time there are also links to other blogs about the trip! Additionally, one can find tips ranging from the application process to budgetary concerns.

If you still find yourself struggling to find the right study abroad program, take a step back and talk to your school’s international center or study abroad advisor. Once you make your decision prepare for a life changing experience!

- Sarah Adler

9/3/2015

Center for European Studies Study Abroad Programs

Study Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic

-       UF GPA credit and transfer credit available

o   Earn credit toward Czech language requirement

-       Core course is taught in English by UF Faculty

-       Guided excursions to other cities

-       No previous knowledge of Czech required

Study Abroad in Salzburg, Austria

-       European studies with a political science and history focus

-       Music courses are available, including private lessons

-       All courses are taught in English

-       Homestays with Austrian families with morning and evening meals included

-       Four day excursion to Vienna with hotel, breakfast and events included

Study Abroad in Kraków and Wrocław, Poland

-       Four weeks in Kraków studying Polish language and culture

o   A medieval city with a contemporary flare

o   The capital of Poland for almost 500 years

o   Home to over 18 universities

-       Two weeks in Wraclów, the “Polish Venice,” studying literature, history, architecture, film and art

o   City of islands and bridges

o   Major urban center of no less than 9 different European states or empires over the past 1000 years

o   Rich architectural and cultural history

Study Abroad in Brussels

-       Six weeks in Brussels as part of European Union Studies Program (EUSP) Minor

-       Unofficial capital of Europe and headquarters of the European Union

-       Lodging in fully furnished apartments

-       Courses are taught in English at Vesalius College

-       Focus on EU institutions, NATO, transatlantic relations, EU enlargement, etc.

Study Abroad in Ankara

-       Military/Geopolitical focus

-       Ankara is both Turkey’s capital city as of 1923 and the headquarters of its armed forces

-       A quickly modernizing city with contemporary architecture juxtaposed with ancient architecture, Ankara was established over 4000 years ago

-       Students will live and study at the University of Economics and Technology (ETU)

-       Program will include an intensive language immersion component and/or an area studies program that focuses on history, politics and culture

-       Includes two week trips to Istanbul and two weekend trips to Antalya, a beautiful, ancient city located on the Mediterranean coast

Visit ces.ufl.edu or email Greg Mason at gsmason@ufl.edu for more information about our study

abroad programs and study abroad funding opportunities.