When studying abroad, whether it is to London or Australia, for a semester or three weeks, students must be aware of what they have to do to ensure a pleasant trip.
Jim Coffin, Rinker Center for International Programs director, said students must decide what type of experience suits them. Choosing the length of time they want to study and choosing what type of courses to take while abroad are factors that determine what experience would be best, he said.
Once the students have decided what type of study abroad experience suits them, he said, they must contact the Rinker Center to discuss the various program options.
Students can choose to study in London, Australia or as an exchange student in other countries, he said.
"Each of our programs has a course that will have topics and emphasis that they will find highly interesting," he said.
Before anything, Coffin said, students will need passports and international student I.D. cards.
The international programs office in the Rinker center can assist students in the preparation process, he said.
Chris Naffziger, graduate assistant for the London Center trip during the Spring 2007 semester, said one thing students can do before studying abroad is read about the country they will be visiting.
"That is going to enhance a lot of things about their country," he said, "the more that you know about the culture."
Luggage
Once students are ready to travel internationally, they have to make special consideration about various elements such as luggage.
Students can take two pieces of luggage weighing 50 pounds each to be checked at the airport, Coffin said.
"Airlines are very strict about overweight," he said. "Some are charging at least $20 [extra] per pound. I've seen people pull things out and not take them."
It may seem daunting to have so little luggage, Coffin said, but some guidelines may help.
"The rule of thumb is to take half of what you think you need," he said.
They tell their students not to pack electronics and to buy appliances at the destinations, he said.
Students are allowed to take a carry-on bag on the plane along with another bag, he said.
"It would be like a purse or something that would have a handle on it or a small backpack," he said, "because they have to fit overhead."
Also, a little room should be left in the bags to bring back souvenirs, Naffziger added.
Money
Extra spending is another element that students will have to plan and prepare for if they are going to go sightseeing while abroad, Coffin said.
The university sends students a specific amount of money as their food allowance while overseas, he said.
"That is sent through the Ball State Credit Union accounts," he said. "So, if you are going to the London or Australia center, you must join the BSCU. All of the other study abroad programs don't have requirements."
Naffziger said students are given money for food bimonthly.
The amount of money students should take depends on where they are going and how long they want to stay, Coffin said.
For example, students should consider that the American dollar is weak in London right now, he said.
"Most students tell us that it takes about another $5,000 [more than] the program costs," he said. "If you are in Australia, you can probably get by with less than $5,000."
Although the American dollar is worth almost the same as the Australian dollar, Coffin said, the food costs are higher.
Naffziger said the amount of money students should take also depends on how much they want to spend while abroad.
"You just have to stretch your dollar wherever you go," Naffziger said. "Make sure you inquire about student discounts wherever you go."
Naffziger said students should watch for ATM and currency exchange fees, to look for Internet cafes that offer free wireless Internet, cook with your own food and find good drink specials.
Trips
Coffin said living in a new place offers students many opportunities to travel beyond where they are studying.
Students can sometimes opt for culture packages that offer a set of field trips.
"But if you are in London you will travel somewhere every weekend," he said, "and that is all out of pocket."
A great way to travel through Europe is to get a Europass for the train system, Naffziger said. The train system is free and travels throughout western Europe.
Coffin said planning ahead for weekend trips is not necessary and they can be planned when they get there.
Students have a lot of free time they can use for travel, Naffziger said.
"We take Wednesdays for day trips and then they don't have classes on Fridays," he said. "So besides class time and field trip time, [students] are on their own."
Coffin said living abroad gives students an opportunity to see a new part of the world.
"This is their chance of a lifetime," he said.
Top 10 most popular1. London Centre2. Australia Centre3. Morelia, Mexico4. Vienna, Austria5. Denmark International School6. Segovia, Spain7. Macerata, Italy8. International Student Exchange Program: You can pay approximately the same costs that you would pay at Ball State. You can travel to 35 countries including Germany, Italy, France, Finland and more.9. KIIS Summer Programs: Kentucky Institute for International Studies includes roughly 22 summer programs in 18 different countries across Europe, Latin America and Asia. They generally last between four to six weeks.10. Field Studies: Africa, Asia, Europe and more
How to transition
- Beat the jet lag: Get plenty of rest and drink extra fluids before you travel
- Arrive safely: Always watch your luggage to avoid becoming a target
- Remember safety abroad: Know your surroundings and use common sense to avoid attracting unwanted attention from thieves and beggars
- Overcome culture shock: Don't focus on what you wish your host country had, but appreciate what you could not find in the United States.
- Plan your travels: Use guidebooks, Web sites and maps to plan side trips you might take while abroad
- Deal with critics: Know some basic United States facts before you go so you are prepared to deal with critics you may encounter
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