1. Why study abroad?
Study abroad is the most exciting thing you will do during your college years!
- It will enhance your education and enable you to earn credits that bring you closer to graduation. There are courses offered at our partner universities overseas that are not offered here.
- It will expand your understanding of other cultures, which will help you to be more accepting of others.
- It will increase your independence and self-awareness. Having to survive in a completely new environment will teach you things about yourself you never expected.
Finally, it will help build your resumé. Prospective employers realize how valuable international experience is in today's global marketplace.
2. How do I match Study Abroad with my academic & career objectives?
While in College, students have to make many crucial choices – what to Major and Minor in, what other skills to acquire, and how to build their resumés. Employers seek specialist expertise, but they also seek many personality attributes. Most employers will tell you that they seek cheerful, reliable, adaptable colleagues who can work in teams with people from many diverse backgrounds. Equally, if you decide to become an entrepreneur starting your own business, you will quickly learn how important it is to be adaptable, cheerful, persuasive and able to relate to people from many different backgrounds.
Study Abroad is a wonderful opportunity to learn "adaptability" and to build teamwork and human relations skills. It is also the best way to acquire the "global awareness" that is so vital to business, government and entrepreneurship in the 21st century. There is no substitute for the "real world experience" that you gain through traveling, adapting to new challenges and opportunities, and making new friends.
When you consider possible Study Abroad programs and discuss options with one of our Advisors, think how the program will contribute to your major(s), minor(s), and general education requirements, and what lines you will be able to add to your resumé as a result of the experience. The credits you earn while studying abroad will carry you closer to graduation. UAlbany's partners include some of the world’s top universities, and each partner university has a different range of specializations. Good choices of where to go and what to study will strengthen your education, resumé and career prospects.
3. Where can I go?
The University at Albany sponsors 65+ programs in 35 countries. In addition, through the State University of New York system, Albany students can participate in over 300 programs in more than 50 different countries.
Each program is designed for a specific type of student. Whether you want classes taught in English or want to enroll in university courses with native students; whether you want to spend a year, semester, or summer; whether you want to improve your current language abilities or take courses in business, history or art; whatever your desires, we can find a program for you.
The most important thing is to make your choice wisely and be sure the program you pick meets your needs.
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4. When can I go?
There are study abroad options for all students. Freshman students can go on 3-week wintersession programs, and on summer programs at the end of their first year. Quite a lot of programs allow sophomores to go, and by the time you are a junior or senior, there will be many choices available to you. Some programs are open to graduate students and offer graduate credit. Some programs, also, offer field school, internship and service learning opportunities.We have academic year, fall semester, spring semester, wintersession, and summer programs. The only limitations are those set by you. If there is a particular time you cannot be away from campus, plan your overseas study around that time period and find a program that fits into your schedule. With proper planning, you can go whenever you are ready!
5. Do I have to speak another language?
No! Some of our programs are in English-speaking countries, or in universities in other countries that do all their teaching in English. Opportunities are available to study abroad, taking university courses in any subject, taught in English.
If you want to learn a foreign language or do advanced study in a foreign language you already know, an appropriate program and university is also available. Language learning is usually much faster when you can do appropriate coursework while living in an environment where the language you are learning is the native language. If you are already at an advanced level in the language of your choice, there are many opportunities to take the same courses as local native students take, in a class mixing local and international students.
There is a program for every level of language ability, and there are opportunities to mix courses taught in English with courses in a foreign language. Look at the language requirements for each program and make your final decision based on your own abilities and needs.
6. How much does it cost?
Costs vary depending on the site you choose. We make every attempt to keep costs as low as possible. Many of our programs are comparable in cost to spending a semester or year at the University at Albany. Some are more expensive. Several variables are considered in calculating final costs, including the cost of living in the host country, the tuition of the sponsoring university, and the services that are built into each program. When comparing programs, and before you make a final decision, make sure you understand what the bottom line includes and what exactly you are paying for.
7. Can I really afford this?
Many programs are comparable to an equal amount of time on campus at UAlbany making them very affordable. UAlbany students participating on a SUNY program are eligible for regular financial aid when studying abroad. Depending on the costs of the program you choose, you might even be eligible for more financial aid. Even if you are not receiving financial aid now, you could be eligible. Please check with your financial aid advisor for details.
8. Where will I live?
Each program has slightly different housing options, but all try to offer maximum flexibility. Options might include homestays, dormitories or off-campus apartments or flats. Each option offers a distinct level of cultural immersion and independence. Consider which of the options is most attractive to you while you are making a decision about which program to go on. Be flexible and consider all options with an open mind. However, always be sure that the program you choose meets your basic needs.
9. How important is my GPA?
All students must be in good academic standing to be eligible for study abroad. Some of the sponsoring universities are more competitive and require higher GPAs than others. Depending on the program you want, you could need as high as a 3.0 minimum. However, we look at the whole student when assessing an application. Recommendations and interviews also play an important role in the decision-making process. Students should discuss any concerns with one of our Study Abroad Advisors.
10. How are credits and grades recorded?
Students participating on an Albany program receive official University at Albany transcripts that list all courses taken overseas by title, number of credits awarded, and letter grades earned. Your grades for overseas work will not be figured into your cumulative GPA at UAlbany. Grades received on any SUNY program will appear on an official Transcript Supplement that becomes a permanent part of your official academic record. With departmental approval, courses can count in your major or minor. With approval by the General Education Committee, courses can also meet Gen Ed requirements.
There are three types of programs available to University at Albany students:
- University at Albany programs sponsored by us.
- SUNY programs sponsored by other SUNY campuses.
- Non-SUNY programs sponsored by colleges and universities outside of the SUNY system.
UAlbany students attending any program administered by a four-year SUNY college or university will earn credit toward their degree at Albany. Albany students participating on a non-SUNY program will receive transfer credit. Non-Albany students should check with their home campus for details.
11. How do I start?
Start now with careful research and planning. If you know what you want, that's great. But if you don't, it could take a while to find a program that fits your needs. There are hundreds to choose from! Once you have chosen a program, you have to go through the application process, which can take some time. Come visit us at the Office of International Education in the Science Library on the Uptown Campus, or if you aren’t in Albany, contact us by e-mail or phone: studyabroad@albany.edu (518) 591-8170. We can get you started and answer any questions you have. Once you find the perfect program, we can help you with the application process as well.
