Spending a semester or even a summer in a new place can be a very exciting and rewarding experience. A whole new world of sights, sounds, and smells is part of what makes traveling so much fun. Studying abroad combines the excitement of traveling with the benefits of taking classes in a new place. Although you do get to travel, it is a completely different experience from going on vacation in a country or helping on a short term mission trip. When you study abroad, you get a whole new take on everyday life. You learn to buy local food, take out the trash, and open a bank account in a different country. You come to know whole new networks of people; you explore a new city and make it your own.
Any student in any discipline is welcome to study abroad, not just language students. Of course, you will have to work with your department to make sure the classes you take are transferable, but ORU provides a lot of freedom in its travel study options. English speaking countries like Great Britain and Australia are popular, and many foreign universities have classes in English for those who do not speak a second language. Business, International Relations, and International Community Development majors would particularly benefit from time outside the United States.
Studying in a new environment can give a fresh perspective to the things you are already learning in class. Improve language skills, make new friends, and gain a cultural understanding that is becoming more and more important in a globalized world.
Studying abroad can also be a great way to achieve your educational goals. Often, getting an additional major or minor in foreign language can be difficult if your primary major has a full schedule. If you study abroad during a summer, you can receive nine credit hours toward your major or minor. In a semester, you can get up to fifteen credit hours.
Although the benefits of studying abroad are great, many students are concerned about the costs. Financing your trip, however, may not be as difficult as you think. Many of the loans currently available to ORU students can still be used when studying abroad. Outside scholarships (scholarships not funded by ORU) may still apply, although in-house scholarships cannot be used. Very often, the cost of a semester abroad is about the same as studying at ORU. After you decide on a program, you can speak with a financial aid specialist who can better explain your options.
Preparing to go abroad takes time and effort, but it is well worth the investment. To begin the process, contact one of our study abroad coordinators, or click on the "Getting Started" link.
Study Abroad Coordinators:
Brenda Calderon - Spanish and French Studies
Ex: 6775, Room 5B04
Lori Kanitz - Programs not related to French or Spanish
Ex: 6064, Room 5A02
