Studying Abroad

As a Lesley student you have the opportunity to experience life in another country by studying abroad for either a semester, a full year or for short term courses. Study abroad refers to credit-bearing educational programs outside of the United States.

Lesley has affiliated relations and exchange programs with numerous universities in different cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and Australia/New Zealand. On the website, www.lesley.edu/info/studyabroad, you can find links and more detailed information about the all different programs that Lesley offers. Some are links to specific universities, and others are providers that offer spots at schools in many different countries.

This spring, a total of 25 students from Lesley are abroad at different locations around the world. Claire Carroll works at the Study Abroad Office (SAO) at Lesley University. She says that right now there is no limit on how many students can go to the same place so there is usually no competition for the spots. Claire thinks that the interest for going abroad in general has increased at Lesley over the last years; a development that she thinks matches the more globalized world we have today, as studying abroad is a great opportunity to get global competence.

Going abroad entails a lot of benefits. One is increased career potential, but also the personal and intellectual growth that comes with the experience. Living in another country, experiencing another culture and meeting new people from other places also gives you different perspectives on your own culture.

Aspects to consider when choosing the geographic location are subject requirements: Whether you are taking major requirements, general education or free electives. You should also take language into consideration. Some universities do all their teaching in English; others do their teaching only in the native language and therefore require that you speak that it. Some universities do a mix, with courses both in English and the native language. This is also a good opportunity for those who have been studying a second language and want to improve their skills.

Something else you might want to take in to consideration is costs. Claire at SAO says the prices for studying abroad, in most cases, turns out to be the same as a semester at Lesley, accept for the fact that you have to pay for your own plane ticket.  If you are going on an affiliates program you can keep your Lesley scholarships. In many cases, it is also possible to transfer your financial aid, but this might also vary depending on what university you go to.

Claire Carroll is the only person working at SAO.  If you have thoughts about going abroad you can contact her for more information. Her job is to answer all your questions and assist you in your decision. She will help you pick a place that meets your requirements and needs, and then present a plan to your academic advisor.

You should start the process one semester before you plan to go abroad, which means that if you want to go spring semester 2011 you should meet with SAO in the beginning of fall semester 2010. Last date for applying for spring semester 2011 is October 15^th, 2010.

To get in touch with the Study Abroad Office, send an email to lcexchange@lesley.edu or visit on 37 Mellen Street.

Studying abroad is more than something flashy to put on a resume: its life altering experience. So if you think this is something you would like to do, give Claire a call, and take advantage of your school’s resources!

Bon Voyage.

- Jennie Waden