Why
Study Abroad?
- Today, knowledge of a
foreign language is more important to Americans than ever before. Foreign
languages have become important because so many facets of American life -
business, politics, education, the media, the arts, science, technology, and
travel have become truly international in scope. Moreover, a global perspective
is indispensable in enabling us to cope with a rapidly expanding world and
is necessary for a serious understanding of our own country.
- There are already over
800 international firms in North Carolina who have invested more than one
billion dollars and have created thousands of jobs, and the state's international
exports are at an all time high. Over 200,000 Americans lose out on jobs with
business each year because they do not know another language. It is no surprise
since four out of five jobs in the U.S. created today are a result of foreign
trade. Employers increasingly seek graduates who can interact confidently
and appropriately with diverse populations. A study abroad experience gives
students the edge to compete successfully in the global economy.
- Study abroad is the most
effective and dramatic experience by which students can broaden their international
viewpoints and attain new perspectives on their own country. As one student
put it "When will you ever again have a chance to become part of another country,
even for a short time?" The time to study abroad is now. Earn academic
credit, enhance your resume, immerse yourself in another culture, and change
your life. Those who do so are preparing themselves to be citizens of the
world who will thrive in the international environment of the twenty-first
century.
Steps
for Students Intending to Study Abroad
- Go
the the Study
Abroad Office, Suite 315 First Year College Commons (515-2087),
to identify a program of interest at
or sponsored by an accredited College or University and obtain the appropriate
forms.
- Access your ADA (Automated
Degree Report) from Registration
and Records. Look at your degree requirements. Click on
the requirements to see which courses fulfill them.
- Have the descriptions
of courses you want to take abroad - not just the title of the courses,
but a description of their contents, requirements, etc. Have a general
description of the program, especially the length of the courses, number
of class hours, etc. Look at NC State's course catalogue to verify
the equivalents to the courses you wish to take abroad. This will facilitate
meeting with your advisor(s).
- See your major advisor
first. Put together your general study abroad plan. Students
should not fill out the course equivalency section of the pre-approval
form themselves. They will do this at a meeting with their advisors.
- For general education
courses from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences - go to the
CHASS Dean's Office in 106 Caldwell to have courses pre approved.
- For Spanish foreign
language courses, see Ms.
Susan Navey-Davis - for Spanish and courses in other foreign languages,
please see Dr. Dudley M. Marchi
- they will discuss your general study abroad plan and do their best to
pre-approve FL courses, sometimes in consultation with the appropriate
language section coordinator.
- Apply
for a study
abroad scholarship.
- Keep in mind that the
pre-approval form is only a blueprint of your study abroad plan. You
need to pass each course with an equivalent of a 'C' [70%] or better to
receive credit for non-NC State programs. You also need to save all
course materials (books, handouts, papers, notes, exams, quizzes, etc.)
to show to advisor(s) upon return for review. The FL advisors will assist
you to the best of their ability, but students need to take responsibility
and follow these guidelines for successful study abroad transfer credit.
- Transcripts:
Especially if you are going on a non-NC State sponsored program - please
make sure that your program sends an official transcript to the Study Abroad
Office. After the SAO receives your transcript, you will be notified to
pick it up and take it to the appropriate advisor(s) for the processing
of transfer credit. Without an original transcript on file at NC State,
transfer credit cannot be processed - it is the student's responsibility
to see that the transcript is sent to the SAO.
- Please note that course
offerings may change when you get to your destination, or you may find other
courses that interest you, or courses may be added, canceled, etc.
In these cases you will need to contact the appropriate advisor(s) to get
pre approval of courses. Advisors will often pre approve more courses
than you will take in anticipation of such curriculum changes when you are
abroad. Make sure you have the email addresses of your advisor(s)
before leaving so you can contact them if necessary.
- Following these steps
will assure you of getting the appropriate courses you need transferred
into your curriculum. Not following these steps creates extra work
for your advisor(s) and also may jeopardize getting the correct courses
transferred in as you wish them to be.
