Planning for Graduate Studies Abroad
While planning to study abroad as a graduate student can be intimidating, requiring a strong commitment and substantial effort in some cases, the benefits of pursing one's study abroad dreams will make the effort worthwhile. The similarities to studying abroad as an undergraduate are few so previous assumptions about planning studies overseas need to be put aside. To gain an understanding of how to plan for study abroad as a postgrad, students can read on.
Graduate students should also refer to BrainTrack's Planning to Study Abroad section for other information applicable to all study abroad students.
Planning is Different for Graduate Students
Whereas an undergraduate student typically chooses study abroad program from many available through their school, it is not usually that easy for graduate students. Even if there are existing study abroad programs offered by their school, students must typically meet very specific criteria and will have few, if any, options to choose from. The fortunate students who are studying a field where international exposure is important such as international relations or international business for example, may have one or more existing programs and locations they can choose to participate in.
A graduate student's academic advisor is usually a key player when planning a study abroad experience. Students need to discuss with their advisor whether a study abroad experience is appropriate for the student in regards to meeting their academic requirements. They will look at the student's specific academic needs, whether that includes coursework, research or an internship. They may be able to recommend schools and specific coursework or they may be able to use contacts they have overseas to arrange collaboration on a research project. Regardless of their role in creating the study abroad program, the student's advisor needs to approve any credits earned overseas that the student wants to count towards their degree.
Graduate students should start planning at least six to eight months ahead of their target study abroad period and even earlier if they are going to create their own study abroad plan. Those creating their own experience will not benefit from built-in support typically provided by an existing program such as logistical support, orientation sessions, campus tours, help finding housing, cultural programs and social activities. Instead, students should look to their own study abroad office and the international student office of the overseas university for help in making sure all logistical requirements are met - i.e. visas, health insurance, registration and language fluency. The overseas university's international student office may also provide some of the other services typically provided by a study abroad program.
Studying Abroad as a Full-degree Student
Graduate students who plan to enroll independently as a full degree student need to consider some additional factors:
- Licensing - For some professions, licensing in one's own country may require that the student has completed a specific, accredited program of study which is unlikely to be available at foreign universities. Even if professional licensing does not require an in-country education, the education may not properly prepare students for licensing exams in their home country. Additionally, the curriculum and degree requirements should be reviewed carefully as they may differ from what licensing standards require.
- Degree Equivalency - There is the potential that employers in the student's home country will not deem a degree earned overseas as equivalent to one earned in their home country. On the other hand, some employers will appreciate the cultural awareness and broadened perspectives the student gained while studying abroad, which may give them an advantage over other job candidates.
- Admissions Requirements - Full degree students will need to meet the entrance requirements defined for international graduate students. Since degrees earned around the world are not equivalent, it is possible a student's lower-level degree may not meet the requirements and the student may need to take extra coursework before applying to a degree program. Other admissions requirements may include passing a language exam and completing specific coursework as an undergraduate.
- PhD Students - Students who want to pursue a PhD in a foreign country will face the biggest challenge, unless they are lucky enough to have a faculty sponsor already lined up. They will need to present a research proposal that is both of interest to the university and that the university has the appropriate faculty member available to supervise. It is recommended that students identify and contact potential faculty members prior to submitting an application.
Obtaining Financing for Study Abroad
Graduate students can seek out funding for help pay for their education while studying abroad from many of the same sources they would when studying at home as well as some additional ones. There are numerous scholarship and fellowship funding resources available for students going abroad. The Institute of International Education administers numerous scholarships and fellowships that are targeted at study abroad students. Their program finder is a great place to start the search for study abroad funding. Two of the more well-known programs are:
- Fulbright Scholarships which are provided to one-year study abroad graduate students. The program operates in 140 countries and provides about 6000 grants a year.
- Boren scholarship and fellowship awards are given to US students whose studies are relevant to a broad definition of US national security which encompasses environmental, health, economic, population and other areas.
Other sources of funding which may be appropriate for those studying abroad include:
- Scholarships and grants from the student's own school, many of which may be specific to a particular field of study.
- Government financial aid (US federal financial aid may be used in some instances)
- Scholarships awarded by the foreign university
- Research grants from government agencies such as the National Science Foundation.
- Research funding from various public and private foundations and other sources. The Graduate and Postdoctoral Extramural Support (GRAPES) database provides a catalog of sources of funding for graduate student research and allows a search specific to study abroad students.
Quick Tips
- Be Conscious of Deadlines - Important deadlines exist for study abroad programs, scholarship applications and school registration.
- Look for Financing Early - Start looking for scholarships and fellowships early as they have specific deadlines and often have time-consuming applications.
- Understand Language Requirements – Determine what language courses are taught in or what language is spoken by research faculty before committing.
- Consider Summer Abroad - If a semester abroad does not meet academic requirements, a summer abroad could be used to supplement rather than replace the regular curriculum.
- Start Planning Early - Start discussions with advisor as early as possible to maximize the available time to create a strong program.
Resources
Boren Awards – National Security Education Program
Institute for International Education
UCLA Graduate and Postdoctoral Extramural Support (GRAPES) Database
European University Institute: International Research Funding
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