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Semester and
Year-long Programs:
Exploring the Possibilities
What is the first step?
It is never too early to determine which options are
available. Researching early also allows you to compare and
contrast the different program providers and their
locations. Furthermore, it helps you figure out how to best
make a strong case for yourself when it comes time for the
application process. Keep in mind that not everyone who
wants to will be able to go abroad. These are your first
necessary steps:
1.
Attend one of the Study Abroad General Information meetings
offered at the start of each semester. Dates and times for
these meetings are posted in the Office of International
Programs and on this website.
2. Make an appointment to meet with the Assistant Director
to discuss your interests and program options. This is
mandatory.
To make an appointment, contact Katie
Hunter,
Email:
khunter@whittier.edu
Phone: (562) 464-4582
Arcadia: Visiting Paris from Barcelona, Spain
3. You need to thoroughly review all Study Abroad Program
materials before you apply. Brochures are available in the
Office whenever someone is available. General walk-in Office
Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
4. It is crucial that you discuss the possibility of study
abroad with your academic advisor. This ensures that you can
fulfill all major and liberal education requirements in
addition being away for a semester. Take program
brochures/website information about your proposed program to
this meeting. It is recommended that your academic advisor
write your Letter of Recommendation.
AIFS: Florence, Italy
Are all programs alike?
Each program location has specific goals and strengths, thus
you need to choose a program that best fits your goals for
studying abroad. Programs can be categorized according to
three basic models:
•
The “Island” Program Model: The program’s courses
are separate from regular university courses. While the
program is affiliated with a host institution, you do not
take courses with the host university students. The program
site offers support for academic and social integration,
utilizes the site location and employs US and/or foreign
faculty. This model is most often associated with
non-English speaking countries (i.e. Spain, France, Italy).
Typically, if you pursue coursework in English, you will be
required to take a host-country language course for the
purpose of facilitating basic cultural interaction.
Generally, students on Island programs find that they
improve their language proficiency, but less dramatically
than on Direct Enrollment or Hybrid model programs. The
Island program model may, or may not, be ideal for you if
you desire a great degree of independence from the group.
Students typically stay in apartments or homestays.
•
The “Direct Enrollment” Program Model: American
students are viewed as visiting international students or
non-degree seeking students. Your classes would be with host
institution students as well as other international
students. American students must be able to independently
handle a variety of experiences associated with studying in
another country. This model is most often associated with
English-speaking countries (i.e. England, Ireland,
Australia).
 However,
if you possess adequate language proficiency you may direct
enroll in foreign language universities. Direct enrollment
programs may offer you the greatest array of courses to
select from. You should be aware that universities overseas
may, or may not, permit cross-enrolling in more than one or
two academic departments. If you are an independent student
with clear goals for your study abroad experience you may be
well served by this model. Direct enrollment programs may
offer a variety of housing situations from homestays to
university residence halls to apartments.
•
The
“Hybrid” Program Model: The goal of this model is to
most effectively combine the best of the above stated
programs – support services for the student and the
opportunity to enroll in one or two courses at the host
institution as well as courses taken at the program’s
center. As with Direct Enrollment programs, language
proficiency is required, but if you are less confident about
your language abilities you may find that the Hybrid model
allows the opportunity to explore regular courses overseas
in an environment with a great deal of American-style
support. If you are eager to improve your language skills,
the Hybrid model will serve you well. These programs may
accommodate students in homestays, university residence
halls or apartments.
The University of
Wollongong, Australia
(Arcadia, Butler)
What
are the different housing & meal options abroad?
Living conditions abroad vary widely from those in the
United States and you will need to be prepared to adapt.
Private rooms, private telephones, computers and cars, as
well as varied diets and hot water can be considered
luxuries in some countries. Utilizing public transportation
may often be a daily experience. To gain the most from these
types Sweet Briar College JYF:
of cultural differences abroad, you should be flexible,
adaptable, considerate and Tours, France (Fall 2007)
sensitive to different situations.
Each program is set up with a different set of housing
options. The local situation determines, ultimately, what
housing options are available and can vary widely among
program sites. Housing overseas generally falls into three
categories:
Sweet Briear
College JYF:
Tours, France
•
Homestays: To many, the term “homestay” conjures the
image of living in the “traditional” family who welcome the
student as their foreign son or daughter for a time. While
such homestay families may exist abroad, they are not the
norm. Many host families are older, single individuals or a
couple with no children at home. Students living with a
family in a private home may be treated as a family member
or as a boarder. Living as a boarder can offer greater
independence than as a temporary family member might. In a
homestay, meals (usually breakfast and dinner) are commonly
taken with the family. Each program determines the exact
nature of the homestay based on local circumstance. On
programs which offer a homestay, students should communicate
their hopes and expectations for their living situation to
the program sponsor. Upon moving into a homestay, students
should discuss their expectations with the family. The
homestay can often be the most rewarding living experience
and one of the best situations for cultural immersion and
language acquisition.
Sweet Briar
College JYF Host Family: Tours, France
• University Residence Halls: For some programs,
accommodation in university residence halls may be
available. Normally, students live in single rooms, rather
than a double room. Students living in university residence
halls may be mainly first year and international students.
Residence halls overseas may be operated by the university
but are seldom physically on-campus in the way Whittier’s
dorms are, and students must often commute to their classes.
Although there are some meal plans provided in the residence
halls, most often students cook for themselves in kitchen
facilities located in the residence hall.
•
Apartments: Some programs offer an option for students to
live in apartments or flats. Such accommodations may be
university-operated or independently arranged through the
program. In apartments, students may be living with other
students from the
program or with people from the host country. In apartments,
students prepare their own meals. While there may be the
greatest degree of freedom and independence with
apartment-living, some students may find the experience
isolating.
AUC Apartment: Cairo, Egypt
Does the College provide orientation sessions for
students prior to their semester abroad?
The Office of International Programs will have Orientation
meetings near the end of each semester that deal with
general Study Abroad issues: culture shock, the nature of
the program, and procedures to be followed at Whittier
College regarding pre-registration (for the semester you
return to Whittier), Financial Aid, the Business Office, and
Residential Life (student housing). material and answering
the most common questions. You should be aware, however,
that the Whittier Orientation is not program or country
specific. For details such as these you should rely on your
Program Provider Orientation.
InterStudy: Johannesburg, South Africa Arcadia: Griffith, Australia
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