What is the first step?

Arcadia: Paris, Visiting Paris from Barcelona, Spain (Fall 2006)
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:
Arcadia: Visiting Paris from Barcelona, Spain (Fall 2006)
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.
AIFS:
To make an appointment, contact:                                    (AIFS): Florence, Italy (Fall 2006)
Katie Hunter: khunter@whittier.edu
Phone: (562) 464-4582

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.


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).

The University of Wollongong, Australia (Arcadia, Butler)

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.

Sweet Briear College JYF:
Tours, France (Fall 2007)

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 Host Family: Tours, France (Fall 2003)
• 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.

• 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.

AUC Apartment: Cairo, Egypt (Fall 2005)
• 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 AUC Apartment: Cairo, Egypt (Fall 2005)
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.
 

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 (Fall 2006)

Arcadia: Griffith, Australia (Spring 2007)