Traveling abroad may lead to feelings of fear and insecurity, especially in light of recent events. The influence of family and friends who have experience traveling overseas can be very influential as well. In addition, with a number of highly technical majors at RIT, students are often concerned about the course offerings overseas and the impact studying abroad may have on their graduation date.
Other concerns include:
Finances
Students who attend an RIT-approved program and maintain full-time status while abroad (take a minimum of 12 semester credits) are eligible to use their financial aid to assist with study abroad expenses. Scholarship funding is also available through affiliate providers and outside organizations.
All students will receive a customized budget worksheet for their program of interest, which outlines all expenses they can expect to incur during the program. This is a tool they can use when discussing program costs with the Financial Aid Office and/or determining if the program is a viable option for them.
Fear of the Unknown
In addition to talking with a study abroad advisor, students can connect with one of our Global Ambassadors who have returned from study abroad and can provide a student perspective on the experience.
A pre-departure meeting is required for all students who study abroad. This meeting addresses a number of common fears and questions about traveling overseas, including culture shock, health and safety and packing tips. Our study abraod Global Ambassadors are also at the meeting to speak to prospective students about their experience overseas and what recommendations they have for attending a study abroad program.
Upon arrival abroad, all students will participate in a thorough orientation which often includes activities such as an airport pickup, a tour of the city, a welcome dinner and introductions to faculty and staff. All programs have an in-country main point of contact, such as a resident director, who can address any issues that arise while the student is abroad. RIT’s Risk Management office serves as another source of support as it reviews all program locations and closely monitors all overseas situations.
Family
The RIT Education Abroad office has developed a Parents’ Guide that covers a number of common questions and concerns regarding studying abroad. The application process, financing study abroad, grades and credits as well as practical preparations are covered in the guide. Family members are also welcome to contact the Education Abroad office directly with any questions.
Academics
RIT Education Abroad has developed college specific info sheets to assist students and advisors with researching studying abroad programs that fit within a particular field of study. These info sheets highlight the benefits of studying abroad for a particular career path, identifies overseas programs that provide course offerings that align with specific majors, and highlight past student successes on overseas programs. In addition, the study abroad pathways developed by each college help students in each major identify an ideal time to study abroad and graduate on time. These tools are available under Additional Tools and Resources.