Picture the world as your classroom with each destination a new interactive textbook where instead of reading, you are experiencing history, art, culture, fashion, food and the arts in real-time! Maybe you have traveled overseas and had a taste of exploring a foreign city, a sandy beach, or a historical landmark. If you are looking for another opportunity to go abroad, to discover, learn, understand and connect with new people, studying abroad is a great option.
Who are Study Abroad Programs for?
As an undergrad, you want to venture out, build confidence, participate and learn by doing, seeing, and traveling. Maybe you want to study marine biology and rescue birds from oil spills but you live in a non-coastal state. Or maybe you are trying to understand history and archaeology from an urban jungle. Understanding new environments, languages, and cultures breeds an appreciation for what you have, or where you come from. It also opens your eyes to what is going on in the global landscape. Rather than studying words on a page, the element of participation, learning to say hello in a foreign language, or visiting heritage landmarks and museums might just stretch the parameters of your thinking. So for those of you who aspire to potentially open new avenues – academically and personally, read on to get started searching for study abroad college programs.
There are so many personal reasons that undergraduates study abroad. Apart from learning about you are opening up new possibilities for personal growth and discovery. Whatever you decide to ‘do’ in your work life, confidence and self-reliance are assets. And let’s not forget communication skills! Navigating new surroundings (literally) is an experience that is likely to help you when it comes down to landing a dream job and learning the ropes of a new position. Studying abroad puts you into a new category, the ‘international’ potentially cultured, bilingual, self-assured student. So get excited about your education…look for Study Abroad Programs from just about anywhere on the globe!
When can I study abroad?
Most students study abroad in their junior or senior year; some, however, study abroad during their sophomore year or even during the summer of their freshman year. As for the time of year, shorter study abroad programs available during the winter and summer sessions. There are also programs during the fall and spring semesters or for an entire academic year.
How much does it cost?
The cost of study abroad varies from program to program, depending on four factors: tuition, international airfare, the local cost of living and program fees. (Program fees include such costs as field trips, entrance fees, local travel, administrative fees, etc.) Financial aid can often be applied to some of your study abroad costs; file your FAFSA on time and ask your study abroad advisor about whether your
Do you speak a foreign language?
If so, how proficient are you? Would you be comfortable taking courses in that language, or do you plan to study in English? Don’t be deterred if you don’t feel ready to study in a language other than English. Many programs are designed to allow you to study a foreign language while taking other courses in English.
Can I earn credits toward my degree?
Yes! If you plan carefully and get the necessary course approval before studying abroad, it is possible to earn credit toward your major, minor, general education requirements, foreign language requirement and electives. To maximize flexibility, we recommend saving your electives for your time abroad.
What are your personal goals, preferences and priorities?
Is there somewhere you have always dreamed of going? What kind of climate would you enjoy? Would you like to be in a large city or a country town? What are your housing preferences? Would you like to live in a residence hall with other students or with a local family? Think about what you are comfortable with. In addition to these personal factors, think about how your study abroad program will fit into your resume and what impression it will make on potential employers and/or graduate school admissions committees in the future. Does its academic focus complement your current studies or the direction you plan to take in the future?
Where would you like to study?
There are study abroad programs all over the world. Your home college is likely to sponsor programs in a variety of locations each year, and many other CUNY colleges offer programs to other countries. Some students choose programs from other colleges and universities that provide study abroad programs.
Are you eligible to Study Abroad?
Are you in good academic standing? Are you in good disciplinary standing? Do you have any stops or holds on your record? Check the requirements of the programs you are interested in.
Step 1: Schedule an appointment with your Study Abroad Office
Step 2: Meet with your major advisor
Step 3: Apply for your passport
Step 4: Research program options
Step 5: Submit the program’s application
Step 6: Complete the PERMIT/CUNY E-PERMIT Process
Step 7: Pre-departure orientation
Study Abroad at BMCC
Aiming to provide students with an education that branches out beyond the walls of our institution, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) has sponsored overseas learning opportunities since 1973. BMCC Study Abroad Programs expand the students’ educational experience, enhance curricular offerings, as well as support the educational mission of the college. In addition, BMCC Study Abroad Programs foster multicultural awareness and understanding while encouraging the exchange of knowledge and empowering students to succeed within the current framework of global relations, studies, economies, histories, and cultures.
The Borough of Manhattan Community College Study Abroad team is committed to promoting international academic experiences. Our programs are all faculty-‐led. These programs allow our students to further explore their academic interests at an international level. For summer 2015, BMCC will sponsor six international programs.
Studying abroad for a short term, semester, or year helps strengthen your:
- Earn general education credits
- Allows you to learn or practice a foreign language
- Broadens Curriculum
- Provides global experience
- Expands your horizons and opportunities
Students are not limited to only BMCC administered programs. They may choose to participate in study abroad programs through other CUNY institutions. Visit the following website for a full searchable database of CUNY programs that are available: http://www1.cuny.edu/sites/studyabroad/programs/
Application Deadline for BMCC Study Abroad Programs:
Payment Deadline for BMCC Study Abroad Programs:
Financial Aid
BMCC offers its students the unparalleled opportunity to have up-‐to 60% of the cost of Study Abroad Programs subsidized. BMCC students are eligible for a BMCC Association Scholarship that covers 60% of the program’s cost, excluding tuition & students’ fees. Students who have previously received a BMCC Association Scholarship are not eligible. Learn more about financial aid and scholarships.
If you have questions or comments, contact us
Study Abroad at BMCC. Academic Study Abroad Program. Academic Affairs BMCC, 199 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007. Room: 103-G. Phone: 212-346-8487 e-mail: dstengle@bmcc.cuny.edu
do it with us at modern languages department