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Mentor Advice

Question

Does it matter what year in college students study abroad?

4 Replies from Mentors

  • mentor picture Daphne
     
    Daphne
    Graduate Advisor
    Student Government at North Carolina State University
    You may need to consider external factors (ie. senior year job searches, graduate programs, or...
    You may need to consider external factors (ie. senior year job searches, graduate programs, or internships) that may start before your study abroad will be completed. The sooner you take a study abroad experience...the more well-rounded you will look to an employer and this is a great way to single out your expertise from other candidates.
  • mentor picture Isabel
     
    Isabel
    Junior Year Student
    Loyola Marymount University
    Some institutions specify when a student can study abroad, so first check with your college or...
    Some institutions specify when a student can study abroad, so first check with your college or university. In general, I do not advise students to study abroad their freshman year, as students are just starting to get adjusted to the college environment and at that point they may not be ready to step into a whole new culture. I would say take your freshman year to adjust to college life and take that first year to start looking and researching possible study abroad programs that interest you. In terms of deciding whether to study abroad your sophomore, junior, or senior year, it depends on you as an individual. For myself, I knew that I was not mentally, socially, and academically ready to study abroad my sophomore year. I found my junior year worked the best in terms of where I was mentally and academically. However, this is solely my personal experience and some may find it more convenient and beneficial to study abroad their sophomore or senior years. In conclusion, the best year to study abroad is the year YOU choose to study abroad.
  • mentor picture Irene
     
    Irene
    Junior Year Film Production Major
    Loyola Marymount University
    I would advise students to study abroad in there sophomore or junior year. I say this because as a...
    I would advise students to study abroad in there sophomore or junior year. I say this because as a freshman you are still adjusting to your school and it is good to know your campus comfortably before venturing off to a new place. Senior year is also a very important time in your college career. It is your final year and most people would rather spend it at home with friends and family. Ultimately, no matter when or where you study abroad, it will be an unforgettable experience that will be one the best decisions of your life.
  • mentor picture Kimberly
     
    Kimberly
    Senior Year Student
    Loyola Marymount University
    Some universities actually require college students to study abroad only during certain years....
    Some universities actually require college students to study abroad only during certain years. Before applying for a program, ask the study abroad adviser at your university. At my school, one can only study abroad their sophomore, junior, or senior year. As someone who studied abroad as a senior, I feel that it does not matter what year you go abroad. You just have to experience it! If anything going abroad my senior year gave me new insights on the world right before having to make life changing decisions, such as what I want to do after I graduate. Currently, I know that I want to work for an international company.