Traveling can be a fun way to blow off some steam or experience something new, but have you ever thought about traveling for school? At UND there are many opportunities to study abroad. Studying abroad is an amazing experience that can elevate your education, expand your worldview and make your resume stand out in ways others won’t be able to match. Students from every major have access to a wide range of study abroad programs designed to fit their academic goals, personal interests and even travel comfort levels. Whether you are off to be a nurse or engineer, or even business, UND offers tailored options that align with your curriculum.
Not only are there many opportunities in many places, but there are also many opportunities to get financial help. Most scholarships can be used towards study abroad and you can even get assistance from filling out your FASFA. Also, on Scholarship Central there are many scholarships and fundings available to apply for study abroad opportunities.
Going off to a different country alone can be hard, but there are more than just semester programs out there. For those who need a steppingstone into the world of traveling, or just something more structured, there are guided group study abroad opportunities where you travel with a professor and other students. For those with a tight schedule, this might be a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the study abroad experience, within a week. Most of these trips happen during spring break. Another shorter opportunity would even be summer study abroad opportunities, that can range from 1-2 months.
Registration deadlines are approaching, and registration for students that wish to study abroad this year can be found either online—just search “study abroad” on the UND webpage—or you can go to the study abroad offices and make an appointment with them to see what trip best fits you.
Not only are these fun opportunities, but it also looks great for students considering graduate programs, or just as a complement to your academic career when looking for jobs. Graduate schools and employees increasingly look for students who stand out; students who can demonstrate adaptability, cultural awareness and initiative. What better way to show them that then with a fun experience semester in Spain studying public health, or a summer in Japan exploring robots? It can be a great way to stand out and show your strengths.
In the end, it isn’t about where you go, but what you gain from the experience of studying abroad. You will return with new perspectives, stronger communication skills, and stories that shape your academic and even professional identity. You learn to adapt, how to become accustomed to other cultures, and even think critically about global issues, which are all skills that will be good for your future career. So, whether you are looking to boost your grad school application, build a standout portfolio, or simply just enjoy studying somewhere other than North Dakota, UND’s study abroad program can offer you a pathway to all that and more.
Zoe Booth is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
