From studying multiculturalism and human rights in Morocco to sustainable development in India, IU students have the opportunity to travel to countries across the world to study several different subjects.
With about 350 study abroad programs offered to IU students, there are programs available for students to earn academic credits in all majors while immersing themselves into a different culture.
“The benefits of traveling abroad are immeasurable,” senior James Riggleman said. “It showed me how different life is outside of our culture and how others viewed America.”
Riggleman spent the fall 2016 semester studying abroad in Russia, where he studied Russian grammar, conversation in Russian, phonetics, culture and United States-Russia relations.
Kyle Hayes, a study abroad adviser with the Office of Overseas Study, said the office encourages students to study abroad because of the benefits and experiences it provides them.
Because the overseas study website has all the basic information students need to know about the programs, the advisers typically talk with students who have potential safety concerns, financial aid inquiries or need to narrow their potential options down to one country.
Although there are a variety of choices for students, Hayes said most come into the office knowing the region they want to study in. From this point forward, it is the academic adviser’s job to help students tailor their options, he said.
Because every student has different academic pursuits and cultural interests, the advisers help students figure out when, where and what they should study abroad. Hayes said the first concern for advisers is what the student is studying so they can find a program that fits the student’s interests.
Riggleman said he knew he wanted to travel abroad because he is interested in becoming a linguist for the military. He said Russia was the right choice for him because it allowed him to work toward his future goals while using the skills he has acquired through his Russian minor.
Most students apply and travel to programs in Western Europe, but Hayes said it’s not uncommon to have students inquire about nontraditional programs, such as those in Africa or the Middle East.
Although traveling to a foreign country could put students in dangerous situations, the Office of Overseas Study monitors all regions the programs are in, Hayes said. In order to ensure student safety, they follow the warnings and advice the State Department sends out about each country.
“We monitor security very safely with partners who are over seas and on site,” Hayes said.
Because traveling abroad is costly for most students, finances are another top concern when students come into the office, Hayes said.
“That’s one of the biggest reasons students make it in the door,” Hayes said.
Although, Hayes said the financial concerns lessens when students learn about the numerous scholarship opportunities available to them. There are scholarships available from individual departments, colleges and programs.
Scholarships can be awarded to students based on their academic merit, financial standing and individual life circumstances, Hayes said.
Hayes said the Office of Overseas Study is the central study abroad location for all students on campus, so they can help any student who is interested in traveling abroad figure out how they can do so.
“It honestly changed me,” Riggleman said. “I became more confident and outspoken because it forced me to adapt to a different culture and way of life. I didn’t have all of the luxuries that we do in America, and it made me appreciate the smaller things in life.”
