Myths about Studying Abroad

1. IT'LL DELAY MY GRADUATION

Not necessarily. Not if you plan carefully. If you start working with your academic advisor NOW regarding your plans to study abroad, you can put aside electives and core requirements that can easily be taken abroad.

2. I CAN'T AFFORD IT!

The good news is that you probably CAN afford it! Studying abroad is not as difficult to work financially as you may think. La Salle's programs in Ireland and Italy actually cost less than the cost of tuition if you were to stay on campus for a semester. Additionally, federal and state financial aid will transfer for these programs.

3. I'LL MISS MY FRIENDS HERE

Sure, you'll miss your friends in the States, but you'll be making lots of new friends abroad. Why not try to persuade your friends to study abroad with you, or at the very least visit you while abroad? Additionally, email, instant messaging and international calling cards make it easy to stay in touch with loved ones at home.

4. WHAT ABOUT THE LANGUAGE BARRIERS

Don't let language be a factor in discouraging you from studying abroad, or steer you away from studying in a location such as Italy. Even if English is the only language you know, you can still study abroad. La Salle's program at The American University Rome is taught in English. Your time abroad is an excellent time to learn another language. You can work with your academic advisor as well as the International Education Coordinator to take your needs into account in order to find the perfect program for you.

5. I DON'T HAVE THE TIME!

There's no better time than now to experience the world. Once you've graduated and are working and dealing with other responsibilities there will be little time for travel. If you don't think you can be abroad an entire semester, you still have options. Summer programs can be as short as 4-6 weeks. Or, take advantage of La Salle's Travel/Study course offerings. You'll be taking a 3 credit course on La Salle's campus, and then get to travel with your class for 2 weeks.

Study abroad now, while you can earn credit and use financial aid to help cover the costs (and while you're still eligible for student discounts)!

6. Study abroad is just a frill. My time would better be put to use by pursuing an internship.

WRONG! Internships are certainly an important way to gain experience and assess your interest and abilities in a chosen field. However, the perceived value of study abroad by potential employers is actually increasing. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal stated that employers weigh study abroad experience more heavily than internship experience with otherwise similarly qualified candidates.

In addition to the stated practical nature of study abroad, international understanding and experience are essential for a well-rounded education in the 21st century. The world is a interconnected place. Why not try to understand it a bit better? Traveling to another country and experiencing another culture forces you to examine your own culture and beliefs, and see that despite many differences, people are quite similar the world over. As stated by St. Augustine, "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page."