The purpose of this presentation is to serve as a starting point to - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The purpose of this presentation is to serve as a starting point to your Study Abroad Experience! This is presentation will provide you with a great deal of the basic information you will need to know as you prepare to study abroad. This will also provide you with information so you can start asking the right questions. Ideally this will make your meeting with the study abroad office much more productive and useful. Read through the presentation, make note of any questions you may have and then sign up for a meeting at the Spiegel Center Study Abroad Office to continue on with the process. TOPICS: 1. Getting Started 2. Selecting a Program 3. Costs & Financing Study Abroad 4. The Application Process

Whether considering going abroad for a semester, a summer session, a winter term or an academic year. You literally have the world available to you! Depending upon your particular academic needs, personal interests and field

• f study, you have several choices on what type of programs available to

choose from. Keep in mind some locations are better suited to particular areas

• f study so you will need to review several things before deciding on where to

study abroad. Several study abroad programs offer students internship and service learning opportunities as well.

Things to Consider Just as you researched colleges and universities prior to your decision to attend RWU, you should take some time to explore the study abroad options to ensure that the study abroad program best meets your needs both academically and personally. Here are some items to consider while exploring the study abroad options. ACADEMICS: Are you looking to take courses in your major? What courses in my major are able to be taken abroad? Are you interested in doing a Core Concentration in International Studies? How much flexibility do I have in my overall academic schedule? What is the language of instruction for the program you are interested in? Have you reviewed your study abroad plans with your academic advisor? LOCATION: What country do you want to study in? Is an urban, suburban or rural location best suited for you? Can you manage cultural differences? LANGUAGE: Do you want to study in an English speaking country? Are you interested in studying in a non- English speaking country but take classes in English while abroad? Do you want to learn a language while you are abroad?

Things to Consider, continued WHAT TERM AND FOR HOW LONG?: Does fall or spring work better for your overall schedule? What duration works best, a semester or a full year? Does a summer program work better? PROGRAM MODEL: Are you looking for a program where you are enrolled in a foreign university? Is a smaller sized program, with other US students work better for you? HOUSING: Do you prefer to be on a campus setting? Does living with a host family interest you? Will you function well living more independently in an apartment setting? Does meal plan availability matter to you? COST: How much does it cost to live in the country I will be studying in? What is the exchange rate like? What is included in the semester fees charged by RWU? Are there scholarships available? SUPPORT SERVICES and PERSONAL WELL BEING: What type of staffing is present on the program I am looking at? Are orientations done on-site? Do you need any special accommodations (disability, dietary, health, etc.)? Are there any safety or risk factors you need to be aware of?

Getting Information There are many sources of information available to you to gather the information you will need to make an informed decision on the best program available to you. The Spiegel Center Study Abroad Office: This is will be your key location for all the information you are looking for. You will be able to pick up study abroad catalogs, set up advising meetings or arrange to speak with a past participant of a particular program. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM until 4:30 PM. Study Abroad Events: Every semester the Spiegel Center offers information sessions on the may different programs available. Additionally, every Friday there is an Open Information Session that is held from 2-4 PM in GHH 119. This session does not require an appointment and is a chance to discuss the information you need. Website: Use the resources available on the RWU Abroad Office website, https://rwu.abroadoffice.net. You are able to review program information, access scholarship information, complete application materials and communicate with the Study Abroad office staff.

Getting Information, continued Returning Students: Students who have studied abroad previously are a great source of information and

• assistance. These students are excited to share their knowledge and experience with interested students. If you

do not know someone who has been abroad, contact the Spiegel Center to be connected with past participants. Other Resources: There are many sites available to help you explore different programs options as well as learn more about the study abroad experience. Some sites include IIE Passport www.iiepassport.com, Studyabroad.com www.studyabroad.com and www.goabroad.com. These sites conta9in some helpful guides and overviews.

Have you spoken with you advisor about studying abroad?

You should meet with you advisor early in the study abroad process to discuss you current academic standing. This will allow you to determine where you stand with certain requirements and credits. These are items you need to be aware of to determine the best program for you. This is also important to determine how studying abroad will impact your progress towards earning your degree.

Programs Available Roger Williams University offers several different types of programs and locations to study abroad. These include the following:

• RWU Flagship Programs
• Direct Enroll Programs
• Affiliated Study Abroad Programs
• Discipline Specific Programs
• Short Term Faculty-led Programs

Programs Available RWU Flagship Programs These programs have been created specifically for our students to be able to enroll in RWU courses as specific locations around the world. These programs include:

• RWU Semester in Florence Program: This program runs both fall and spring. This program allows

Architecture students to study abroad while taking courses that satisfy their departmental requirements. Additionally students can study in Florence to satisfy a Core Concentration in International Studies.

• RWU London Theatre Program; This program is geared towards students interested in performing arts

but is open to students who may want to focus on British Studies as well. In addition to theatre courses being

• ffered, there are courses available to Dance majors as well.

Programs Available Direct Enroll Programs Roger Williams has developed relationships with many foreign universities. These relationships allow us to have qualified students enroll for a semester or year directly at these overseas partner universities. These programs allow students who are interested in a fully integrative experience to be a part of a campus abroad. Students will live with and take classes with students from the host institution. Currently RWU has partnered with the following universities:

• The University of Westminster, London, England
• The University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
• Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia

Programs Available Affiliated Study Abroad Programs Roger Williams has developed long standing relationships with several study abroad program providers. These affiliate have been identified for their high quality programs, academic rigor, and exceptional student service. By partnering with these affiliates, RWI is able to offer more diverse programs as well as locations to study in. Each of the affiliated programs have staff on sight to offer you assistance throughout your study abroad term. Our affiliated program providers include:

• Arcadia University
• Central College Abroad
• CIEE
• The Institute for Study Abroad-Butler University
• IPSL

Programs Available Discipline Specific Programs RWU has established some programs that are geared towards specific majors. Students looking to gain credits within their major can explore these options.

• Bermuda Institute for Ocean Sciences(BIOS), St. Georges, Bermuda
• CIEE’s Tropical Ecology in Monteverde , Costa Rica

Programs Available Short Term Faculty-led Programs RWU offers students the opportunity to study in locations around the world on short term, faculty-led

• programs. These programs are designed to allow students to earn 3 to 6 credits on programs that run during the

winter intersession, spring break or summer sessions. The programs on offer will vary each academic year so you should consult with the Spiegel center to determine what the current roster of programs is.

Summary Program options at RWU include:

• RWU Flagship Programs
• Direct Enroll Programs
• Affiliated Study Abroad Programs
• Discipline Specific Programs
• Short Term Faculty-led Programs

For the semester programs students will pay fess to RWU based on normal semester tuition charges. Students participating in these approved programs will remain enrolled at RWU which means you can apply any financial aid you have to your semester abroad charges. You should note that Faculty led programs will be an additional charge. Students interested in studying in a non-approved independent program must follow separate procedures. Please meet with the Spiegel Center prior to applying.

Costs Finances play a big role in a student’s decision to study abroad. Because of this Roger Williams University has attempted to make Study Abroad as accessible as possible for all students. When planning on studying abroad there are several factors to consider when it comes to finances. The process is set up so that students will continue to pay RWU for their tuition, room and if applicable, board while studying abroad. When starting the study abroad process it is important to be aware of what in included in your charges and also what you need to plan on spending out-of-pocket. Your personal expenses will be affected by exchange rates so this is something to become familiar with as well. Please consider the following items when exploring programs:

• Meal Plans
• Excursions
• Airfares
• Airport Pick-ups
• Orientation Programs
• Insurance

Costs continued Some of the out of pocket expenses you will need to consider will include

• Books
• Course fees
• Visa fees
• Travel Expenses
• Personal living expenses (laundry, personal supplies, gym, etc.)
• Personal spending money

Costs, continued All students participating in a semester program that is approved and affiliated with RWU will be billed for their semester abroad very much like they are normally billed. The semester charges for study abroad are made up of two components: 1. Semester Tuition: this amount will be the same tuition rate as what you would pay if you were taking semester courses here in Bristol. 2. Comprehensive Fee: this amount shows up on the semester bill and acts as the catch for all of the other semester charges associated with study abroad. The comprehensive fee includes room charges, meal charges (where applicable), health insurance and orientation program fees. For some programs the comprehensive fee will include other items, please check with the Spiegel Center to details on your particular program.

Financing Study Abroad If you have budgeted for a semester at RWU in Bristol, chances are you will be able to finance a semester abroad. By participating in one of our approved programs you will remain enrolled in RWU while you are abroad, this allows you apply any aid you may have to your semester charges, even if you are going abroad. Students are able to use their federal, state and institutional aid to apply towards their study abroad semester

• bills. The billing process, even though you may be studying abroad at another university, will remain the same.

Students should note that tuition remission and tuition exchange DO NOT apply to a study abroad.

Scholarships There are many scholarship opportunities to help you finance your semester abroad. These scholarships are

• ffered through a variety of program providers, foundations, or government agencies. I recommend that

students look for scholarship opportunities early in to process to take into account application deadlines.

• Roger Williams University does offer the “Bridging the World” scholarship to qualified students interested in

study abroad. Please visit the “Bridging the World” information page for details.

• For more scholarship information you can visit the Financial Aid & Scholarship page here .
• Visit www.studyabroadfunding.org for a comprehensive list of study abroad scholarships that are available.

Starting the Application After competing this General Overview, you should schedule a meeting to meet with the Study Abroad Office to discuss your plans. You can also start the application process after you have followed the program selection procedures and addressed any questions you have. In addition to meeting with the Spiegel Center Study Abroad Office, you should meet with your Academic Advisor to review your plans. When you are ready to start the applications you should visit the application portal located at http://rwu.abroadoffice.net. After creating an account, you can explore the programs, hit the “Apply To” link and then complete the associated application materials. The application materials will be a combination of

• nline forms as well as forms that you will need to print out, complete and hand in to the Spiegel Center. Please

remember that all application materials, even for affiliated programs will be handed in to the Spiegel Center. Students should be aware that all programs have different materials to be completed so do not be concerned if another students has different forms and procedures to follow.

Eligibility Requirements Each program will have it’s own set of admissions criteria, including minimum GPA and a minimum number of college credits completed. Students should be familiar with the eligibility requirements for the program they are pursuing. General RWU eligibility requirements that students must meet for a semester abroad include:

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Some programs will have a higher GPA requirement.
• Completion of at least 45 credits at the university level.
• Good judicial record
• To be in good standing at the university,

Please remember that studying abroad is a privilege, not a right

Application Deadlines Some programs do have space limitations so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The semester study abroad applications are always due the semester before you plan on going abroad.

• Applications are due March 1st for students studying abroad in the fall
• Applications are due October 1st for students studying abroad in the spring
• Short term Faculty-led program application deadlines will vary depending on the term. Please

consult the Spiegel center or the faculty program leader for information.

Notification After you have submitted a complete application, you will be notified by both the program sponsor as well as the Spiegel Center of your acceptance into the program. Expect 3-4 weeks for the acceptance notifications to come

• ut.

The Spiegel Center will have an official acceptance packet available for pick at that time. Upon acceptance into a program, there will be much more to do to prepare for your semester abroad.

Are you keeping you parents and family informed of your plans?

While it is crucial for you to take charge of your study abroad experience, it is also important to keep your family informed of your plans. Whether it is financial aid forms, insurance coverage review or simply the dates of the program, make sure you share the important information with your parents.

At this point please continue on with the application process. Use the resources located on this website to take the next required steps. As always, contact the Spiegel center if you have any questions.