Study Abroad - Cold Feet

By Ann Marie Tran on July 10, 2013

In less than a month I will be on a plane to Vietnam. Unlike most people who choose to study abroad, I have been terrified and reluctant. I have almost talked myself out of participating hundreds of times. In fact, I was originally supposed to be a part of the program last fall but withdrew at the very last moment. This year, I have the same stresses as before, but with the additional empowering feeling of regret for having backed out. I understand now that I owe it to myself to overcome these challenges.

  1. Will I graduate on time? Will any of these classes abroad count for credit?
    With the constant increases in tuition and fees I need to graduate on time. Therefore, planning my classes and credits for the future was essential.When studying abroad through the UC system, obtaining credit from classes abroad is not always definite. You must submit the paperwork petitioning for credit along with other necessary items for the class to be reviewed and considered. Even then, there is a possibility that the outcomes of your class taken abroad does not match with one at your home campus to earn credit from.Like many situations learned in college, you must be persistent and ready for anything. In order to prepare for the unknown I saved a few general education requirements which will be easier to complete while abroad than my major requirements. In addition, I visited my major, minor, and college counselors to review possible courses and their syllabuses at the university abroad to devise a proposed plan of which classes will most likely be accepted for credit.
  2. Where will I live when I come back?
    There are so many other students studying abroad during separate quarters/semesters than you as well as other options of subletting and/or month-to-month renting once you’re back from your travels. It would be nice to have concrete plans for housing before you leave, but it is not completely necessary to.
  3. Friends, Family, and the significant other?
    If they care about you and your future as much as you care about them they will want you to go and will understand that this is an amazing opportunity. Once you graduate you most likely will have a harder time trying to find the funds and time to travel.I mainly chose to stay because of my boyfriend at the time – a decision I strongly regret. We eventually ended up breaking up. However, if our relationship lasted I know there would be plenty of moments in which I would/do blame him from keeping me from such an experience.
  4. The Process – what do I do now?
    Last year’s and this year’s program has been just as unorganized and frustrating. I am scheduled to leave in less than a month but was granted my visa information and number only a few days ago. In addition, the program requires me to complete a research project or internship; however, they have yet to provide me with information as to where I will be placed or what I my job description is to be.There are bound to be a few speed bumps through the process regardless of which program, airline, university you chose – it is frustrating but understandable. Nevertheless, there is more of a feeling of victory for having made it this far and this close to leaving and beginning a new adventure.

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