It is, in fact, a small world.
And with the many options available through international and domestic study abroad programs at USM, traveling that world has never been more convenient.
Each year, hundreds of students go through a somewhat lengthy process to apply to study in other parts of the world. Courtney Albin, who is studying in Rome this semester explains that “you have to apply, get recommendations, submit transcripts, choose classes, apply for scholarships, etc. It’s like applying for college all over again.”
Kimberly Sinclair, the associate director in the Office of International Programs and National Student Exchange, says that only some of the programs that USM works with require interviews before you can be accepted.
Once you are accepted, the exchange program process is simple. All the classes you take abroad are based on the same credit system as USM. Housing options, both on- and off-campus or with host families, are researched to fit your needs and convenience and even food plans can often be arranged depending upon the university you decide to attend.
Before students embark, USM planners help them compile a budget of expenses.
Why go through the process? “Students want cultural growth, career goals, more diverse experiences, to expand their resume, learn about their ancestors and some just want to travel,” Sinclair said.
This year, popular destinations for USM students were Italy, France, and Latin America, however, this varies every year. Changes in the cultures around the world have inspired people to travel to more unusual destinations, such as Hungary and Dubai.
Both summer and semester time spans are available. With some traveling programs offered through USM’s summer program, students don’t have to make the travel plans, they participate in a planned package of travel and study. The popular choice last year was to go to Thailand for a course about Theravada Buddhism.
As far as knowing other languages, this is not a necessity in order to study abroad-not all programs require you to speak the language of the country to which you are traveling. There are programs offered in countries like England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand where English is the official language.
If you choose to go to a non-English-speaking country, there are usually at least several classes offered in English. The office encourages you to have some prior language lessons, and ask that you take a language course while you are there, but neither are mandatory.
A concern for some student travelers is safety. Sinclair assured that USM takes this seriously into consideration. “The office works with the students to find safe and comfortable programs to suit each individual.” This is one of the first things covered at the student’s pre-departure orientation.
Another concern is often price. Sinclair pointed out “there are all price ranges, depending on the programs and the length of time spent, and where you go. The programs that are within U.S. borders make it very affordable and still provide a very different cultural experience.” There are many programs to which you pay USM tuition rates, and to which your financial aid applies, as well as non-USM programs that offer a variety of price ranges and scholarships.
Some programs offer internships. For example, there are many opportunities for students in the school of business for international training. They allows students to go to the business capitals of the world, like China and India. Service learning has also become increasingly popular-there is an annual trip to Belize through the social work program, as well as trips to the Dominican Republic through health sciences.
Albin, from her current home in Rome, describes her experience.
“From the hundreds of people I’ve met to the natives within the countries-and the multiple countries I have seen, I have learned more than I could ever have imagined in a classroom in Maine. I’m taking some core requirements here. One is art history, another is history, so I’m in Rome and actually get to see the Coliseum and the Roma Forum, etc. It is fascinating. All in all, the process is long and at points tedious, but in the end I can’t imagine being anywhere else. It makes you grow as a person. I’m living in an Italian residential area with four other Americans but the entire apartment is Italians. I have no choice but to try and fit in.”
Albin has been to Venice and Florence, skydived and skied in Switzerland, traveled to Prague and will soon be going to Greece, Sicily, Capri, Tuscany, and Amsterdam. She encourages others to step up and take part in one of these fulfilling experiences.