Part 22: Studying Abroad - CIEE
Want to see the world while you learn? Then maybe
studying abroad is in your future.
The Council of
International Education Exchange (CIEE) http://www.ciee.org/ is the leading U.S. non-governmental
international education organization. CIEE creates and administers programs
that allow high school and university students and educators to study,
volunteer, work and teach abroad. CIEE
is composed of three interrelated but operationally independent entities based
in Portland, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; and Tokyo, Japan.
Among many
activities, CIEE administers 60 study abroad programs in over 30 host
countries, 800 volunteer projects in 30 host countries, work programs in
Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand and teaching programs in China and
Thailand. Educators can participate in January and summer seminars in 20
countries.
You’re ready to
invest in your academic and personal growth. You’ve got the wanderlust, and you
can get the cash (http://www.ciee.org/study/scholarships.aspx). But before you go
looking for the right study abroad program, you may find yourself asking: How
do I choose a program?
The
study abroad experts at CIEE offer the following answers:
- Start by setting your academic goals. Make this your No. 1 priority. Of course,
studying abroad is a learning experience, but setting specific objectives
of what you expect to learn truly defines the success of your endeavor.
These objectives will also act as a guiding star by which to steer your
academic course — not to mention your time and money.
Also, conveying specific goals to your academic advisor and parents will
indicate the depth of your commitment to your education and thus make them
more inclined to help you succeed.
- Assess your level of self-sufficiency in a foreign place. CIEE prepares you with pre-departure
information, an orientation program after you arrive, and continued advice
and support by experienced professionals throughout your program. Even so,
everyone has different prerequisites to feeling comfortable in a foreign
environment. So take a moment to assess your personal requirements for
independence. Think about, for example, whether you like to be shown the
ins and outs of a new place, or if you prefer to figure things out on your
own.
By offering a variety of living arrangements, CIEE can often match your
needs to the appropriate accommodations, such as dormitory-style
residences or living with local families (homestays).
- Know your language ability.
Many of CIEE’s programs are taught in English.
However, if you’re applying for a course taught in another language, be
sure it matches your level of proficiency. The good news is that many of
these courses are taught with foreign students like you in mind and the
professors all want you to succeed, so will do everything they can to
ensure that you do so.
Once you’ve given proper thought to these considerations, you can proceed with
study abroad preparations with greater confidence.
Studying
abroad may not be for everyone, but if you are brave enough to step out of the
box, there are many opportunities available for you!
General Contact Information:
CIEE
7
Custom House Street, 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101
Toll-Free: 1-800-40-STUDY
1-207-553-7600
Fax: 1-207-553-7699
Other
resources for studying abroad:
The Council of International Education
Exchange (CIEE)
– http://www.ciee.org/
High
School Programs - http://us.councilexchanges.org/opportunities/usa_hs/hsportal.html
Institute of International
Education - http://www.iiepassport.org/
WVU
International Programs - http://www.wvu.edu/~intlprog/studyabroad.html
WVU
Student Funding - http://www.wvu.edu/~intlprog/studentfunding.html
All "College Tips"
columns are available at http://www.newstribune.info
WV Mentor http://www.wvmentor.org
WV Apply, Admission and
Financial Aid Information at http://www.wvapply.com
Potomac State College of West Virginia University at http://www.potomacstatecollege.edu or
(304-788-6820 or toll free: 1-800-262-7332)
Mineral County Technical Center at http://mctc.mine.tec.wv.us/college.htm
(304-788-4240)
Eastern Community and Technical College at http://www.eastern.wvnet.edu
(304-434-8000; or toll free: 1-877-982-2322)