essay study abroad

Crafting the Perfect Study Abroad Essay

Follow these tips to make your study abroad essay stand out.

• Applying to Study Abroad

Whether you just want to do a semester or an entire program abroad, it’s likely a study abroad essay will be required. Students are beginning to realize what a great opportunity it is to take their studies abroad. Not only is it a great way to make new friends, practice your language skills, and travel while studying, it’s also great to put on a resume . So, it’s no wonder students are lining up to pick their top destinations and programs to study abroad.

To make sure they pick students who are ready and serious about studying abroad , most schools will, therefore, require a study abroad essay. The essay is a chance to make a great first impression and show the university administration that you’re ready to make the commitment to take your education even further by going abroad.

Consider some of the following tips to really make your study abroad essay stand out!

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1) Explain Why Study Abroad Will Make a Difference for Your Studies

A lot of students want to study abroad just for the experience and the excitement of living and learning abroad. These are important aspects, of course; however, school administration wants to know why going to your top study abroad destination will make a difference to your education.

Be specific! Explain the impact studying abroad will have on your personal and professional growth. Don’t just highlight how you think you will learn a lot. What do you expect to get from the program specifically? Is there a reason you picked one country over another to study in?

The more specific you are the better. It shows the university that you have given serious thought to your studies and that you are ready for the commitment!

2) Let Them Know Why You Picked Where You Want to Study

Instead of just saying you will study anywhere, as long as it’s abroad, tell the university why you picked your top study abroad destination. Write with enthusiasm and let admissions know what you are excited to see and do in your new home.

Make sure you do the research in advance! Name some museums you would be interested in exploring or some monument you would be interested in seeing. It’s in your favor if you can also tie these back to your study program!

This will show your school that you will not take your study abroad experience for granted, and that you already have things to do to integrate into your new home easier.

3) Describe Why You’re Qualified

Whether you've recently entered college or are ready to graduate, your experience says a lot about what you will accomplish on your study abroad. If you want to make your study abroad essay stand out, make sure to make mention of your previous experience.

Mention major academic accomplishments, work experience, or skills that you might find useful abroad, such as knowledge of a second language.

The university knows you will learn a lot during your time abroad, but the more you can bring to the program, the better!

4) Show Your Personality

The best study abroad essays are the ones with a little bit of personality! Your essay should still sound professional, but don’t be afraid to let yourself shine through as well. Studying abroad comes with challenges, and if the university gets a sense you are ready for them, you will move to the top of the list.

Add a personal story about something relevant to living and studying abroad. Describe a time you traveled somewhere new or met a friend from a different country. A well-rounded individual with some experience is the perfect candidate for studying abroad.

Showing some enthusiasm while also keeping your expectations realistic is the right way to show the admissions team that you have thought long and hard about your decision to study abroad, and that you are ready to pack up and move abroad.

5) Follow Instructions

It might sound simple, but if you don’t want your study abroad essay to be immediately tossed aside, make sure to read and follow all the instructions given. Some universities will ask specific questions or ask students to format their essays in a particular way.

Don’t ignore these instructions! It’s the first step to making a great impression.

If the essay is open-ended — great! Follow our tips to get inspired. But, if there are specific questions, make sure you answer them clearly and concisely. There might not be any right or wrong answers, but your school will still be looking for students who are able to express themselves and get their point across.

The Perfect Study Abroad Essay

If you followed our advice so far, you’ll be looking at the study abroad essay that’s going to get you into the program of your choice at the study abroad destination of your dreams!

Don't forget to proofread before handing in your essay. If possible, it's great to have someone take a look over it as well, especially if it's a professor or someone who has written a study abroad essay before.

Unsure of where to study abroad?

Check out our handy country guides!

Keystone Team Author

The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.

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How to Write a Kick-Ass Application Essay

If so, read on – after reading hundreds of essays for applications and scholarships during my career, I can say with enthusiasm what the best essays contain (hint – the answer lies in the essay prompt).

I’ve been thinking about writing this post for quite some time; however, recently I was a reviewer for a national scholarship competition and it’s time that I share the step-by-step process that I wish all students would take for essays.

Step 1: Read the prompt.

No, really.  Read it.  The whole thing.  Yep, even that little bit at the end that describes the formatting.

Yes, there are a lot of words.

We know.  However, all of those words were used for a reason.

Keep in mind that for these kinds of prompts, your essays likely determine a significant part of your future .

All right.  Now that you’ve read the prompt, it’s time to move on to…

Step 2: Re-read and dissect the prompt.

Ah HA!  You thought you were done with the prompt!

This time,  realllllllly  read that sucker.  It maybe looks something like this:

For the blah blah blah program/scholarship/college, describe your personal, professional, and academic goals and how this program will help you achieve those goals. Also, give us some information about your background.

With your favorite highlighting tool, find all of the things that the reviewing committee might be looking for.  This is why you’ve read the prompt at least twice by this time.  Here is what the prompt should look like now:

For the blah blah blah program/scholarship/college, describe your personal , professional , and academic goals and how this program will help you achieve those goals .  Also, give us some information about your background .  

It sounds suspiciously like the reviewers will be looking for 4 things – how the program will help you personally, how the program will help you professionally, how the program will help you academically, and your background.

(Side note: usually essay prompts provide really specific questions that address what the reviewers want to hear about your background.  Keep your response in this part focused on what they ask to hear.)

It looks like you have all of the sections of your essay by now.  Now, it’s time for…

Step 3: Brain dump into your essay sections.

A more sophisticated description of this part is “brainstorm” or “outline.”  I don’t care what you call it – just get your ideas into the appropriate areas.

Let’s say I’m planning on studying abroad in China for an immersive language program because I’m a linguistics major.  My application outline would probably look something like this:

• Always fascinated by Chinese culture because of my third grade teacher
• Started studying Mandarin when I was 8 and have wanted to immerse myself in Chinese culture ever since
• Became a linguistics major to develop a better understanding about the world and international relations
• Primary language goal is to develop working knowledge of 20,000 Chinese characters
• Adding an East Asian studies minor
• Required to have a global component as part of studies; this will fulfill it
• Hope to work with Chinese immigrants by providing relocation help
• Plan to move to China or Taiwan after graduation for a year as a translator
• Ultimately want to develop a bilingual business that works with incoming Chinese students
• Studying abroad in an unfamiliar context will challenge me in every way
• Will be better equipped to assist immigrants and refugees, like I currently do as a volunteer
• I hate being alone; I hope that this experience will allow me to be more comfortable with being alone

Notice that each section is fairly even.  This is important – sometimes it is very easy to provide more details in one section over another (yep, that infamous “tell me about yourself” section).  You don’t want to get distracted from the overall point of the essay.

Now that you have an outline of sorts, you can move on to…

Step 4: Put your brain dump into complete sentences.

Create the sentences!  Use all of the tools you have learned in every writing class you have ever taken to form non-caveman-like sentences.  Use the appropriate writing style for your audience.

Once you feel like you are out of sentences (or you have reached the word limit), you can proceed to…

Step 5: Tear your paper apart (figuratively).

That escalated quickly.

Before you destroy your work, take a breather.  Take some time away.  Grab a coffee (or a beverage of your choosing) and think about things that are not your essay for a little bit.

Then, sit back down and read your essay while pretending like you didn’t write the essay.

Identify the parts where even you felt a little bored (be honest).  Think about the following questions: can you clean up the language to make it less “blah?”  Is this absolutely necessary for the overall essay?  What can you take out?  What should you move around?

If something doesn’t make sense, change it so it does.

I know that it is horrendously hard to edit your own essay.  Everything in your essay feels important to you, but for your own good it’s important to politely break up with some not-so-strong sentences that could bring down your essay overall.

If you need to tell the sentence “it’s not you, it’s me” before you delete it, that’s fine.  Just let go of the sentences that aren’t supporting you in the way that they should.  Be strong.  You can do it.  We all believe in you.  Now…

Step 6: Make the paragraphs!

Realize that, before, I only said to write in complete sentences.  If you already naturally created paragraphs, fabulous!  If you didn’t, think about your future and break your sentence groupings into those paragraphs.

As you read along, are there transitions between your paragraphs, or do things still feel disjointed?  Transitions are sometimes tricky, but are incredibly important – they can make your entire essay seem well-reasoned, while their absence can make you appear unsure about why you should be considered for the program.

Finally, now you can go to…

Step 7: Review your beautiful essay.

Look at the prompt again.  It will always be following you.

After a quick read of your essay, ask – did you answer all of the questions?  Did you  really answer all of the questions?  Did you put similar examples behind each portion, or are you a little heavy-handed at parts?

This is a good time to tweak some of your word choices, review your paragraph order, and double check that everything makes sense.

Generally speaking, application reviewers might cringe at incorrect word choice, grammar, or punctuation, but these errors won’t make or break most applications (unless the application is for a position with an emphasis on attention to detail).  For example, my soul quivers with anxiety when I see the wrong form of to/too/two, your/you’re/yore and other similar words, but that’s the worst that can happen with that.

Reviewers will, however, be able to tell if you skipped large portions of an essay prompt and can remove your application from consideration for not answering part of a question.

This is why, at the end of the day, your success or failure all comes back to the essay prompt and your attention to it.

Some final thoughts:

• If you are asked at any time to talk about your goals, make sure that they are  SMART : S pecific, M easurable, A ttainable, R elevant and T ime-bound.
• Use punctuation.  Commas save lives.
• Transitions between your paragraphs will make your essay fluid (and keep your reviewer happy).
• Avoid stream-of-conscience writing.  You know, like this entire post.
• Search your paper for idiomatic phrases.  Change them.
• Ask a friend, trusted neighbor, stranger on the street, or someone who knows nothing about your program to read your essay (in exchange for something, of course).  If any parts seem unclear to them, retool the parts that are unclear.
• Proofread all of the things.

Hopefully now you will be on your way to completing a competitive essay!

For more study abroad inspiration and tips, follow me on Pinterest !

Related posts: Ask an Advisor: Where Should I Study Abroad? How to Get Credit for Study Abroad Programs Why Students Prefer Spring Study Abroad (and Why You Should Consider Fall!) 7 Habits of Successful Study Abroad Students Study Abroad Guide: Preparation Phase

Do you have any tips for writing a kick-ass essay?  Share below!

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100 Study Abroad Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that allows students to immerse themselves in a new culture, gain a global perspective, and develop valuable skills that will benefit them both academically and professionally. One of the key components of the study abroad application process is the essay, where students are required to articulate their reasons for wanting to study abroad and how they believe the experience will benefit them.

To help students brainstorm ideas for their study abroad essays, we have compiled a list of 100 study abroad essay topic ideas and examples that cover a wide range of themes and experiences. Whether you are looking to explore a specific aspect of a particular destination or reflect on your personal growth and development during your time abroad, these essay topics are sure to inspire you to craft a compelling and memorable essay.

• Why do you want to study abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you achieve your academic and career goals?
• What specific academic or professional skills do you hope to gain from studying abroad?
• How do you plan to immerse yourself in the local culture while studying abroad?
• What challenges do you anticipate facing while studying abroad, and how do you plan to overcome them?
• How will studying abroad help you develop a global perspective?
• How do you plan to stay connected with your home country while studying abroad?
• What do you hope to learn about yourself while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad impact your personal growth and development?
• What impact do you hope to have on the local community while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you become a more independent and self-reliant individual?
• What cultural differences do you expect to encounter while studying abroad, and how do you plan to navigate them?
• How will studying abroad help you become a more empathetic and understanding individual?
• What specific experiences or activities do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you become a more confident and self-assured individual?
• How do you plan to document and reflect on your study abroad experience?
• What advice would you give to future students who are considering studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you become a more open-minded and tolerant individual?
• What impact do you hope to have on your host institution while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your communication and interpersonal skills?
• How do you plan to balance your academic responsibilities with your personal interests while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural traditions or customs do you hope to learn about while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you become a more adaptable and flexible individual?
• What specific challenges do you anticipate facing while studying abroad, and how do you plan to overcome them?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your problem-solving and critical thinking skills?
• What specific courses or subjects do you hope to study while abroad, and why?
• How will studying abroad help you become a more resilient and determined individual?
• What specific extracurricular activities do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to make the most of your study abroad experience?
• What specific cultural landmarks or attractions do you hope to visit while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you become a more creative and innovative individual?
• What specific cultural events or festivals do you hope to attend while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to make friends and build relationships with your classmates while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural practices or customs do you hope to engage in while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you become a more socially responsible and ethical individual?
• What specific volunteer or service opportunities do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local community and make a positive impact while studying abroad?
• What specific internships or research opportunities do you hope to pursue while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your leadership and teamwork skills?
• What specific career opportunities or networking events do you hope to take advantage of while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to maintain a healthy work-life balance while studying abroad?
• What specific language immersion programs or courses do you hope to enroll in while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your language proficiency and fluency?
• What specific cultural excursions or field trips do you hope to participate in while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to document and share your study abroad experience with others?
• What specific cultural artifacts or artworks do you hope to study or analyze while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your critical and analytical thinking skills?
• What specific cultural cuisines or dishes do you hope to sample or try while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local arts and entertainment scene while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural performances or exhibitions do you hope to attend while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your creativity and artistic talents?
• What specific cultural museums or galleries do you hope to visit while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local music and dance scene while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural traditions or rituals do you hope to experience or participate in while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your cultural awareness and sensitivity?
• What specific cultural literature or poetry do you hope to read or study while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local history and heritage while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural myths or legends do you hope to learn about while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your historical knowledge and understanding?
• What specific cultural landmarks or monuments do you hope to explore or visit while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local politics and government while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural festivals or holidays do you hope to celebrate or observe while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your political awareness and activism?
• What specific cultural customs or traditions do you hope to learn about or partake in while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local religion and spirituality while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural rituals or ceremonies do you hope to witness or participate in while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your religious and spiritual beliefs?
• What specific cultural beliefs or values do you hope to explore or understand while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local philosophy and ethics while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural philosophies or ideologies do you hope to study or analyze while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your philosophical and ethical perspectives?
• What specific cultural debates or controversies do you hope to engage in or discuss while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local sociology and anthropology while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural practices or norms do you hope to learn about or question while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your sociological and anthropological insights?
• What specific cultural identities or communities do you hope to explore or interact with while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local gender and sexuality while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural gender roles or sexual norms do you hope to challenge or understand while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your gender and sexuality awareness?
• What specific cultural diversity or inclusion initiatives do you hope to support or promote while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local race and ethnicity while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural racial or ethnic issues do you hope to address or confront while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your racial and ethnic consciousness?
• What specific cultural migration or diaspora experiences do you hope to explore or learn about while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local immigration and citizenship while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural immigration or citizenship policies do you hope to investigate or analyze while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your immigration and citizenship knowledge?
• What specific cultural globalization or localization trends do you hope to study or critique while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local economy and business while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural economic or business practices do you hope to observe or participate in while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your economic and business acumen?
• What specific cultural sustainability or environmentalism initiatives do you hope to engage in or support while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local environment and ecology while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural environmental or ecological issues do you hope to address or investigate while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your environmental and ecological awareness?
• What specific cultural health or wellness practices do you hope to learn about or adopt while studying abroad?
• How do you plan to engage with the local healthcare and wellness while studying abroad?
• What specific cultural healthcare or wellness challenges do you hope to address or overcome while studying abroad?
• How will studying abroad help you develop your healthcare and wellness knowledge?
• What specific cultural technology or innovation trends do you hope to study or experiment with while studying abroad?

These 100 study abroad essay topic ideas and examples cover a wide range of themes and experiences that students can explore and reflect on in their study abroad essays. Whether you are looking to focus on a specific aspect of a particular destination or delve into your personal growth and development during your time abroad, these essay

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Student Guide

The Study Abroad Application

While not every school will use the same study abroad application, I am willing to bet that most applications will have pretty similar components. Based on my own experience with the study abroad application process, I’ve compiled a few helpful hints to get you thinking on the right track, as well as provide guidance in case you run into some difficulties.

The study abroad application will look almost like a regular college application. Remember how much work you put into those? Put the same amount of effort into your study abroad application. Unlike the college selection process, there’s no back up or safety net… you only get one shot at this so you need to do it right.

More than likely, it will consist of the following: A personal statement, letters of recommendation, possible course selections, health clearance forms and a general information form.

API programs offer students the opportunity to earn college credit toward their degree programs in the U.S. by completing coursework in a wide variety of disciplines, including such fields as business, the social sciences, medical studies and the arts.

General Information Forms

This will probably be just a generic form requiring the basics like personal information, emergency contacts, degree information, etc. Nothing complicated. Just fill in the blanks.

Study Abroad Health Clearance Forms

You’re going to need to get a complete physical, and the doctor will have to confirm that you’re fit enough to go abroad and that you’re up-to-date on all of your vaccinations. Understandably, no country wants a foreigner bringing in diseases. Your doctor will have to fill-out the forms after your physical and send them to the school study abroad office or wherever instructed, so don’t procrastinate on these! Doctors are always busy, and it could be a while before they get yours done.

Possible Study Abroad Course Selections

This may be called either a home approval form, or course approval form. Make sure you’ve looked at your progress toward graduation. Compare classes from your host school’s course catalogue with those classes you’ll need to complete your major/ minor and fulfill general requirements, and also identify classes that just generally seem interesting.

Letters of Recommendation for Study Abroad Applicants

Depending on how many are required, ask your favorite professors and mentors if they would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation. If you don’t have a close relationship with any professors, it’s ok to choose a few that may have liked you, or in whose class you did particularly well. If they don’t really know you, don’t worry. Professors are used to writing recommendation letters, and will probably have a generic letter that they can use. In this case, if your personal statement is already done, give them a copy along with anything else you think might help them get a better picture of who you are and why you want to go abroad.

Forum-Nexus

Forum-Nexus Study Abroad has a track record of 29 years of successful intensive summer programs around the world. Since 1990, over 3,400 students have participated in Forum-Nexus international multi-country summer programs in 15 countries.The courses are open to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to alumni seeking professional development.

Personal Statement - Study Abroad Essay 101

This is the part of the study abroad application that some people dread, and some people love. Don’t worry; I’ll break it down step by step. You already know the reasons you want to go abroad, now you just have to put them on paper to try and convince your school that you should go. Here’s writing your study abroad essay 101:

First, in a nice intro paragraph, explain your reasons for studying abroad. If you're still deciding your best course of action, review some of our deciding to study abroad resources . Just give a general overview since you’ll be getting into the specifics later in the essay. Include why you want to go abroad, what originally interested you in going abroad, what school you plan on attending, along with anything else that seems relevant.

Academics are always going to be number one in the minds of your deans, advisors and faculty, so it’s not a bad idea to go there next. Explain how going to class in a different culture will expand your capacity to learn and interpret new information. Let them know if by going abroad, you’ll be able to complete certain requirements for your major or just make progress toward your degree in general. Be sure to mention if there are classes offered abroad that aren’t available at your home school.

Next, go into depth about why you chose the location and the school that you did. Does the school have a great reputation internationally? Do you have family roots in a particular country? Really get into the fact that you want to explore the specific culture of that country or region. The more sincere and direct you are about why you want to go where you’re going, the more likely the study abroad admissions staff will approve your application.

Don’t forget to include personal reasons and interests as well. You still need to be selective in what you write – the study abroad admissions office will need to see that you’re mature enough to live in another country, but don’t be afraid to go beyond academics. One of the biggest reasons I went to Scotland was because of golf, and I wrote that in my essay. I didn’t say I wanted to wake up and be lazy on the golf course every day. I explained that golf is a huge aspect of Scottish culture; it holds a different place over there than it does in the States, and it would greatly help me integrate into the local culture.

Studying abroad is more than just an academic experience — it’s a life experience. A CEA education abroad expands the boundaries of your education and transforms the world into your classroom. With destinations in 21 cities across 12 countries, CEA offers a balance of academics and adventure to thousands of students each year. Where will your learning take you?

Writing Tips for Your Study Abroad Application Essay

Sentences like, “I am excited to learn about the culture of Scotland through golf,” are a good start, but something even better might be, “It would be the pinnacle of my golfing career to experience the game of golf in its finest form in its birthplace of Scotland. There, golf is not just considered a sport, but also a vital element of Scottish culture.” Make the effort to write with quality in mind and of course honesty.

End the essay with a strong closing paragraph. Express interest in learning about local culture, such as in Japan where you’ll enjoy both the historic artistry of the culture and the modern amenities of the country. Talk about getting an education, not only in terms of academics, but in life as well. Be specific and explain your desire to pursue those interests and hobbies that you’ve picked up in college, and earlier, in a foreign country.

This is just as important as any other admissions letter you’ve ever written. Use correct grammar and avoid spelling mistakes. Write multiple drafts and have someone competent edit it for you. Better yet, have two. And of course, get it in on time!

Be sincere, be honest, and be smart.

There you have it. Those are my suggested ins and outs of the study abroad application… not as scary as you may have thought.

Scholarship Essay Samples and Tips

Scholarship essay samples.

• Scholarship Essay Sample A
• Scholarship Essay Sample B

Scholarship Essay Tips

• Here are some great scholarship essay tips!

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Articles & Advice > Financial Aid > Blog

How to Write a Winning Study Abroad Scholarship Essay

Studying abroad is a big and expensive part of many students' education, and scholarships can help with that. Here's how to ace those study abroad scholarship essays.

by Ashley Halsey Professional Educator and Writer

Last Updated: Mar 16, 2023

Originally Posted: Nov 23, 2019

Studying abroad is a dream opportunity that can have so many benefits, some of which you may not even realize as you head into your application or daydream about having the chance to go. The most obvious benefit is that you get to experience a different culture, different people, or a different way of life. This is fascinating on its own and could be considered reason enough to start your application. Add to that the opportunity to freshen your perspective with a change of scenery, make new friends, potentially pay lower tuition and living fees, learn a different language, and broaden your understanding of the world, and you’ve got something all students should at least think about doing while at university.

Of course, study abroad isn’t as easy as signing a form and away you go. Most of the time, you’ll need to have some financial support from an institution before you can go galloping off. To earn this, you’ll almost always have to write an essay and compete with your peers for the opportunity. So, here are some tips for making sure that it’s you getting on that plane and not anyone else.

Read the prompt carefully

The most classic error students make with any essay is not answering the question. This goes for travel abroad writing as much as anything else. “You can write the most incredible essay full of perfect demonstrations of your intelligence and passion, but if it doesn’t answer the question, it won’t get considered at all,” says Jake Cole, an educator at Writinity . You’ll also write a more informed essay if you really understand the parameters of your question. You might easily be vague in how you respond if you don’t really know what you’re responding to. A good technique is to reread the question several times, highlighting operative words when they occur to you as a way to keep things under control.

Related: How to Read a College Application Essay Prompt

Surprise your reader

It’s easy to write formulaic essays —an intro, a few body paragraphs, a conclusion, and you’re done. A study abroad essay is unorthodox by nature, so you definitely don’t want to limit yourself in form or substance. The other thing you’re up against is how much competition there is for each spot in the program. The people who make decisions will read hundreds of essays, and you want to make sure yours stands out so come decision time, they haven’t forgotten yours exists. Take an approach to your essay that’s different from what you suspect others are going for. Use your alternative approach as a connection to how strongly you feel about the application. It’s easy to dash off a standard essay, but it’s difficult to slowly piece together something more unusual and specific. It shows care and attention, two traits they’ll want to see to prove you actually deserve the scholarship. 

Run your essay past the right people

It’s easy to get too insular as you work on an essay. They tend to take a good amount of time, and most people prefer to work in isolation. This means you could write an essay for six hours without even stopping to let your own mind have a subjective overview, let alone get an outside opinion. “Whenever I write anything extended, I will always run it past people around me. In the case of a scholarship essay, past winners, parents, people from where you are hoping to transfer to, and your professors are going to be your biggest resources as you try to put something of consequence together,” explains Kaya Gopal, tutor at DraftBeyond and ResearchPapersUK . Always get second, third, and fourth opinions on your content to make sure you’re in the best position to avoid getting lost in your own work, which can definitely happen if you aren’t careful.

Related:   Secrets to Writing an Amazing Scholarship Essay  

This is always important! Making mistakes in a standard essay is bad, but you’re fighting so hard in a study abroad scholarship essay that if you aren’t vigilant about the small things, those judging your work will be eager to cut you out to save themselves the trouble. Proofreading is a complex process. It’s harder than just passing an eye over your work. There are different layers to it: Does your essay’s logic stand? Have you done everything you said you’d do? Is it structured correctly? Is all the spelling correct? The grammar ? The syntax? Each of these details is as important as the rest. Again, getting these things correct helps demonstrate to readers how committed you are to your application and how much work you’re willing to put in to be accepted. Conversely, if you fail to proofread, it comes across like you don’t care about your application.

Do your research

Before you write your essay, you need to research the country, city, and institution you’ll attend if you get the scholarship and, in a different sense, you need to research yourself. Researching yourself means knowing why it is that you actually want the scholarship and how it will be instrumental in making a difference in your life. This means taking some time for reflection.

Related: List: The Experts’ Choice: Terrific Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad is such an incredible opportunity, so you have to do everything in your power to ensure the application you put in to secure funding is as strong as possible. Hopefully these tips will help as you think about writing your essay.

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How to Write Your Study Abroad Essay?

A study abroad essay portrays your intent and expectations from your trip to a foreign country, either for a semester or a couple of years. To write a really impressive study abroad essay, you need to be absolutely clear about your reasons for studying abroad. This is one of the most crucial points and it will reflect in your essay. 

Studying abroad is the beginning of a new and potentially life-changing journey. By delivering a good and impactful essay, you get an edge over your contemporaries and ensure that you get selected for the study abroad program of your university. Here are few tips for you to follow to write a captivating study abroad essay:

Start by writing down all of your expectations for studying abroad.

This is just to get an idea of what you want your essay to be about primarily. Imagine yourself in the country you want to visit. What would you do there? How do you plan to adapt to their culture?

Write about how you plan to make the most of your experience while staying there and what you wish to gain from your experience of studying abroad.

Write a good introduction

A good introduction sets the direction of the essay. If it is engaging, then the reader will proceed to read the rest of the essay in a good mood.

Start with the reasons behind your decision of going abroad for studying. Write about what inspired you to opt for a study abroad program and what drove you to reach this decision. Describe how you can benefit from studying in a place that is completely different from your current learning atmosphere.

Expand your expectations in the body of the essay

Now use the rough notes you created in the beginning as a guide to write the body of your essay. Elaborate on each point. Present all of your intentions in an organized manner.

This is where you would state your reason for choosing the particular country and university to study abroad. Mention your reasons for choosing them.

Highlight the defining characteristics of the country and the university and how you wish to benefit from it. Being really specific with your intentions will give an impression to the reader that you know exactly what you want and that you deserve to be selected for the program.

Expand on how you will benefit from interacting with students from different backgrounds.

You can even add your personal reasons for choosing that location as well. It will enable the reader to connect with you in a better way.

Show how you can be an asset to the study abroad program

Your program wants to be represented by the best candidate. Make them believe that it is you. Write about your strengths and how you will harness them during the course of your stay abroad.

If you can make it absolutely clear about what is it that you seek to derive from this opportunity and how you can deliver a good performance, you have a higher chance of being selected.

Conclude your essay on a good note

In the end, correlate and summarize all the main points. And make sure you write the essay in a way that captures the real you. You are a unique individual with a unique personality and you have something worthwhile to share with the world. Stay true to yourself and your ideas. Be sincere and honest with all of your points and the essay will definitely reflect your true personality.

When you are done writing the essay, leave it for a couple of hours or even overnight. Come back and proofread with a fresh mind.

Finally, you can you get someone else to read your complete essay. Get other people’s opinion and make suitable changes but stick to your original ideas.

The process of writing the essay itself marks the beginning of a new and special journey of your life. Remember to relax and enjoy the process of writing the essay. Staying calm will allow you to put forward your ideas in a more accurate and efficient way.

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• How to Write an Outstanding Study Abroad Application Essay

in Studying Abroad February 2, 2018 at 9:14:54 AM | Valentin - Nicușor Barbu | 3 minutes, 56 seconds to read | 0 comment

The study abroad application essay is an important part of the college application process.It is a great opportunity to provide valuable information about yourself and your career interests. The content is significant because it gives insight on why you should be selected for a program or school.It provides why you want to participate in the program and why you are the best candidate.Completing the assignment is easy when planning ahead. Here are the basics to help you get started.

Collect Ideas via Brainstorming

How can I write my essay online and get the help I need for my paper? Start by reviewing guidelines and instructions for the paper. Based on the topic information they provide start coming up with ideas for writing.Think about the course or school you are applying. Consider the atmosphere and your career goals and personal interests. Use these aspirations to create original topics for writing.Think about the importance of studying abroad and why it is significant to your learning needs and experience.Narrow down the list of ideas until you find something you can write in full detail.

Develop an Outline

An outline is essential for writing and it breaks up the task into easier segments. Your paper will have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Your outline will have each of these sections but you can mention significant points to discuss. You can focus on developing each one at a time. Your intro will mention your thesis statement. The body will mention three points each having its own paragraph. The conclusion is last summarizing main and supporting points discussed throughout your paper. Essay help through writing tools such as an outline is beneficial for any form of writing.

Explore Supporting Details

As you work on your outline your attention will turn toward supporting statements for your main idea or thesis statement .You'll brainstorm information to support your idea.You will discuss why you want to study abroad and mention experiences or things you have learned contributing to your decision.What you are passionate about should be connected to your main and supporting points to give insight about your educational intentions. Spend time developing a solid thesis statement and supporting details to help your paper come together.

Be Comfortable with Yourself

As you provide information about your career goals, be true to who you are and what you aspire to be.It is important to be professional and formal with your content, but don't lose the essence of who you are. Let your personality come through your words.It will help distinguish your application from the others.Sharing who you are lets the school know why you are a match. Be creative to make a connection but at the same time be you.

Provide Proof You Are a Fit

Give a clear reason why you should be considered for the school or program.Detail your self-worth and show why you are deserving of the opportunity.The program wants to make sure they have the best students for what they have to offer. They want assurance whoever they choose will complete the program successfully.Use this essay to highlight your abilities by discussing what you have to offer and how it fits in with the school or program mission. An essay writing service can assist if needed.

Finish Your Paper Strong

Your conclusion will provide a summary of what you discussed earlier in the paper.It is your last chance to make a good impression and bring your paper to a strong close.You should have a few sentences that are solid, clean, and clear about you are and why you qualify.Make these last few words stand out. Use this time to connect the main idea (thesis statement) with supporting points (body paragraphs) to complete your personal statement.

Revise and Edit

Did you know it is recommended to review your work at least two or three times before you submit it? Much time and effort was spent developing content for your essay. It deserves to be reviewed for typos and errors.Make necessary changes to improve chances of approval.Take a break after writing your draft and come back to it for review. How can I get help with my essay writing ? Hire an editor to do it for you if don't have time. Whatever you do, don't submit without reviewing it first.

In conclusion, planning your work is easy when familiar with essential steps of the writing process.Brainstorming, outline creation, developing discussion points, and revising your work are all important steps to complete for your study abroad application. The time spent planning and writing will be worth it. Make sure to submit your work on time by the deadline.

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How to Write a Scholarship Essay for Study Abroad

Study Abroad Scholarships | Updated 29 May, 2024

The opportunity to  study abroad can be exciting, invigorating, and can help you attain educational experience. Living abroad and discovering new things can change your perspective on life but many students wonder how they can afford to pay for the costs associated with study abroad courses. Traveling to other countries is not cheap, and living there can be expensive.  

Follow these few tips to enhance your scholarship essay for study abroad. Here, scholarships play a significant role as they can help you cut down on extra expenses. Of course, receiving a scholarship cannot be guaranteed just because you ask for one. So, you have to create a scholarship application essay that will help you stand out from your competitors. To get ahead of the competition, you need to excel through the quality of your writing. Remember, many scholarships have thousands of applicants all looking for the same money. You need to be the best of them. To help you stand out, we’ve assembled a few tips that can make your study abroad essay has a powerful impact.

Tips for Writing a Classy Scholarship Essay 

a. Write with passion and use the words from your heart:  First things first, make sure that the essay you will write is veracious and captures your real self. Only by being honest and sharing your inner self with your readers can convey your passion for studying abroad. If you try too hard to write an essay, assessors will know as   writing is an art and must come from within the heart. Falseness is always detectable, and it will make it more difficult for the scholarship committee to evaluate who you are. Be yourself and use your feelings and emotions to honestly explain why you deserve the scholarship.            

b. Write what you know, not what they want to hear:  When you write, focus on your own experiences and the unique perspective you bring through your writing. An authentic essay is worth more than all the Google research in the world. You should always write the truth about your own experiences, and that means that you need to avoid faking facts, embellishing stories, or relying on outside research to report on events you did not personally experience. The committee will not care whether you can research a topic or report on other people’s lives. They want to hear from and about you.            

c. Always read the essay question carefully before you begin:  Scholarship essay questions are often broad and intentionally allows a variety of responses. However, that does not mean you can write about anything with no rules whatsoever. Instead, you need to read your essay question carefully and review it to determine what you need to include in the essay to meet the requirements. An off-topic essay will end up in the discard pile. You would not want to lose out on the scholarship money because you did not write on the right subject. 

d. Do not settle for your first draft:  When you finish writing the first draft of your essay, congratulate yourself for completing the first step. But that does not mean you have finished writing. Never send your first draft. Consider it as an invitation to the circular file — the trash can. Other students will spend hours or even days editing and perfecting their essays, and you should, too. Take the time to carefully revise each sentence and paragraph to make sure everything is as perfect as it can be. Ask yourself at each stage whether the words are clear and whether the audience will understand what you mean. Spare yourself extra time to fully revise your essay. After all, the first draft is never the best. There is always room to improve. 

e. Take inspiration from great essays:  You cannot learn to write well without being a great reader. Review collections of great essays to find inspiration for your own. Doing so can provide you with the tools you need to develop for intense writing and have a better instinctive knowledge of the best way to start an essay. But there is one thing you need to be careful about i.e. when you read numerous essays, there may be a tendency to unconsciously mirror what you have read. Be sure that you are not plagiarizing any of the essays that you read. You would not want your essay to turn out to be so close to a well-known essay that the scholarship committee will recognize the text or the essay you are referring to. There have been multiple cases where a scholarship applicant has been caught borrowing too much from popular essays.

f. Seek professional help:  If you find yourself completely at a loss and need help to write your papers, turn on to a professional essay writing service like WriteMyPaperHub. These online writing companies use professionals to produce custom-written papers that can set you apart from the crowd. When you need a little help or are looking to hire someone to create great writing for you, feel free to contact a reputable service and say: I want to  pay someone to write my essay  like experts from WriteMyPaperHub do online.

Stop Trying — Get Things Done

When writing a scholarship essay, your major goal is to put the substance over the form. Yes, the form is important, as it plays a major role in any academic assignment. There are rules in the academic world, and it is a good idea not to forget about them if you want yourself in. However, formality should not go before the substance of what you have to say about yourself in a scholarship essay. You need to understand that 98% of candidates are applying for the same spot with a similar background, equivalent grades, and test scores. For a scholarship committee member, you all look very alike, and your major task is to look different in a good way. Follow the tips above, but do not forget about your own experience. At this point, you already have written some essays — more and less successfully. Choose the most successful articles and analyze what you did right. It is the best way to determine your strengths and use them to achieve another bigger goal.

Note:  WeMakeScholars  is an organization funded and supported by the Government of India that focuses on International Education finance. We are associated with 10+ public/Pvt banks/ NBFCs in India and help you get the best abroad education loan matching your profile. As this initiative is under the Digital India campaign, it’s at free of cost. The organization has vast experience dealing with students going to various abroad education destinations the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Italy, China, France  among others.

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Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad

Tips for crafting the perfect study abroad essay.

Herilalao Study abroad tips 1 Comment

Studying abroad offers an incredible opportunity for students to explore new cultures, gain valuable international experience, and broaden their horizons. One crucial element of the study abroad application process is the essay or personal statement. 

A well-crafted study abroad essay can make a significant impact on the selection committee and increase your chances of being accepted at your dream university. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to create the perfect personal statement. One that will hold the reader’s attention and highlights your unique qualities. So, let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

So, what is a study abroad essay, and what’s its purpose?

In the context of a college application, a study abroad essay is a written document that presents an applicant’s motivations, aspirations, and qualifications for participation in an international academic program.

It is a carefully crafted piece of writing that provides a comprehensive overview of the applicant’s academic and personal goals. It also highlights their reasons for choosing a particular study abroad program and destination .

In addition, the essay provides an opportunity for students to highlight how study abroad aligns with their future career aspirations, academic pursuits, and overall personal growth. It may also address the applicant’s cultural curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to embrace new experiences.

Finally, a study abroad essay for a college application serves as a persuasive tool. It should convince the admissions committee of the applicant’s aptitude, passion, and potential for success in their chosen program.

Admissions committees review these essays to assess an applicant’s commitment, preparedness, and potential contributions to the university and the global community.

Purposes of a study abroad essay / personal statement

This application document, called personal statement in the US , serves multiple purposes. The essay is an opportunity for the applicant to articulate their motivations, goals, and readiness for studying abroad.

Here are the reasons why writing a study abroad essay is necessary:

Display your motivation

A study abroad essay allows you to explain why you are interested in studying abroad and what motivates you to pursue this opportunity. It helps the admissions committee understand your personal and academic reasons for wanting to study in a different country.

Highlight academic goals

The essay provides an opportunity to display how studying abroad aligns with your academic goals. Therefore, you can explain how the program or university you’re applying to will enhance your studies, offer unique academic opportunities, or complement your major or field of interest.

Demonstrate cultural sensitivity

Studying abroad generally involves immersing oneself in a different culture. Through your essay, you can demonstrate your cultural awareness, openness, and ability to adapt to new environments. This, therefore, can assure the admissions committee that you will be respectful and embrace the diversity of the host country.

Reflect on personal growth

Studying abroad is a transformative experience that can foster personal growth and development. Your essay allows you to reflect on how you expect to grow personally, develop new perspectives, and gain valuable skills that will benefit you both during your time abroad and in your future endeavors.

How do you write an essay about studying abroad?

Here are our tips on how to craft the best essay for your university application. 

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect study abroad essay that increases your chances of being accepted into your desired program. 

Understand the Purpose of the Essay

The essay or personal statement serves as a medium for you to express your motivations, aspirations, and goals for studying abroad. It is an opportunity for the selection committee to get to know you beyond your academic achievements.

So, before you start writing, take some time to reflect on why you want to study abroad, at this particular university. Also, ask yourself: what do you hope to gain from the experience?

Research Your Chosen Program

To create a standout study abroad essay, it’s essential to research the program you’re applying to. Understand the core values, specific requirements, and the overall culture of the institution you’re applying to.

Tailoring your essay to align with the program’s objectives can only be for the best, as it demonstrates your genuine interest and dedication.

Begin with a Compelling Introduction

Your essay should captivate the reader right from the start. Consider starting with an engaging anecdote, a thought-provoking quote , or a personal experience related to your interest in studying abroad. This will grab the reader’s attention and make them eager to continue reading.

Highlight your Motivations

A good personal statement should articulate your motivations for wanting to study at this particular university. Whether it’s a desire to immerse yourself in a different culture, develop language skills, or pursue specific academic opportunities. Moreover, make sure to express your genuine passion and curiosity. This will show the selection committee that you have a clear purpose for your study abroad journey.

Emphasize your Unique Qualities

Every student is unique, and your study abroad essay is an excellent opportunity to display what sets you apart. Highlight the skills, experiences, and personal qualities that make you a strong candidate. Develop on how these attributes will contribute to the study abroad program and how you will positively impact the campus community. 

Demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity

Studying abroad inevitably involves interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Showcasing your cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness in your essay is crucial. Mention any experiences you’ve had that have exposed you to different cultures. Also explain how these experiences have shaped your worldview and ability to adapt to new environments.

Connect your Academic and Career Goals

Another way to make your essay stand out is to write it in a way that demonstrates the connection between your academic and career goals and the program you’re applying for. Explain how studying abroad will help you gain skills, knowledge, or experiences that align with your long-term aspirations. This will show the selection committee that you have a clear vision for your future and that you are serious about maximizing your study opportunity.

Be Authentic and Honest

It’s important to be true to yourself when writing your study abroad essay. Avoid exaggerating or inventing stories just to impress the selection committee. Instead, focus on sharing genuine experiences that reflect who you are as an individual. This authenticity will resonate with the readers and make your essay more memorable.

Aim for a Well-structured and Succinct Essay

If no word count limit is given, avoid unnecessary repetition or tangents. Also, make sure to prioritize the most relevant information to showcase your motivation, preparedness, and alignment with the university program. Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between providing sufficient information and keeping the reader engaged. Exceeding the word limit is risking the essay becoming overly lengthy or losing the reader’s attention. 

Be Careful about Structure and Grammar

A well-structured essay is easier to read and comprehend. Use headings to organize your thoughts and guide the reader through your essay. Moreover, ensure that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are impeccable. And last, proofread your essay multiple times and consider seeking feedback from teachers or peers to ensure its quality.

A few challenges you may encounter when writing your study abroad essay

While the personal statement can be very beneficial for your university application, be ready to face some challenges when crafting your essay. 

Length and Time commitment

Writing a well-crafted study abroad essay can be time-consuming and require considerable effort. It absolutely needs additional research about the host country and program, as well as careful planning and organization to put your ideas effectively on paper.

Competitive Application

Study abroad programs often receive numerous applications, and the admissions process can be highly competitive. So, your essay needs to stand out among others to increase your chances of acceptance. This requires creativity, thoughtful writing, and a unique perspective.

Pressure to Meet Expectations

Applicants may feel pressure to present themselves in the most favorable light. This sometimes leads to a tendency to exaggerate or be less authentic in their writing. As stated in the tips above, it is important to maintain honesty and integrity while presenting directly your motivations and goals.

Limited Word Count

Many personal statement essays have a word limit. It typically ranges from around 500 to 1,000 words, depending on the institution. Therefore, it can be challenging for applicants to condense their thoughts and their ideas. The solution is to prioritize the most relevant information and make every word count.

Read also our tips on how to succeed at your IELTS exam .

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Studying Abroad — Study Abroad Essay

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Studying Abroad: Reasons and Expectations Essay

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Introduction

Choosing where to continue education is a challenging decision for many. Students-to-be approach this differently depending on their academic abilities and personal preferences. Even though the U.S. education system is said to be one of the best in the world, American students can benefit from studying abroad. As far as my personal opinion is concerned, studying overseas offers some benefits and favorable outcomes that make it a reasonable option.

I want to study abroad due to three main reasons. Firstly, it has always been my dream to travel across the world, and studying in another country will allow me to mix business with pleasure. Secondly, this option is helpful for me to learn a foreign language quickly because I will be inside the native environment, which will facilitate the learning process. Thirdly, studying overseas will help me develop my personal and professional skills, such as resilience, multi-tasking, adaptability, and others, because a different culture will help me mobilize all resources to overcome various problems.

As for the expected outcomes, they are represented by two essential aspects. On the one hand, studying overseas will provide me with academic opportunities that are not available to me in my native country. As a result, I will obtain specific knowledge, skills, and abilities that can be beneficial for my future. On the other hand, studying abroad offers better employment opportunities. It is said that many employers, especially large companies, welcome candidates with international experience.

In conclusion, studying abroad has a few significant benefits and positive outcomes, even despite the fact that the modern American education system is of high quality. It is explained by those professional and personal advantages that I can acquire from choosing this option. That is why moving to another country to study seems to be an effective possibility to achieve successful results in the future.

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Home / Essay Samples / Education / Studying Abroad / Why Do I Want to Study Abroad

Why Do I Want to Study Abroad

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1. Cultural Immersion

2. language proficiency, 3. academic excellence, 4. personal growth and independence, 5. global perspective, 6. networking opportunities, 7. personal challenge, 8. long-term goals.

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Student study abroad essay: The education of experience

Tuesday, Jan 24, 2017

Katherine Depack studied abroad in France for the second time

by Katherine Depack

Studying abroad had always been a desire of mine. Since high school, I wanted to study in France because the teachers and professors who mentored me had grown up with some aspect of French culture in their lives. Their shared experiences fueled my desire to immerse myself into the culture to experience it head on. Centre d'Études Franco-Américain De Management (CEFAM) interested me because I would be able to study business and French simultaneously. I am an entrepreneurship and international business  double major, with a minor in French , so a business school in Lyon was right up my alley. CEFAM’s summer semester started when Rider’s finals weeks began. Let’s just say that I had approximately five hours after accommodating sleep to unpack Rider, pack for CEFAM, and get on a plane. I have previously been to Paris, but not to Lyon. I preferred Lyon because I admire the countryside more than dense city life. Even though Lyon is the second largest city in France, the pace of life was much slower than Paris. I lived in an apartment by myself, which was something I had never done. There was no meal plan, so I had to cook for myself or go out to eat with classmates. I was surprised at how friendly all of my neighbors in the building behaved. It didn’t matter if you personally knew anybody or not — if two people passed, a bonjour or bonsoir was exchanged. To this day I still don’t know when day turns into evening — I would accidentally say bonjour when it was 8 at night! CEFAM summer semesters usually have more American study abroad students than natives however, I would have loved to have more time to get to know native students. It didn’t bother me, however, because I enjoyed exploring Lyon, and especially Vieux Lyon, at my own pace. I am fairly independent, so I had no trouble navigating France’s public transit systems to get around. Outside of Lyon, I went to Arles to visit Claire, a friend whom I met online three years ago, then to Paris, Grenoble, Annecy and Paris again. After my semester, I spent another two weeks with Claire in Nice, where we enjoyed hiking with her father and taking a day trip to Monaco.  During my time abroad, I had the opportunity to participate in events that were part of my program. I loved the cultural trip to Beaune where we learned how to conduct a wine tasting, as well as tour a museum that used to be an ancient hospital. At the end of the semester, the class had the opportunity to visit a company warehouse and learn the interior workings of Intersport, a French sporting goods company.  Outside of my program, I attended Epitanime, a weekend-long anime convention in Paris. I previously knew of this event (grace à Claire) and I was excited to see the differences in how the French run their fan conventions. I was immediately thrust into speaking non-stop French for the entire weekend to the point where my own English sounded foreign to me.  I am normally timid with speaking French because I do not have the best grammar, but forcing myself into this position helped me get out of my shell. I gradually became comfortable to the point where I didn’t think of my grammatical mistakes, and simply focused on conversations with the new friends I made. A group I met was actually the reason I went to Paris a second time, because they were having an outing in the city while in costume to make short live action films, and they invited me to join them.    Overall, my experience abroad was something that I doubt I could ever recreate. The friendships I formed while abroad followed me back home. I enjoyed trying new food (especially bread and desserts), quietly exploring my surroundings and being able to live French culture instead of reading about it. I finally got to meet a close friend in person, which only strengthened our bond more.  I miss the ease of traveling across the country within a few hours. It was incredible to witness cultural differences within France’s geographical regions for a day trip.  However, I don’t miss how the trains sometimes decided to go on strike and mess with my plans. But hey, c’est la vie.  I loved my experience at CEFAM, and I would gladly attend again if I still had some time before graduating, but being in a classroom does not teach experience. That kind of education is received by going out into the world and embracing it head on.

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STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP: Fund for Education Abroad - Spring 2025 applications due Sept. 18!

FUND FOR EDUCATION ABROAD OVERVIEW The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) was established in 2010 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to enable more American college students to study abroad. Applicants from groups underrepresented in study abroad are given preference, in an effort to make the demographics of U.S. undergraduates studying abroad reflect the rich diversity of the U.S. population. Since 2010, FEA has awarded over $3.7 million in scholarships to 1186 undergraduates, helping students from all over the United States follow their dreams of studying abroad. Multiple scholarships are available through FEA, and just one application enables students to be considered for every scholarship for which they meet the criteria. Those scholarships include, in addition to the FEA General Scholarship, a range of special named & dedicated scholarships.

AWARD ELIGIBILITY FEA invests in deserving U.S. undergraduates who are least likely to study abroad. They consider financial need, demographic factors, and academic plan and preparedness to decide their scholarship recipients.

• Financial need is determined by the FEA Financial Aid Form that will be provided when you begin an application. Students must have a completed FAFSA for the current academic year.
• Demographic factors that are considered include first-generation college student status, racial identity, and community college experience.
• Academic plan and preparedness are determined by your essays and unofficial transcript. 

To be eligible for an FEA scholarship, you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient; be currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the US; receive credit at your home institution for the study abroad program; and have demonstrated financial need. APPLICATION DEADLINES The application deadline is September 18, 2024 for Spring 2025 programs. For Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Academic Year 2025-26 programs, the application cycle will open in November 2024.

SPRING 2025 APPLICANT WEBINAR Watch the FEA Spring 2025 applicant webinar for information about eligibility requirements, application components, recent changes to the application form, and more: Fund for Education Abroad Spring 2025 Applicant Webinar on Vimeo

FOR MORE INFORMATION  FEA Mission and Vision Additional Scholarships through FEA’s Access Partners Eligibility Application Instructions FAQs NEED MORE INFORMATION TO PLAN YOUR STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE? Schedule an appointment with a study abroad adviser - we'll help you find the program that's right for you. Please note: we recommend meeting with an academic adviser to discuss your study abroad needs and timeline BEFORE scheduling a one-on-one study abroad appointment. 

Get notified of upcoming study abroad events, information and announcements: join the Study Abroad page on IC Engage , and follow us on Instagram and Facebook .

International Programs 074 Peggy Ryan Williams Center (607) 274-3306 [email protected]

Exploring the world through study abroad experiences

Emory University | Aug. 12, 2024

This summer, Emory students explored different corners of the globe, from the Bahamas to Peru to Europe and Senegal. Hear from participants how the trips impacted them and see photos from their time abroad.

Emory students spend most of their time during the academic year in Georgia, but this summer, many of them explored different corners of the world. From learning about nursing in the Bahamas and strengthening Spanish skills in Argentina to visiting noteworthy sites of early scientific communication in London, Paris and beyond, these students gained a global perspective of their studies and more.

Though their studies in worldwide locations varied, they all experienced the profound impact of immersion in a new place to learn about a topic that is important to them. Read a selection of experiences from students who made the world their classroom this summer.

Image captions

Nursing in the Bahamas

For Laveita Clay, a fourth-semester master’s of nursing student from Los Angeles, her time in Eleuthera, Bahamas, this summer was marked by the people surrounding her.

“Nurses are highly respected on the islands and work extremely hard to heal their patients with limited supplies,” says Clay.

“All of the nurses there were amazing and went above and beyond to make us feel welcome while also teaching us how they practice nursing. The best part of the trip was getting to know my classmates better in this environment while learning.” 

While in Eleuthera, Bahamas, Laveita Clay (third from left), along with fellow nursing students, learned from nurses on the island about nursing abroad.

As part of her public health practicum in the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, the immersion trip was focused on nursing abroad where Clay and her classmates provided nursing care in clinics by taking vitals, caring for wounds and administering medication. Clay and her nursing colleagues also were able to enjoy the food, jet skis, fishing, pristine beaches and horseback riding of the famous Harbour Island. 

While in Peru, Isaiah Paris explored important cultural landmarks like Machu Picchu.

In Peru, Ryan Wang enjoyed interacting with both local people and animals.

Culture and language in Peru

Isaiah Paris headed to Peru this summer with other members of his Spanish 202E class at Oxford College to learn about life in the Peruvian Andes. The rising third-year student from Macon, Georgia, noted how rewarding the opportunity was. 

“The experience surpassed my initial expectations and became a profound journey of self-discovery and cultural connection,” Paris says.

“I found myself thriving in practical contexts and engaging with the culture around me, which was especially meaningful as it allowed me to connect with my Latinx roots.”

Paris, who is majoring in chemistry with a minor in Latin American and Caribbean studies, says that one of the most significant moments of the trip was perhaps the least expected. When he got sick in Cusco, he was accompanied by Natalia Bayona Vasquez , an Oxford professor who was on the trip as an advisor. While recovering, he and Vasquez explored the city, dined at local restaurants, went to museums and visited a theater to watch a film completely in Spanish.

“These are things I might not have had in a group setting. This period allowed me to engage in sort of unfiltered learning that many do not get to experience. It taught me to embrace unexpected circumstances and find value in every situation, no matter how challenging,” says Paris.

Also visiting Peru was Ryan Wang, a rising second-year student at Oxford majoring in quantitative sciences with a concentration in political science.

“We studied the traditions of the Andean people and their spiritual connection to the land,” Wang says.

Wang, from Naperville, Illinois, reflected fondly on his interactions with a variety of animals, including llamas, alpacas and donkeys. While learning more about the languages in Peru, he learned to utilize a basic introductory phrase.

“I learned that ‘Noqaq sutiymi …’ means ‘My name is …’ in Quechua, one of the languages spoken by indigenous people of Peru,” says Wang.

Health care and gender studies in Argentina

Sloane Shabelman, a rising third-year student from Glenview, Illinois, spent five weeks of her summer learning about Argentinian health care, culture and gender in Buenos Aires as part of the Emory Argentine Studies Program in Emory College of Arts and Sciences.

Not only did she gain more insight into those topics, but she also sharpened her Spanish skills because all the courses she took were taught in Spanish.

While in Argentina, Sloane Shabelman attended the food festival Sabores de la Patria, celebrating Argentine cuisine.

“I’ve learned a lot of Argentina-specific Spanish vernacular, but more broadly I learned how you can interact and get along with people who may have different perspectives, beliefs and experiences than you,” says Shabelman.

Jezmin Chavarria, a rising second-year student from San Antonio, Texas, joined Shabelman in Buenos Aires. Chavarria, who will major in business and minor in Spanish this fall, found it particularly interesting to learn about the impact of soccer on Argentine culture.

“Learning about this deep connection highlighted how the sport is not only a national passion, but also a reflection of the gender and machismo dynamics present in society,” says Chavarria.

Jezmin Chavarria found the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone and gaining new experiences in Argentina.

Between studying the connection of gender in Argentine society, kayaking with her classmates and exploring new cities, Chavarria also recognized the profound impact the trip had on her personal and professional development.

“I learned how to step out of my comfort zone and gain new perspectives on this trip,” says Chavarria.

“I want to encourage other first-generation and low-income students to pursue study abroad opportunities. These experiences not only enhance personal and academic growth but also open doors to new possibilities and networks.”

A group of Oxford College students, including Nancy Puente (center) and Ankit Doddamane (second from left) explored England and France to learn more about the history and publication of scientific research articles.

The group explored the historical palace of Versailles, learning more about the influence monarchs had on scientific thought.

History of scientific communications in England and France

In the early weeks of summer, a group of Oxford College students traveled to England and France, the home countries of the first scientific journals, for the class "History of the Scientific Research Article since 1665" to learn more about the history of scientific research articles.

Nancy Puente of Atlanta, a rising third-year chemistry major on the pre-med track, was a member of the group that explored the forces driving the evolution of scientific research articles. On the trip, Puente analyzed archives, visited the study rooms of early influential scientists, attended printing press workshops and more.

While on the trip, Puente was impacted by the fact that the historical exclusivity of science didn’t hold non-traditional scientists back from contributing to research articles.

“Although women were known to receive a substantial amount of scrutiny for participating in the sciences, some of them were able to transcend the limits that society placed on them,” Puente says. “The Lister sisters were a prime example of this — they were scientific illustrators and engravers in the 17th century.”

Ankit Doddamane, a rising third-year student from Bangalore, India, found that the trip sparked his deep curiosity for the history of the Scientific Revolution.

While in England, he and the group visited significant historical sites like the Bodleian Library, the Royal Society in London and the History of Science Museum, and in France, they toured Versailles.

“The visit to Versailles expanded my understanding of how science was intertwined with politics and culture. Monarchs played a significant role in supporting scientific endeavors, and this patronage influenced the development of scientific thought,” says Doddamane.

“This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the historical context of scientific progress and the ongoing importance of science communication in society,” says Doddamane.

Media, arts and language in Senegal

Ella Mukasa, a rising fourth-year student studying French and economics, studied in Senegal for two months through the Emory Art, Literature and Social Movements in Senegal program. There, Mukasa and her Emory College of Arts and Sciences classmates studied French media, historical arts of Africa and Wolof, a language spoken in Senegal.

Throughout the trip, Mukasa made the most of her time by immersing herself in the culture both inside and outside the classroom.

Ella Mukasa immersed herself in a broad range of cultural experiences during her two-month study abroad trip to Senegal.

“It was refreshing to improve my French in an African francophone country. It provided a new and insightful perspective that I found deeply enriching, and I found it incredibly rewarding to work with African professors,” says Mukasa. “Experiencing the culture of the area through arts events, food and connections with my peers and host family has made me more appreciative of Senegalese culture and the diverse world we live in.”

While in Ireland, Kenan Bajraktarevic (right) and other Oxford students visited the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.

Diya Nair (center) and other students on the trip visited the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the coast of Northern Ireland.

Political relations in the British Isles  

Kenan Bajraktarevic, a rising second-year student at Oxford College studying finance and international studies, visited Cork and Dublin in Ireland and Belfast in Northern Ireland as part of the "Brexit, Borders, and Belonging: Identity and Conflict on the Island of Ireland" class to learn from experts in education, government and nonprofits about identity and conflict.

Bajraktarevic and other Oxford students learned about the history of the Irish fight for independence with a focus on the Troubles, a decades-long period of conflict between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“Our tour guides in locations around the country had interesting personal testimonies about the Troubles. They helped us understand both sides of the conflict by inviting us to explore every corner of where it historically happened,” says Bajraktarevic.

The most valuable learning experience for Bajraktarevic happened when high officials of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs met the group in Dublin.

“I had the opportunity to ask them about the prospects regarding unification between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland,” says Bajraktarevic. “Other students asked questions regarding health care systems and economic growth. No matter the major of each student, we were able to find some application of our studies to the work of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.”

Diya Nair, a rising second-year student from Woodbridge, New Jersey, was also on the trip. The human health and international studies double major found it interesting to explore the many topics that are impacted by the historical division.

“We explored factors like politics, nationalism, history, religion, ethnicity and the impact of recent developments like Brexit,” says Nair.

“It was interesting to think about the future of the peace process and how we may play a role as the next generation of leaders.”

Perhaps one of the most notable pieces of information from her time abroad was learning the history of certain city names.

“It was interesting to learn about the complex historical, political and religious divisions in the region that have created contention over the naming of cities,” says Nair. “This is a matter that can cause offense when interacting with locals, and it reminds us to be mindful and respectful when approaching such a divided topic.”

Food and language in Italy

While in northern Italy’s city of Bologna, Arden Phoenix studied Italian language and culture alongside other Emory College of Arts and Sciences students as part of the Emory Italian Program in Bologna. During her time there, Phoenix — a rising third-year student from Washington, D.C., studying philosophy, politics and law and minoring in Italian — visited many other locations, including the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and Florence. She also watched the Bologna Football Club team compete in the Championships Leagues for the first time in more than 50 years.

Besides sharpening her Italian skills, Phoenix learned to always embrace the novelty of a new location and be open to connecting with the people around you.

Arden Phoenix (front right) enjoyed forging closer bonds with friends during her study abroad experience in Bologna, Italy.

“I’ve been casual friends with some of the people on my trip since freshman year, but I hadn’t really taken the time to get to know them before this trip,” says Phoenix.

“After our time in Italy, however, I can proudly say I’ve formed very deep bonds with these people. I truly believe that is one of the greatest benefits of studying abroad — we found a home in one another while experiencing life. I think it leads to a great inner change during a once-in-a-lifetime trip.”

Also in Italy with Phoenix was John Coppolino, a rising third-year majoring in finance and Italian from Tenafly, New Jersey. Coppolino enjoyed studying Italian conversation while there and grew fond of the cultural importance placed on food.

“I knew Italians valued food, but I was actually surprised how much it matters to them,” says Coppolino. “Anytime I asked a local what I should do in a city, they usually recommended that I go somewhere to eat. The attention to detail with fresh ingredients was really impressive, and I enjoyed the longer mealtime with friends.”

Story by Anna Chapman. Design by Ruby Katz. Wallpaper by Natalia Volk/Getty Images.

John Coppolino (bottom left) and Arden Phoenix (top right) spent meals together with other classmates during their time in Bologna, Italy.

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• Oxford College Global Learning

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The Mennonites Making the Amazon Their Home

Groups of Mennonites, seeking inexpensive land far from modern life, are carving out new colonies in the Amazon. They are also raising fears that they are adding to the deforestation of the vital jungle.

Mennonites traveling in horse-drawn carriages along the road they have built next to land being burned and cleared for agriculture near Loreto, Peru. Credit...

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By Mitra Taj

Photographs by Marco Garro

Mitra Taj reported from two Mennonite colonies in the Peruvian Amazon, Wanderland and Providencia.

• Aug. 19, 2024 Updated 12:14 p.m. ET

After weeks of living in jungle tents, the handful of Mennonite families trying to make a new home deep in the Peruvian Amazon began to despair. Wasps attacked as they tried to clear forest. Heavy rains turned the road to their camp to mud.

Running low on supplies, some wanted to turn back. Instead, they worked harder and eventually carved out an enclave.

“There’s a place here where I wanted to live so we came and opened part of it up,” recalled Wilhelm Thiessen, a Mennonite farmer. “That’s what everyone did to have a place to live.”

Today, seven years later, the cluster of homesteads is now a thriving colony, Wanderland, home to roughly 150 families, a church — which doubles as a school — and a cheese-processing facility.

It is one of a string of Mennonite settlements that have taken root throughout the Amazon, turning forest into thriving farms but also raising concerns among environmentalists about deforestation of a jungle already under threat from industries like cattle ranching and illegal gold mining .

Mennonite communities have come under official scrutiny, as well, including in Peru, where the authorities are investigating several, accusing them of clearing forest without required permits. The colonies deny wrongdoing.

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