Exchange programs give students an exciting opportunity to study at another university abroad for one or more semesters or years without losing their original degree, and may result in earning additional credits toward it. Students from any field of study can benefit from an exchange program in various ways – there’s something here for everybody!
Dependent upon your school and personal situation, applying for an exchange program could take various paths. Continue reading to gain more insight into its benefits, how you can apply, factors to keep in mind when selecting where to study abroad and more!
1) What Are The Benefits Of An Exchange Program?
As a student participating in an exchange program, you’ll have the unique chance to travel and experience new cultures first-hand. Depending on which program you decide upon, there may also be the chance for specialization that is not offered at home – whether that’s learning another language, studying different fields of psychology, or exploring something unrelated to your major.
Engaging in an exchange program has many academic advantages as well. Participation may result in earning credits towards your degree and increasing the odds of graduating on time; you could even have a chance at earning credit towards minor or certificate studies! In addition, student who participate in exchange programs are given the chance to meet people from around the globe while building connections that could become useful later. You could even add these experiences onto your resume and earn scholarships!
2) How To Apply For An Exchange Program
Before applying for exchange programs, it’s essential that you establish where you wish to travel. If you plan on studying abroad in another country, ideally one with a language different than your native tongue will help improve and practice your linguistic abilities – for instance if you hail from the U.S. but wish to study in France Paris would be a good place; or, conversely if from France travelling stateside New York may provide opportunities.
Based on your location and method of study, applying for programs early may be essential. For instance, if you plan to study abroad in Australia and need an exchange program through their government, begin researching programs as early as possible.
3) Exchange Programs In Your Own Country
If you want to study abroad in your own country, an exchange program through your university may be your answer. Depending on which school you attend and which specific programs apply for (for instance if you attend University of Washington and want to study at University of Tokyo Japan U-Mate Program may be your solution); whatever it may be you can find an exchange program suitable to your study abroad needs in any nation!
Your university may even give you the ability to choose which university to attend. Apply for an exchange program within your own country by reaching out to its international or exchange office; alternatively, get in touch with your academic advisor and they may offer some additional advice regarding applying for programs within it.
4) Overseas Exchange Programs
If you want to study abroad in another country and don’t wish to apply for programs within your own, exchange programs provide an alternative route. Depending on which university/program you apply to, language exams may be required before applying – find exchange programs in any country of interest!
If you want to study abroad in China, apply for one of the Chinese Government Scholarship Programs; for studying in England use the Commonwealth Scholarship Program instead. Exchange programs should also be applied for early; if you plan on studying in France you have until February 2020 to submit an Erasmus+ program application; otherwise find exchange programs on your own or with help from an organization.
Summing Up
As a university student, you have the unique opportunity of engaging in an exchange program and traveling abroad to study at another university. Exchange programs allow you to experience new cultures while taking advantage of specialization not available at your home institution and earning credits towards your degree. If this sounds appealing to you, begin researching programs right away; depending on where you want to study it could require applications being submitted within days and close soon if required.