Studying abroad is one of the most challenging situations facing college students who are science majors. Lab time, sequenced classes, and language barriers create major difficulties. Luckily, however, with a little creativity and flexibility, studying abroad can be a reality for any science major.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: N/A
Here's How:
- Check out programs specifically for science majors. You may have assumed they don't exist, but you might be pleasantly surprised. After all, think of all the students across the country (and world!) who are in your predicament. Check with your campus study abroad/off-campus study office to see what might be available.
- Consider summer programs. Your schedule simply might be too chaotic to allow you to study abroad during the academic year. If so, see what summer options are available. You can have the study abroad experience, develop your language skills, and not have to worry about dealing with your science classes like you would during other times of the year.
- Consider an intensive program during one of your college breaks. Do you have several weeks off for winter break? A long spring or fall break? Consider an intensive immersion program that can provide you with the experience you want in an intensive and abbreviated format.
- Consider non-traditional programs, like domestic off-campus programs. While most people think of off-campus study as heading to a different country, that doesn't always have to be the case. There are many off-campus study programs that allow U.S. students to study somewhere else, thereby providing an off-campus experience but not the challenge of, say, having to take organic chemistry in French. Additionally, many of these programs provide unique experiences that you won't get on your home campus, like research and field experience.
- Study in a country where English is the language used at the college level. Your dream may be to go to Spain, but if that won't work, check out programs in England, Australia, or any other country where you won't have an immense language barrier to overcome.
- If all else fails, design your own program. This can be a challenge but it can also be a great way to meet your study abroad goals. Many organizations offer college students the option of designing their own programs in a way that will meet their individual academic needs. If you're feeling particularly discouraged about your ability to study abroad as you get your science degree, a self-designed program might be the answer for you.
