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Study Abroad First Step Advising Meeting
The Study Abroad First Step Advising Meeting (SAFSAM) is designed to help you decide which study abroad program best fits your academic needs, your language skills, you preference of countries, and your level of intellectual, cultural and emotional preparedness. At this initial meeting, we will focus on the many factors that go into the choice of a study abroad program, and will ask you to provide us with some basic information in our database. Among the questions you should think about, and which will be broached during your meeting are:
- What aspects of study abroad are most important to me while abroad-specific courses, locale, cultural experiences, learning a language, travel?
- Where would I like to study? Why?
- Am I fluent enough in a foreign language to take classes in it, or will it be necessary for me to take some or all course work in English?
- How long can I afford to spend abroad - both in terms of time and of economic resources: a semester, a Winter Intersession, one or more Summer Sessions, an entire academic year?
- What academic preparation is needed for my preferred destination and program, and what have I done or do I plan to do to acquire it?
- Is my GPA high enough to meet the requirements of the program(s) I am considering?
- Are there specific degree or major requirements I needs to fulfill while overseas?
How much money can I afford to spend on tuition and fees for study abroad? How much on housing and food? How much on airfare? Use the Study Abroad Budget Planning Worksheet to help you compare costs.
- Do I need to apply for financial aid in order to study abroad?
- Do I want a study abroad program to arrange housing, meals, curriculum and travel for me, or would I prefer to make these arrangements myself?
- Do I prefer to live with a family, with students from the host country, or with other Americans? Do I prefer to live in a dorm or apartment?
Once you have thought about these questions, you will be in a better position to choose a program. You are encouraged to consult the list of approved Baruch programs and research these and other potential choices.