What is Study Abroad?
Study abroad enables students to pursue educational
opportunities in countries outside the United States for
credit towards their major at NGCSU. Students will
experience a different culture which will broaden their
perceptions of the world and the people around them
through interaction.
Studying abroad is an experience hand-tailored to
college students. Study abroad is definitely a life
changing experience, and it is our goal at North Georgia
to enable each of our students to have this opportunity.
Why Study Abroad?
Become one of the locals
Study abroad allows you to be completely immersed in
a culture which will allow you to learn more than just
the differences in language and food, but also the
beliefs and values of others.
Learn a foreign language
By immersing yourself in a country that speaks
something besides English you are forced to quickly pick
up the conversational pieces of a language that are hard
to learn in a classroom.
Enhance your resume
It is a life-altering experience and enhances future
employment credentials. Indeed, research indicates that
students with overseas study are more attractive to
employers and command better salaries. As the
globalization process increases, it is likely that most
jobs will have an international dimension. It is an
opportunity that should not be missed!
Learn about yourself
Being away from home and in a foreign country can
force you to learn new things about yourself and/or
enforce values that you already had. Being part of
another culture for a time can make you see why you have
certain values, or cause you to embrace new ones. If
nothing else the exposure outside your comfort zone
leads to tolerance.
Opportunity to travel
Study abroad is often the easiest and cheapest way
for students to travel. Not only do you get to travel
and explore the country of your choice, you will also
get to take classes that will count towards your major.
Make new friends
Not only will you be given the opportunity to meet
the natives of the country that you are studying in, but
also the opportunity to meet other international
students who are away from home just like you.
How long can I Study Abroad?
Short-Term Programs
Short-term programs are often faculty led trips that
do not provide a full immersion in the culture of the
host country. You will travel abroad with a group from
NGCSU or other schools within the University System and
have limited interaction with locals. Most likely, your
courses will be taught by the faculty who is traveling
with you. In some cases, you will receive courses taught
by host nationals.
Semester Programs
A semester-long program is a way to fully immerse yourself
in a new culture and country. Depending on the program,
you may also be able to improve your language skills.
Semester programs give you the opportunity to interact
with host-international students and faculty and
experience a new education system.
Year Programs
Usually one-on-one exchange programs with a foreign
university. These programs allow you to have a full
cultural immersion. You will have the opportunity to
interact with host-national students and faculty and
experience a new educational system.
