Study Abroad - FAQs

WHY SHOULD I STUDY ABROAD?

Because it’s one of the best things you can do to enrich your college experience. Spending time abroad can give you the time to study in another country, meet new people, and travel someplace new and exciting! Your classroom experience extends beyond the classroom into a new culture, and perhaps even a new language. This experience can also put you a step ahead of other college graduates when applying for jobs. International experience is becoming more important in the work field as we become a global community. Cross cultural communication, adaptability, and international knowledge are skills that are enhanced through a study abroad experience.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN A STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM?

Anyone may apply. For the Florence Campus, freshmen may apply to go their second semester. For the ISEP program, you must have a 2.75 minimum GPA, be in good academic standing, be a sophomore or higher, and have a high level of personal maturity.

IS STUDY ABROAD REQUIRED?

Time spent studying abroad is highly recommended. For majors in a Foreign Language, International Business, and International Studies, studying abroad for a semester, year or summer is required for graduation.

WHEN SHOULD I STUDY ABROAD?

The timing of your semester abroad needs to fit your academic and social schedule. Sophomore year generally works best for most academic schedules; however juniors and seniors also find time to study abroad. Consider what country you are going to and what the weather will be like. You may consider whether a summer, semester, or year abroad will best fit your academic schedule and expenses.  

HOW LONG SHOULD I STUDY ABROAD?

Consider your academic schedule here and look at what courses are offered in your host country. Most of the programs last a semester, but summer programs last several weeks, depending on the program. Some students also choose to spend an entire academic year abroad. ISEP gives a higher chance of placement for applicants to a year-long program. You may also choose to go abroad for a couple of weeks before your program begins, or to stay after your program ends.

WHERE SHOULD I STUDY ABROAD?

You must consider how the programs in each country will fit your academic needs (you are, after all, considering study abroad). Then consider which country, taking into account how much you are interested in the culture and language. Consider your travel plans and budget. This decision may depend on how you feel about going abroad: If you would prefer to go with other Benedictine students, you may opt for the Florence program, or one of the language programs in Mexico, Spain, or France. However, you may also choose to go alone through an exchange program and meet students from all over the world.

WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Take into consideration your interest in speaking a foreign language. The Florence program is taught in English, but you will also have an intensive Italian language class. If you are a French or Spanish major, you must go to a country relative to that language. In that case, you may go through Benedictine to Spain, Mexico, or France. You don't need to know a foreign language to study abroad. In that case Campion College in Australia is an option. If you are an International Business major you may go through Benedictine to the University of Turin, Italy and study business or economics in English. Students of all majors find a wealth of opportunities with ISEP, which offers programs in 42 countries at over 300 colleges and universities, taught in English and/or a foreign language. 

DO I NEED TO KNOW A FOREIGN LANGUAGE TO STUDY ABROAD?

No, you do not. The Florence program is in English, but you will learn Italian. Other options for you may include a semester or year in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Northern Ireland. Other countries may have opportunities for English-only classes as well. Students studying a foreign language may have a wider range of available countries; however those who only speak English may still find programs taught in English in many countries.  ISEP offers programs in English in 42 countries in Africa, Asia, Canada/UK, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands. Our partner schools in Australia, Italy, Poland, Spain and South Korea also offer classes in English.

CAN I AFFORD TO STUDY ABROAD?

Yes! A semester abroad is very comparable to a semester on Benedictine's Atchison campus. The Florence program is almost the same cost as Benedictine for tuition, room, and board (you will pay for your airfare and an extra administrative fee). Your expenses will depend on the program you choose, how much you want to travel and your personal budget. This may include, but is not limited to accommodation, transportation, food and entertainment. It will also depend on the exchange rate.

ARE THERE ANY SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR STUDY ABROAD?

There are various scholarships available for undergraduate study abroad. These scholarships are not through Benedictine. (Ask the Study Abroad Director for more information) ISEP also offers various scholarships through their programs.

DO MY SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID FROM BENEDICTINE TRANSFER TO A STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM?

Federal loans and Benedictine grants still apply to programs in Florence, ISEP, and other exchange partners.

CAN I STUDY ABROAD IF I HAVE NOT DECLARED MY MAJOR?

Yes. In study abroad programs, many courses fall under general education courses. In fact, for underclassmen interested in the Florence Campus, we suggest that you wait to take your foreign language classes as the Italian fulfills your eight hours of foreign language requirement.

WHAT TYPES OF ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

This depends on the program. Many exchange programs give the option of living in the dorms on the school’s campus with students from your host country and/or from all around the world, or the opportunity of living with a host family. In Florence, students live in the Villa Morghen, rooming with other BC students and a dorm director.

WILL THE CREDITS ALL TRANSFER BACK TO BENEDICTINE?

The Florence Campus is Benedictine, so in that case, yes, absolutely. Almost everything from ISEP will transfer. You must confirm this with the Registrar's Office at Benedictine College before you finalize your plans. Credit hours are calculated differently in other countries and there are classes you may take there that are not offered at BC. Meet with your advisor and the registrar when choosing your schedule abroad. 

WILL I GRADUATE ON TIME IF I STUDY ABROAD?

Yes! Students from every major have found ways to arrange their schedules to study abroad for a semester, or even a summer. The Florence Campus offers more general studies courses, the foreign language programs focus on their respective language, Campion College in Australia offers more of a liberal studies and theology, the University of Turin offers Business and Economics courses in English, TEU in Poland offers classes in English mainly in Political Science, ICES in France offers programs taught in French in eight areas of study, Abat Oliba in Spain is particularly suited for Journalism and Mass Communication students, while ISEP offers programs taught in English or another language in every discipline. Even students with double and triple majors have graduated on time after spending a semester or a year abroad. It is important, though, to plan your study abroad early enough to make sure the classes you take abroad fit into your academic schedule at Benedictine.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR MY TIME ABROAD?

The Florence Campus offers three orientation meetings before departure as well as a student handbook. ISEP also provides a student handbook and puts you in contact with your host institution. Also, talk to students who have studied abroad for advice. Research about the school and area you will be going to. Do some preliminary homework and begin learning some basic phrases in the language of your host country.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR STUDY ABROAD?

Once you have either decided on a program or made some preliminary decisions about the type of program you are interested in, contact the Center for International Education, located in the library. You may also contact a study abroad advisor via email: studyabroad@benedictine.edu.  The Center for International Education will provide you with program specific information, the necessary forms, and instructions on preparing your application.