2008 Woodie Awards
Study Abroad? Save Some Cash and Take an Academic Leave!
Christina Jeffrey
Issue date: 10/14/05 Section: Life & Times
- Page 1 of 1
The Rollins study abroad programs are growing at an exponential rate. It seems like new programs are being added every semester.
But did you know that Rollins charges regular tuition to study at these overseas locations? It may not sound like a big deal, but you could be saving heaps of money by simply filling out some extra paperwork and taking an academic leave of absence.
Most of the international universities charge far less if you apply directly to their schools rather than going through an international program. Besides, who wants to go away with a handfull of kids you see every day at Rollins anyway?
For example, I saved nearly $10,000 by applying directly to the National University of Ireland in Galway. The only difference was that I had to get my classes pre-approved and that I had to fill out a short form to take an academic leave.
I think the extra 30 minutes or so to fill out the forms is probably worth the extra 10,000 bucks(which you could probably get a slice of to spend abroad if you make a good "I'm saving YOU money" case to your parents). I also loved the experience because I wasn't a part of an international study abroad group.
I wasn't placed in a dorm with a bunch of Americans, which I've found to be one of the complaints most kids have about studying abroad. Don't you want to meet people that actually live in these places?
One other difference in studying outside of Rollins affiliated programs is that you don't get grades. Now, if you're looking to boost your GPA, this might not be the best idea. But if you're happy with your GPA and you wouldn't mind a semester that won't affect your GPA and the only way to not be given credit is to get below a C-, then studying outside of Rollins might be something to look into.
No matter what type of program you're looking for, what country you'd most like to visit and what types of people you'd like to meet, you might want to look into taking a leave of absence.
You may find a Rollins program that is perfect for you. But if you're looking for more options, the possibility of saving a significant chunk of change, and the full experience of being a part of a foreign university rather than a part of an American study abroad group, this could be you're best bet.
But did you know that Rollins charges regular tuition to study at these overseas locations? It may not sound like a big deal, but you could be saving heaps of money by simply filling out some extra paperwork and taking an academic leave of absence.
Most of the international universities charge far less if you apply directly to their schools rather than going through an international program. Besides, who wants to go away with a handfull of kids you see every day at Rollins anyway?
For example, I saved nearly $10,000 by applying directly to the National University of Ireland in Galway. The only difference was that I had to get my classes pre-approved and that I had to fill out a short form to take an academic leave.
I think the extra 30 minutes or so to fill out the forms is probably worth the extra 10,000 bucks(which you could probably get a slice of to spend abroad if you make a good "I'm saving YOU money" case to your parents). I also loved the experience because I wasn't a part of an international study abroad group.
I wasn't placed in a dorm with a bunch of Americans, which I've found to be one of the complaints most kids have about studying abroad. Don't you want to meet people that actually live in these places?
One other difference in studying outside of Rollins affiliated programs is that you don't get grades. Now, if you're looking to boost your GPA, this might not be the best idea. But if you're happy with your GPA and you wouldn't mind a semester that won't affect your GPA and the only way to not be given credit is to get below a C-, then studying outside of Rollins might be something to look into.
No matter what type of program you're looking for, what country you'd most like to visit and what types of people you'd like to meet, you might want to look into taking a leave of absence.
You may find a Rollins program that is perfect for you. But if you're looking for more options, the possibility of saving a significant chunk of change, and the full experience of being a part of a foreign university rather than a part of an American study abroad group, this could be you're best bet.