Study Abroad Q&A

This is Part Two of my Spring 2020 study abroad series! To read my last article, an introduction to this series, click here.

Today I will be answering some questions we received at the @barnardadmissions instagram account! Be sure to check out the links for more information on study abroad. 

Approximately how many students go abroad each semester?

The number of students fluctuates every semester, but around 30% of Barnard students go abroad during their time at Barnard, and over 100 students are abroad for Spring 2020. Students may also study abroad during the fall semester, during the summer, and for an entire academic year.

How many programs/areas of study are available?

Barnard has over 160 pre-approved programs in over 60 countries worldwide in a range of different disciplines. To see Barnard’s pre-approved semester-long programs, you can visit the Barnard global website.

Which are the most popular study abroad destinations?

The most popular countries for studying abroad in Spring 2020 are the U.K., Spain, and France. Some other popular countries include Denmark, Australia, South Korea, and Italy.

Do you go abroad with Columbia students?

While Barnard students can absolutely go abroad through Columbia programs, the vast majority of pre-approved programs are not through Columbia University. There may be other Columbia students in this program, but often if you enroll in a program through another American university or a study abroad company, you will be with students from several different colleges and universities. 

When and how do you start preparing?

For most programs, students will start gathering application materials for study abroad several months before going abroad (typically, application deadlines for the fall are in March, while spring deadlines are typically in September or October). For some programs, this means you must get recommendation letters, as well, but not all programs have this requirement. Many students who want to study abroad enroll in language courses at Barnard or Columbia (if they are offered). A full list of pre-application steps is on Barnard’s global website.

Can any major study abroad?

Many students take non-major courses while studying abroad. Most students, with careful planning, can manage to take electives or general education (Foundations) requirements while abroad in order to take their major classes at Barnard/Columbia. Many departments are also flexible in allowing credits from abroad to count towards requirements within the major. For example, I’m a history major and the history department has approved two of my classes abroad for my major requirements. A friend of mine, a computer science major, is taking only elective/minor/Foundations requirement classes while abroad and is still on track to graduate on time. 

Can first years study abroad?

First-year students have to complete their First Year Experience (writing, seminar, and physical education) at Barnard, so students do not typically study abroad during their first year.

How do credits transfer when you study abroad?

The credit transfer process is a bit complicated, but only because study abroad programs can vary widely depending on the type of program you do. For example, if you go to a program hosted by an American university/college, the number of credits which transfer may be 1:1 ratio. If you attend a local university at your destination country, there may a different formula for how many credits/class hours will count for a credit at Barnard. A more detailed explanation of the course approval process can be found here.

Which languages are classes taught in?

This depends on your destination country and the type of program in which you are enrolled. If you’re attending an American university abroad, your classes may very well be taught in English. (Same goes if you’re studying in an English-speaking country, like England.) If you are enrolled in a foreign university, you may be taking a class in the local language. 

Is studying abroad a good idea if you are pursuing a double major?

There are certainly students who have studied abroad while pursuing a double major, though studying abroad while double-majoring may require a bit more planning on your end and consultation with your advisor to make sure all your ducks are in a row before going abroad. 

Are there programs for departments outside of foreign languages?

Yes! Probably one of the biggest misconceptions about studying abroad is that you have to be fluent in or actively studying the country’s foreign language in order to study abroad. That’s definitely not the case. There are many students who go abroad for niche programs outside of foreign language and culture (everything from architecture to art history to health). Additionally, there are students who take only electives while studying abroad--this route is completely feasible with some planning before going abroad. 

What are some requirements to be taken care of before going abroad?

There are a number of things which need to be taken care of before going abroad, but the Office of Study Abroad is really great in making sure that everything is taken care of prior to the end of the semester before you go abroad. Most importantly, you must be in good academic and disciplinary standing and have declared your major before going abroad. This website will tell you everything you need to know about planning before going abroad at Barnard.

Will studying abroad affect anticipated graduation date?

For the most part, it does not affect anticipated graduation date and your advisers will make sure you are still on track to graduate on time prior to going abroad.

Does financial aid travel with you?

Yes! I actually very recently wrote a blog post about studying abroad while on financial aid which you should definitely check out for more information. In short, you will have a consultation with the Office of Financial Aid prior to studying abroad to work out the specifics of your financial aid package and actual costs before you go abroad. 

What is the typical cost of studying abroad?

The Office of Financial Aid will try to work it out so you are paying approximately the same amount abroad as you would at Barnard. Whether or not you are on financial aid, the cost will be roughly the same as a semester in New York (give or take, obviously, depending on the cost of living in your destination and how much you spend on travel, books, eating out, etc. while abroad). Additionally, keep in mind you may spend a bit more money while studying abroad on travel-related expenses (especially if you’re planning on going to Europe!), though the specific amount will obviously depend on your experience.

What is and isn’t covered by financial aid?

This is a great question. It varies depending on your individual circumstances. Typically, a student will pay the same price for tuition, only, that they would normally pay to Barnard. Barnard will then pay for only tuition at the program on the student’s behalf. In my experience, the student will then pay for housing, fees, books, etc. on their own. The amount Barnard has to pay to Barnard is adjusted based on the other costs (airfare, housing, fees, books, etc.) so the student is still paying the same amount they’d pay for a semester at Barnard: for example, if Barnard gives me financial aid so my family pays $10,000 per semester, the Office of Financial Aid adjusts my award by subtracting the amount my family will have to pay for housing, books, fees, and airfare. The remainder will be what I have to pay to Barnard for tuition. Additionally, since you would not be able to work while abroad, the Office of Financial Aid will also adjust the award to account for a Barnard College Job/Federal Work Study which might otherwise be a part of your financial aid award. For more information on financial aid while studying abroad, you can visit the study abroad website. 

What are the living arrangements?

This answer also depends entirely on the program in which you enroll: some programs only have dorm-style arrangements; some programs require you to participate in a homestay; some programs will have you living alongside local students in university apartments; some programs will allow you to choose your preferred living arrangement. I’m personally enrolled in a program where most students live in off-campus apartments, but the same program has students living in homestays or dorms. 

How many semesters can a student study abroad? Which years does a student typically study abroad?

Each academic department dictates the number of major classes which must be taken at Barnard. Students have certainly studied abroad for two semesters/an entire year before. Students typically study abroad during their junior year, though some students are also able to study abroad in their second semester of sophomore year or first semester of senior year. Students looking to study abroad during these terms must make sure they have already declared their major and have planned ahead for final graduation requirements before going abroad. 

Will you be connected to the Barnard community while abroad?

It may seem like going abroad will keep you separated from the Barnard community for a semester/year, but that certainly doesn’t have to be the case! You will still get tons of emails from Barnard (my inbox is proof of that), updates, and many Barnard students end up enrolled in programs with other Barnard students! (The program in which I am enrolled currently has at least three other Barnard students.) The Barnard Global Office definitely tries to keep students who are currently abroad in the loop when it comes to things happening on campus.