What it boils down to is that the one-semester program is the death of the full-year program, as he put it so well. Vanderbilt also has a Maymester in Germany (Berlin) program.... which, in turn, murders the one-semester program, and all but obliterates the full-year program.
What I just want to say is that if you are truly serious about stepping into the wider world and opening your eyes and experiencing what wonder earth's people and cultures really are, then you had better have a VERY good reason not to study abroad for a full year.
I know and have always heard of people being apprehensive about studying abroad for "so long." You're afraid you'll miss the right home university courses. You're afraid you'll miss the social scene. You're afraid you'll miss friends too much. You don't want to be so far from your family for that long. You have no money. You are afraid that you need home, and you cannot part from it.
So here's what I think of that:
University courses -- SCREW THAT! Okay, I do know how heavily some of you
Social scene -- Give me a break... What your year would be if you stayed at home so you didn't miss all the frat parties is nothing compared to the year you'll have abroad. Plus, other countries have tons of parties, believe me ;) .
Your friends and family -- If they love you, they will get over it. If you love them, you will get over it, too. Plus, in this modern age, there is Skype and cheaper phone cards and e-mail and everything. Staying in touch is virtually... not a problem at all.
(Your boy/girlfried) -- See above. If it's real, things will work out. Really, they will. If it doesn't work out, it wasn't meant to.
Money -- All I can say is that you have to work for it. I realize that this is often the biggest factor holding a lot of people back. But I am a strong believer of, If there's a Will, there's a Way. Nobody can stop you. I know you might be skeptical, but it is really true and I mean it. Also, in the end, I will guarantee that your full year will be worth it. Every little bit.
I don't even find my one year enough. (If you made me stay two years, I'd do it in a heartbeat!) There is always a way. You'll also be surprised how quickly one year actually goes by. It is nothing.
I know that it is unfortunately too late in college for many of you. But if any of you young'uns are out there reading this, and you are trying to decide on a study abroad program (or to study abroad at all!), you know exactly what I recommend! If you still aren't convinced, listen to this. When I was trying to decide between full- and half-year in Regensburg, every student I asked who had done the half-year before urged me to do the full-year. Nearly every one of them said that if they could have the choice to do it again, they would pick the full-year. Hands down. One of the most common phrases I heard was, "I only wish that I could have spent more time there." If you have the means, by all means, do it!
Now then! I'm going to make some breakfast.
(PS -- *ahem* Summer programs abroad are convenient excuses to have a holiday in another country and barely learn nothing but a scratch on the tip of the iceberg. *ahem*.)
5 comments:
I agree with a lot of what you said--if you want to do it, you will find a way for sure. I also think the full-year program is awesome and there have definitely been *MANY* moments that I have wished I was staying for the full year. On the other hand it is an impossibility. There is no way I would be able to finish my English major if I was over here taking 0 English classes for a full year. Also, I said I agree with a lot and not everything. Of course I think it's great for people to gain independence and if love is truly there (between family, boy/girlfriend, etc.) it will last no matter what. I think it's really admirable that one girl in the VIS group is getting married this March and is still over here studying. I also think it's really admirable when people do put family first in some ways too. For example, another big reason I studied in the fall instead of the spring is because my brother is graduating from high school in the spring and I don't want to miss that for his sake. There's definitely a balance that needs to be found. =)
I'm afraid I'm going to disagree with you but you probably expected that one. But then again... my major came first, my minor second (that's why they're called that... major... minor...). I wasn't planning on doing Study Abroad AT ALL, and the month was all I could afford in a time and monetary standing. I don't think you realize Elaine that you are a lot less tied down than a lot of people are. Continuing a serious relationship from a distance is difficult. It requires time and effort that are in many ways unavailable when one is half the world away. Which is more important then, that relationship, or that experience? It depends a lot, and that choice will make a difference in your future. After a year apart, people will be less close unless all effort (that means not going on excursions and in other ways making all possible use of your time in the country) is made.
On another subject, money IS an issue. "Where there is a will, there is a way" doesn't cut it when one is looking at being in debt for a very long time for this experience. Again, is that experience worth putting myself in debt for the next ten years? In some cases, it may be, but to some people, it is not. This doesn't make their decision a wrong one. It just means they have other things that take priority. Perhaps I can afford one month in a foreign country and that is all. Should I take it or rather not go at all?
Yes, I just think that if you are deciding whether or not to take a full year when you don't have any strong reasons not to do so is missing out. Sorry if this wasn't put the right way, but I guess I wanted to direct this post primarily to those who more easily have the option and don't take it primarily due to lots of "What If's" that shouldn't need to matter. If you were, for example, doing a minor like you said, then it certainly makes a little more sense to contribute less time.
But if mere hesitation is holding you back, fight it and go for full sha-bang! Carpe Jugulum, haha! I mean, Diem.
I'm glad the two of you sorted out that misunderstanding. I really wish I had done some overseas/study abroad stuff, but I was unable (for academic reasons and because of the nature of chemical engineering).
-Aubrey
Yes, Engineering majors of every different form are insane... Confounded tyrant majors. SPLITTERS!!! Okay, I just watched Monty Python's The Life of Brian a few days ago, sorry.
(This is another reason why I quit Biology. No, not because of Life of Brian.)
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