The Office of Education Abroad asked social media followers to share what burning questions they have about study abroad! Let’s get those questions answered!
- What year should I study abroad? (Soph/JR/SR)
It really depends on your degree path and what kind of study abroad experience you want to have! For semester long or summer programs, it’s most common for students to study abroad during their sophomore or junior year, but it is not uncommon to see seniors studying abroad. If you want to do a semester or a year-long program, it’s probably best that it occurs before the last semester of your undergraduate program, just to make sure that the credits will transfer correctly to fulfill your degree requirements without any delays. If you choose to go on a short-term program, then the timing of it doesn’t matter as much. We typically can find a program for anyone that wants to study abroad regardless of their academic level.
- Do specific majors go on study abroad trips together?
Specific majors can absolutely go on study abroad programs together! In many colleges on campus, there are professors that will lead a Short-Term Faculty Directed Education Abroad program once a year for specific majors. For example, if you are an Anthropology major, there is a STFD titled, “MSU Short Term: Andes to the Amazon” that has an Anthropology credit available to take!
Of course, students can also coordinate with others in their degree program to plan a semester abroad together. If you’re interested in finding a program that offers multiple courses in your field that you can take, come talk to us in PSU 209!
- Do you have any specific programs for graduate students?
While we don’t have any programs specifically for graduate students, there are many short-term programs that offer graduate credits!
- I’m a nursing student. Can I still study abroad?
Of course! Many nursing students have studied abroad! Right now, we have a short-term program going to Jamaica for nursing students that exclusively offers credit for NUR 297.
There are also options for nursing students that would prefer to go on a long-term program!
Lots of majors worry they won’t be able to find programs abroad. With flexibility and planning, we can ensure any MSU student can find a program that’s right for them, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
- Can I use my Pell Grant while abroad?
Using the Pell Grant for your study abroad is case dependent, but typically students can use their financial aid if they are going for either a semester or a full-year program. Short-term program participants can sometimes use financial aid as well, depending on when their program goes out. For more specific information about financial aid, I would recommend scheduling a meeting with Vicki White. She is a great resource, and her meeting link can be found by going to the Office of Education Abroad website, clicking on the “Financial Considerations and Scholarships” page, navigating to the “Using your Financial Aid” tab, and clicking on “Meet with Financial Aid”.
- Can first-gen students study abroad?
Absolutely! First-gen students make amazing study abroad participants as they are typically more willing to step-outside their comfort zones. The Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) Office even has an Education Abroad scholarship specifically for first generation students at Missouri State!
- Do I have to speak the host language of any place I want to study?
No, you don’t have to be fluent in any other language! Nearly all of our programs offer courses in English. Language is inherently linked with culture, so it’s always nice to know a few 
phrases and have a basic understanding of the language in your host country, but it won’t be required to take your courses. Many of our programs are set up so that you are either with English speaking on-site support staff and/or other English-speaking students!
If you have any more questions, feel free to schedule a meeting with our office!
Written by: Delilah Boggs