FAQ
Questions
- Does my financial aid apply to my time abroad?
- I just don't have time in my schedule to study abroad. Won't study abroad keep me from graduating on time?
- Don't you have to be an "A" student to study abroad?
- My program of emphasis isn't really "international". What could I study abroad?
- I don't speak a foreign language. Can I still study abroad?
- I have a disability. Can I study abroad?
- Isn't going to a foreign country difficult?
- When should I study abroad?
- I am worried that I will miss my friends and family when I'm away... how can I prepare to study abroad?
- When should I start planning to study abroad?
- Where can I get more information about opportunities to study abroad?
Answers
- Does my financial aid apply to my time abroad?
Yes, it does! Study abroad does not have to be expensive. All your scholarships, grants, loans will apply to Juniata study abroad programs. You are responsible for destination airfare and your personal expenses, but in some cases, you can even get financial support for the airfare! In addition, there are some very generous scholarships for qualified students who study in foreign language programs. You can't afford not to go!
- I just don't have time in my schedule to study abroad. Won't study abroad keep me from graduating on time?
With careful planning, study abroad can fit right into your degree program and it's very unusual to have graduation delayed because of study abroad. We can help you to arrange programs for an academic year, a semester or for a few weeks in the summer. Study abroad is flexible and we'll work with you around your schedule.
- Don't you have to be an "A" student to study abroad?
No, but you do need to be academically ready to study overseas. An overall GPA of 2.6 is required (3.0 for Honors programs).
- My program of emphasis isn't really "international". What could I study abroad?
You don't need to have an international major. You can study anything abroad! You can also take courses in your minor, satisfy general education requirements or try something new!
- I don't speak a foreign language. Can I still study abroad?
Yes! We have exchange programs in many countries where English is the native language, such as Australia, England, Ireland and Scotland. We also have programs where your courses will be taught in English, even if that isn't the native language, such as Czech Republic, India, China, Japan and Greece! But did you know that two years of college level language will enable you to study overseas in that language (France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, Russia . . .) and you'll become bilingual! Wouldn't that be great?!
- I have a disability. Can I study abroad?
Juniata seeks to provide international study opportunities for all qualifying students regardless of gender, race, sexual preference, etc. Juniata encourages all students to study abroad and will work to accommodate the noted disability of the student. It is important that students with a disability or specific needs disclose the information with sufficient advance notice to explore which programs will have reasonable accommodations. Certain programs will be more appropriate, depending on the specifics of the disability. The Director of Study Abroad can provide information on disability services available in Juniata-affiliated programs abroad.
- Isn't going to a foreign country difficult?
Study abroad is challenging, but we will provide an orientation program before your departure, introduce you to Juniata Mentors (students who have been on study abroad), give you information about getting your passport and much more.
- When should I study abroad?
Study abroad can be arranged anytime after your third semester at Juniata, although you can go abroad on summer programs after your freshman year. Most students plan to study abroad during the junior year.
- I am worried that I will miss my friends and family when I'm away... how can I prepare to study abroad?
Missing those you love is a real fact of life. However, in today's world it is easy to stay in touch. E-mail keeps everyone connected. You can also have your friends or family visit you during breaks (Think of the great places you can show them overseas!) And when you get back, you'll have lots of exciting pictures and memories to share with them.
- When should I start planning to study abroad?
Now! It's never too early to start planning. Ideally, a year in advance of your departure allows sufficient time for thorough planning and preparation. Let us know that you are thinking about study abroad and we'll help you to plan.
- Where can I get more information about opportunities to study abroad?
- Come to the Eagles Abroad Fair held on campus in early September
- Visit the Center for International Education Resource Center
- Meet with a student mentor in the international office
- Be sure to mention to your faculty advisers when you meet with them that you want to include an international experience into your curriculum. They will be thrilled to guide you! Many professors have been at some of the same sites you are considering...
Finally, make an appointment to discuss your options with Jarmila Polte, the Study Abroad Director (polte@juniata.edu, ext. 3182) and you'll be on your way before you know it!