STUDY ABROAD 101 Annabelle Jenkins '19 MYTHRS BUSTE The world is your campus. Explore beyond the hedges to learn in ways you never imagined. Anne Wells '16 I'm not sure I can afford study abroad. Many programs cost the same or less than a semester at Rice.Your Rice financial aid/scholarships will travel with you when you participate in a Rice-approved program for a semester or an academic year. You may also qualify for other study abroad scholarships. Begin by reviewing the Rice Study Abroad website pages designed to help you to define your goals and then proceed to the following steps. I don't speak a foreign language (well enough). Step 1: Watch the Step One video. This 8-minute video informs you about the entire study abroad process. Many of our programs are offered in English-speaking countries. Some programs in non-English-speaking countries offer coursework in English with the option to learn/improve a foreign language. You can also consider studying a language at Rice before studying abroad. Step 2: Research program options. Review our online database of Rice-approved programs, keeping in mind your academic and personal needs. Step 3: Meet with your Academic Advisor and Major/Minor Advisors. Discuss how to fit study abroad into your 4-year plan at Rice by identifying the best time for you to go and the best types of courses to reserve for study abroad. Step 4. Attend Rice Study Abroad events. Come to our info sessions and other events to learn about the study abroad process, learn more about program options, and hear from past participants. Visit our OwlNest page and follow us on social media for event updates. Step 5. Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor. With a preliminary plan in mind, use this time to discuss the transfer credit process, funding, application, and other outstanding questions. I'm concerned about my academic progress. When you participate in a Rice-approved program you are guaranteed Rice transfer credit; this counts toward general hours required for graduation, given you meet the Office of the Registrar's guidelines. With the approval of a specific department, these may count as major, minor, or distribution credit. Are you an engineer, pre-med, or double major? Students have made it work! It takes advance planning so be sure to start early. It may distract from my career objectives. In addition to classroom study, some programs offer experiential learning components which help build your resume! You are also bound to improve your intercultural communication skills which is valuable in today's workforce. Studies have shown that study abroad alumni secure jobs more quickly and enjoy a higher acceptance into grad school. Step 6. Check out financial aid and scholarships. Learn about how Rice financial aid/scholarships may be available to use toward study abroad. Scholarship opportunities are also available from the Study Abroad Office and other external organizations. Research your scholarship options early. Step 7. Apply! Review application requirements and be sure to check on deadlines, as they may be much earlier than the Rice deadline. Eligibility requirements Be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate at Rice at the time of application Have completed freshman year Have watched the Step One online video Be in good academic standing Be in good disciplinary standing Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (some programs require higher) Mai Pham '19 Contact us abroad.rice.edu abroad@rice.edu Rice Study Abroad 713.348.5836 @RiceStudyAbroad #RiceOwlsAbroad RICE|STUDY ABROAD Application deadlines* Spring: October 15 or earlier Fall / Summer/Academic Year: March 15 or earlier *Verify deadlines with your target program as some have earlier deadlines or rolling admissions.
