What’s the Deal With…
STUDY ABROAD
“Studying abroad not only
gives you a chance to learn
in another country, but it
gives you the ability to learn
about new cultures, see the
best sights of the world and
experience personal growth.
Liz: Business, Development & Social
Boti Falls was one of the
most beautiful natural sights
I saw in Ghana.”
Entrepreneurship in Legon, Ghana
Major: International Business
Study Abroad Fact:
In 2012-2013, 1,170 GW undergraduate students studied abroad—
that’s 50% of the junior class!
Elaine: Business, Communications,
and Culture in Brussels
Majors: Criminal Justice, Political
Science
“The best part about studying abroad was
getting to travel all over Europe and meet
people from various countries and
cultures. I was able to see and experience
things that I never would have had the
chance to had I not been living in Europe
for a semester.”
Study Abroad Fact:
GW approves over 400 programs in more than 60 countries!
The ten most popular destinations for 2012-2013 include the UK, Spain,
France, Italy, Australia, Argentina, Ireland, China, South Africa, and Chile.
Alix: Korea University-GW Exchange
Major: Systems Engineering
Initially, being the only foreigner,
the only female, and the only nonKorean speaker in a class full of
60 engineers was tough. However,
once I was able to get over the
physical differences, being able to
work together and study in a
different academic environment
has been an enriching factor in
contributing to my time abroad.
Study Abroad Fact:
Students in all majors can study abroad! GW sends 40% of undergraduate Business
School students abroad and has special partnerships for students in SEAS.
If you’re in a more restrictive major, discussion with your academic advisor and
early planning are key to ensuring you can study abroad.
Hilary: ACC Beijing
Major: International Affairs
“The most meaningful aspect of
studying abroad in Beijing was
learning how to speak the Chinese
language more fluently.
Because my program is so
demanding and requires all
students to only speak Chinese
(not even one word of English is
allowed!), my Chinese improved
tremendously.
Study Abroad Fact:
Language study is one of the top
reasons GW students study abroad.
Some nights, I would even have
dreams in Chinese. That's when I
realized that studying abroad
really had paid off!”
Abigail: GW Chile
Major: International Business
Study Abroad Fact:
GW has four of its own Study
Programs:
GW Paris
GW Madrid
GW Chile
GW England
“One of the best parts about studying abroad in Santiago with GW Chile were the 2
GW classes offered. The class Advanced Spanish Oral Communication through
Chilean Cultural Topics gave me a deeper understanding of why Chileans speak and
live the way they do by studying the history of the culture and the language. We
visited the Plaza de Armas, one of the main squares that the city is centered around
to see the history first-hand during a class field trip.”
Kelsey: Study in Rabat, Morocco
Major: French Language,
Literature, Culture
“Not only did I get to use my
French every day, but I picked up a
good bit of Arabic too.
Learning a language abroad gives
you the opportunity to practically
use your language skills, make
mistakes, and really engage with
the local culture.”
Study Abroad Fact:
GW has basic eligibility requirements
for study abroad, including a 2.75
GPA, but many programs have their
own requirements.
Study Abroad Fact:
Most federal and
institutional financial aid
applies while you are
abroad for a semester or
full year.
Chloe: CIEE Jordan
In addition, GW offers 6
scholarships for study
abroad. There are also
many external organizations
that offer scholarships for
study abroad.
Majors: International Affairs
“Of course, the GW Blog Abroad Scholarship assisted me financially.
Moreover, the GW Blog Abroad Scholarship helped me to find my
voice by writing on issues of social justice, socioeconomic
development and cross-culture exchanges experienced abroad.”
“Through FOFAC, I met faculty
members who have also spent
time abroad, got involved with
great opportunities on campus
relating to study abroad, and
became friends with exchange
students from around the world.
FOFAC definitely made my
transition back to life at GW so
much easier and more fun than
it would have been otherwise!”
Study Abroad Fact:
Study abroad in the fall and become
part of GW’s Focus on Fall Abroad
Community (FOFAC) for housing
options, possible scholarships, &
special events!
Jennie: CIEE Sevilla, Spain
Major: American Studies
For More Information and
Assistance….
• Visit our Resource Room
– Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Visit our Website:
www.studyabroad.gwu.edu
• Contact us:
studyabr@gwu.edu