Who can study abroad through DSC?

Any DSC student in good standing or any student in good standing at another institution which accepts study abroad credit is eligible. Be sure to check with the college or university you want to receive your credits for their policies.

Why should I study abroad?

There are many reasons why you should make study abroad a part of your college education.
Here are a few...
Timing
This is the absolute best time in your life to study abroad. You'll never get a better opportunity than right now. If you've ever thought about studying overseas, do it while you're in college. If you miss this window of opportunity, it's almost impossible to do later in life. Traveling overseas is just not the same.
To broaden your horizons and gain a new perspective
Life in the USA is pretty much the same day in, day out. Life overseas makes you see your everyday world in a whole new light. You don't even realize it, but our culture shapes the way we view the world and affects us every minute of the day. Differences in culture are more than just differences in language, food, clothing, and art. Cultural differences reflect deeply ingrained perceptions about the world and about one's way of life, and these perceptions are radically different from one culture to the next. Americans don't tend to venture outside the confines of their day-to-day lives. Students who study abroad return home with an broadened and less biased perspective toward other cultures. You'll be more sensitive to what is happening in the news from places around the world. You'll be able to relate better to other students on campus who are from different countries.
To gain a better perspective about yourself
Find out who you really are. What are your limits? How do you overcome obstacles you've never before encountered? How far can you push yourself? How independent are you? These questions are hard to answer until you are removed from your usual surroundings. By leaving your "comfort zone" of life in the U.S., you'll get to know strengths you never before knew you had. After solving difficult problems on your own overseas, you'll find that almost nothing fazes you at home. Students who study abroad commonly report that their study abroad experience actually changed their life.
To get to know another culture and way of life
This is a valuable commodity in today's global society. Potential employers will be impressed that you have a unique perspective on not only another society, but your own as well. Having had an overseas study experience shows that you're motivated, inquisitive, and willing to try new things - all very appealing qualities in an employee. People who study abroad tend to be willing to take risks, willing to put themselves in unusual situations, able to solve problems under unique circumstances, and able to overcome the fear of the unknown. You'll also be setting yourself apart from other American students.
To learn things first-hand, for yourself
It's one thing to read about the culture of another country, but another entirely to experience it yourself. Things you had previously only read about in a book or learned about in a classroom will become your own personal experiences.
Study abroad is not for everyone, but it is something that everyone should consider.
Prepared by The University System of Georgia Office of International Education [8/2001]

Where can I go?

DSC and the University System of Georgia offer you a wide variety of study abroad opportunities from 9-day programs to semester/academic year programs. You choose what works for you. Many DSC students choose the five-week summer study abroad programs located in countries around the world. For more information, go to Programs/Courses.

What about financial aid?

It is important to make early preparations for financial aid. If planned properly, HOPE Scholarship funding and most financial aid programs can be applied to an accredited study abroad opportunity. Also, you should consider a student loan to help you participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Contact the DSC Financial Aid Office for specific information on using your financial aid package toward study abroad.

Each year DSC offers a limited number of DSC Foundation Study Abroad Scholarships. See the Financial Aid/Scholarship page for an application.

Also, financial aid information can be found at the University System of Georgia Study Abroad web site.

How do I apply?

To be sure you are fully informed of how to prepare for the study abroad experience, please follow the following steps.

• Visit DSC’s International Studies Coordinator, Dr. John Lugthart (229 Sequoya Hall), to review study abroad program options and to obtain information and an application.

• Visit your academic advisor in your major field of study to discuss how the overseas program fits into graduation requirements and to receive written approval for the courses selected. See the DSC Course Equivalencies Web Page for a comparison of study abroad courses and equivalent DSC courses.

• Visit the Financial Aid Office (Lower Student Center) to examine how financial aid can be applied to your study abroad program.

• Complete your application. Before submitting your form, it must be signed by the Study Abroad Coordinator. It is mandatory that a completed study abroad application is filed even if the program is not sponsored by DSC. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that DSC will recognize the academic credit earned.