“You know, Jude, if you want to do a summer study abroad program instead of a semester, I would understand. We could find a way to make that work,” my dad said to me as we passed the Res, strolling around campus my first day at BC.
“What? No way! I’m going abroad for an entire semester for sure,” I replied. There was no doubt in my mind. My sister had gone to Madrid, and with some 40% of BC juniors traveling abroad, I was sure I’d be one of them, too.
“It’s just such a great place,” my dad remarked about Chestnut Hill, “I could understand you never wanting to leave.”
I have to admit it, my dad couldn’t have been more right, and I’m proud to say that I am spending my entire year studying right here on the Heights.
Studying abroad is a serious decision, and one that shouldn’t be influenced by the mere fact that so many BC students go. So you’re thinking about going abroad? Keep the decision personal because what is best for your friends may not be best for you. Studying abroad may be the best decision someone makes at BC, while for others, the opposite may be true. In the course of your decision, ask yourself these five questions.
After asking herself these questions, Meg Keefe confidently chose to go abroad to Ireland! She took this shot while traveling through Austria.
1. What do you hope to accomplish your junior year?
Junior year can be a very formative year in college, and one that may be instrumental in determining or making plans for your success post-graduation. For some, lining up an internship and going abroad is a definite possibility. For others, this may not be true. In my case, I was able to get a winter internship at Redbook magazine that will help me to secure a summer internship as well. Going abroad would not have allowed me to do so. Take the time to think about your future and how you are going to get there. Does studying abroad fit into the equation? Perhaps a semester abroad will even help your future career.
2. Is this your only time to travel?
For some, going abroad will be their first experience outside the country. For others, it will be their fifth time. Consider what traveling means to you. Is it a lifetime passion? If so, perhaps this means now is not your only time to go to Paris, and in that case, maybe you decide to stay in Boston to live up your year at BC instead. If traveling is not going to be a priority after graduation, this could be your only chance to get out there and see the world… so go!
3. What is going on in your life at BC?
What are you involved in on campus? For many, junior year is when they really establish themselves on campus. Are you eligible for a leadership role? Could doing something on campus be invaluable to your future? If so, perhaps it’s best you stay on the Heights. If there isn’t anything going on, or something you can do for one semester, book your ticket!
4. What does “once-in-a-lifetime” mean to you?
Is studying abroad a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Or would you consider being a student at BC a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? If you think, “Hey, Luxemburg will always be there, but my eight semesters as a BC student won’t be,” then don’t you dare leave!
5. What does your bank account look like?
While some are fortunate to easily fund their study abroad experience, others are not. Consider your personal situation and decide whether the semester abroad is financially feasible. If it’s looking like it’s going to be money-tight, studying abroad may prove more stressful than successful. Be prepared: studying abroad is expensive!
With these five questions in mind, I bid you good luck, and perhaps a bon voyage! Whatever you come to decide, do it for you and for nobody else.