If you’ve made it through all the studying, test-taking, essays and grad school applications and have signed on for another three-plus years of studying, seminars, research and a dissertation, you are officially a lover of learning. You don’t view summer vacation as welcome time off from school, but as those wondrous three months when you can cram twice as many library hours into one day.
Since the word “break” is most likely not part of your vocabulary, we would never think of advocating such a thing. We do suggest, though, that you consider a change of scenery, taking your academic appetite international with a graduate study abroad program.
Whether or not you chose to study abroad as an undergrad, the overseas experience can offer something completely different to grad students. Foreign study grad programs tend to be more specialized and intense than undergrad study abroad programs, and you typically have much more flexibility in choosing your own destination and tailoring the curriculum specifically to your area of research.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program was established in 1946, after World War II, as a means of fostering international understanding, education and cultural exchange.
Over 1,300 Fulbright grant recipients are chosen each year for placement in over 140 countries worldwide, based on their leadership qualities and their proposal for a political, economic or cultural service project.
Requirements
Even if you’re not currently enrolled or planning to enroll in graduate school, you can still apply for a Fulbright through your undergraduate alma mater. You must apply at least six months prior to the beginning of your program.
You’ll need to submit a completed application form, letters of reference, a two-page statement of proposed study or research and a one-page personal statement. There may be additional required forms depending on your chosen program or field of study.
You also need to meet certain eligibility requirements:
- U.S. citizen at the time of application
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent (exceptions may be made for those in the creative and performing arts, or those with extensive professional study or experience in their proposed field)
- Proficiency in the spoken and written language of your proposed host country
- In good health (if awarded a Fulbright, you’ll be required to submit a certificate of health)
Preference is given to those who haven’t resided or studied for more than six months (excluding time spent abroad for military service) in the country to which they are applying.
USAC, established in 1982, offers 39 programs in 25 countries, including Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Costa Rica, India, China and Ghana. Graduate students must take a minimum of nine credits and can take up to a maximum of 12 credits. If your school isn’t one of
USAC’s member universities, USAC will help you enroll at one of the consortium universities so you can earn transfer credit.
You’ll need to complete an online application and pay a deposit and application fee of $300 ($200 of which is refundable if you cancel your registration before the deposit refund deadline). Most programs have rolling admissions, although some USAC programs have specific deadlines. Fall and yearlong program application deadlines range from April to June; spring program application deadlines range from August to November. For summer programs, USAC recommends you apply by April 1.
Requirements
- Hold a bachelor’s degree and/or be currently enrolled in a U.S. graduate school
- Overall GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale (certain USAC programs have higher GPA requirements)
- Qualify for admission at a USAC consortium university
Students who don’t meet the GPA requirement may still apply, but must include two academic letters of recommendation.
Founded in 1947, CIEE is a non-governmental international education organization with 97
study abroad programs covering over 40 subject areas in 35 host countries. CIEE places students in immersion programs, and many include a substantial amount of interaction outside the classroom.
For those who have little or no foreign language skills or international experience, 54 of the study abroad programs have no second language prerequisite. Some programs are specifically designed to help ease the transition into overseas study.
Graduate students have a vast selection of courses to choose from; you can search by categories like arts, business, communications and science.
Eligibility requirements vary by program, although many CIEE programs require a minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale. There’s a $30 non-refundable application fee, and you’ll need to submit a home-school nomination form with your completed application. Application deadlines range from March 15 to April 1 for summer and fall programs, and from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1 for spring programs. A limited number of
grants and scholarships are available.
If you’re not awarded a scholarship, don’t let worries about travel costs and study abroad tuition stop you from jetting across the globe for a life-changing experience. Financial aid can help you with your program-related expenses, even when you’re studying abroad, so you only have to worry about paying for what’s not covered.
Federal Grad PLUS Loans are credit-based,
low-cost student loans available to qualifying graduate students without consideration of financial need. Grad PLUS loans are available throughout the school year, so you can apply even mid-semester, and they’ll cover up to 100% of your cost of attendance, which includes not just your study abroad tuition, but program fees, materials, transportation to and from school, and a reasonable living allowance. You get a low, fixed interest rate, there’s no cost to apply, and you can defer making payments while you’re still in school at least half time