{"id":2970,"date":"2017-06-27T19:28:08","date_gmt":"2017-06-27T19:28:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.berea.edu\/cie\/?page_id=2970"},"modified":"2022-06-17T14:56:56","modified_gmt":"2022-06-17T18:56:56","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/legacy.berea.edu\/cie\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here are some of the most commonly asked questions — and the initial answers![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Study Abroad? What’s so great about studying abroad?” el_id=”1498588980372-5c06575d-a67b”]The benefits of studying abroad are tremendous. In addition to cultural, personal, social and academic growth, students who study abroad are more marketable upon graduation. In today\u2019s world, employers and graduate schools increasingly value an overseas experience. Many employers \u2013 in banking, engineering, marketing, the computer industry, and many other areas \u2013 are looking specifically for overseas experience when evaluating applicants.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Do I have to speak another language to study abroad?” el_id=”1498589377854-c44abb92-1c84″]No. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of programs overseas that are offered in English.<\/p>\n

However, we always encourage students going overseas to take at least one course in a local language. If you are already proficient in a foreign language, you will likely have more course options “on the ground” if you are heading to a country where that language is spoken.<\/p>\n

Plus, there is no better way to learn a language than to be fully immersed in it.<\/p>\n

Additionally, there is another pool of funding for Foreign Language majors at Berea who are heading overseas to study in that language. Speak with the Foreign Languages Department to learn more![\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”When\u2019s the best time to study abroad? Semester? Summer? Winter?!” el_id=”1498588610116-0d0eae4d-4ab3″]The answer is:\u00a0 It depends. But often, sooner is better than later!<\/p>\n

You do need to have attended Berea College for at least 2 semesters before you are eligible to participate. There are other eligibility requirements that you will want to be sure to check out as well.<\/p>\n

Remember that you are required to be on the Berea College campus for your final semester – so studying abroad in your last term is not an option.<\/p>\n

Timing may also depend upon your major (and minor) requirements, so it\u2019s best to check in with your academic advisor early to plan ahead.<\/p>\n

In total, most students usually have 11 unique opportunities to study abroad: 5 semesters, 3 summers, and 3 winters.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, semesters are highly recommended! Going abroad for a semester allows you more time to adjust and integrate into the local culture. As a result, semester-long experiences can be more impactful.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I can\u2019t afford to do a whole semester abroad!” el_id=”1498589549756-291a22ff-b227″]This is likely not the case!<\/p>\n

Most Berea College students qualify for a generous grant from the Center for International Education that may cover up to 75% of a semester program’s costs, up to a cap of $8,000. (**Each student’s situation is unique — do not consider this number as final.**)<\/p>\n

Additionally, our direct exchange partners do not charge Berea students tuition – so if you’re headed to a partner university, you will only be responsible for your flight, visa, housing, meals, and other living expenses.<\/p>\n

Students also often utilize Pell monies and KEES monies (if they graduated from a Kentucky high school) to help pay for study abroad.<\/p>\n

Finally, most BTA students also qualify for a Berea College interest-free loan, if needed.<\/p>\n

Meet with Financial Aid ahead of time to discuss your specific situation and the financial feasibility of study abroad![\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Where can I study?” el_id=”1498589099452-db8e1f46-8924″]The possibilities are almost endless!<\/p>\n

We do not restrict our students to certain countries, partners, programs, or providers.<\/p>\n

However, the College will not approve countries with Level 4 travel warnings from the U.S. Department of State. You can find current travel warnings here.<\/a>\u00a0Please note that this list is updated frequently.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How many times can I go abroad?” el_id=”1498589687411-381ae188-fb22″]It depends. Berea offers a grant to every student who studies abroad. Once.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Occasionally, students are able to do both a semester and a shorter program (summer\/winter) by subtracting the funds received from the College for a Summer\/Winter program from the total aid available for a Semester program.<\/p>\n

So, come and talk to us![\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How do I even apply for study abroad?” el_id=”1498591353747-56df635a-7bf6″]The short answer is : You can follow the guide on our Steps to Studying Abroad <\/a>page!<\/p>\n

The longer answer is:<\/p>\n