By Liz Calvo
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barry students who were studying abroad have returned home. The study abroad programs for the summer semester are cancelled. Furthermore, there are no current plans for registration during the fall semester.
However, since students should always leave a fair amount of planning time for a study abroad excursion, one year from now – Spring 2021 - is the most adequate amount of planning time.
What is the study abroad program?
The study abroad program was created in partnership with the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) to give students an opportunity to learn in a foreign country.
Students can learn new languages as they navigate a new environment. They will explore the culture of the country as they visit museums, view architecture and taste the country’s cuisine.
Additionally, students can receive academic credit for the subjects they choose to study.
According to the head of the study abroad program, Dr. Katherine Nelson, any full-time undergraduate student can apply. All courses are taught in English, unless the student is taking a language class.
Application Process
Applicants will meet with Dr. Nelson to increase their understanding of the application process and the requirements for qualification. However, the application process itself will take place on the CCIS website.
In order to complete the application, students must have two letters of recommendation, an unofficial transcript, and a passport.
Additionally, students in the school of business must meet with Dr. Jessica Fleitas, the assistant dean of the school of business, to discuss how the program works with their curriculum.
How much does this program cost?
Dr. Nelson and the financial aid office will inform you about the cost of the program and the amount of financial aid you will receive. Normally, the semester abroad tuition is equivalent to that of a traditional undergraduate semester.
In addition, “...each program has different out-of-pocket expenses such as deposits, health insurance, airfare, excursions, and art supplies,” said Dr. Nelson.
Dr. Nelson adds that any tuition-directed financial aid is used for study abroad in the same way it is normally used. There are also grants and scholarships students can apply for on the CCIS website.
Health and Safety
As safety is important, learning about a country’s culture prior to making your final choice is crucial. Students should learn about the social, political, and religious norms in the country they plan to visit.
Additionally, the CCIS website recommends establishing a communication plan with your family, home institution and study abroad program. You must have copies of important travel documents, contact numbers and other relevant information.
Prior to attending the trip, you should schedule an appointment with your health care provider, or with the student health center, for any necessary vaccines or to check medication availability.
It is also recommended that you identify mental health resources at your destination country and form a mental health plan with your current provider.
The U.S. Department of State’s Students Abroad page provides destination-specific information and a Health and Safety Student Handbook.
Additional information
Students must be at Barry for one semester before they can qualify for the study abroad program. They must also hold at least a 2.75 G.P.A. to participate in the program.
Additionally, any undergraduate enrolled in the school of professional and career education (PACE), needs to consider two issues, according to Dr. Nelson.
“First, timing may present a problem, given that PACE courses are offered on a schedule that is different from the typical semester for undergraduate programs,” said Dr. Nelson. “Second, a semester abroad requires paying the tuition for traditional undergraduate students at Barry. This amount is significantly more than the cost of tuition for PACE students.”
For further information about the program, you can contact Dr. Katherine Nelson at knelson@barry.edu or visit her office in Garner 135. You can also visit the CCIS website at https://www.ccisabroad.org/students/