Spencer Page
Senior Staff Writer
Studying abroad offers an exciting opportunity for many students eager to travel and experience a new culture. However, there are several important factors to consider when looking to leave UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) for a quarter outside of the United States including costs, logistical challenges, and the potential for new experiences.
Talking to multiple students that studied abroad revealed an absolute love for their experiences. From exploring ice caves in Iceland to seeing centuries-old monuments in Germany to experiencing the nightlife in Barcelona, they all felt that the experience opened up their eyes in a multitude of ways.
Third-year student Miles Petty, who spent this last summer in Berlin, told The Bottom Line (TBL), “I’ve been to Europe before with my family, but having the opportunity to explore for that long of a time is something I’ll never forget.” The length of his trip allowed him to engage with the environment and culture in a far more personal way that would have been impossible on a shorter visit.
Petty went on to describe how he loved exploring each day as a way to become more immersed in the culture. He found himself particularly interested by the history surrounding him, whether that be from the Berlin Wall or the World Wars. In the evenings, he enjoyed the lively atmosphere of beer gardens, where he had the chance to meet other international students as well as locals. Because he was already in Europe, he was afforded the opportunity to make additional trips via train to Denmark and Austria during his breaks from class.
Another student with a very different experience was third-year Josh Neese, who spent the summer studying in Iceland. He told TBL, “I realize that studying thermodynamics in Reykjavík isn’t a normal study abroad experience, but I’ve never been more captivated learning about a subject. Seeing geothermal energy in action made the concepts feel real, and, to top it all off, the nature was absolutely beautiful.” His summer abroad not only strengthened his academic passion but also left him with lasting memories that he’ll carry with him beyond his time in Iceland.
Despite these benefits, studying abroad can come with its obstacles. First, the planning must be done many months in advance. For a student planning to go abroad in the fall, programs fill up quickly, so it’s crucial to apply for your desired program as soon as they open to secure a spot. Additionally, while existing financial aid packages and study abroad scholarships are able to cover some of the costs, such as the $2,000 UCEAP Global Scholarship, the net cost is oftentimes more than what a quarter at UCSB would be. This is due to housing, transportation, and extra services offered by UCEAP to help students fully enjoy the destination.
Lastly, it is important to consider your major before studying abroad, as some majors offer limited locations to travel, while others also restrict the number of credits that can be applied toward upper-division degree requirements. Researching available programs and ensuring that they align with your graduation requirements is vital to seeing if you can study abroad.
Overall, despite the fact that studying abroad can be more expensive and affect a strict academic plan, an overwhelming consensus of students feel that studying abroad is the best decision they’ve made in college. No matter where you end up going, it’s an incredibly rare opportunity to travel in this capacity at this age, and it should absolutely be taken advantage of.