Exploring Graduate School Abroad
Who said graduate school has to stay on campus? Studying abroad is a unique experience
where students have the opportunity to travel and explore other cultures while getting
course credit. Amy Miller, Assistant Director of Tennessee Tech University’s Center
for Global Experiences, recognizes that the excitement of studying abroad also comes
with concerns. Dr. Miller discusses how Tech prepares students for the adventure.
“Our office handles shorter term programs such as faculty-led programs abroad, individual programs, like summer, semester or a year, short-term internships abroad, as well as faculty exchanges,” she explained.
Can I afford to study abroad?
The cost of studying abroad varies depending on the semester and the type of program – semester or faculty-led. It’s common for students to hesitate to study abroad due to the cost, but Miller reveals advice and financing options for funding the experience.
“Students should begin budgeting early and put money in a savings account each month,” she encouraged. “After signing up, we normally have students pay half the cost up front, then make two smaller payments for the remainder of the cost.”
Specifically, at Tech, there are numerous options for reimbursement and scholarship opportunities to make studying abroad more attainable for students.
“We offer Tech students a $1,000 airfare reimbursement (as long as they meet the criteria), Miller continued. “The College of Business offers an experiential grant and we also have a couple of other scholarships offered by donors.”
Will my credit transfer?
Another hesitation that hinders students from taking the next step is the fear that it will prolong their graduation date. Miller disclosed that Tech actually partners with graduate programs at universities abroad to ensure course credit will transfer despite any variations in grading. To find out which schools partner with Tennessee Tech, visit this webpage: https://www.tntech.edu/studyabroad/graduate.php.
“If students want to simply take a few classes abroad and transfer them back to Tech, then the Center for Global Experiences helps them with that,” she said. “There are many differences [with the grading scales], however we help students with advisement, and we work with the Chairs of the departments to ensure that students will get transfer credit.”
Not only does Tech work diligently with the partnered programs to provide academic resources, but the universities abroad also provide guidance for life abroad – housing, transportation and dining.
“The partner universities that we have abroad have on-site staff that help with practical matters,” Miller pointed out.
What if I get homesick or experience culture shock?
A third hesitation is the distance. Homesickness and culture shock are normal concerns, but they are things students can be aware of, learn to evaluate for and seek comfort if needed.
“We offer an online orientation that covers many topics,” Miller stated. “Also, if graduate students go on a faculty-led group program abroad, the faculty meets with the students several times before departure to cover on-site topics and what to expect.”
Studying abroad immerses students into a new culture, new city, new country, and community. The experience requires strength and independence – both of which Tech prepares you for before the trip.
“On the faculty-led programs abroad, we have a minimum of two faculty members on site with the group to help with homesickness and culture shock,” Miller revealed. “With individual students traveling abroad, the host university offers support services, buddies and mentors for students.”
So, challenge yourself and consider studying abroad through Tennessee Tech. You may reach out to our Center for Global Experiences by emailing Dr. Miller at www.tntech.edu/studyabroad/.