The Ins and Outs of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad at Virginia Tech is a great opportunity to travel to new countries, make lifelong friendships, take a variety of different classes, and explore different career paths in business. Below a number of different resources from Virginia Tech and other third parties are listed for students interested in studying abroad during their undergraduate studies.

The Global Education Office

The Global Education Office at Virginia Tech works with students of all majors to determine if study abroad is right for them. The Global Education Office encourages students to study abroad because students get to gain a global perspective in their field of study along with and take a variety of courses that are not available at Virginia Tech. In addition to explaining a number of different benefits of studying abroad, the Global Education Office also provides resources for study abroad financial aid, how to find the right study abroad program for you, and preparing to leave for your program.

When trying to find the right study abroad program the Global Education Office Peer Advisors can assist you during scheduled walk-in advising sessions which can be scheduled on the Global Education Office website. In addition, the Global Education Office suggests meeting with your academic advisor to discuss the best semester to study abroad, how studying abroad will fit into your course work, and determine how study abroad fits into your degree plan. You can also visit the financial aid office to determine what scholarships are available to you and what financial aid you could receive. Finally, the Global Education Office can also connect you to the Cranwell International Center to allow you to connect with international students to learn more about the educational systems, customs, and life in countries you’re interested in studying in.

Pamplin Study Abroad Programs

The Pamplin College of Business offers over 20 different study abroad programs to choose from. Programs offered include a variety of concentrations including Entrepreneurship, Business Information Technology, Marketing, and many more. Pamplin offers study abroad programs in the summer and winter, as well as the spring and fall semesters. In addition to the semester-long programs, students also have the opportunity to take part in week-long programs typically held during spring break or at the end of the semester. Below are a few examples of study abroad programs offered through the Pamplin College of Business.

The Global Freshman International Research Experience (FIRE) is offered as a Spring Short Program for freshmen who completed HTM/MGT 2314 during the fall, spring, or winter. After completion of the course at Virginia Tech, students have the opportunity to learn about international business in Germany, Greece, or the Caribbean. This program is open to all students but freshmen in the Pamplin College of Business will be given priority.

The Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Education Abroad Program is held over a 15 day period during winter break and students receive 3 credit hours for participating. The program provides students hands-on instruction in various aspects of resort management. Students will hear lectures from experienced professionals and visit various sites around the resort.

The Pamplin College of Business also offers an experiential learning semester in the fall in which students spend nine weeks in Lugano, Switzerland and four weeks in Africa. The nine weeks spent in Switzerland will be spent learning from Virginia Tech professors and traveling throughout Europe. The four weeks in Africa will be spent in either Ethiopia or Rwanda partnering with non-profit organizations to collaborate with local schools to help develop their curriculum. Students will earn 18 credits for their work during the semester. These are just a few of the many opportunities that the Pamplin College of Business offers to students interested in studying abroad.

Traveling as a Smart Student

For students who have decided to study abroad, there are a number of important things that go into preparing for your trip. Not only will you be traveling to another country for your education, but within study abroad programs you will often have the chance to travel within the area you are staying or travel to other cities and countries around you. This guide provides a number of tips and tricks for preparing for your trip abroad as well as how to travel smart when studying abroad. From tips on how to be a respectful tourist to useful apps to have when studying abroad, this guide can greatly help you on your journey.

How To Make The Most of Your Study Abroad

Studying abroad will be one of the most unique experiences of your time as an undergraduate student. Take the time to research and learn from others how to make the most of your experience, as it is often a once in a lifetime opportunity. This article takes tips from students who have previously participated in study abroad programs to help you prepare you for your own!

Many students recommend to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn new things. This is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge of both course subjects and different cultures. In addition, students who have previously studied abroad recommend setting goals for yourself to get the most out of your trip. Although it is important to enjoy your time in another country, study abroad programs are great opportunities to obtain skills that will serve you in your future as well.

Life After Study Abroad

Studying abroad can be one of the best experiences of your college career, so it can be difficult when that experience comes to an end. As a business major, although the experience ends, the skills that you learn can translate into your undergraduate studies and your career after college. This article gives you advice on what to do after you have completed your studies abroad to translate the skills you have learned into your studies back home and your career later in life. As a business major focusing on international networking opportunities, recognizing how business is conducted in different countries, and other learned skills will be important following your time studying abroad.

These are just a few of the many resources available to students who are interested in or preparing for a study abroad program. Within the Pamplin College of Business you are also able to meet with your advisor to learn more about study abroad opportunities within your major that align with your course work and schedule.

Studying abroad can be a great addition to your undergraduate education. From deciding to study abroad to actually leaving your home country, the Pamplin College of Business and Virginia Tech offer a variety of different resources to help you along your journey to studying abroad.

By Katie Smith