Studying Abroad Questions..

ty4cy90

Active Member
Apr 27, 2010
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Ames/Spirit Lake
Hey fellow fanatics!

I'm thinking about studying abroad next semester. I know, I know. I'll be missing out on the majority of the basketball season, and probably the best one we've seen in years. Hopefully I'll be able to stream some games online and witness Royce, Allen, and Scotty tearing up the Big 12 and NCAA tournament.

Anyways, I'm thinking about going to England, and possibly London (even though the cost of living is high, I can save some money on an exchange program). Does anyone have any advice on the subject? I would like an English speaking country and plenty of time to travel.

Go State!
 
I studied in Italy but on an English language campus. One of the best decisions I ever made. Do it, you might not get another chance.

Personally, London wouldn't be high on my list. It's a big city, but the culture is very similar to the US. I'd try to find a place where you can get a taste of something a little different. You won't have language barrier problems anywhere in western Europe as long as your classes are in English.
 
I studied abroad for a whole academic year, and it was the best decision of my life. You might miss Chris Allen and one more year of Scotty, but you'll see much greater things than that.

I went to Malta on an exchange from Iowa State. The classes are in English, and you have quite a few travel opportunities from a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean.
 
I studied abroad in Finland. I was originally going to do England, but the program that I was going to do fell through, and looking back I am kind of glad I did because I had an amazing time in Finland. In addition, I worked abroad the summer before in Germany and was able to travel around the continent quite a bit. Not that I want to dissuade you from England (which I also loved), but like the previous poster said, it (especially London) is really pretty similar to a big American city with a different accent.

I would highly recommend anywhere in Scandinavia. Everyone that I encountered in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland spoke near flawless English, so that shouldn't be a concern at all for you in that region (or the Netherlands for that matter). So I wouldn't limit yourself to England based on the language alone.

In any case, it's really hard to go wrong with any of the programs that Iowa State offers. I've had friends and family go all over the world through them and every single person had a fantastic time abroad. It's really an experience that everyone should do if they get the chance.
 
I studied abroad in Italy as well, in Florence.. I would recommend the program, but it's only during the fall semester. I don't know a whole lot about the one in Rome, but it seems like people enjoy it. And it would be in English.
 
Make sure the credit from the school you're going to is accepted by ISU. And don't just ask Study Abroad if credit is accepted, ask the admissions office. That's how the study abroad office screwed me out of going to Paris and a $1000 plane ticket. Luckily I found out before I left
 
Absolutely do it. I squandered an opportunity to do an internship in Germany nine years ago and still regret it to this day. Thankfully I still got a good job that I enjoy and am building a career, but I look back at that opportunity as one that I missed and could have had major negative consequences on where I am today. Do it!

Like others said, English isn't a problem in western Europe. I've been through Germany, the Netherlands and France for work since graduating and finding an English speaker when I really needed one has never been a problem. You could also consider non-European countries like Japan or Australia. I know some people who have been to Singapore and said it's actually really nice with many English speakers, very developed for a malaysian country and safe. Just don't break the law.
 
Do it. I spent 7 weeks in Germany this summer on a study abroad program through ISU. Best time of my life. I don't regret a thing. Our program was really laid back which gave us ample time to travel around. Going into it, I knew absolutely no german, but that wasn't too much of a problem. Everyone was more than happy to speak english. Seriously, I can't think of a more rewarding experience a person could have, and from what I've heard at least, it looks great on a resume.
 
I studied abroad in England and it was also one of the best decisions of my life. Studied in a city about 3 hours north of London called Hull (or Kingston upon Hull if you want to be proper about it).

I went to UNI, but I think the same program is offered through ISU. PM me if you want to chat sometime.
 
I studied abroad in Egypt and had the time of my life. It's a great way to experience a different culture while you're young. Be sure to stay on top of your class work, but make sure you travel around while your there. Yeah, you'll miss some basketball, but you'll gain experiences and friends for a lifetime.
 
I spent a summer in London last year, and yeah, loved every second of it. London is an amazing city to live in, and it's really easy to get around in the city. Also, from the UK, you can travel to other European countries for fairly cheap. As you brought up, it is very expensive over there, but as long as you are ok with the idea of paying the equivalent of 5-6 US dollars for a beer, you absolutely should go for it.
 
Hey fellow fanatics!

I'm thinking about studying abroad next semester. I know, I know. I'll be missing out on the majority of the basketball season, and probably the best one we've seen in years. Hopefully I'll be able to stream some games online and witness Royce, Allen, and Scotty tearing up the Big 12 and NCAA tournament.

Anyways, I'm thinking about going to England, and possibly London (even though the cost of living is high, I can save some money on an exchange program). Does anyone have any advice on the subject? I would like an English speaking country and plenty of time to travel.

Go State!

I believe most countries in Europe speak English in lectures. I may be wrong, but I think I remember my old German teacher telling me that they taught lessons in English in Germany.
 
New Zealand or Australia

Both fantastic options.

In my opionion a study abroad, for a minimum of 6 weeks, should be a requirement to graduate for all college students. I am biased, but I cannot imagine a full college experience with out it.
 
I would do it in a heart beat but like some others have said, London is a little too much like the U.S.
 
Hey fellow fanatics!

I'm thinking about studying abroad next semester. I know, I know. I'll be missing out on the majority of the basketball season, and probably the best one we've seen in years. Hopefully I'll be able to stream some games online and witness Royce, Allen, and Scotty tearing up the Big 12 and NCAA tournament.

Anyways, I'm thinking about going to England, and possibly London (even though the cost of living is high, I can save some money on an exchange program). Does anyone have any advice on the subject? I would like an English speaking country and plenty of time to travel.

Go State![/QUOTE

You can get 3 credits over winter break and not miss the season. I am taking a class to Bangalore, India to study Law & Social Justice. Everyone speaks English. More interesting than Europe which I found to be an older Boston.
 
I believe most countries in Europe speak English in lectures. I may be wrong, but I think I remember my old German teacher telling me that they taught lessons in English in Germany.

Not at all schools! Make sure you check.

I did a travel trip (2.5 weeks) to The Netherlands and Germany. It was fantastic. We went to 12 different corporations and had a lot of fun. Mine was for grad school. I only ran into 1 person who didn't speak English I Germany.

I work at ISU and I would recommend you do pre approval for all of the classes you want to take. It will save you headaches when you return. It can take time though. Also, some deadlines are very soon or have passed for some spring programs.

Never trust the study abroad center for class transfers. Talk to your advisor and do the course approvals, if possible.
 
If you are considering UK, just be aware of different accents. I visited Liverpool couple of years ago and the Scousers' accent was extremely thick - it was difficult to understand. Had no problem in London and Manchester.
 

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