{"id":19361,"date":"2014-01-29T12:00:28","date_gmt":"2014-01-29T17:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/?p=19361"},"modified":"2014-01-29T12:00:28","modified_gmt":"2014-01-29T17:00:28","slug":"4-things-ive-learned-about-studying-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/2014\/01\/29\/4-things-ive-learned-about-studying-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Things I’ve Learned About Studying Abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"On gloomy, assignment-packed days like today, when even the Toronto I so dearly love fails to inspire me, I can\u2019t help but think to myself \u201cI wish I could just pick up and leave this continent.\u201d\r\n\r\nAfter attending the Global Perspectives Symposium<\/a> (GPS) last week, a series of information sessions created to inform students about international academic opportunities at U of T, I can honestly say that I have no excuse not to seek them out. My questions were answered and my fears were quelled\u00a0\u2014 I\u2019m going to share what I learned with you!\r\n\r\n1. Studying Abroad Doesn\u2019t Have To Cost A Billion Dollars<\/strong>\r\nThe number one reason why I haven't pursued international study opportunities is the cost. I had no idea that there are several ways to fund trips available for students looking to travel and learn! Bursaries and scholarships are available through the Centre for International Experience<\/a>, Summer Abroad and Science Abroad<\/a>, and the Faculty of Arts and Science (through specific programs, awards, and scholarships). I\u2019ve spoken with several students who went on fully funded trips through the Faculty of Arts & Science \u2014 that means airfare and accommodation for certain international opportunities! Ahhh!\r\n\r\n2. Don\u2019t Be Afraid To Speak To Your Professors, TAs, and Registrar!<\/strong>\r\nAt the GPS<\/a> information session about research opportunities, students studying Archeology, Equity Studies, International Relations (big ups to my program!), Aboriginal Studies, and Theatre shared their experiences conducting research around the world. The common thread among all of the students was that they went with professors from the University of Toronto. In several cases, students approached their professors and asked them if they knew of any research trips. Easier said than done, but biting the bullet and approaching your professor or TA \u2014 who is, contrary to popular belief, a human being\u00a0\u2014 about research trips won\u2019t kill you, and will potentially, literally, change your life.\r\n\r\n3. Studying Abroad Will Take Research and Planning, But It\u2019s Easier Than You Think<\/strong>\r\nUnfortunately for we lazy students, we can\u2019t just hop on a plane and make our way across the world, learn, and earn a credit without putting in a little elbow grease ourselves. It does take research and planning to construct a trip abroad, but it\u2019s hardly an overwhelming amount of work. Reach out to the resources available through A&S<\/a> and U of T<\/a>, and pay attention in class (my first year Intro to African Studies professor took a few students to Ethiopia and it cost them almost nothing! Sucks for those of us who skipped the day he announced it), and you might just find a trip that suits your needs.\r\n\r\n4. There Are Countless Resources For A&S Students Who Want To Travel<\/strong>\r\nI'll start you off with some links to check out, but there are plenty more travel opportunities available through the different colleges and programs on campus.\r\n