Think Summer Abroad Isn’t Possible for You? Read This.
By Zainab.
For a lot of students, doing a summer abroad can feel like a distant dream. Something that couldn't possibly be within reach. It’s one of those programs that most people know exists, but, of course, just can’t work for them. It’s not practical. It’s not possible. It’s practically impossible.
Well, I want to tell you that those statements don’t have to be true in the slightest. This is coming from someone who, up until two or three years ago, would not have been allowed to travel to a different city for more than a week, let alone another country and continent for four. From someone who wouldn’t even have been able to participate in the program if it weren’t for using all viable avenues to fund a Summer Abroad. From someone who’s a student just like you.
If you’re still thinking it’s just too difficult, read the rest of this article and you might find that what seemed impossible is actually very possible.
1. Cost
I know this can be the biggest obstacle for most. Especially as students, putting together the money for a summer abroad can be challenging and may even feel impossible or impractical. But there are so many ways to solve this! On top of that, it really comes down to whether or not you think it’s worth it for you. The benefits of doing a Summer Abroad (international learning, travel and exploration, lifelong friendships, opportunities for future experiences abroad, new passions, and new skills to add to your resume and cover letter, among many others) are often worth the money for participants of the program. So, if you think it’s worth it for you, then the main challenge is figuring out how you can fund your summer abroad.
Solutions
Apply for Awards
The Summer Abroad office offers several awards, mostly needs-based awards, and a few merit-based ones too. You can apply for these (deadline is February 3rd, 2025), and they can offer up to $7000 depending on the program. For additional award funding, you can speak to your college registrar about awards offered by your college as well as look into awards offered by the Centre for International Experience (IE). To learn more about all the possible awards you can apply for to fund your summer abroad, click here.
Do a work-study
In the summer of 2023, I had decided: I was going to do a summer abroad the following summer. It was one of the items on my bucket list, and even though it seemed like one of the more impossible ones, I was determined to see it through. I had a year to prepare, which was great because that meant I could apply for a work-study job and if I could get it, it would help me fund a good portion of my summer abroad. In the end, it all worked out, and I put the year's earnings toward my summer abroad, the best university experience I’ve ever (and probably will ever) have.
Get family support
Being supported by family is one of the options I think a lot of students rely on when it comes to opportunities like this. And it’s the one that makes you feel so much more relaxed about the entire process. Show your family what this means to you and how much you would appreciate their support.
Start saving up
There are still many months before the programs begin, so you have plenty of time to start putting money aside for your summer abroad adventure. If you’re spending money on coffee two or three times a day, maybe cut back on one of those and save it to spend on some delicious specialties at your program destination.
2. Need Other Support
If you have other concerns, for instance you require accessibility support and are unsure where to get help for this, the Summer Abroad program is here to support you! Maybe the idea of being in a completely new place is a bit overwhelming to you or you feel a bit wary about going on field trips or you’re not sure if you can be accommodated during lectures or assessments. These situations can feel intimidating, especially when you’re having an experience you’ve never had before. But don’t worry, there are solutions! Your summer abroad dreams won’t be shattered.
Solutions
Explore support resources in advance
It’s important to keep in mind that you know yourself and your needs best, so if you communicate these in advance of the program (the earlier the better), you can get the support that’s right for you. Whether it’s because of a disability or you belong to a particular community/group, there’s a way to make yourself feel safe and comfortable throughout your journey abroad. You can check out summer abroad, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility resources by visiting this page on the summer abroad website. On top of that, the on-site staff who accompany you to your locations and throughout the program are there to support you any way they can, so you can always reach out to them for any concerns you have.
3. Feel Overwhelmed
Another possible challenge, especially as students, may be that you feel too overwhelmed by all of the other things in your life (classes, work, clubs, personal responsibilities, etc.) and feel like you don’t have the time to consider doing a Summer Abroad, especially since the process starts months before the actual program. Or you may be thinking “where do I even begin?” There are numerous things to consider: which program to choose, who to talk to, how to apply, etc. All of this may feel overwhelming, but it’s actually quite a simple process.
Solutions
Do your research
Start with doing something we’re all quite familiar with as students: research. Except, I personally think this is the most fun kind of research you could do as a student because, when else do you get to do research about traveling to another country and learning about the culture there? First, visit the summer abroad website and look at the eligibility criteria. If you meet these, start scanning the programs and courses. Many of them have syllabuses from courses previously offered which can give you a really good idea about course content and load (as well as what field trips you might be going on!). Then, you can visit this page, to hear firsthand accounts from students about exactly what their experiences were like. From there you can narrow down your program choices which may be mostly based on what you’re studying. A lot of students want their summer abroad to count toward their program and that’s definitely a possibility considering there’s such a wide range of courses being offered. But you can also just have it count as an overall full year credit towards your degree (in just 4 weeks!). It really depends on what you want to get from doing a summer abroad. Once you’ve narrowed it down, create your account on the summer abroad website which is where you submit your application step-by-step. You can also submit a few applications if you’re considering a few different programs. You would pay a $205 application fee for each, but you get a refund if you’re not admitted to the program. So, no harm in applying! You’re also allowed to do more than one summer abroad if the program dates don’t overlap.
Book an appointment with a Summer Abroad advisor
Still feel like you have too many burning questions? I remember having them too last year and all I had to do was book a virtual appointment with a summer abroad advisor to get all the answers I needed.
4. Convincing Family
This may seem surprising to some. “Why would I need my family’s permission?” But the reality is, a lot of people can’t do something like a summer abroad without it or, at least, without their family’s support. I know this was something that even until a couple of years ago would have been the main challenge for me. It’s not always about finances. A lot of times, and in different cultures, it’s about going somewhere without your family, especially when it’s more than just a few days.
Solutions
Highlight how the support and safety the program provides
One of the reasons this can be an obstacle for students is because parents/guardians may be concerned about how safe you’ll be out in the world on your own. Well, since I’m guessing by the end of reading this and doing your own research, you’ll be an expert in all things summer abroad, you can tell your family about the safety and support the program offers. Not only that, but you won’t be on your own! It was a relief to my parents when I told them that I would be accompanied by other UofT students and professors as well as the onsite staff (who are there to support you!). So, remind your parents/guardians of this fact.
Tip: Create a document for them with important phone numbers and the program schedule so they feel more at ease.
Show them how much it means to you
It’s time to put on your best pleading face (just kidding...). But that may be what it takes to show your family how much this experience would mean to you. Show them all the wonderful things you can achieve by doing a summer abroad. It doesn’t just allow you to become a more independent person, but also a global citizen, a better communicator, and a more well-rounded individual with experiences and skills you can take with you wherever you go.
Make a deal
Okay. This isn’t as ominous as it probably sounds. What I mean by “make a deal” is basically just proposing an exchange. Sort of like when you’re a kid: “I’ll wash the dishes every day this week if we can go watch a movie on the weekend.” Think of a reasonable exchange you can make with your family members: “If you allow me do a summer abroad, I will...” Fill in whatever makes sense for you and your situation. Make it work!
5. Future Plans and Commitments
Maybe you’re thinking of all the things you’ll be doing for the foreseeable future, all the commitments you might have in the summer. Whether it’s work, academics, personal and/or family commitments, it might seem like Summer Abroad won’t be able to fit in anywhere. And of course, sometimes the reality is that there are things in your life that are much more important and require your time and effort. But if it’s simply a matter of readjusting your schedule, reorganizing future plans, then the good news is the Summer Abroad program runs through May, June, July, and August. Even better, summer is still many months away and Summer Abroad applications don’t close until mid to late January, which means there are ways to work around this potential obstacle.
Solution
Plan ahead
This may sound obvious but it’s definitely something to consider. If you know that you might have quite a few plans for the summer, or other commitments, think about how these could change if you were to participate in Summer Abroad. What plans might you be able to reschedule? What commitments could you possibly complete in a specific timeframe? Would it be possible to have a family member offer support for the 4 weeks that you’re away? These are things you can start to think about now which gives you plenty of time to adjust, consider, and reorganize your plans.
6. Afraid to Try Something Totally New?
Feeling anxious about experiencing something completely different from what you’re used to? Or maybe you feel worried about not knowing anyone else and even feeling a bit lonely? Everyone has anxieties when it comes to doing something outside their comfort zone. I remember being worried that I wouldn’t form any solid friendships during the program because I’ve always been introverted. I also really hoped I could make friends who weren’t super into doing activities that I don’t participate in like going to clubs or bars and drinking.
In the end, I made a group of friends who were easily one of the best parts of my entire summer abroad experience. Together, we did things like bookstore hopping, long walks in Port Meadow, punting, watching a Shakespeare play at the Globe, and hiking up a hill in Bath.
Solution
Invite your friends to do it with you!
Tell your friends about the program! If being completely unfamiliar with the place and people makes you nervous, tell your friends to consider applying so you can do it together. This is a once in a lifetime experience and who better to do it with than your best friends?
Summer Abroad could be your chance to step outside your comfort zone. I remember being a bit nervous at the thought of not knowing anyone in my course and being in a totally new environment. But more than anything, I was excited because I really value pushing myself outside my comfort zone and growing because of such experiences. So, I want to encourage anyone who’s reading this: take the chance! Experience something new and amazing, and let it change you for the better. Isn’t that one of the main reasons to do something like a summer abroad? So you can put yourself out there and expand your horizons (no pun intended)?
Well, I hope you now feel like there’s nothing standing in your way of participating in a truly enriching experience.
Do you think Summer Abroad is possible for you now?