A lot of international students share similar concerns as American or European students when taking into account a semester abroad. The apprehensions include insecurity over completion of the major subject, missing out on several locally standard activities and most of all, leaving not only friends behind but even the recognized culture. Many students are only wishful about studying abroad, but when the thought is over they find it strenuous to arrange classes. Although there are many outstanding programs available in one’s country, still several exceptional students would want to go somewhere to incorporate in a totally foreign culture and broadening one’s ability to garner deeper knowledge and understanding beyond academics.

Vanderbilt is one institution that offers more than 100 programs worldwide for students aiming to study abroad. Most of their programs are proffered for the duration of the academic year, while an approximate of 10 to 12 Maymester programs and 20 programs for the summer are usually made available. The summer programs abroad are in various cities in Europe, South America and Asia, and most of the programs start in late of May or early in June and ends in late of July or early in August, and the tuition fees and other charges are roughly $8,000. On the other hand, semester abroad programs are tendered in South America, Europe, the South Pacific, Middle East, Asia, North America, Africa and the Caribbean. The costs vary, but it usually goes up to $18,000. The disclosure to a new culture in the U.S.A. alone encourages international students to try studying in a foreign country.

I admire international students who really go out of their way to study abroad. The courage one gathers to face a completely new culture, language, food, not to mention practices, is simply fascinating. The majority of people don’t want to complicate their lives, which is inevitably a characteristic latent when studying in a foreign country. Nevertheless, the end result is immeasurable and rewarding in itself.