It’s very common for online students to assume their distance learning degree program restricts their study abroad options — but that’s rarely the case. Many of the same scholarships and opportunities that are available to on-ground students are also available to online students.
For students who want to take advantage of a study abroad opportunity, it takes some research and a bit of planning. Study abroad can be an appealing option for students whose career perspectives can be broadened by global exposure. Studying abroad can also be a resume booster and professional game-changer in a variety of fields.
Arizona State University is helping students achieve their study abroad goals by offering more than 250 programs in over 55 countries. ASU Online students can even study abroad during any term throughout the year. This is one reason the school has seen requests to study abroad increase by more than a third between 2013 and 2014.
Funding studies abroad can seem intimidating to students, but finding scholarships is similarly accessible. For example, Pell Grant recipients are eligible for the Gilman Scholarship. It’s issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with the goal of providing grants to bachelor’s students with limited finances for overseas programs. Ask an ASU advisor about how to apply for financial aid to fund your overseas studies.
For more advice and information regarding study abroad prospects and how they could work with your online program, read the full article from U.S. News & World Report here.