Beyond the Classroom: An Insider's Guide to USC Study Abroad
So, you're a Trojan, or thinking about becoming one, & you've got that itch. The itch to see the world, to experience something beyond the familiar palm trees & LA sunshine. You're thinking about studying abroad, & let me tell you, you've come to the right place. As someone who's navigated the ins & outs of USC's global programs, I'm here to give you the real scoop on what it's like to take your education on the road.
Honestly, deciding to study abroad is a no-brainer. It's the "how" & "where" that can get a little overwhelming. But don't you worry. We're going to break it all down, from the different programs available to how to score some extra cash to make it happen.
Why Even Bother Studying Abroad?
First things first, let's talk about the "why." Sure, you'll get to see some amazing places & your Instagram will be the envy of all your friends. But it's so much more than that. Studying abroad is about pushing your boundaries, gaining a new perspective, & learning things you just can't get from a textbook.
Turns out, employers are BIG fans of students who've studied abroad. It shows you're adaptable, culturally aware, & not afraid of a challenge. Plus, you'll develop a global network of friends & contacts that will last a lifetime. Pretty cool, right?
A World of Options: USC's Study Abroad Programs
One of the best things about USC is the sheer variety of study abroad options. No matter what you're studying, there's a program out there for you. Let's take a look at what some of the biggest schools at USC have to offer.
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences: The World is Your Oyster
If you're a Dornsife student, you're in luck. The Dornsife Office of Overseas Studies has a TON of programs to choose from. We're talking over 50 programs in nearly 30 countries. Whether you're a pre-health major who wants to volunteer in a hospital in Sussex, an aspiring politician who wants to intern with the Australian Parliament in Canberra, or an environmentalist who wants to study sustainability in Costa Rica, there's a program for you.
Here's a little taste of what's on offer:
- Semester & Year-Long Programs: These are your classic study abroad experiences, where you'll spend a full semester or academic year at a partner university.
- Problems Without Passports: These are short-term, summer programs that are super interdisciplinary. Think excavating ancient Mayan ruins in Belize or studying the spread of disease in Oxford.
- Dornsife in Washington, D.C.: Okay, so it's not technically "abroad," but this program is too cool not to mention. You'll spend a semester in the nation's capital, taking classes & interning at a government agency, NGO, or even a congressional office.
And for all you STEM & pre-health folks, don't think you have to miss out. Dornsife has a bunch of programs where you can take major-specific courses. They've even got a brand new program in Freiburg, Germany, that's all about environmental studies & sustainability.
USC Marshall School of Business: Go Global with Your Degree
For all you future CEOs & entrepreneurs, the Marshall School of Business has some seriously impressive international programs. They know that in today's world, business is global, & they've designed their programs to give you a competitive edge.
Marshall offers a bunch of different ways to get that international experience:
- International Exchange Program (IEP): This is your chance to spend a semester at a top business school in Europe, Asia, or Australia. You'll be taking business courses that count towards your degree, all while immersing yourself in a new culture.
- Global Leadership Program (GLP): This is an invitation-only program for the most academically talented first-year Marshall students. It's a great way to kickstart your global business career.
- Marshall International Summer Internship Program (MISIP): This program gives you the chance to do a two-month internship in Indonesia or Thailand. You'll be working with prominent USC Marshall alumni & friends, which is a pretty amazing networking opportunity.
- Global Brigades @ Marshall: This is a week-long service-learning program where you'll travel to Central or South America to work on sustainability & human development projects.
One of the coolest things about the Marshall programs is that they're really focused on giving you practical, real-world experience. You won't just be sitting in a classroom; you'll be out there, making connections & learning how business is done in different parts of the world.
And here's a little pro-tip for all you students who are constantly on the go. If you find yourself traveling a lot for these programs, you might need a place to store your stuff. Here's the thing, you don't want to be lugging all your belongings across the globe. That's where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. You can find a safe & affordable place to store your things, like someone's garage or a spare room, while you're off on your adventure. It's a super convenient way to keep your stuff secure without breaking the bank.
USC Viterbi School of Engineering: Debunking the Myth
There's a myth out there that engineers can't study abroad. Well, I'm here to tell you that at USC Viterbi, that's just not true. In fact, Viterbi has a whole range of programs designed specifically for engineering students.
Here's a look at some of the ways Viterbi students can go global:
- Viterbi-Specific Programs: Viterbi has its own Maymester & Fall-Lead programs, as well as international exchange programs, research fellowships, & international internships.
- Dornsife Collaboration: Viterbi works closely with the Dornsife Office of Overseas Studies, so engineering students can also participate in their programs.
- Course Flexibility: The great thing about Viterbi is that they're really flexible when it comes to getting course credit. You can often fulfill your technical electives or even some of your lower-division requirements while you're abroad.
- Engineers Without Borders: This is an amazing opportunity to use your engineering skills to make a real difference in communities around the world.
I've heard from so many Viterbi students who've had incredible experiences abroad. One student I know studied in Hong Kong & was able to fulfill most of their computer science tech elective requirements. Another student did a summer program in Europe & said it was one of the best experiences of their life.
And let's be real, as a student, you're probably not rolling in cash. So if you're looking for a way to make some extra money to fund your travels, you could consider renting out your unused space. If you have a spare closet, an empty corner in your basement, or even an attic that's just collecting dust, you can list it on Prked & make some passive income. It's a pretty smart way to turn your unused space into cash for your next adventure.
The Nitty-Gritty: Application, Deadlines & Money Matters
Okay, so now that you're all fired up about studying abroad, let's talk about the practical stuff. The application process, deadlines, & of course, the money.
The Application Process: Don't Wait!
Here's my biggest piece of advice when it comes to applying for study abroad: START EARLY. Seriously, don't wait until the last minute. The application process can be a bit of a marathon, so you'll want to give yourself plenty of time.
Here's what you'll generally need to do:
- Do your research: Figure out which program is the best fit for you. Think about your major, your budget, & what you want to get out of the experience.
- Meet with an advisor: The study abroad advisors at USC are your best friends. They can help you with everything from choosing a program to figuring out the application process.
- Get your paperwork in order: You'll need things like a personal statement, letters of recommendation, & an official transcript.
- Don't forget your passport!: This is a big one. Make sure your passport is up-to-date & won't expire while you're abroad.
Deadlines: Mark Your Calendar
Deadlines for study abroad programs vary, so you'll need to check the specific program you're interested in. But to give you a general idea, applications for spring & calendar year programs are often due in September of the previous year. Summer program deadlines are usually in the spring.
Money, Money, Money: How to Pay for It
Let's be honest, studying abroad can be expensive. But the good news is, there are a TON of scholarships & financial aid options available to help you make it happen.
Here's a breakdown of where to look for funding:
- Your existing financial aid: In most cases, you can use your existing USC financial aid to pay for your study abroad program. This includes scholarships, grants, & loans.
- USC scholarships: USC has a bunch of scholarships specifically for students who want to study abroad. The Study Abroad Grant, for example, is for students participating in their first USC-sponsored study abroad program.
- Departmental scholarships: Many of the individual schools & departments at USC have their own study abroad scholarships. So be sure to check with your major's department to see what's available.
- National scholarships: There are also a bunch of national scholarships you can apply for, like the Gilman Scholarship for Pell Grant recipients.
And here's a little secret for all you savvy students out there. When you're traveling, finding a convenient & affordable place to park your car can be a real headache. That's where Prked comes in. It's a super cool app that connects you with people who are renting out their driveways & garages for parking. So instead of paying a fortune for a spot in a crowded lot, you can find a safe & affordable place to park your car while you're off exploring the world.
The Student Experience: What It's Really Like
Okay, so we've covered the programs, the application process, & the money. But what's it really like to be a USC student studying abroad?
I've talked to a lot of students who've studied abroad, & they all say the same thing: it's a life-changing experience. One student who studied in Vienna said they had so much free time to explore the city & travel to other countries. Another student who went to Prague said it was the best three months of their life.
Of course, it's not all rainbows & unicorns. There will be challenges. You might get homesick. You might have to deal with a language barrier. But that's all part of the experience. It's how you grow & learn.
And here's a little piece of advice from a fellow Trojan: don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Try new foods. Talk to strangers. Get lost in a new city. That's where the real magic happens.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. A complete insider's guide to studying abroad at USC. I hope this was helpful & that you're feeling inspired to take the leap. Trust me, it's an experience you won't regret.
If you have any questions or want to share your own study abroad experiences, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you
