Cornell Study Abroad: Your Guide to Seeing the World While You're a Big Red
So, you're a Cornell student. You're already at one of the best universities in the world, surrounded by brilliant minds & stunning gorges. But what if I told you that your education could extend far beyond Ithaca's rolling hills? What if you could spend a semester, a summer, or even a winter session exploring ancient ruins in Rome, delving into the bustling markets of Hong Kong, or contributing to community projects in Ecuador?
Honestly, Cornell's study abroad program is one of the most incredible opportunities you have as a student. It's not just a chance to travel; it's a way to deepen your academic pursuits, gain a global perspective, & make memories that will last a lifetime. In this guide, I'm going to break down everything you need to know about studying abroad at Cornell, from the different types of programs to the nitty-gritty of the application process.
Why Even Bother Studying Abroad?
Let's be real, Cornell is a demanding place. The workload is intense, & it can be hard to imagine leaving campus for a whole semester. But trust me, the benefits of studying abroad are HUGE. It's a chance to step outside your comfort zone, immerse yourself in a new culture, & learn in ways you just can't in a traditional classroom setting. Plus, employers LOVE to see international experience on a resume. It shows you're adaptable, open-minded, & not afraid of a challenge.
And here's a little-known fact: you can often use your financial aid to cover the costs of a Cornell-approved study abroad program. So, don't let the price tag scare you away.
So Many Choices! Types of Cornell Study Abroad Programs
Cornell doesn't have a one-size-fits-all approach to studying abroad. There are a TON of options to fit your academic goals, your schedule, & your budget. Here's a rundown of the main categories:
Semester & Year-Long Programs
This is the classic study abroad experience. You'll spend a full semester or even an entire academic year at a university in another country. You can take courses that count towards your major, immerse yourself in a new language, & really get to know a new city.
Some of the most popular semester programs include:
- CASA Sevilla: If you're interested in health or migration studies, this program in Seville, Spain, is for you. You'll take classes alongside Spanish students & get to apply what you're learning in the local community.
- Cornell in Rome: A dream for architecture, art, & urban studies majors, this program lets you live & learn in the heart of the Eternal City.
- University of Sydney: Through one of Cornell's Global Hubs, you can spend a semester at one of Australia's top universities, with over 250 exchange opportunities.
- Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST): Another Global Hubs partner, HKUST offers a chance to study at a world-renowned research university in a stunning location.
Short-Term Programs
If a full semester away feels like too much, don't worry! Cornell offers a bunch of shorter programs during the summer & winter sessions. These are a great way to get a taste of studying abroad without a long-term commitment. Some examples include:
- Cornell-Keystone NFLP Summer Program in India
- Cornell Prelaw Summer Program in Paris
- Cornell Summer Program in Madrid
- Cornell Winter Program in Cambodia
- Cornell Winter Program in Mexico
These faculty-led programs are a fantastic way to study a specific topic in-depth with a Cornell professor.
The Nitty-Gritty: How to Apply for Study Abroad
Okay, so you're convinced. You're ready to pack your bags & go. But how do you actually make it happen? The application process can seem a little daunting, but it's totally manageable if you break it down into steps.
The Two-Application System
For most semester or year-long programs, you'll actually have to complete TWO applications:
- The Experience Cornell Application: This is for Cornell's approval to study abroad. You'll need to submit a course plan & get it approved by your college.
- The Program-Specific Application: Once you're approved by Cornell, you'll then apply directly to the study abroad program you've chosen.
Eligibility Requirements
Before you get too deep into the application process, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- Be an enrolled Cornell student in good academic standing.
- Meet your college's requirements for approval.
- Meet the specific requirements of your chosen program (GPA, prerequisites, etc.).
- Have no outstanding disciplinary issues.
Application Timeline
The key to a stress-free application process is to start early. The Office of Global Learning recommends starting to plan about a year before you want to go abroad. This is especially important if you're in a highly structured major like engineering or if you're planning to do a language-intensive program.
Here's a general timeline to keep in mind:
- One year before: Start researching programs & talking to your academic advisor & the Education Abroad advisors.
- The semester before: Get your applications in! Deadlines for spring programs are typically in September or October, & deadlines for fall programs are in the spring.
Let's Talk About Cornell Global Hubs
You've seen me mention "Global Hubs" a few times, so let's break down what they are. This is a pretty cool initiative by Cornell to create strategic partnerships with universities & organizations in key locations around the world. These hubs are designed to be a "point of entry to a world of high-impact opportunities," including:
- Student exchanges
- Faculty-led research
- Internships
- Fieldwork
Some of the current Global Hubs locations include:
- Australia
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- Ghana
- Hong Kong
- India
- Mainland China
- Mexico
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- Zambia
The great thing about the Global Hubs is that they offer a more integrated & collaborative approach to international experiences. For example, a recent exchange program between Cornell & the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Ecuador brought students from both universities together for a collaborative course on culture & development.
Student Experiences: What It's Really Like
It's one thing for me to tell you how great studying abroad is, but it's another to hear it from students who have actually done it.
One Cornell engineering student who studied at the National University of Singapore (NUS) had this to say: "Spending a semester in a completely foreign environment is daunting, no matter how adventurous you are. But even for those of us who prefer to stay in the comfort of a place we know well, I think that a step outside of this comfort zone is one that you will never regret taking." She talks about getting lost on the bus system on her first day, but also about the amazing friends she made & the incredible experiences she had exploring Singapore & traveling to nearby countries.
Another student who participated in the Boston University Paris Internship Program said, "I learned how to completely live and speak and immerse myself entirely in another culture. It was absolutely worthwhile."
A Quick Note on Practicalities
So you're all set to go on your big adventure. But what about the practical stuff? You'll be gone for a whole semester, so what do you do with all your things?
Here's a pro-tip: if you have a car on campus, you can rent out your parking spot through a service like Prked. It's a super easy way to make some extra cash while you're away. Prked connects people who need parking with homeowners & students who have empty driveways or garages. You can list your spot for the semester & come back to a little extra spending money.
And if you need to store your other belongings, you can also use Prked to find affordable storage solutions in someone's garage, attic, or basement. It's way more convenient & often cheaper than a traditional storage unit.
The Takeaway
Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to enrich your Cornell education. Whether you're looking for a short-term, faculty-led program or a full-semester immersion experience, there's a program out there for you. So, start exploring your options, talk to your advisors, & get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Hope this was helpful & let me know what you think
