Go Global: An Insider's Guide to Brown University's Study Abroad Programs
So, you're at Brown, which is already a pretty global experience in itself. You're surrounded by brilliant people from all over the world, your classes are probably challenging your worldview on a daily basis, & you're part of a community that's known for its independent spirit. But what if you could take that Brown experience & transplant it to another country for a semester or a year? What if you could immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, & gain a whole new perspective on your studies & your life?
Well, you're in luck, because Brown has an incredible array of study abroad programs that are designed to do just that. Honestly, the options are so vast & exciting, it can be a little overwhelming at first. But don't you worry, I'm here to break it all down for you, from the different types of programs to the application process & everything in between. Consider me your friendly guide to unlocking a truly transformative part of your Brown education.
Why Even Bother Studying Abroad?
First things first, let's talk about the "why." You're already at an Ivy League university, you're busy with your concentration, you've got your friend group, your routine...why disrupt all that? Well, according to the folks at Brown's Office of International Programs (OIP), and countless students who've done it, studying abroad is about so much more than just a change of scenery. It's about developing skills that will prepare you for an increasingly interconnected world. It's about personal growth, gaining independence, & learning to navigate unfamiliar situations.
And here's the thing about Brown students: they're not your average study abroad participants. A whopping 20% of Brown undergraduates study abroad for a semester or a year, which is double the national average. That tells you something right there. It's an integral part of the Brown experience, woven into the very fabric of the university's global mindset.
The Different Flavors of Brown's Study Abroad Programs
Okay, so you're convinced. You're ready to trade the Main Green for a piazza in Italy or a bustling market in Morocco. But where do you even begin? Brown's study abroad offerings can be broken down into a few main categories, each with its own unique flavor.
"Distinctively Brown" Programs: The Curated Experience
Think of these as the bespoke, tailor-made study abroad experiences designed specifically for Brown students. They're directly administered by Brown, which means you'll have a dedicated on-site staff, courses vetted by Brown faculty, & a cohort of your fellow Brunonians to share the experience with. These programs are all about deep cultural immersion & academic rigor, with a focus on giving you a uniquely Brown-centric perspective on your host country.
Some of the most popular "Distinctively Brown" programs include:
- Brown in Italy: Based in the beautiful city of Bologna, this program is a partnership with the University of Bologna, the oldest university in Europe. Imagine studying art history in the very place where the Renaissance was born, or taking a course on Italian cinema at the renowned Bologna Cineteca.
- Brown in France: For those with a love for all things French, this program in Paris offers direct enrollment at the University of Paris. It's an incredible opportunity for students with advanced French to take a deep dive into a wide range of subjects at a world-class institution.
- Brown in Germany: Set in the vibrant & historic city of Berlin, this program allows you to immerse yourself in German culture & history while taking courses at a local university.
- Brown in Brazil: In this program, you'll be enrolled at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica in Rio de Janeiro, a leading private university in Brazil.
- Brown in Cuba: This program offers a unique chance to explore the complex political, social, & cultural landscape of Cuba firsthand.
CASA Programs: The Power of the Consortium
Brown is part of the Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad (CASA), a powerhouse collective of leading research universities that includes Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, & Johns Hopkins, among others. This means you'll have access to some of the most rigorous & prestigious study abroad programs in the world, with the added benefit of on-site support & a network of students from other top universities.
Brown actually administers several of the CASA programs, including those in:
- Barcelona, Spain: Perfect for students with advanced Spanish or Catalan, this program offers a full-immersion experience at one of Barcelona's top universities.
- Granada, Spain: With its stunning Moorish architecture & rich cultural history, Granada is an ideal setting to perfect your Spanish language skills.
- Dublin, Ireland: Immerse yourself in the literary & cultural hub of Dublin.
- Melbourne, Australia: Experience the vibrant arts & culture scene of Melbourne while studying at a top Australian university.
The beauty of the CASA programs is that they're designed to go beyond traditional study abroad. They're all about providing profound learning opportunities both inside & outside the classroom, with a focus on engaging students with local thought leaders & academics.
Approved Programs: The World is Your Oyster
If the "Distinctively Brown" or CASA programs don't quite fit your academic or personal goals, don't sweat it. Brown has a massive list of "approved" programs that are run by other universities or third-party providers. These programs have all been vetted by Brown faculty & staff for their academic rigor & quality, so you can be sure you're getting a top-notch experience.
The list of approved programs is HUGE, spanning over 40 countries & covering just about every field of study imaginable, from engineering & STEM to the arts & humanities. Whether you want to study environmental science in Costa Rica, international relations in Geneva, or art history in Florence, there's a program out there for you.
Petition Programs: Forge Your Own Path
For the truly adventurous & independent student, Brown also offers the option to "petition" to study on a program that's not already on the approved list. This is for those who have a very specific academic or personal reason for wanting to study in a particular location or at a particular institution. It's a bit more work, as you'll have to go through an application process to get the program approved, but it offers the ultimate flexibility to design your own study abroad experience.
More Than Just Studying: Internships & Experiential Learning
One of the coolest things about Brown's approach to global education is that it's not just limited to traditional coursework. The university has a growing number of semester-long internship programs that allow you to gain hands-on professional experience in an international setting.
These programs are currently offered in cities like:
- Berlin, Germany
- Dublin, Ireland
- Singapore
- Sydney, Australia
- Washington D.C.
The way these programs work is pretty ingenious. You'll be enrolled as a full-time Brown student, taking a couple of remote courses from Brown while also participating in a for-credit internship. And the best part? You'll be living in a community with other Brown students, so you'll have a built-in support system as you navigate your new city & workplace.
And if you're looking for something a little different, there's also the Global Experiential Learning and Teaching (GELT) initiative. This program features faculty-led seminars & courses with international travel components during the winter or summer sessions. It's a great way to get a taste of study abroad without committing to a full semester or year.
The Nitty-Gritty: Application, Deadlines, & Finances
Okay, so you're probably buzzing with ideas & possibilities at this point. But how do you actually make it happen? Let's get into the practical stuff.
The Application Process: Your Roadmap to Going Global
The first thing you need to know is that all study abroad applications are submitted through an online portal called ViaTRM. You'll need your Brown login to access it, & you're only allowed to have one active application per cycle, so it's important to do your research & choose your program wisely.
Here are the general steps you'll need to take:
- Do Your Research: This is the fun part! Explore the different program options on the OIP website, attend a Study Abroad 101 information session, & think about your academic & personal goals.
- Meet with an Advisor: The study abroad advisors at the OIP are your best friends in this process. They can help you narrow down your options, figure out the best time to go, & make sure you're on track with your concentration requirements.
- Declare Your Concentration: You'll need to have your concentration declared before you can study abroad. This is so your advisors can help you integrate your study abroad experience into your overall academic plan.
- Get Your Ducks in a Row: Make sure you're in good academic & student conduct standing. Brown wants to make sure you have a strong foundation before you head off to represent the university in another country.
- Submit Your Application: The deadlines for Brown & CASA programs are typically on a rolling basis, so it's a good idea to apply early. For approved & petition programs, you'll need to complete both the Brown application & the application for the program provider, which may have a different deadline.
Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines
This is SUPER important, so I'm giving it its own section. The application deadlines for study abroad programs are no joke. For spring semester programs, the recommended deadline is typically in early September, with a final deadline in mid-September. For fall semester & full-year programs, the deadlines are in early March.
My advice? Start thinking about this at least a year in advance. That way, you'll have plenty of time to research programs, meet with your advisors, & get all your application materials together without feeling rushed.
Let's Talk Money: Costs & Financial Aid
Now for the question that's probably on everyone's mind: how much is this all going to cost? Here's the good news: Brown has a pretty amazing financial aid policy for study abroad. Essentially, you'll be charged Brown tuition, just like you would if you were studying on campus. This means you can choose a program based on its academic fit, rather than its price tag.
Your financial aid package will be applied to your Brown student account, & you'll receive the same amount of university scholarship as you would if you were at Brown. You'll be responsible for paying for your own room & board, travel, & other personal expenses, but the OIP has a handy budget worksheet to help you figure out your out-of-pocket costs.
And if you're worried about upfront expenses like airfare or visa fees, the Office of Financial Aid can help you explore loan options. There are also a ton of outside scholarships you can apply for, like the Gilman Scholarship, the Fund for Education Abroad, & the Bridging Scholarship for study in Japan.
Making the Most of Your Time Abroad: The Student Experience
So, you've been accepted to your dream program, you've booked your flights, & you're ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. What's it actually like to be a Brown student studying abroad?
From what I've gathered from student testimonials, it's pretty incredible. Students rave about the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, form close connections with host families, & gain a deeper understanding of their academic interests. One student who studied in Morocco, Nepal, & Ecuador said the experience allowed her to apply her skills in a multicultural context & engage deeply with the cultures of three diverse countries.
Another student who went to Copenhagen said it was an "incredible experience" & highly recommended it. And for those worried about going it alone, many students say it's easy to make friends, both with other Brown students on their program & with locals.
Of course, there will be challenges. You might experience culture shock, you might struggle with a new language, & you'll definitely have to learn to be more independent. But that's all part of the experience. It's about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, learning to adapt, & coming back to Brown with a newfound sense of confidence & a whole new perspective on the world.
And here's a little pro-tip for when you're abroad: don't forget about your storage needs back in Providence! The last thing you want to worry about when you're exploring a new city is what to do with all your stuff. That's where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. You can find a convenient & affordable place to store your belongings in someone's garage, attic, or basement right near campus. It's a super easy way to keep your things safe & sound while you're off on your global adventures. And when you get back, you'll need a place to park your car, so keep Prked in mind for that too!
The Takeaway
Studying abroad is an opportunity to take your Brown education to the next level. It's a chance to challenge yourself, to grow as a person, & to gain a deeper understanding of the world & your place in it. With so many amazing programs to choose from, a supportive team of advisors to guide you, & a generous financial aid policy to make it all possible, there's really no reason not to go for it.
So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring your options, schedule a meeting with a study abroad advisor, & get ready for the experience of a lifetime. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think in the comments below.
