Go See the World: An Insider's Guide to Emory University's Study Abroad Programs
So, you're at Emory. You're hitting the books, enjoying the campus, & maybe even finding your favorite spot at the DUC. But have you ever thought about taking your education on the road? I'm talking about studying abroad – and let me tell you, at Emory, it's a pretty big deal.
Honestly, it's something that can completely reshape your college experience, and maybe even your life. I've seen it happen time & time again. A friend goes to spend a semester in Spain & comes back with a new perspective on, well, everything. A classmate does a summer program in South Korea & discovers a passion for a field they never even considered. It’s about more than just getting credits in a different time zone; it’s about pushing your boundaries & seeing what you're made of.
And here's the thing: Emory doesn't just offer a handful of token programs. We're talking about a SERIOUS commitment to global education. Each year, there are over 90 semester & academic year programs, plus 20-25 summer programs in more than 40 countries. That's a whole world of possibilities, literally.
More Than Just a Trip: The Emory Approach to Studying Abroad
At Emory, studying abroad isn't just an extended vacation. It's an integral part of the curriculum. The whole idea is to complement what you're learning on campus with real-world, international experience. And they make it surprisingly easy to make it happen. You remain a fully registered Emory student, which means you can use your financial aid & scholarships for most programs.
One of the coolest things is the variety of program types. You've got options, so you can pick what's right for you.
Semester-Long Adventures: Full Immersion or Island-Style?
For a full semester, you've got a few different ways to do it.
Full Immersion: This is for the brave souls who want to dive headfirst into a new culture. You'll enroll in a local university, taking classes with local students. It’s a challenge, for sure, but the rewards are HUGE. You’ll get a truly authentic experience & probably come back with some serious language skills.
Island-Style: If you're a little more hesitant about being the only American in your class, this is a great option. You'll take classes with other U.S. students in a more traditional academic setting, but still get to experience the local culture outside of the classroom.
Hybrid: And of course, there's a happy medium. Some programs offer a mix of both full immersion & island-style, so you get the best of both worlds.
Summer Programs: A Taste of the World
If a full semester feels like too much of a commitment, or you have a packed academic schedule, a summer program might be the perfect fit. Most of these are led by Emory faculty, so you get to explore a new place with a professor you already know & a group of your fellow students. It’s a great way to get your feet wet with international travel & still get some credits under your belt.
Where in the World Can You Go? A Glimpse into the Possibilities
With so many options, it's hard to even scratch the surface. But to give you an idea of the incredible diversity of programs, here are just a few examples:
Prague, Czech Republic: Dive into the history & culture of Central Europe with courses taught in English at CIEE Prague. This program is a great fit for students in Film Studies, History, & Political Science, & even offers the chance to get some hands-on work experience.
Seoul, South Korea: Whether you're a K-drama fanatic or a serious student of East Asian Studies, Emory has you covered. There are semester-long programs at Yonsei University, one of South Korea's top institutions, designed for students with varying levels of Korean language skills.
London, England: For all you Anglophiles, there are a ton of options in London. From programs at King's College London to the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of one of the world's great cities. And for first-year students at Oxford College, there's even a new "Oxford Launch in London" program to kick off your college career.
Tibetan Mind/Body Sciences in India: This is one of those truly unique, only-at-Emory experiences. Spend a summer in a monastery in India, studying Buddhist science & philosophy. One student who participated in this program said it completely changed their approach to life. "I will carry the lessons I learned there throughout my life in balancing relationships, finding community, understanding myself & being at peace."
Environmental Studies in Freiburg, Germany: For all the eco-warriors out there, this program is a dream come true. One student who went on this program said it was "easier than it seems" to make it happen, and that it was a life-changing experience.
And that's just a tiny sample. There are programs for just about every major & interest, from economics at the London School of Economics to language immersion in Spain, Italy, or France. The best way to see what's out there is to head over to the Education Abroad website & start exploring.
The Nitty-Gritty: Making It Happen
Okay, so you're sold on the idea. Now what? Here's a breakdown of the practical stuff.
The Application Process
The application process is pretty straightforward. You'll find everything you need on the Education Abroad website. You'll need to meet the minimum GPA requirement for your chosen program, be in good academic standing, & have completed a certain number of semesters at Emory.
For semester programs, there's a $75 application fee & a $300 program deposit. For summer programs, it's a $350 deposit to secure your spot. And don't worry, if you have demonstrated financial need, you can ask about waivers & deferrals for these costs.
One thing to keep in mind is that some programs, especially the semester-long ones, have early deadlines. So, if you're thinking about going abroad, it's a good idea to start planning early.
The Money Talk: Financial Aid & Scholarships
This is a big one for a lot of people. But here's the good news: if you receive financial aid at Emory, you can use it for your study abroad program. The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reassess your need based on the cost of your program, and you can get up to the same amount you would have received for a semester on campus.
There are also a TON of scholarships available, both through Emory & from outside organizations. The Education Abroad office has a whole list of them on their website, so be sure to check that out. And don't forget to look for scholarships specific to your destination or your field of study. With a little bit of research, you might be surprised at how affordable studying abroad can be.
And if you're a Pell Grant recipient, you should DEFINITELY apply for the Gilman Scholarship. Emory students have a really high success rate with this one.
The Real Deal: What It's Actually Like to Study Abroad
Okay, let's get real for a minute. Studying abroad isn't always going to be sunshine & rainbows. There will be challenges. You'll get homesick. You'll have to navigate a new culture, a new language, & a new way of doing things. One student who studied in Spain even had to deal with the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. But you know what? They also said that the friends they made helped them through everything.
And that's the thing. The challenges are part of the experience. They're what make you grow. You'll learn to be more independent, more resilient, & more open-minded. You'll come back with a new sense of confidence & a whole new perspective on the world.
And don't forget about the fun stuff! You'll get to try new foods, see amazing sights, & make friends from all over the world. You might even discover a new passion or a new career path. One student who went to Vienna for a German studies program said, "On my first day in Vienna, I grew anxious... But after a while, you start to feel at home."
A World of Support
You're not going into this alone. Emory's Education Abroad office is there to help you every step of the way. They'll help you choose a program, navigate the application process, & prepare for your time abroad. They even have peer advisors – students who have already studied abroad – who can give you the inside scoop & answer all your questions.
And while you're abroad, you'll still have a support system in place. Whether it's the faculty leader on your summer program or the on-site staff at your host university, there will always be someone you can turn to for help.
The Takeaway: Just Go for It
Look, I get it. The idea of leaving Emory's campus for a semester or a summer can be intimidating. But I promise you, it's worth it. The experiences you'll have, the things you'll learn, & the person you'll become – you can't put a price on that.
So, if you're even a little bit curious, I encourage you to explore the options. Go to an information session. Talk to a peer advisor. Browse the program listings on the Education Abroad website. You might just find the adventure of a lifetime.
And hey, when you're packing your bags, don't forget that you'll be making memories that will last a lifetime. And when you get back, you'll have some amazing stories to tell.
Oh, and one last thing. If you're wondering what to do with your stuff while you're gone, or where to park your car, you should check out Prked. It’s a pretty cool service that connects people who need parking or storage with homeowners who have extra space. So, you can rent out a driveway for your car or a garage or attic for your things, and not have to worry about it while you're off exploring the world. Just a little pro-tip from me to you.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think.
