About 510 student applied for the Study Abroad program for Fall 2013. According to the intimidating emails that we continue to receive, there are only spots for about 400 students. So this year the application process is more competitive and selective than years before. “Just as not every Santa Clara student finds a place on our soccer team, or on stage in one of our theater productions, not every application for the Study Abroad Program will be approved,” reads an email from the study abroad office– Kinda harsh.
If you don’t get into the program for Fall 2013, there are other programs for Summer, Winter, and Spring. These programs seem to be less popular, so there could be a greater chance of getting in to one of these. Studying abroad through a Santa Clara approved program appears to be the ideal choice, credits transfer over easily and scholarships and financial aid that you currently have will go toward the program.
So what happens if you can’t find your place to study abroad through the Santa Clara program? It is still possible to study abroad. It does take more effort (and money), but it has been done before. If you don’t get into the Santa Clara program, or if none of the programs that are offered seem appealing to you, there are many universities that offer programs that are more diverse. I know of students who have studied abroad through Gonzaga, for example.
The process to study abroad through a different university isn’t extremely difficult. First, you have to find your ideal program, which should not take too long if you know what you’re looking for, just Google it. Then, you would have to talk to your advisor to figure out what courses you are able to take and if they will be approved for credit. Then, complete the steps needed to apply for your program of choice. If you decide to go this route, you have to disenroll from Santa Clara University for the time you will be studying abroad. Then, when you come back, you reenroll.
The process seems simple, but is not ideal because it is more expensive and the uncertainty of credits transferring is daunting. There are many scholarships available. Some students don’t really have room in their schedules to essentially throw away an entire quarter, which is what would happen if minimal credits transfer. If this is the problem, there are also SCU programs over summer so that way you won’t loose any time and it will still be very possible to graduate on time.
From what I’m told, studying abroad is worth it. I have not met one person that has regretted studying abroad. It is a great experience and if you want to do it, not being accepted to a Santa Clara program should not discourage you.
–Amanda Ramos
