As American enrollment rises at foreign universities, college recruiters from around the globe continue to seek out qualified American students to fill quotas. If you’re looking to expand your horizons, meet new people, and experience new cultures, here’s what the landscape looks like, and how you can take advantage of study abroad programs without breaking the bank.

According to “Open Doors 2008,” a report released by the Institute of International Education, the number of Americans studying abroad has jumped 150 percent over the last decade. In 2006-2007 (the last year for which data was available) almost a quarter of a million Americans headed abroad to study–compared to fewer than 100,000 for 1996-1997.

While increased cross-cultural awareness among college-bound students has contributed to overseas enrollment, foreign recruiters are noticing another contributing factor. This fall, the National Association for College Admissions Counseling conference in Seattle hosted representatives from the University of Waikato in New Zealand, Seoul National University in South Korea, Jacobs University Bremen in Germany, and the University of Limerick in Ireland. Their goal: to fill university seats with qualified applicants. 

The Benefits of Study Abroad Programs
If you’re interested in studying abroad, you may be wondering how foreign universities differ from colleges in the United States. One difference is a more focused approach to study. American universities emphasize a well-rounded education, which means that if you’re studying medicine, you may still have to suffer through a course on postcolonial literature. In contrast, foreign universities sometimes offer early specialization, allowing you to skip the coursework that doesn’t interest you. Sam Dresser, a freshman at Scotland’s University of Edinburgh, found his niche in logic, psychology, and introductory philosophy courses after reading Sartre and Nietzsche in high school. “My math and science grades were not so good,” says Dresser, “so I loved the idea of only studying what I’m interested in.”

While Dresser discovered his path, the Scottish university system still allows for exploration outside of his specialty. English Universities offer an even more specialized approach, generally requiring three years of coursework. If you already have an idea of what you’d like to study, English or Scottish universities might be an ideal choice for you.

Ivy League Prestige–Without the Tuition or Competition
In addition to a narrower academic track, many foreign schools offer international experience and training comparable to the American Ivy League at a significantly lower cost. At Scotland’s St. Andrews University, where enrollment of American students recently jumped to 1,230, up from less than 200 a decade ago, many students end up paying tuition comparable to out-of-state tuition at an American public university.

Although competition is tight for students of host nations, Americans often have an easier time landing seats at foreign universities. According to Stephen Magee, St Andrews’ vice principal, “Am I wrong to say I don’t care if they can’t get into Harvard?”

The Value of a Dollar
If you decide to study abroad, the weak dollar means you may have to consider your wallet. For an economical study-abroad experience, there are a few strategies to help you keep your costs down. This might mean considering places outside of Western Europe and the industrialized world. According to “Open Doors 2008,” American students are gravitating toward less expensive options.

During 2006-2007, the number of American’s studying in China stood at 11,064–an increase of by 20 percent over the previous year. Compare that to the 1995-96 academic year, when only 1,396 Americans chose China for study abroad programs. Asia at large saw an increase of 20 percent, while the number of Americans studying in Africa increased by 19 percent. For Middle Eastern and Latin American programs, the increase stood at 7 percent.

Keep It Short
Although many Americans have elected to go abroad for the full course of their degree programs, financial expediency might make it difficult for you to stay abroad a full four years. All the same, you can still enjoy a richly rewarding experience–at a fraction of the cost–by keeping your study abroad time short. According to “Open Doors 2008,” about 36 percent of Americans who study abroad go for only a semester, while 55 percent choose short-term programs. Short-term programs can range from a summer, to a January term, or any program from two to four eight weeks during the academic year.  Short term programs serve the largest number of students studying abroad, including students of community colleges, or students with financial needs that prevent them from staying abroad for extended periods of time.

With foreign recruiters on the hunt, enrollment up among American expats, and economical options for study abroad gaining in popularity, you should have plenty of strategies to help you travel the world on a shoestring.

MYTH #1: Language majors can benefit from the study abroad programs:

Irrespective of what you major in, students generally don’t find it difficult to fit a study abroad program to their academic requirements. Limiting one’s choice of destinations to countries like USA, UK and Australia can do away with language barrier as a problem. Even countries where English may not be the native language, have universities where teaching is done in English.

MYTH #2: Study abroad is only for the rich:

It is not necessary that study abroad would be costlier than the programs at home. The tuition fees in sponsor universities can frequently remain at par for the study abroad programs as well as home institutions. What’s more, often federal and state financial aid can be applied to a semester abroad too. Then there are a number of scholarships for students who wish to avail international opportunities in academics.

MYTH #3: It takes more time to graduate in study abroad:

Care in planning can ensure that when you study abroad, you are able to finish your program in duration of four years. Both winter and summer interim have study abroad opportunities for all students with majors often having the option of study abroad for a whole year and at the same time, graduate well on time.

MYTH #4: Courses taken abroad are not useful back home:

The payoffs from study abroad are most pronounced in the promotions by American schools, helping students adjust credits from abroad universities to their own courses. Be well informed before applying to study abroad. Find out about the syllabus of every class, seek the advice of your advisor on the kind of credit that can be earned and ensure that you have it in writing. You need to be assured of getting credit for all your efforts abroad.

MYTH #5: It is unsafe to study abroad:

Caution is certainly advised for travels abroad but merely associating the term overseas with certain danger is absurd. Students are notified by study abroad offices on matters of safety and health well before departure along with stringent guidelines and course of action for the safety of the students.

MYTH #6: Studying abroad is beneficial just for juniors:

Universities are making efforts to ensure study abroad programs suit a widely diverse student population, both graduate students and freshmen, with many of the programs scheduled for the winter or summer interim.

MYTH #7: Study abroad is for further studies after graduation:

Having started life in the real world, professional financial and personal obligations make study abroad a remote possibility. Study abroad is unique for living out a culture, which as a tourist is very unlikely.

Located near West Memphis , Arkansas , Mid South Community College (MSCC) is a co- educational, public community college, established in 1993. Accredited to the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the study programs of MSCC are also approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and the Arkansas State Board of Vocational Education.

The sprawling college campus at Memphis has all the state of the art facilities including a well stocked library, multimedia rooms, office space and food service areas. The workforce Technology Center ensures hands on experience for the students in various courses like Diesel Maintenance Technology. MSCC has partnered with Franklin University , University of Arkansas- Fayetteville and University of Central Arkansas to enhance its excellence and presence in the higher education field. It has over 125 full-time faculty, staff and administrators on its rolls.

Courses Available

From undergraduate associate programs to higher part time two year courses and exclusive undergraduate two year courses apart from distant learning facilities, there is a range of courses to suit the various needs of the students. The maximum duration of the course is 2 to 4 years and the highest degree offered by ASCC is the Associate’s degree.

Some of the popular courses in ASCC include radio and television broadcasting, liberal arts and science courses, management information system, Medical transcription, agriculture, Criminal Justice and many other courses, which are always in demand in the employment sector.

Admission Procedures

ASCC follow an open admissions scheme, which ensures maximum enrollment. The students can make use of various counseling and guidance programs like career counseling, library facility, remedial services and many others.

Eligibility Criteria

The students seeking admission at Mid South Community College should have completed Graduation or General Educational Development (GED) exam. The students should produce the High School transcripts and records of immunization at the time of admission and all new students are offered an orientation program. Eligible students are provided scholarships, which cover the tuition fees for 15 hours for each semester only and fees and books are not included.

Other Facilities

Mid South Community College has a number of literary and sports clubs in the college including MSCC book club and writers anonymous apart from a full fledged food service for the benefit of the students.

South Puget Sound Community College was established in the year 1962 in Olympia , Washington . SPSCC usually has over 5000 to 6000 students enrolled for various vocational programs every year. All those wanting to learn unique skills that can land them interesting out-of-the-mill-jobs can also try their luck at SPSCC. The professional and expert staff members plus the great study environment can help potential students to excel in their field of study.

More on SPSCC

The admissions are an open door affair that means all those who desiring to benefit from the vocational courses can enroll themselves, irrespective of their educational backdrop. For example, individuals wanting to improve on their English Language prowess or those who wanting to earn their GED (General Education Development) can apply unhesitatingly. Even those wishing for online education facility can earn a college degree through such colleges.

Other Highlighting Features of South Puget Sound Community College

• Reasonable Tuition and College Fees

• Numerous Study Courses offered under one roof

• Open door admission irrespective of educational background

• Large number of enrolled students

• Majority students wanting to go for liberal arts courses

• Expert faculty team

• On-campus exhaustive library

• Distance study and online learning facility

• Availability of part-time study classes

• Athlete special financial aid available

Student Life at SPSCC

The South Puget Sound Community College at Washington , US is set upon 100 acres of land, with a branch at Hawks Prairie Center . Other than general education, students are offered technical degrees, community educational courses and pre-college study curriculum. This unique college has a very vibrant and active student life. There are various student clubs and organizations that host a lot of educational program and recreational activities spectra.

The Clipper Cycling Club, Student Firefighter’s Association and the Tomodachi Club are some of the famous youth joints. Students are exposed to healthy competition and cultural activities through such student organizational pockets. They develop good all-round leadership skills, which can benefit their future lives and careers.