Interested in Studying Abroad? Here Are a Few Tips

If you’re interested in studying abroad as a student in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, then this is the article for you! Recently I sat down with Robin Stewart, an advisor for the Study Abroad Office who works closely with CHASS students interested in studying abroad. She gave me lots of information that I’m excited to share with you!

In my opinion, Robin is an expert in studying abroad because she’s studied in four different countries spanning two continents during her undergraduate and graduate studies. During her undergraduate years, she went to El Salvador where she helped to repair houses that had been damaged by an earthquake. She also had the chance to study in Puerto Rico and Poland while she was in college, and in her graduate years, she was able to spend time studying in London!

When we met, she walked me through all of the different resources that NC State has for students looking to study in other countries. The Study Abroad Office provides students with everything they need to find for different programs, while also helping students to navigate the financial and logistical aspects of going abroad. One particularly interesting resource that Robin talked about was the availability of identity-based resources. These resources help students navigate the complexities of traveling abroad while providing them with support specific to their circumstances. This is meant to make sure that all students have access to NC State’s study abroad programs!

One of Robin’s main tips for students wanting to go abroad is to start by identifying classes that they want to take, or a particular region that they would like to go to! By doing this, students can narrow down the extensive list of study abroad programs that NC State has to offer. Additionally, she recommends that students look into all of the different financial aid resources available to help offset some of the costs of studying abroad! The Study Abroad website is a great place to start looking for these resources!

As COVID-19 case numbers continue to come down in certain areas, the number of students studying abroad is increasing. For those who are interested in studying abroad, but haven’t had the opportunity because of the pandemic, now might be the right time! Many programs are up and running again, encouraging students to continue to mask up and socially distance while abroad.
If you’re interested in going abroad but aren’t sure where to start, Robin is a great resource! I highly encourage you to get in contact with her to discuss your study abroad goals. She is incredibly kind, has a wealth of knowledge, and genuinely wants you to have the best study abroad experience that you can have. You can contact Robin at rcstewa2@ncsu.edu, and the Study Abroad Office at study_abroad@ncsu.edu, or by visiting the Study Abroad website.

This article was written by Samantha Aiken, a Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador double-majoring in anthropology and microbiology, with minors in forensic science and global health.