Howdy, this week I wanted to share some more background information on my study abroad as it relates to host university, costs, etc. Okay first, I will be studying at Cardiff University in Cardiff, Wales, which is apart of the United Kingdom (U.K.) The United Kingdom is comprised of Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Cardiff University has about 27,000 students. Seventeen percent of the student body is international students from outside of the Europe Union. Cardiff was also ranked seventh among the Top 50 European Cities by Foreign Direct Investment (fDi) magazine in its 2008/09 survey.
The three classes I will be taking are Welsh I, Popular Culture, and Conflict &Media. Now I’m sure you may be thinking that’s a really light load. But it’s not!!! Each class is worth 20 credit hours and 60 hours is considered a full load. I have read in many books that say the Western Europe universities’ class structure is somewhat different from the American universities. Sometimes it has been said that some American students have a hard times adjusting to the class structure. However, I’m not worried because I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! I will definitely keep you posted on how it goes.
For those of you who are thinking about studying abroad, but are afraid because of the cost associated with the experience please don’t let this factor stop you. If you are in undergraduate most universities allow some if not all of your financial aid to transfer over if you are studying abroad during the semester. I would also encourage you to apply for outside scholarships from various organizations. But the key to anything and everything you want to achieve is preparation! Let me explain:
In fall 2008, I knew I wanted to study abroad in Western Europe so I begin looking at countries of interests to me. My top choices included Spain, England, and France. Finally I thought I would settle on England. I begin to research various study abroad programs for London, England. I soon realized that the cost of living in London is quite high, but I did not let this affect my dream of going abroad. Around October or November my school had a study abroad fair, where I met a lady from the Institute for Study Abroad – Butler University. My first question was “is there a city or country similar to London, England, but is less expensive?” She said, “Yes, Cardiff, Wales and the people there are way friendlier. Plus they have lots of great places to shop.” Later that night I did some more research and decided I was going to Cardiff.
Over the 2008 winter break I begin to apply for the study abroad program in Cardiff though IFSA-Butler University. By the end of January I had finished my entire application and mailed in supplemental materials i.e. transcripts etc. The total program costs just under $16,000. So the next step was securing aid for my study abroad. Some of home university’s financial aid would transfer over, but this still was not enough to cover the total program cost. I still needed about $7,000. So I applied for IFSA Butler University Scholarship and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Education Scholarship. I had to write several essays for both scholarships. I didn’t really mind writing, because it’s one of my passions. I did receive both scholarships. Thank God!!! Now I am working on securing money for my personal expenses, which I will incur once in Wales.
So if studying abroad is what you want to do, then JUST GO!!! Though you may feel like there are roadblocks keeping you or holding you back from what you want, you have to have the 2 P’s -perseverance and patience. If you have these two qualities and God as your backbone, your support, and your guide…everything will manifest itself. Just sit back and watch as miracles happen, before eyes. Even for me sometimes it was hard to just sit back and take a chill pill. But as I reflect I realize how blessed I am, because I have had my share of miracles.
- Love You All,
Black Girl in Wales
- Love You All,
Black Girl in Wales
