Getting Through the Study Abroad Application Process (Exchange Programs): Advice
I knew going into university that I wanted to study abroad in Japan, but what I didn’t know was that I’d end up falling in love with living abroad so much that I would end up applying to study abroad in Hong Kong for the fall semester of my 3rd undergraduate year (which I later extended to the full academic year). I’m aware not every student can do this and graduate on time (or even fit studying abroad into their 4-year plan), but because I was privileged enough to (plus I guess I had the credentials to do so), you could say I have enough experience to guide students through the process myself. In some ways I went overboard in preparation for applying, but in the end, it wasn't detrimental and I figure it’s best to be over-prepared that under-prepared.
Know the Deadlines: record them, etch them into your brain, do whatever you need to ensure you know exactly when your application is due and how long it takes to complete certain components of it. Are there multiple applications or just one (my university has an initial application when my home university first gives their approval and then there’s an application to the host university)? What about your passport (best to apply for it ASAP anyway)? Will you need a visa? Keep an eye out on emails and get familiar with who the advisor is for the program in the area(s) you want to study abroad. Meet with your advisor to ask what you need to know in particular (every university’s study abroad department and application process will be slightly different).
Plan Your Major/Credits: Know which classes or credits you have to obtain for the entire four years or however long you plan to take to obtain your degree. Also keep in mind that this plan is not concrete and completely subject to change (it probably will, let’s be realistic).
Statement of Purpose: Make sure you can use the majority of this essay for scholarship applications and be able to forward it to recommenders who might want a better understanding of your motivations for studying abroad. For more specific advice, see my post about the Gilman Scholarship.
Recommendations: Depending on how soon you want to study abroad after you begin university, you’ll need to find at least 2 or 3 people willing to write recommendations for you. Typically, professors of courses you’ve taken (or are currently taking) relating to your major field of study/foreign language you’ll be studying abroad are a solid, reliable choice. However, if someone who knows you and your goals/motivations for studying abroad better than your professors, or in an environment/situation where you’re able to display aspects of yourself that you wouldn’t be able to in the classroom, they could write recommendations that make you stand apart from other applicants. To be honest, I don’t think recommendations will make or break an application for studying abroad, but they may play a significant impact on your chances of receiving a scholarship for study abroad. (On forming meaningful relationships with professors: professors can be intimidating, but they have enough passion for the subject to teach it, so you might find that you have more in common with your professor than you expect. Don’t be afraid to visit them during their office hours.)
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Not just for your daily life consumption, but also for your essays and recommenders (recommendations)! Since your motivations/goals for studying abroad don’t change dramatically for every scholarship/program application, you will be able to adjust and edit the essays you submit to each scholarship/program.
Ultimately, I don’t think most students should worry about whether they’ll get accepted into a program. It’s really just a process that requires you jump through certain hoops within a designated time frame. A concern that I think is more relevant for most students is how to fund their studies abroad. I recommend searching for scholarships not just for study abroad in general, but for the specific location that you’re aiming to study abroad. Depending on the location, there may or not be more scholarship opportunities.