Semester abroad: just do it!

A couple weeks back most of us shut down for a well deserved R and R summer session. The blog itself has been rather quiet as well. In the midst of my own first break since almost two years, I’ve decided to return briefly to this blog to promote the greatest opportunity one has during the course of your studies at Utrecht University: the study abroad program (see the website Bureau Buitenland)

In a few weeks time I’m going to head off to the University of California – San Diego to study there for a semester as part of the MA. During my BA Communication Studies I had to good fortune of exchanging to the University of Wisconsin – Madison. The credits I received were directed at the BA diploma I ended up getting from the UU. It serviced the requirement of the “profilering ruimte” and I received the credits by an application process through the Board of Examiners. It’s actually not as much hassle as it sounds. If you have a good idea of what courses you are going to be taking, you can apply beforehand for permission to guarantee that all credits are rewarded, saves stressing out when you get back.

As you will read on the Bureau Buitenland website there are two ways one can apply to study abroad: through the international office program and through the faculty program. In my case both wen through the international office. I have had great experience with the process. The amount of red tape is at times a bit overwhelming, also depending on where you are heading, but with the support and knowledge of the office and the effective gain of the experience abroad, it is worth it.

These past years more and more have been seizing this once in a life time opportunity (which it truely is). Lots of people talk enthousiastically to me about my pending departure and tell me how lucky I am. And whilst this is true, at the same time I can’t help think, go as well. If you can find/borrow the money for it (you don’t pay the local tuition, which in the case of the States is excellent), just do it! Leaving the familair territory with friends and family in it is scary as hell, no kidding. The gain at the end of the day, priceless. I’m sure Vlad, Rielle, Philip, Roderik and Madeleine (just a couple of people off the top of my head who have gone before you) will confirm this.

So the next time you reflect on what to do with your “profilering,” make sure to think beyond UU!

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