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    Welcome!

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    Dear Sophomores,

    Studying abroad is an incredible learning opportunity that anyone can pursue during their college career. This Moodle page is the Office of Global Engagement's virtual version of the Study Abroad 101 Info Session to complement sessions offered in-person. I look forward to working with you as you embark on your study abroad journey! 

    I started as the College’s Director of Global Engagement in March 2020, and wow, has international travel changed during the past few years! But I remain convinced now more than ever of the importance of expanding our perspectives by studying, exploring, and immersing ourselves in experiences different from our own as crucial to learning about and understanding ourselves and the world around us. As a student, I studied abroad in Switzerland and Russia, and then spent three years working and studying in Japan through the Japanese Government’s Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET). I know first hand how thrilling and overwhelming studying abroad can be, though each of us has our own journey. I am here to support you along the way! Please reach out any time-- 

    Tracy Weber, Director of Global Engagement

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    Important Dates and Information

    Applying to study abroad at Bryn Mawr is a two-step process: first, you complete an application for College approval. Once approved, you then apply to your chosen program. 

    The key application dates for studying abroad in the 25-26 Academic Year are as follows:

    • Nov. 15, 2024: Application on BiONiC opens
    • Dec. 2, 2024: Early Application Programs Deadline (for College Approval) for Full Year programs and for the following programs: AIT, BCSP, DIS, Duke ICCS, IES Cape Town & Granada, King's College London, LSE, RLASP in Kazakhstan, SIT IHP, Exchange Partner Institutions (Sciences Po, Tsuda, Keio, NTU, Aber, Spelman College)
    • Feb. 14, 2025: Application deadline (for College approval) for all other approved programs for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
    • March 14, 2025: Applicants notified of acceptance 
    • April 1, 2025: Study Abroad Pre-Departure Moodle Page Live

    Bryn Mawr students studying abroad during the Academic Year must choose a program from the Approved Programs list. 

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    Choosing Study Abroad

    • Deciding Where To Study Abroad: Questions to Consider File PDF
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    • Types of Study Abroad Programs File PDF

      There are various types of study abroad programs on Bryn Mawr College's Approved Programs List: you can directly enroll into a university abroad, you can study abroad via a third party program, or you can be nominated by the College to study at one of our bi-lateral exchange partners. Find out more about the three types of program here.

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    • BMC Approved Programs URL
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      Check out the many programs that are approved by the College for study during the academic year (i.e. during Fall and Spring). Programs are organized by geographical area.
    • GoinGlobal Database URL
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      Study abroad is a great way to add international competencies to your professional resume. GoinGlobal houses dedicated country and city guides that include information about living standards and the job market. Follow the instructions in the hyperlink to access the database.
    • Thinking about Your Identities Abroad URL
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      The identities you claim (gender, race, nationality, sexual orientation, ability, etc.) will inform your experience abroad. This web page, built by TEAN Abroad, offers guides, resources, and travel blogs for various identity groups. Exploring this site will provide insight into how others who may share some your identities have experienced study abroad. 
    • 6 Steps to Take Before Studying Abroad URL

      This article provides some helpful guidance on things to consider and helpful steps to take before studying abroad. 

      Some items may not apply exactly to Study Abroad at Bryn Mawr - for example, all Bryn Mawr students studying abroad pay Bryn Mawr tuition. Check out the Finances section below for more relevant details!

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    Connecting to Students/Alumnae Who Have Studied Abroad

    Alums who have lived, studied ann/or worked abroad are an excellent resource as you being to explore the possibility of studying abroad. We encourage you to connect with alums who have participated in programs or lived in locations you are interested in using the LinkedIn Alumni Tool and Mawrter Connect. 
    • Mawrter Connect File DOCX
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      Not sure where to start with Mawrter Connect? Read this guide written by Becky Ross from the Career & Civic Engagement Center!

      The Mawrter Connect platform connects you to alumnae/i who are eager to talk to students. Like LinkedIn, you can enter the name of a study abroad program or location in the search box. This will pull up a list of alum profiles you can view. If there is someone you are interested in talking to, you can craft a message to them (with a template to help!) to request a time to talk either by phone or video call.

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    • Connecting to Students & Alumnae/i who have Studied Abroad Folder

      In this folder, there are guides on how to help you connect to current students and alumnae/i who have studied abroad using LinkedIn and Mawrter Connect.

      The LinkedIn Alumni Tool allows you to search both current students and alumnae/i who have LinkedIn profiles. Enter a name of a program or a location into the search box to see who has experience studying or working in those countries. You must have a LinkedIn profile created to access this. 

      The Mawrter Connect platform connects you to alumnae/i who are eager to talk to students. Like LinkedIn, you can enter the name of a study abroad program or location in the search box. This will pull up a list of alum profiles you can view. If there is someone you are interested in talking to, you can craft a message to them (with a template to help!) to request a time to talk either by phone or video call. 


    • Study Abroad Tips for Students from Students File PDF
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      4.8 MB · Uploaded 07/23/24, 14:27
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    Application Process

    Important Deadlines:

    • November 15, 2024: Application cycle for approval to study abroad in Fall 25 and Spring 26 opens
    • December 2, 2024: Application cycle for early deadline programs closes
    • February 14, 2025: Application cycle for all other study abroad programs closes
    • March 14, 2025: All applicants will be notified of their approval status
    • April 15, 2025: BMC pre-departure process starts for all approved students

    • Eligibility Requirements URL
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      You must be….

      • In good academic standing
      • Making satisfactory progress towards degree
      • Able to complete College-wide requirements by end of junior year
      • Making good progress on physical education requirements
      • Have the appropriate language level for immersion programs.
      • Transfer students must meet residency requirements.

      Click the link to learn more about policies for eligibility. 

       

      Considering University of Oxford or London School of Economics (LSE)?

      • Note that these are highly selective programs
      • You typically must go for a full year (i.e. both Fall & Spring Semesters)
      • They require advance planning with your Major Advisor and Dean
      • There is an earlier application deadline (December 2nd) for College approval
      • These programs require a commitment if nominated and accepted by BMC
      • These are academically intensive institutions - Oxford follows the tutorial academic system (check out this explanation from study abroad students), while LSE has large classes and final exams.

    • Study Abroad Checklist File PDF
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    • How to Become Approved to Study Abroad (BMC Webpage) URL
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      There are four essential parts of applying for approval to study abroad:

       

      1. Attending at least 1 Study Abroad Info Session
      2. Talking to your Major (and Minor if applicable) advisor(s) and have your major advisor complete the Major Adviser Evaluation Form on BIONIC.
      3. The INTERNAL application on BIONIC (opens November 15th). This will be reviewed by the Study Abroad Committee. They will use the following application review criteria:
          • Is the program a good fit for your academic goals?
          • Do you have a solid understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved with studying abroad?
          • For early deadline programs:
            • Do you make a good case for participating in a highly specialized, selective program?
            • Are all other elements of the Sophomore Plan complete?
      4. Then, upon approval, you submit the EXTERNAL application to your host study abroad program.

       

      • Fall and Full Year Students: you may apply to your overseas program as you wait for an approval decision from the Study Abroad Committee
      • Spring Students: Typically, you will apply for your program in the fall preceding your semester abroad.
       

      Tips:

      • Be sure you understand your program's application process, policies and deadlines
      • Most programs review applications on a rolling basis – apply early!
      • Housing fills up quickly – apply early!
      • Submit your Home Institution Approval Forms to the Director of Global Education Tracy Weber for authorization
      • Visa processes can vary and take time - start the process as early as possible!

       

       

       

    • Academic Policies and Requirements Page
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    Finances

    This section covers various financial matters, including tuition payment, financial aid, scholarships, and budgeting.

    Tuition:

    • Students studying abroad pay Bryn Mawr tuition to Bryn Mawr.
    • You will need to pay any outstanding balances on your student account in full before you leave.

    Room and Board:

    • You pay the cost of room & board directly to your study abroad program.

    Out of Pocket Expenses:

    • Make sure to budget or apply for scholarships for things like passport and visa application fees, flight costs, admissions deposits, and other expenses unrelated to tuition and room & board. See the Quick Reference - Additional Expenses section on our website to learn more.

    Work Study:

    • You will not be able to work abroad. Bryn Mawr will replace $1000 of work-study allowance with a $1000 grant. 

    External Scholarships:

    • External scholarships for study abroad will be treated the same as any other external scholarship in terms of their effect on your financial aid package, and can definitely help reduce the cost of study abroad. 
    • Some study abroad program providers on our Approved Programs list also offer scholarships.

    Financial Aid:

    • Financial aid typically disburses 10 days before the program start date.
    • Bryn Mawr Grants, Posse Scholarships, and Merit Scholarships can all be used toward study abroad.
    • You must have all Financial Aid requirements completed by the required deadlines.

    Financial Aid for Room & Board:

    • Room & board aid money will be credited to your student account for you to use to pay for your housing and food costs.
    • In order to have this money credited to your account, you MUST complete all appropriate refund paperwork with Student Accounts by the end of the semester before you go abroad.
    • If your room & board costs are due earlier than the start of the Fall/Spring semester, you must also make arrangements with Financial Aid by the end of the semester before you go abroad. 

    If you have any additional questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at Bryn Mawr.

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    Next Steps

    After reviewing this page, come to an Info Session to learn more about specific programs and topics! You can also attend Study Abroad Student Coordinator walk-in hours or schedule meetings with Tracy Weber or Gabby Sugarman. Please note that we ask students to attend at least 1 info session before scheduling an advising appointment with Tracy or Gabby.

    If you intend to study abroad, begin working on the internal application for College approval to study abroad in BiONiC when it opens in November. You must complete this step to receive approval to apply to your program of choice.

    Begin to familiarize yourself with the application process and timeline of your host study abroad program - once you have received confirmation of College approval to study abroad, you will be responsible for completing your host program application according to their process and deadlines.

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    Info Session Summaries