Study Abroad at Meredith College
About the Office of International Programs
The mission of the Office of International Programs is to advance Meredith College's commitment to develop global awareness. Increasingly, all students are finding themselves graduating into a world that requires global understanding. Study abroad is one of the best ways to gain this skill.
Our office exists to get you from "here to there." Study abroad staff members help each student choose a program–for a summer or a semester–that fits her educational needs. The Office of Study Abroad can also introduce you to other international opportunities, such as internships, volunteer options and work programs.
For more information, visit the Office of International Programs in Joyner 124 or contact the office via e-mail at studyabroad@meredith.edu or by phone at 919-760-2307.
Meredith College understands the value and importance of studying abroad. Therefore, the College will make reasonable, good faith efforts to assist all interested and qualified students study abroad. However, the College cannot guarantee the existence or availability of any study abroad program, class, or financial aid. Such offerings are subject to conditions beyond the control of the College, and vary from semester to semester. As a result, the College reserves the right to terminate, limit, and/or modify any study abroad offering, including financial aid, as the College deems necessary.
Benefits of Studying Abroad
Why should you study abroad? The benefits of study abroad are enormous. In a well-designed program, experts help you learn about the history, geography, culture, language, institutions and people of the country in which you are living. It is an experience that helps students meet academic, career and personal goals.
Academic Credit - Students take classes and earn academic credit while studying abroad.Each study abroad participant works closely with the Office of International Programs, her advisor and various department heads to ensure that the classes she intends to take will transfer back to Meredith.
Study abroad also fulfills Meredith general education requirements. For more information on Meredith's general education program, visit www.meredith.edu/academics/general-education.
Career Benefits - In today's world, employers and graduate schools increasingly value overseas experience. Many employers are looking specifically for this experience when evaluating applicants.
Personal Development – Studying abroad develops a student's confidence, poise and flexibility—more traits employers value!
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Myths About Study Abroad1. Studying abroad is too expensive.
There are options that will keep the costs of study abroad the same or less than staying at Meredith. You could try an exchange program or a program offered by the university system in your home state and Meredith College allows portable financial assistance in many cases, student loans and some scholarships.
2. Students have to know a foreign language to study abroad.
A foreign language isn't necessary if:
- You study in an English-speaking country like Australia, Scotland or South Africa—just to name a few.
- You study in a country where English is the language of instruction for English-speaking students, like our Meredith Abroad in Italy, Switzerland and the U.K.
3. Study abroad programs don't generate credit hours, and can delay graduation.
If you plan your study abroad carefully, you receive full home credit for the courses you take, courses that may count toward your major, minor or elective requirements.
4. Study abroad is an "extra" except for those with a foreign language or international studies major or minor.
Study abroad is an important component of your education in an increasingly interdependent world, and this is not limited to the humanities and social sciences. Programs are available in business, education, mathematics, and many other disciplines. An additional benefit: employers and graduate schools favor applicants with international experience. Study abroad also fulfills Meredith general education requirements. For more information on Meredith's general education program, visit www.meredith.edu/academics/general-education.
5. Only juniors can study abroad.
Students may have multiple opportunities in their schedule when it makes sense to study abroad. We encourage them to consult with their advisors and look at their entire four-year plan when considering their options. Not only does Meredith not restrict students to their junior year, we allow them to go as early as the summer after freshman year!
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- During the past decade, the number of college students studying abroad has doubled, from around 50,000 students per year to 100,000.
- Western Europe, especially the United Kingdom, is the principal destination for most students going abroad.
- Study abroad has experienced significant increases in students pursuing programs in non-traditional locales, such as countries in Africa, Central and South America, east Asia, southern Asia, and eastern Europe.
- Humanities majors comprise the majority of students who study abroad. However, more and more students in science, business and technical fields are studying abroad as relevant programs become available.
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Curious about what study abroad is really like? The best way to find out about study abroad is to see what other students have to say about their experience.
Here is a sampling of what Meredith students have written about study abroad in their travel journals:
"This is a once in a lifetime experience, and I know it will make me a better person. As most people do after going abroad, I now have the travel bug."
"It is amazing how quickly you pick up another language when you are immersed in its culture and speak to the people."
"I am having so much fun adjusting to this new culture. We all have learned so much since we stepped off of the plane."
"Going to Sri Lanka was more fun and meaningful than I ever could have expected…Our trip opened my eyes to a place and people that are so different yet so like us in so many ways."
"There are not enough words or time to say what I have discovered from this trip. It was truly an enlightening experience, one I hope to share and keep sharing with people around me."
Learn more by visiting www.meredith.edu/traveljournals or by contacting a recent study abroad returnee.
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