STUDY ABROAD: A GUIDE FOR WOMEN

Introduction • Access to Information • Where to Find Information on Study Abroad
Other Important Considerations • The Testing and Application Process
Selection/Interviewing Issues • Terms and Conditions of Your Scholarship • Going Abroad

Where to Find Information on Study Abroad

Family/Friends, Social/Business Contacts and Connections
Anyone you know who has already studied abroad—or anyone you know who knows someone—can be a tremendous source of information, although it will necessarily be anecdotal. Keep in mind that everyone has a different experience, and your journey may not mirror theirs. But how they got started on the journey may be useful guidance for your own first steps.

Home Country Universities
If you are enrolled in a university, talk to your professors, the chair or dean of your department or faculty. Often there are reciprocal exchange agreements between your university and those in other countries that are not known to more than a handful of people within the department. Remember that deans and professors are often sent information that they may be too busy to read, so ask their assistants as well. Consult students and/or faculty in the Women's Study department if your university has one. Check the student newspapers and bulletin boards for notices or advertisements. Consult staff at the Student Advisement Office, if one exists.

Foreign Universities
If you already know which foreign university you would like to attend, contact it directly. Write to the Admissions Office at the university, requesting information—an application form and any necessary financial aid materials—for international students. Many, but not all large universities have an Office for International Students from which you can also request information. Keep in mind that you need not have your full funding in place before you contact a university. These institutions often can provide some funding to very well-qualified individuals, especially at the graduate level. They also will have information on other sources you may consider for financial assistance.

University Fairs
Many foreign governments periodically sponsor university fairs at which colleges and universities from around the world distribute information to potential students. These fairs are a very good opportunity to make personal contacts and get the most up-to-date information. Even if you don't know whether you are able to afford to study abroad, attending such a fair can get you the basic information you'll need to start exploring your options. Such fairs are advertised in local media and usually do not charge admission to the students seeking information.

Private Foundations/Consultants
Information is a valuable commodity, and research can be a time-consuming, sometimes frustrating process. Some countries have private foundations and for-profit organizations that specialize in providing information about study abroad. Some offer consultants who will help applicants through the process. The price of these services varies from relatively reasonable to outrageously expensive. If you decide to utilize one of these services, it is advisable to find out as much as possible about a given organization's reputation—in advance—to ensure that you will get the most value for your money.

United States Information Service (USIS Posts)
For information on study opportunities in the United States, USIS is the place to start. Its staff serve in U.S. embassies and consulates abroad and are sometimes based at binational centers. Although the breadth of information varies from country to country, USIS staff tend to be good sources of current information about a variety of international education programs, notably the Foreign Fulbright Program, which funds U.S. study opportunities for graduate (postgraduate) students and faculty.

Foreign Embassies/Exchange Agencies
Embassies sometimes have special sections with information on international educational opportunities in their countries. Usually the Educational Attache or Cultural Affairs Officer is the person heading this section. Typically they will have brochures and other promotional materials available. Be aware, however, that sometimes this material is out-of-date or irrelevant to your specific needs. Don't be shy. Ask embassy staff who you might contact, by writing or in person, to acquire the latest information, or to explore other program options.

Organizations like the British Council and the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Agency) are good sources for information on study in their countries. They have overseas branches in many countries, as do the French, Scandinavian, and many other governments that offer scholarships to foreign students.

Fulbright Commissions
In some countries there are Fulbright Commissions that are bilateral agencies which handle the local recruitment and nomination process. Program staff there are very knowledgeable about the Fulbright Program and also often serve as a clearinghouse of information about other programs as well.

Educational advising offices at Fulbright Commissions or USIS offices in your home country are the best place to start when seeking funds for U.S. study. You may also want to consult a copy of IIE's publication Funding for U.S. Study: A Guide for Foreign Nationals , which is available at IIE offices and International Centers for Research on Women.

Libraries/NGOs
The quality and comprehensiveness of library collections vary greatly. In addition to municipal and university collections, look into private collections that are housed at non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Ministries of Education and Other Government Agencies
Some government agencies in your own country may administer international programs, but they are often available only to government employees. Even if you are not employed by your country's government, it might be worth checking to see if any opportunities are open to you. Ministries of Education also often have information on a variety of study abroad programs. When seeking information from official agencies, it is helpful to keep in mind that such institutions are inherently political. Some government employees may therefore be fair and forthcoming, others may not. Regardless of the reception you receive, it is important not to let the bureaucracy grind you down. If you do not get satisfaction the first time you ask, you must simply ask again, and again—perhaps on another day, perhaps from another person, perhaps phrasing the question differently. Persistence may, in the end, elicit some useful result.

World Wide Web (WWW)
The WWW is quickly becoming one of the greatest of all resources for information on study abroad. IIE Online is an ever-expanding resource on study worldwide and includes the listing Study Abroad Programs on the World Wide Web.