WELCOME HOME STUDY ABROAD ALUMNI!!!
You are probably returning home energized with new perspectives and you may even be a little confused and overwhelmed. It may seem like only yesterday that you began this remarkable journey of learning experiences. Now that you are back, we hope to see you continue your journey and transfer the skills you’ve gained abroad towards becoming effective global citizens.
We also understand that transitioning back into the U.S. can come with many challenges. We hope this website will provide you with some valuable resources as you are slowly easing back into life here at MTSU. Please feel free to stop by PH 207 with any questions or concerns.
Evaluation
Now that you have returned from your study abroad experience, filled with new insights and a better understanding of the world, we would like you to take a few minutes and give us some feedback about your program. Click here to complete a study abroad evaluation! Please return to PH 207.
How can I add my study abroad experience to my résumé?
Click on this PowerPoint for some sample résumés and interview advice.
Reverse Culture Shock
•Common Frustrations & Advice
•What’s up with Culture? Module 2 is for returning students:
http://www2.pacific.edu/sis/culture/
•Use your coping skills you learned when going abroad and be patient with yourself. If you are having a high level of difficulty readjusting, there is a Counseling Service Office on campus which is free to MTSU students: http://www.mtsu.edu/countest/counseling_countest.shtml
•Take care of your health
-If you become sick after returning, tell your health care provider that you have traveled outside of the U.S. Because some diseases have a long incubation period, you may not be sick until after you return.
If you studied abroad in a country with a high incidence of TB, schedule a tuberculosis skin test at the Travel Clinic (located in the Campus Recreation Building) after your return. If you were exposed to tuberculosis while abroad, you wouldn't necessarily be sick. Testing is the only way to prevent serious problems later!
Advice for staying connected
Serve as a contact for a future participant
Volunteer with the study abroad office to do a classroom presentation or assist the incoming exchange students
Get involved with various global groups at MTSU
-GLOBAL student organization: www.mtsu.edu/global/GLOBALSO.shtml
-Rotaract, MTSU chapter of the international service club for young adults: www.mtsu.edu/honors/Rotaract.shtml
Submit your photos
Add a global component to your degree
http://www.forlang.mtsu.edu/
http://www.mtsu.edu/politicalscience/irmajor.shtml
http://www.mtsu.edu/ucat/0911/2009-11_InterdisciplinaryMajorsMinorsREV.pdf
Go abroad again!
Study abroad again or look through the resources below for additional ideas.
Resources
Work Abroad, Intern Abroad, Teach Abroad
www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/swt/work (great advice on finding a suitable work/intern abroad experience)
•www.bunac.org (work, teach, volunteer abroad)
•www.idealist.org (great search engine for international jobs/internships)
•www.peacecorps.gov
•http://www.ciee.org/teach/ (teach abroad)
•InterExchange(work, teach, au pair abroad) Offers a Work Abroad Grant
Teach abroad in China, Marshall University
•http://www.jetprogramme.org/ (teach abroad in Japan)
Teach and Learn in Korea
The School for Field Studies Internships
International Internships, LLC (unpaid custom internships, options within 14 different countries, various fields, cost between $4000 - $8000 for 2 month summer options, many inclusions)
CONTACT AN MTSU STUDY ABROAD ALUMNI FOR ADVICE!
Language Learning
CLS (Critical Language Scholarship) Program
Service Learning and Volunteer Abroad
•www.isaelap.com/
Cross Cultural Solutions
Volunteers for Peace
Earthwatch Institute (Offer Travel Grants)
•www.livingroutes.com/
•www.ipsl.org
•www.amizade.org/
•www.isvonline.org
Graduate Programs of Interest
MTSU - M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in ESL
MTSU - MA in Teaching Foreign Languages
MA/MS, International Development and Service
Teach English in China while earning an MA in International Studies
MS in Human Development and Leadership, International Education Administration Concentration
Peace Corps & Graduate Degree Combination
SIT Graduate Institute
MA in Global Studies
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) (Go to Graduate "Study Scholarship" to apply for funding to get a graduate degree in Germany. Various programs/fields are available as well as many options taught in English. Many German instiutions charge little to no fees for tuition and the Study Scholarship will provide living expenses).
International Graduate Program Search
Fellowships and Grants
Fulbright Scholarship-
Contact Laura Clippard in the Honors College for additional information.
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Boren Awards for International Study
ASF (American-Scandinavian Foundation)
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX)
Other links
•www.abroadview.org (online magazine....don't miss "you're back, now what?")
•www.transitionsabroad.com
•www.glimpse.org (Read about the Correspondents Program!)
•www.ipl.org/div/news/