Study Abroad Survival Guide: An Analysis and Implementation of Preparing Study Abroad Students

Abstract

<p>Iowa State University’s Engineering International Programs (EIP) arranges pre-departure orientations for Iowa State University students accepted to study abroad programs. The goals of the orientations are to prepare students for their specific program abroad and to ensure the students receive access to the proper information required to have a successful trip abroad, physically, socially, emotionally, and academically. An Assessment of Engineering International Programs Site-Specific Orientations determined that it would be useful if EIP provided additional information for students to reference as needed during the gap between their orientation and their departure dates. The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) guide was created to better prepare students to study abroad through increased access to additional information. The information provided in this digital guide was influenced by suggestions from students who had studied abroad and by completed research on other universities’ pre-departure programs. Topics covered in the guide include planning required prior to departure, transportation, UC3M courses, UC3M campus, living in Madrid, food, health, safety, and a “bucket list” produced by students who have previously studied abroad at UC3M. Future students accepted to the UC3M study abroad program will have access to the UC3M guide through a shared EIP webpage.</p>