Study Abroad Caveats

After his inauguration, President Barry Corey told Rebecca (other Chimes web editor) and I that his ultimate goal would be to get every Biola student involved in a study abroad program or cross-cultural missions experience.

But after trying to get my ducks in a row for my semester abroad in Costa Rica, I've come to a grim conclusion.

Yeah, right.

Biola is not quite ready to take this step. Maybe it's because of the Torrey program, or the Johnson house subset within the Torrey program that slots out 8 units of Torrey each semester and is thus incompatible with study abroad programs that AREN'T Oxford. Or maybe it's that I picked a program that is designed for intercultural studies or Spanish majors exclusively. Whatever the issue, it's been a pain.

Anyway, I'll withold any complaints and just offer some helpful hints to those that come after me and decide they want to pursue the Latin American Studies Program.

1. If you're in Torrey (especially Johnson house), get as many units out of the way as possible. If you can afford it, do a Torrey abroad trip, and try to squeeze in a meta-Torrey before you go.

2. Make sure you're totally clear on the RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS for your given major or minor. Don't expect to complete a Spanish minor entirely abroad -- you'll have to do some units at Biola. If you forget about this, you may risk your financial aid.

3. There are lots of forms -- LOTS. It doesn't stop with the off-campus programs form. You'll need to fill out a graduation petition (this requires careful planning) and a departure form right before you leave (this involves formally withdrawing from the university, checking out of housing, etc.).