Studying Abroad During a Pandemic #HogsAbroad in Thailand #MondayMotivation

Blog post courtesy of Fulbright College Honors Program

With all the chaos that is the pandemic, studying abroad can seem especially scary and impossible right now. There are a lot of misconceptions and even miscommunication floating around that is making the process of studying abroad appear more intense than it truly is.

Granted, when I started looking into studying abroad, I was very overwhelmed. Many questions were buzzing around my head like: “Where do I start?” “Can I even study abroad?” “Will it get canceled?” “Is it even worth it?” “What about COVID-19?” If you are asking similar questions, they are very valid concerns. We are living in a time where nothing is certain, and we need to be prepared. I know many people whose programs were canceled due to the pandemic and/or had to file a petition just to get permission from the university to travel abroad. Sometimes I even have the feeling of “is all this work worth it” when I see other programs getting canceled. Despite this, I know that this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is worth all of the stress and uncertainty. So, if you are even considering the thought of studying abroad, do not be discouraged by all the mayhem, it will be an experience that truly is not worth giving up because of the “what ifs”.

Screenshot of the Office of Study Abroad & International Exchange Website

Visit the Study Abroad Website

The first piece of advice I would give is to visit the UARK Study Abroad website. When you first come across the opening page, there are a plethora of links that take you to extremely important portals you will use frequently as you prepare to study abroad.

From there, you can explore all the available programs through the university (i.e faculty-led) and external programs such as USAC, ISAbroad, CIS Abroad, etc. In addition to traditional study abroad programs, the university has also established several Virtual International Programs that you can take advantage of! Even if you have no idea where to start, there are parameters you can choose to narrow down the search. For myself, I knew I wanted to study abroad in Thailand and could only be there for a limited time, but I had no clue what program to choose. So, I put in the location and duration parameter and the USAC Thailand program popped up. This resource is especially important because location, cost, availability, courses, possible internships, duration, etc. are all factors that drive the decision to pick one program over another.

Work with a Study Abroad Advisor
Another resource to use is utilizing the study abroad advisors. They are there to answer any questions or concerns you will have, so do not hesitate to reach out to them at studyabr@uark.edu! Once you apply for a study abroad program, from there you will be assigned an advisor that will run through the whole process with you. I know this is where most of my stress and anxieties disappeared because I sat down with my advisor and we went over the ENTIRE timeline of studying abroad. This ranged from things as simple as filling out the UARK application to major deadlines such as program payments. Granted, this is a lot of work, but it is extremely beneficial to have a professional in your corner who knows what they are doing. If you are short on time and just have a quick question, you can always use their online chat option. Taking the initiative to reach out to the study abroad office will help you so much more in the long run and you will be glad that you made that step.

Find Scholarships to Help Fund Your Trip
Once a program has been selected and the application process has begun, the next thing to think about is scholarships. During my initial meeting with my study abroad advisor, my advisor also gave me a huge list of scholarships I am eligible for. This, especially, relieved more stress because figuring out what scholarships to apply for is one of the most time-consuming things to do. If funding and cost are important to you, it is never too early to start looking at scholarships. There are truly so many available whether through the university or external. There are also scholarships that you can apply to through your programs of study, including the Honors College, so I highly suggest reaching out to your program advisor to ask them which scholarships you are eligible for! Another great scholarship resource to utilize is on the HogsAbroad Portal is the “Scholarships and Aid” tab. On that webpage, they have all the available UARK study abroad scholarships you can apply for and their requirements.

Keep Track of COVID-19 Protocols
Finally, the COVID-19 part…the best way to know what safety protocols you need to take before and after you study abroad is to ask your program advisor. They will be super transparent on the steps you need to take to get to your destination. These protocols could be as easy as providing a vaccination card upon arrival or more involved such as quarantining for two weeks before you travel and quarantining again once you reach your destination. For my study abroad in Thailand, I need to provide a negative COVID test upon arrival and I need to quarantine for two weeks in a designated hotel after I arrive. This is a mandatory rule instated in Thailand as of now, but the information is always changing so the best way to keep up is to follow the CDC’s travel website. They have up-to-date information regarding COVID regulations in most countries.

I also suggest signing up for the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program” (STEP). Once enrolled, the program will send out important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country as well as help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. And these are just the resources I am using—there are many other resources out on the web to find, you just have to look.

Studying abroad is not just a “spur of the moment” type decision, it is a seemingly never-ending journey of applications, scholarships, documents, etc. I, personally, know this because I have been preparing for the trip for the past two years of my life. It seemed like it was never the right time, but I made a pact to myself that I will travel to Thailand before I graduate, and I did everything I could to make this plan a reality. Having the realization that I will study abroad this summer makes it all worth it. Take that leap into the unknown because who knows, you might just embark on a journey that will change the rest of your life!

More helpful links:
Search for Programs: https://hogsabroad.uark.edu/index.cfmFuseAction=Programs.AdvancedSearch
Hogsabroad Portal: https://hogsabroad.uark.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Security.LoginWizardStepOne
Scholarships and Funding: https://studyabroad.uark.edu/scholarships.php
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: https://step.state.gov
CDC Travel Website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

--
Chloë Benton, a Physics major with minors in Mathematics and Philosophy, is headed to Thailand this summer. Learn more about Chloë's USAC program in Thailand.

You can start planning your adventure abroad today! Dive in to our Explore page at https://studyabroad.uark.edu/explore/index.php, and start your program search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/.

Featured Destination: Thailand

Interested in study abroad, but don't know where to start? There are lots of ways to do it and so many places where you might go. Each month we'll feature a new destination, and November's highlighted country is Thailand!

Visit the “land of smiles” located in the heart of Southeast Asia. University of Arkansas students will experience a mix of ancient temples and modern industry, with stunning beaches in the south, and majestic mountains in the north. With courses offered in English and Thai, no language barrier will hold you back.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

• ISA Study Abroad: Business, Hospitality, Social Science & STEM

J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

• USAC Thailand: Southeast Asian Economics, Politics, and Culture Studies

Sam M. Walton College of Business

• CIS Abroad: Semester in Thailand at Mahidol University (Thailand’s #1 University) 

College of Education and Health Professions

• SIT School for International Training: India & Thailand, Public Health, Gender & Community Action 

SCHOLARSHIPS
There are many resources and scholarships available for study abroad. Most scholarships and financial aid that students currently receive may be used to study abroad. There are also many scholarship opportunities specifically for study abroad available through the University of Arkansas and outside organizations. For more information visit studyabroad.uark.edu/funding.

WHAT FORMER STUDENTS HAVE SAID

“Thailand stood out to me because of how different it is than the United States. In no other place can you see traditional Thai medicine taught in front of an ancient 150 foot long golden statue of the Buddha and an ultra modern luxury shopping center right across the street from one another. We lived in a research station in the jungles of Northeast Thailand that had one of the highest concentrations of venomous snakes in Asia, where researchers from all over the world would come to study the unique life that called that environment home. I loved every part of my study abroad experience and my only advice to potential students is to bring plenty of bug spray and drink lots of water.” - Brady Martin, Animal Science major, Tropical Ecology in Northeast Thailand, Summer 2017

3 EASY STEPS TO STUDY ABROAD
So, what's next?

1. Drop by the Study Abroad House Monday-Friday between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. to learn about program options and funding opportunities. 
2. Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your academic plan. 
3. Schedule an appointment with your Study Abroad Advisor. 

--
Check out these 5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Thailand.

For additional information visit studyabroad.uark.edu or contact us at studyabr@uark.edu, or 479-575-7582.

U of A Sophomore Awarded #FreemanAsia Scholarship #HogsAbroad in Japan

Photo Submitted. Analeigh Ulrich

Analeigh Ulrich, a University of Arkansas sophomore, has won a Freeman-ASIA award to study abroad in Japan this summer. The nationally competitive award supports undergraduates planning to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.

The international studies and East Asian studies major will be part of two-month intensive Japanese language program at Osaka Gakuin University. Participants are allowed to use only limited English throughout the program's duration, so Ulrich is looking forward to making strides in her Japanese language ability.

Ulrich, who has wanted to spend time in Japan since childhood, was thrilled to learn she won the award, especially when she discovered it is nationally competitive.

"When I found out it is pretty competitive, I was extremely shocked and elated I won," she said. "I feel very grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me this year."

Ulrich plans to document her time in Japan on video. She has already been documenting the application process and her preparation for going abroad. When she returns to Fayetteville, she will record a reflection on her time in Asia. She plans to compile and share her videos with the Japanese Student Association, as well as other University of Arkansas students planning to seek study abroad opportunities in Asian countries.

The Freeman-ASIA program is managed by the Institute of International Education and is sponsored by the Freeman Foundation. The award program's goal is to increase first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia, its peoples and its cultures.

This international scholarship program is both need- and merit-based and seeks students with interests in Asian languages and studies or whose overall academic and professional goals would benefit from experience in an Asian country. Award amounts are: up to $3,000 for summer, up to $5,000 for a semester/quarter and up to $7,000 for an academic year.
--
See all eligibility requirements, full application instructions and a list of deadlines for the Freeman-Asia Scholarship Program at http://www.iie.org/en/programs/freeman-asia.

Students interested in this and other study abroad opportunities should contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange.

Studying Abroad in Asia Soon? Apply for the Freeman-Asia Scholarship! #HogsAbroad

Do you have financial need? Are you studying abroad in Asia soon? Apply for the Freeman Asia!

Freeman-ASIA scholarships are for American undergraduates to study abroad in one of 15 countries/regions in East and Southeast Asia.

Created to assist U.S. students with demonstrated financial need and limited prior experience in East and Southeast Asia, Freeman-ASIA will fund approximately 400 students over the next two academic years, with awards ranging from $3,000 per student for summer study and $5,000 per semester, to a maximum of $7,000 for a full year abroad.

Award recipients are required to share their experiences with their home campuses or communities to encourage study abroad by others and fulfill the program's goal of increasing understanding of Asia in the United States.

Extended Deadline for Fall/Year: April 18 for students and April 25 for advisers. The applications will close at 5:00pm eastern time on the day of the deadline.

 

See all eligibility requirements, full application instructions and a list of deadlines for the Freeman-Asia Scholarship Program at http://www.iie.org/en/programs/freeman-asia --  The Office of Study Abroad at the University of Arkansas is happy to help discuss this scholarship with any interested students, as well as advise those searching for the right study abroad opportunity to meet their personal and academic goals. Call us at (479) 575-7582 or email studyabr@uark.edu.

Meet One of Our Summer 2016 Gilman Scholarship Recipients #hogsabroad

Do I have too much enthusiasm if I am already packed for my study abroad in July?  Not only am I thrilled and honored about receiving the Gilman, but also excited about what this means for my future.  I would have never had the opportunity if it were not for the support of the Gilman Scholarship.  Gilman made the application process meaningful and easily handled due to the checklist provided on the website and the helpful support staff ensuring all documents are correctly submitted. 

What are you doing in the summer?

I will be conducting biological research for the Sakaerat Bioshpere Reserve in Thailand.  Our team will be documenting Slow Loris and Pangolin movement throughout the area in hope to aid in the survival of each of the species.  In addition we will be documenting all herpetofauna species in the area and providing outreach to many of the schools that are in close proximity as well as the schools coming to tour the research center.  Working with the children in the immediate area will be a great way to enrich the nearby communities about the important biodiversity at the reserve along with their conservation efforts.

What do you think made you a good Gilman candidate?

All of this great work will translate into official training as a woman in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).  As a future science teacher, this experience will enhance my field skills in ways that will in turn enrich my classroom.  This experience is invaluable, and I have Gilman to thank.

What will your follow-up project be about? 

Due to my close work with the area schools as an intern and substitute teacher, my follow-up project involves talking about my experience abroad and how Gilman made it all possible.  I plan to help motivate students that may not think they have an opportunity to study abroad.  There are incredible opportunities for young students and it is my hope to encourage them to explore the world.  I have contacted many of the area schools and plan on making presentations to students as well as attending University events when needed. I am already planning and outlining different strategies in order to maximize my impact in country, which will ultimately maximize my outreach upon my return.

---

About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (http://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program) offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.