So You Didn't "Get In To" Abroad
So You Didn’t “Get Into” SCU Study Abroad
Let’s get the awkward part over with: I was denied from the FIE Study Abroad and Internship program in London by the Santa Clara abroad program Spring quarter of my sophomore year. But low-and-behold, I am writing this article from a small café in South Kensington, London in between classes at FIE. Confused? Don’t be. I am here to explain exactly how I did not take “no” for an answer and followed my dream of studying abroad in London fall semester of my junior year, hands down the best decision of my college career.
Here’s the honest truth. That application you’re stressing over? Doesn’t really matter. Okay, well that’s dramatic. It matters and definitely put effort into it, I definitely did! I slaved over my application for weeks. SCU’s study abroad process is all one big crapshoot and what they don’t tell you is that you can study abroad without being accepted by SCU’s study abroad office. Almost all other universities have their students apply directly to the program itself without the university’s involvement, in fact, they encourage it.
What I mean by all of it is do not give up. If abroad is your dream, don’t take “no” for an answer and find a way. Here’s a list of steps I took to follow my dream:
1. Don’t be embarrassed. It can be hard knowing you were denied from something that is “easy” compared to other universities, but so many people at SCU will also be denied due to the excessively competitive nature of our programs. It is not a reflection on you.
2. Talk with a student who went through the same thing. Me, for example (I’ll have my contact info below), or any of the other students who were rejected at first. Trust me, there are more than you think.
3. Make sure you are in good academic standing and can sacrifice a few credits. I was on track to graduate a quarter or two early so only receiving 10 elective credits that transfer over from FIE didn’t set me back from getting my degree at the end of next year.
4. Meet with your academic adviser or a Drahmann advisor. It is helpful to talk through the idea of unenrolling from SCU for a semester with a professional because it seems way scarier than it is in actuality. The study abroad office is a bit harder to get a hold of and is busier at this time with students going through SCU. I personally went to Diana Morlang in the Drahmann center and she’s made me feel better about everything.
5. Apply directly through the program. The specific programs applications are fast and easy and will more likely than not guarantee you an acceptance. Also, you’ve done most of the work for the SCU application already!
6. Re-enroll when you unenroll. After you get into the study abroad program, you’ll have to send in a request to disenroll from the university. At this time, you’ll want to submit your re-enroll request form as well to ensure that the transition is smooth when you arrive back on campus after studying abroad.
Yes, there are downsides. You won’t receive any credits towards your major. Students who apply independently from SCU are only eligible to receive up to 10 elective credits. You will have to go through the process of unenrolling and re-enrolling and you have to pay in full for the program. With this said, in my personal opinion, studying abroad without any obligations to SCU is a blessing in disguise. I picked classes that I found relevant and exciting. I made my schedule so that I didn’t have classes Wednesday and could start my travel weekends a day early. I also am still able to participate in the internship portion of my program which will boost my resume and professional skill set.
Abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If it is something you’ve always dreamed of doing, the answer is simple: do it! There is always another way. Never in your life will you have a time where you can pick up and live in a foreign city for 4 months. It is life changing and everyone deserves an equal opportunity to do so.