On a Campus Far, Far Away..., Grad School Article

When the time comes to start thinking about graduate school, few students consider programs in other countries. The combination of time, money and risk of failure scares most people away from this prospect. But going to graduate school in another country can have incredible benefits. Some international programs, such as the Babraham Institute at Cambridge University, have research facilities that are unequaled throughout the globe. There are many factors that should be considered before leaving the U.S.: First, you have to analyze whether going to school in another country is going to help your quest for a job. For example, a graduate student with a business degree that seeks employment in the U.S. may lose job opportunities based on the fact that employers aren't familiar with the overseas institution. However, depending on the size and type of business you plan to work for, attending graduate school in another country could help you land a job. Mr. Charles Baquet, Director of the Center for International and Intercultural Studies at Xavier University, stated there are many U.S. companies with international assets who are eager to hire students with international experience. "They are looking for 'fast track' junior executives to travel overseas, set up shop, and secure market share. If you have extensive experience overseas, particularly an earned advanced degree, you have a leg up on a good job opportunity." If you're not sure about whether your career will benefit by attending graduate school in an international setting, meet with your advisor and use the Internet to research what international programs are out there and how they can benefit you. Once you've decided studying abroad is something you're interested in, consider how you're going to finance your overseas education. Getting a job in a foreign country while in graduate school can be tough and is not always a possibility. Numerous university websites advise students that labor laws of many countries will not allow you to work while on a student visa. In addition, it is difficult enough to adapt to a new culture without the added worry of finding a job. But if the cost is what's holding you back, check into financial aid. Consider that many American universities offer programs where a graduate student can study abroad using a portion of their financial assistance. Even if you're not sure you'll need financial assistance, talk with someone about what you may qualify for. Christine Erkman, the Study Abroad and Student Exchange program director at the University of Arizona, points out however that with the exception of some German and Japanese programs, financial aid from foreign institutions is extremely rare. If you are looking into aid, be sure you have your financing in place before you go abroad. Once you've determined that your line of work will benefit by studying in another country and assess that you can afford it, you'll have to carefully select a program that meets your educational needs in addition to boosting your career experience. Take the time required to perform this research accurately. Your future may depend on it.