Getting to Know Villanova’s Study Abroad Program

            I recently attended an information session on the Study Abroad program on November 22^nd, 2019. Interested in the program and currently planning out where and when I am going to go on a semester abroad, I believed attending this information session was paramount for me. I knew almost nothing about the program besides a little bit about the trip second half of sophomore year to Urbino, Italy, which I am highly interested in. By going to this session, I wanted to learn more of the details about study abroad, like how do credits correlate overseas, what classes do I need to take, what are some of the requirements before I apply, and how and when I apply for the Urbino trip. I knew that I should attend this event and it would be very worthwhile for me.

            The leaders of the presentation were informative and helpful when going through their syllabus. They presented a lot of information in a short amount of time, but stopped often to answer questions. They presented information on everything I needed to learn so that I felt more prepared leaving this session than when I entered it. I learned when I need to apply, which is either end of next semester or early sophomore year. I also learned I need to contact my Study Abroad leader who will help me through this process. It is also mandatory to contact this leader before starting the application. I learned about the gritty financial and record details as well. One of the presenters of this event is planning to go to Urbino so I asked her a variety of questions, including whether I should take Italian beforehand or not, since I do not know any Italian whatsoever. She told me that it is not worth it to take Italian at Villanova but rather wait until going to Italy so that I get more credits for the class. It is also important to note that I can reach out to my Business School Peer Advisor who went on the Urbino trip his sophomore year with specific details about the trip that I need to learn or missed at this information session. 

            Overall, I believed that this event was worthwhile and important to attend as someone who plans on doing a semester abroad. I learned a lot in this short session and I now I feel more confident going into the study abroad environment. Now that I have learned more about this amazing opportunity, I am excited to be a part of it and cannot wait for this trip. 

            After learning more about the Study Abroad program, I am able to help others who were not able to attend this event. If you missed it and need some information, respond with questions on this blog or email me at rlowry@villanova.edu. I am happy to answer any questions about this event.