"To study abroad or not to," for some people it's not even a question.

Some students have known since high school that they've wanted to study abroad, while others haven't.

Who could benefit from the study abroad program?

Freshman aren't allowed to participate, however sophomores, junoirs, and senoirs may.

There isn't one major or one career that is study abroad preferred, although some majors require careful planning, like: nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, social work, and sports management,

"I believe that a study abroad experience would enhance most future employment opportunities," said Marylou Roof, study abroad programs coordinator.

There are "SHU-approved" programs as well as "SHU-sponsored" programs.

"SHU-sponsored" programs include: Rome, Italy; Dingle, Ireland; Fremantle, Australia; and Granada, Spain.

"SHU-approved" programs are listed on: www.ccisabroad.org.

Students can study abroad all year; fall semester, spring semester, a full academic year, or even during the summer.

How? For sponsored programs, students pay regular tuition plus an additional $1,000 to study abroad during a semester, or $300 to study abroad during the summer.

The fee is set according to the individual program, as well as an additional $1,000 for all approved programs.

Spending money varies with each student.

"Most estimates for personal expenses for semester programs range between $3,500 and $4,500," said Roof.

Students will also need a valid passport and should check with their physician for immunization requirements.

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the study abroad location.

"After students are accepted into the study abroad program, I hold 'get acquainted meetings' so that they have the opportunity to get to know each other and can choose to travel or live together if they wish to do so," said Roof.

Students who wish to travel abroad must apply and be acceptedand need a 3.0 GPA.

Students will work with their advisors to select programs that will work well with their major. Because it is either sponsored or approved by SHU, credits will transfer without hassle.

Letter grades will not be transferred. Only credit earned with a minimum of a C grade will be transferred.

Financial aid will be applicable during fall and spring semesters. However, SHU grants will not be applied

Why study Abroad?

Studying abroad can be the icing on the cake for a college experience. Students will have the opportunity to see historical sites they've learned about since grade school, they will have a chance to live in another cultural and speak a different language.

While speaking the language of the country isn't imperative, it does help the communication process if the student knows some of the language.

If the student is of descent from one of the approved or sponsored programs, this will give them the opportunity to visit their homeland as well as get the chance to see their long distance relatives, if any.

Studying abroad is a chance that every student should take advantage of. It is an oprotunity to leave the USA and see the way people far from home live their daily lives.

Each student that comes through the program is able to emerge themselves in another countries lifestyle.

"This is a life changing decision; I can't imagine choosing not to study abroad. Probably one of the best decisions I've ever made, definitely one that made my college experience one that I will never forget," said Mark Maleri, sophomore, Seymour.