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How should students decide? |
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There are many factors to consider when choosing a study abroad program. Students must decide which qualities are most important to them. The Consortium’s goal is to help students select a program that is right for them. The Consortium recognizes that there is not a one-size-fits-all program. Picking the right program will help maximize a student’s international experience.
Academic Offerings
Course Quality
Learning Environment
Location & Living Environment
Timing
Cost
Extra-Curricular Learning
Academic Offerings
Why take the classes: to learn a particular topic or to earn course credit?
In a perfect world, students would be able to do both. The Consortium’s goal is to provide both opportunities. Its class offerings range from core classes and internationally relevant electives to cutting edge classes offered at a select few institutions across the US. Additionally, course credits are earned through The University of Iowa, which makes transferring credits highly likely.
The Consortium’s academic offerings focus on business, economics, communication studies, and journalism including mass communication, public relations and advertising. Most of the students who attend the programs are graduate or undergraduate students from these disciplines. However, many students from other academic areas study abroad with the Consortium and are able to count the classes toward their academic progress.
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Course Quality
What makes a course worthwhile? Is it the content? Is it the instructor? How hard will the courses be?
Simply stated, it is the Consortium’s goal to offer students the best possible educational opportunities. In life, nothing valuable comes without hard work. Students are expected to work hard, but at the same time students often learn more than they ever thought possible. Former students say that while courses were challenging, the work load at the Consortium programs was similar to their home university. Due to the nature of the classes and the different interactions, alumni also say they learned more than ever before in their academic careers.
One benefit of the Consortium is its ability to attract faculty from all of the member universities. The program strives to expose students to the best professors in their respective fields. Due to the small nature of the program, professors know that they will interact regularly with students. For many professors, a program like the Consortium’s provides an opportunity for them to remember why they chose teaching as a profession. Additionally, all professors are encouraged to internationalize their courses, including degree core classes that traditionally are taught at home universities. The Consortium provides instructors with tools to enhance their classes resources such as guest speakers and company tours.
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Learning Environment
In what language are classes taught? What educational system is followed? How big are the classes? Who takes the classes?
All Consortium classes are taught in English so the inability to speak Italian is not a barrier to learning. Classes are taught by professors from the Consortium member universities. Students who attend school in the US find the classes very similar to what they are familiar with in terms of group work and interaction with professors.
The Consortium strives to keep classes small to maximize interaction between professors and students. Class size ranges from program to program, but the average is 20 students for semester programs. During the summer programs the average class size is approximately 40 students.
Students in the classes come from all over the US and the world. Most are from our Consortium member schools, but students from other universities are welcome. The mix of students makes for a wonderfully diverse and exciting learning environment. Finally, all of the professors are encouraged to incorporate Mind Based Performance into the classroom experience.
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Location & Living Environment
Where is the program located? Where do students live? What facilities are available?
The campuses are located in northeastern Italy in the Veneto region. The two campuses, Asolo and Paderno del Grappa, are located a few miles apart from each other and approximately 45 miles north of Venice. Both small towns are very beautiful and unique.
As a general rule, the graduate programs take place in Asolo and the undergraduate programs take place in Paderno del Grappa. However, there are some exceptions so check the details of specific programs. Both locations have a campus facility with dormitory style rooms. On rare occasions, an apartment situation may be available for graduate students. Modern facilities are available at both locations and are described in more detail in the individual campus sections.
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Timing
Is it better to attend for an entire semester or just a summer? When in a student’s academic career makes the most sense?
Graduate Students – As a rule, because of home institution requirements, graduate students have a difficult time studying abroad for more than a summer. Generally, there are too many credit restrictions to overcome to make a full semester feasible. Therefore, we only have summer programs available to graduate students.
Undergraduate Students – Whether an undergraduate student should attend for a semester or summer depends on the student’s interests and academic needs. Both opportunities provide a wonderful – yet different -- experience for students. The summer program is a short, four-week session, and provides an introduction to international study and travel. The month-long session can be ideal for some students. The semester program provides a much deeper and more thorough international experience. Students get a sense of what it is like to live abroad for a lengthy period of time. Students who already have some international experience are encouraged to participate in the full-semester program unless the summer is their only opportunity.
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Cost
What does the program cost? What expenses are not included? How much spending money is necessary? Can financial aid and scholarships be used?
There are many factors that influence cost including location, type of study abroad program (direct exchange, faculty led, etc.), living accommodations, travel costs and exchange rates. Comparing costs between programs can be challenging, almost like comparing apples and oranges. For instance, some program's costs will include airfare while others will not. This can make a big difference. No two study abroad programs are alike and neither are the costs. To help in planning, list all of the cost categories and mark off the ones that are included; then estimate the additional funds needed for categories not included in the program cost.
The Consortium strives to provide all students with an affordable international opportunity. Students are notified up-front about the costs associated with the program, and students are assisted in planning for their individual travel. Students are given guidelines to help in planning their spending money and tips on how to travel on a budget. One can spend infinite amounts of money in Europe, but it also is very possible to have a wonderful experience on a budget.
Federal law allows students to use their federal financial aid for study abroad programs. The government also lets adjustments be made based on actual spending abroad versus the costs at the student’s home university. For instance, students can apply for more aid to accommodate for the airplane ticket. Most universities also have procedures in place to allow students to use scholarships and other available aid. The procedure is different at every institution, but the Consortium will assist in any way possible, including deferring payment deadlines until students receive their financial aid. Several of the Consortium’s programs also provide financial awards to students who qualify. More information regarding financial aid is found under the financial aid and scholarship sections of individual program sections.
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Extra-Curricular Learning
What else is there to learn? What personal development opportunities are available? Will students learn about different cultures?
The Consortium takes great pride in its ability to provide students with learning and enrichment opportunities outside of the classroom. A well-rounded person makes a better employee and the programs strive to help students achieve their personal development goals. Company tours and guest lectures are incorporated into every program. Additionally, the programs incorporate cultural learning experiences such as traditional Italian meals, etiquette presentations and wine production seminars. During longer programs, the Consortium also sets up language exchanges so Italians can practice speaking English while US students can practice Italian. The Consortium focuses on enhancing team-building skills in all programs and incorporates Mind Based Performance into the programs. All students that participate in the full semester program will participate in the CAP. Semester program students will also choose whether they want to further their learning experience by particiapting in the LEAP program.
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