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Now that your student has entered their second year, things are a little
different. School does not have the same new feeling it had the previous
year, and they are probably experiencing a relatively lighter workload because
they are finishing up their general education classes. Nevertheless, there
is still work to be done. During the second year, encourage your student
to start looking at career development options, on-campus housing and
transportation, and organizations in which they can get involved.
ACADEMICS
Study Abroad
Clemson University students are strongly encouraged to incorporate a
study abroad experience into their overall Clemson Experience. There are
a variety of programs offered to Clemson students, which include third-
party, exchange and faculty-directed options. All study abroad programs
are offered through Clemson’s partnerships and affiliations with overseas
universities, study abroad providers and institutions. Programs are available
for all disciplines and interests.
Nothing adds to a college experience like living and learning in a new and
exciting global environment. Whether students go a few weeks, a semester
or an entire year, the lessons they learn and the perspectives they discover
from foreign study will stay with them long after graduation. Once they’ve
decided they want to study abroad, they should talk with their academic
adviser and with a study abroad coordinator in the Clemson Abroad office.
Top-Five Myths
1. Students can’t afford to study abroad.
Students have many options when it comes to the finances of study
abroad. On a Clemson Exchange program or a faculty-directed program,
students pay Clemson in-state tuition and fees, even if they are an out-of-
state student. Many of our third-party affiliates offer programs equivalent
to Clemson in-state tuition or less. Finally, many scholarships, grants and
loans can be used to study abroad, and there are specific study abroad
scholarships available to students.
2. Students won’t graduate on time if they study abroad.
Students can study abroad and still graduate in four years. Whether they
participate in a third-party, exchange or a faculty-directed program they
will receive credit for their study abroad that can go toward their major
or minor. Students should plan ahead and meet with both their academic
adviser and study abroad coordinator.
3. Students need to speak a foreign language.
Students do not have to speak a foreign language to study abroad.
Clemson offers many programs taught in English that are located in
countries whose native language is not English. Studying abroad can
also be a great way for students to learn a foreign language, even if
they start from the beginning.
4. Studying abroad won’t work with my student’s major.
Studying abroad can fit the course work students need, no matter their
major. From engineering to education, there are programs designed for
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“Our daughter, Kate, is a
language and international
health major. She participated
in a five-week, summer study
abroad program to Quito,
Ecuador through Clemson’s
Department of Languages.
During this program, she was
immersed in the local culture,
lived with a local family and
traveled throughout Ecuador.
Students studied Spanish at
the Equinox Spanish School
in Quito. None of the students
in the Clemson group knew
each other before the trip, but
they bonded tightly through
their time in Ecuador. It was
a terrific experience for our
daughter and opened her
eyes to the world.”
Drew and Caroline Czerkawski
North Wilkesboro, N.C.
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