Student Affairs

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universities, study abroad providers and institutions. Programs are available for all
disciplines and interests including internships and volunteer opportunities. 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
attend a Study Abroad 101 session, offered twice a week in Martin E-304, to learn about how
to start the process.
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 withmy 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 everyone, and they will receive
academic credit for their experience. Students should start exploring their options early to
fit a program into their course schedule.
5. An internship is better for my student’s degree.
Many programs offer internships abroad, and any study abroad experience will improve a
student’s resume. In today’s global marketplace, international experience demonstrates an
ability to work independently and shows a level of communication, knowledge and leadership
skills found in opportunities off campus.
The study abroad Orientation academic engagement session has many of these answers.
For more information, visit
GRADUATE DEGREES
Your student should consider whether a graduate degree is required to reach their
professional goals as soon as possible. Academic advisers can help your student map out
career goals and how to reach them. In some fields, a graduate degree is the standard
expectation of hiring managers. If your student’s field is one of them, encourage them to
consider one of Clemson’s accelerated graduate degree programs, like a combined bachelor’s
and master’s degree, or direct-entry Ph.D. (no master’s required). You might want to share
“Graduate School Q&A” with your student; you can find it at
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“Creative Inquiry is one of Clemson’s
unique academic programs, which
encourages collaborative research
between professors and students.
The projects help students apply what
they are learning in class to real-
world settings. Our daughter, a senior
language and international health
major, participated in a project at an
elementary school, which focused on
the effect exercise and nutrition have
on the diabetes rate in young children.
Participation in CI is a great way to
get to know professors, meet other
students and hone research skills.”
Drew and Caroline Czerkawski
North Wilesboro, N.C.