Study Abroad Q&A

Q&A with Dr. Materna Director of the Center for International Education

If you are looking to study abroad Dr. Materna is the person to talk too. She's the head of the center of Education and helps run the study abroad programs. I talked to her about the study abroad options offered at Rider:

Q: What portion of Rider undergrads go abroad?
A: 1% (the lowest among Rider's competitor and peer institutions) go for a semester (this year 2008-09 it was only 34 students, so slightly less than the 40 (1%) the year before; 3-3.5% if short-term faculty-led and summer study abroad are included.
Q: How much does it cost to study abroad?
A: The cost varies as do the inclusions. But many programs cost no more than Rider tuition and some include housing and even meals at that price. If students live on campus, it is obviously even cheaper.
Q: What are the requirements to study abroad?
A: 2.5GPA (though some programs have a higher requirement), 2 recommendation letters, good disciplinary status and good financial status are requrired.
Q: How many credits can you earn on a study abroad excursion?
A: 12-18 (18 if you are approved for 18) for a semester; summer programs of 4-6 weeks duration usually offer 6-9 credits.
Q: Do you need to know the language of the country you are going to?
A: Depends upon the program. Some accept students with no language study. I recommend at least one semester before going, and RosettaStone!
Q: What types of programs are offered and for how long?
A: Semester, year-long, summer; study and some have internships and/or service learning components. Again, please see the website.
Q: How do students receive credits for their requirements?
A: They have courses approved by their advisors and we help them secure course syllabi or at least descriptions. Many courses abroad count for major, minor, or core requirements and even have Rider course equivalents. But the real message to students is to plan early--as freshmen--and SAVE elective credits, as they are the most portable and will let you go whereever your dreams will be fulfilled. Credits taken abroad are PASS/FAIL, but students must get a C to Pass.
Q: Is financial aid offered to study abroad students?
A: Financial aid can be applied for study abroad and adjusted if needed.

For more information go to: www.rider.edu/studyabroad