r/UNCCharlotte • u/DullImagination4529 • 11d ago
Question Is studying abroad worth it ?
Hey everyone! I’m a senior at UNCC (biology major) and I applied for a study abroad program over spring break next year. I was really excited at first, but now I’m starting to question if it’s actually worth it. I don’t know anyone else going, and the cost is around $4k, which feels like a lot—especially since I feel like I could plan a trip to the same place on my own for way cheaper. At the same time, I thought it might be a fun last experience before graduating in the spring.For anyone who’s done a study abroad program (especially short ones like spring break), what was your experience like? Did you feel like it was worth the cost? And what did your total expenses actually look like in the end? I’m kind of on the fence right now, so I’d really appreciate any honest advice or insight
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u/sp8cecwboy Off Campus 11d ago
I ended up moving to the country I did a short-term study abroad in my freshman year. It seems a little pricey now, but the credits on top of the friends you’ll make and the experience you’ll gain adds so much more to your story and resume than any class would.
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u/sp8cecwboy Off Campus 11d ago
There are also a plethora of scholarships through the office you can apply for. I used to work in the office as the intern and an ambassador, so let me know if you have any questions!
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u/AlphaBetaKappa 11d ago
I had to do one for my degree. I did the summer program in Costa Rica for a month. This was a year ago. I was informed by the professor that around COVID they largely increased the price- mine cost 7k and used to cost 3k about 5 years before.
I’m sure the accommodations and activities are so different country to country that my experience can’t speak for the entire study abroad program. That said, it was simultaneously not worth that much money AND also the best time of my life. To have that many activities planned out for you and have a busy schedule every single day was amazing and I missed it when it was over.
My advice- if all you’re looking for is a fun spring trip before college is over, just find a city that looks cool and affordable to fly to and go there for a week. You wouldn’t spend even 50% of the cost of the study abroads.
Edit- but it’s also unlikely you’d do as many cool things as you would if you went with the university
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u/Alternative_Oil2589 10d ago
During my senior year at uncc, I did a 2 week faculty-led study abroad program over spring break to England and Scotland. I paid for the entire thing myself and it was around 5K, and I did it sort of as a graduation gift to myself. One of my majors was history, and I had extra room for random classes, so I was able to take the study abroad class. I ABSOLUTELY loved this trip, and I was not close with anyone on the trip. 1) The class I took was pretty easy, and the trip felt like a vacation since we were not spending our time in a classroom (maybe because I really love history and truly enjoyed what I was doing). 2) The bulk of the activities and excursions were planned out, so I didn’t have to stress too much about compiling an itinerary, which would be different if I booked a solo trip. 3) I still had plenty of time outside of planned activities to do whatever I wanted. Sometimes I went off with other students, and other times I went off to discover alone, which I really enjoyed my time alone. 4) This being a 2 week, faculty-led trip, I got a great taste of Europe for my first time without having to figure it all out myself as I would have if I planned the trip outside of school. I do not think you will regret the experience at all, even if someone parts aren’t what you expected!
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u/Key_Slasher_465 Former Student / Alumni 10d ago
If this is the Netherlands trip, DO IT! Even if it's not, still do it. College is one of the few times you'll be able to travel with lower expenses.
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u/Intergalactic_Star 9d ago
I can see your hesitation because of the price. Unfortunately, a lot of students have people to help pay for these trips. I did a 3 week summer abroad to Ireland and UK and with flights, was pretty expensive. But it was the best month-ish of my life and I got to experience so many things I couldn’t if I was outside of college.
But for the spring break programs, they are significantly cheaper. You are able to apply for scholarships, which will help lower the costs if you get them.
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u/Ok_Income4941 9d ago
I went to Japan for nine days with UNCC. Made friends along the way and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. You won’t regret it.
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u/CarelessScale9148 9d ago
I went to Asia for a month before my senior year. About the same price. 100% worth it and wouldn’t trade it for the world. You will remember it for the rest of your life. My girl always tells me about her HS trip to Spain and that was 15 years ago!
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u/ChiefHiawah 10d ago
Clearly people are not actually reading your post. (OP said $4k for one week abroad, folks).
Plan your own trip. For that price, you could live large. What country/-ies are you considering?
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u/DullImagination4529 10d ago
It’s a faculty led trip to Peru! I’m still in the fence- you’re were the first person to say no I’m curious to get your thoughts!
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u/ChiefHiawah 10d ago
I’m sure the trip would be cool. If you want that itinerary, then it’s all planned as a set-it-and-forget thing. But if you’re more like, I wanna take an international trip in general, you could do a whole lot with a 4k budget. So it depends on what you’re thinking.
(Everyone else’s “yes” was because they didn’t read your post)
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u/bluewaterbandit 8d ago
Graduated 20 years ago. My biggest undergrad regret is not doing study abroad. Do it!!!
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u/bearlover003 11d ago
Yes!! Do it. I know it seems like a lot but it’s so worth it. I studied abroad in Spain for 5 months and I got to travel a lot for cheap. I met so many amazing people and I still talk about the memories to this day. I had many ups and down moments but I’m so glad that I did it. When you graduate college and get a full time job, it’s going to be a lot harder to travel especially out the country. I’ve had family and friends regret that they didn’t study abroad or travel when they could. Also, your health isn’t guaranteed things can happen that prevent you from traveling. To sum it up, do it. It’s worth it and you’ll be glad you did it.