Starting the Process: Formating a Study Abroad Statement

The paperwork of study abroad applications can seem so long and tedious. So reallllyyy - what do they want from you?!? 

San Marco Plaza, Venice Italy (Photo credit: Maddie Forrester)

One of the most common and the overtly vague of all the paperwork for most programs is a study abroad statement. This little snippet is very important to your application because it is your own narrative of who you are, and what you could really bring to the program. You do not want to give them too much because most will be constrained by a word count. For this reason it is important that the piece gets right to the point and provided the right information. It gives those reviewing your application an idea of your writing skills and ability to voice who you are in a concise manner.

Some aspects that should be included in your study abroad statement are:

• What are specific program are you applying for and what school are you applying from (even if it is a program offered by your own institution)
• What is your field of study (major, minor)
• Why is this program meant for you? What courses match up with your educational goals and why would it further your educational career?
• What do you expect to get out of the program? Even what life achievements it might hold for you.
•  How will this program benefit you personally? Are you hoping to gain work experience, break cultural boundaries, or maybe learn a language?
• Finally, always thank the reader for their time and consideration as you as an prospective applicant.   

Example of a Study Abroad Statement:

My name is Maddie Forrester and I am a junior at SUNY New Paltz applying to the study abroad program through the University of Westminster in London.

            I am duel majoring in media management and journalism with a concentration in public relations. This study abroad program at the University of Westminster would be a perfect match for my field of study because of Westminster’s wide range of communication programs, classes, and internships. I would be able to transfer many of my credits from the university back to SUNY New Paltz when I would return in the fall. I could take classes that really strike my interest because I have completed all of my general education requirements. This would allow me to take higher level classes specific to my field of study.  In addition, I hope to find an internship to go along with my classes, so that I might be able to broaden my public relations, communication, and business skills. The opportunity to work with a company overseas would be an extraordinary opportunity and job market advantage for the future. The entire academic experience through the University of Westminster would provide be an advantage to my education and my future endeavors in the business world.

            There would be countless personal benefits if I were given the ability to study abroad at the University of Westminster for my junior spring semester. I would be able to gain more independence and confidence while living on my own and in a place unfamiliar to me. It would give me “real world” experience. In addition, I would be able to further understand a culture different and similar to mine own.  It would also allow me to make priceless connections with people that I would not be able to gain otherwise. Connection with people on a personal level and business level – importantly, connections that could aid me in future business endeavors. Studying abroad would also give me a greater perception of the world and the people in it. World view is so important in our fast paced world that is growing smaller and smaller with our ever advancing technology.

            Studying abroad at the University of Westminster would be an amazing experience and I thank you for considering me as an applicant for this prestigious program.