2. Louis : Bocconi University-GW Exchange Major: International Business “Study abroad! It may seem daunting to move to a completely different country but I promise you it will be the best few months of your life. Also, go into the experience with an open mind because study abroad offers so many things that you will miss out by staying within your comfort zone. ” Study Abroad Fact: In 2011-2012, 1,193 GW undergraduate students studied abroad— that’s 50% of the junior class!

3. Caitlin : CIEE Dakar, Senegal Major: Political Communication “Even though I had my mind set on studying abroad in Paris, it didn't take much to convince me to change my plans. All I needed was someone to encourage me to look beyond the common study abroad locations and to push myself out of my comfort zone.” Study Abroad Fact: GW approves over 400 programs in more than 60 countries! The ten most popular destinations for 2011-2012 include the UK, Spain, France, Italy, Australia, Argentina, Ireland, China, South Africa, and Chile.

4. Shayda : Korea University-GW Exchange Major: Electrical Engineering “Studying abroad in Seoul, the city where Samsung Electronics is based, made sense as an electrical engineer. My professors constantly made connections to working in the industry as a circuit designer.” Study Abroad Fact: Students in all majors can study abroad! GW sends 40% of undergraduate Business School students abroad and has special partnerships for students in SEAS. If you’re in a more restrictive major, discussion with your academic advisor and early planning are key to ensuring you can study abroad.

5. Hilary : ACC Beijing Major: International Affairs Study Abroad Fact: Language study is one of the top reasons GW students study abroad. “The most meaningful aspect of studying abroad in Beijing was learning how to speak the Chinese language more fluently. Because my program is so demanding and requires all students to only speak Chinese (not even one word of English is allowed!), my Chinese improved tremendously. Some nights, I would even have dreams in Chinese. That's when I realized that studying abroad really had paid off!”

6. Kevin : GW Chile Major: American Studies “The homestay is really one of the best parts of study abroad. The host family eases your cultural transition while also challenging you to keep immersing yourself in your host country. The host family also provides you a constant source of answers to any and all questions you have about the culture. My host family was an indispensable and incredible part of my year abroad.” Study Abroad Fact: GW has four of its own Study Programs: GW England (London, Oxford, Brighton, & Leeds) GW Paris GW Madrid GW Latin America (Costa Rica, Chile, & Argentina)

7. Tarique : CIEE Salvador da Bahia Major: International Affairs “After a year of studying Portuguese, I was ready to go to Brazil and practice the language. My classes, both in language and other disciplines, were more hands-on and have given me more experience and have prepared me for the “real-world.” It was nice to have that as a complement to my theoretical work that I had done at GW.” Study Abroad Fact: GW has basic eligibility requirements for study abroad, including a 2.75 GPA, but many programs have their own requirements.

8. Chloe : CIEE Jordan Majors: International Affairs “Of course, the GW Blog Abroad Scholarship assisted me financially. Moreover, the GW Blog Abroad Scholarship helped me to find my voice by writing on issues of social justice, socioeconomic development and cross-culture exchanges experienced abroad.” Study Abroad Fact: Most federal and institutional financial aid applies while you are abroad for a semester or full year. In addition, GW offers 5 scholarships for study abroad. There are also many external organizations that offer scholarships for study abroad.

9. Jennie : CIEE Sevilla, Spain Major: American Studies “Through FOFAC, I met faculty members who have also spent time abroad, got involved with great opportunities on campus relating to study abroad, and became friends with exchange students from around the world. FOFAC definitely made my transition back to life at GW so much easier and more fun than it would have been otherwise!” Study Abroad Fact: Study abroad in the fall and become part of GW’s Focus on Fall Abroad Community (FOFAC) for guaranteed housing, possible scholarships, & special events!

10. For More Information and Assistance…. University Services Fair: –Tomorrow from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Visit our Resource Room –Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit our Website: www.studyabroad.gwu.edu Contact us: studyabr@gwu.edu