The Study Abroad Office at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is assuring students that studying abroad is more affordable and accessible than they may think.
BGSU offers a variety of international programs, with options ranging from summer sessions to full-year exchanges in over 50 countries. These opportunities are available to students across all majors and include education, internships, research, field studies, and community service.
For those not ready for a full semester abroad, faculty-led trips provide a flexible option. These trips, lasting from one to ten weeks, allow students to experience life overseas without committing to an extended stay. Julie Hagenbuch, a BGSU journalism professor who has led such trips, explained that these shorter programs are a great way for students to get a taste of studying abroad without disrupting their academic schedules.
For students with tightly structured course plans, like those in education or aviation, summer programs are an ideal solution. Andrea Mary Haas, an Education Abroad advisor, highlighted that summer sessions are a great fit for students looking to balance their academic commitments while still experiencing life abroad.
BGSU also offers two flagship programs in Austria and Spain, where students continue registering for BGSU courses. Financial aid can be applied to these programs, making them a more affordable option for many students.
For those seeking a deeper cultural immersion, exchange programs provide a more intense experience. Students will integrate with local peers and other international students in their host countries.
To help students choose the right program, Haas recommends starting with an information session. This session provides an overview of study abroad options, helping students determine what might work best for them.
One concern many students have is the application process, but those who have studied abroad often find it straightforward. BGSU student Bailey Price, who spent a semester in Salzburg, Austria, noted that the application involved basic personal information, an essay, and a letter of recommendation.
Homesickness is another common challenge, but shorter programs, or those where multiple BGSU students study together, can help alleviate this feeling. Haas also reassured students that studying abroad is unlikely to delay graduation. Many students can incorporate it into their academic plans, especially with summer options.
Some students worry that classes abroad will be more difficult or that they’ll need to speak another language. However, BGSU’s programs are designed to accommodate English-speaking students, and many students find the coursework manageable. Price, for example, initially feared that European education would be more challenging but found the classes to be less difficult than anticipated.
Cost is another concern for many students, but the Study Abroad Office emphasized that studying abroad can actually be more affordable than living on campus. For example, a double room at BGSU’s Centennial Hall costs $3,880 per semester, while a year-long program in Salzburg, Austria, costs $3,706, including housing, field trips, and excursions.
Haas also pointed out that there are many scholarships available for students, including external options based on identity, income, or military service. Students participating in BGSU’s exchange or flagship programs can also use their regular financial aid to fund their study abroad experience.
In addition to the personal growth and cultural exposure, studying abroad is a valuable addition to a student’s resume, as it demonstrates independence, adaptability, and a global perspective.
Hagenbuch believes the benefits are undeniable, saying, “I can’t think of any downsides.”
For students considering studying abroad, Price offered a final piece of advice: “In a nutshell, everyone should do it. You’re going to learn a lot, you’re going to be challenged, and you’ll come back feeling like a better version of yourself.”
Applications for Summer 2025 and the 2025-2026 academic year are being accepted until the March 1 deadline.
Related topics:
