Studying abroad application deadline for Spring of 2019 is approaching quick. There are several informational meetings in the next couple weeks. Information from other study abroad students can also prepare students for what is to come in the application process. 

Senior, Cassidy Jimerson applied last semester to the exchange program and is heading across the ocean in September to attend school at Nottigham Trent University in the United Kingdom.

“There are two different exchange programs and that the first step is to decide whether you want to do the exchange program or the direct program,” Jimerson said. “With the direct program you get to choose which school you go to except you pay that school’s tuition. And with the exchange program you make a list of ten schools you would want to attend and ISEP places you where they see fit. Except with the exchange program you pay CMU’s tuition plus housing.”

The housing price is the amount of a Grand Mesa double and meal plan A. With both programs you have to apply and pay an application fee.

“The application process is pretty simple. Basic information, and then you have to write an essay as to why you want to study abroad,” Jimerson said. “And for most of the programs you have to have a 2. 5 GPA and all that jazz.”

Jimerson gave a step by step outline of the process. First you fill out the application and turn it in by the deadline and pay an application fee. Then you wait for a decision. Jimerson said it took about three weeks for them to decide where she was going.

“But it felt like it took months,” Jimerson said.

Then you get an official acceptance package and you have to accept the placement. This all takes place on your official ISEP login online. After the acceptance package comes your pre-departure information and information about insurance, which you have to pay for before you go.

“Meanwhile you are getting emails from the ISEP coordinators at CMU and the coordinators at the host university,” Jimerson said. “So before you go you have to pay an application fee, an acceptance fee and your insurance for while you are abroad.”

[media-credit id=125 align=”alignright” width=”223″][/media-credit]

Jimerson explained her housing, tuition, meal and student fees came out around 11,000 dollars. There is also the price of flights and a student visa.

“I have always wanted to go to the United Kingdom/Ireland. What I really wanted was to be placed in Scotland, but the UK is small enough so I can easily grab a bus to Scotland for the weekend,” Jimerson said. “Flights in Europe are super cheap too. I can get a flight from London to Spain for 30 dollars round trip. That is what I am most excited for; just being able to hop a plane on the weekends.”

Jimerson is excited about all aspects of studying abroad. The only thing she is mildly nervous about is the fact that this is her first time out of the country.

“Before you go overseas you always hear stories like people will say ‘Oh be careful, you’ll get pickpocketed easily’ or ‘people target tourists’. I think it’s good to listen to these pieces of advice, but also take them with a grain of salt,” Jimerson said. “Like yes, it’s good to be cautious but it’s also good to keep in mind that there are good and bad people everywhere you go.”

Jimerson leaves in the middle of September because their semester begins the first of October. She returns in the middle of December.

Applications to study abroad in the Spring of 2019 are due on the first of September.