International Study Trips

Studying abroad offers students a broad range of opportunities to develop global competencies one might not otherwise receive during their college experiences, but which will give a competitive edge in the job market. By its nature, education takes place in a cultural context. There is much to be gained from understanding the history and traditions of cultures outside one’s own. Study abroad is one very exciting way to begin to discover new approaches and build one professional skills.

By studying aboard, students:

• understand apparel, textiles, and retailing industries from a global perspective.
• impress employers in a competitive job market.
• develop skills needed to navigate in today’s global society.
• expand cross cultural communication and problem-solving skills.
• expand career opportunities.
• prepare for working in an increasingly diverse world.

The Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies strongly encourages students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities by participating in the student exchange program offered by the International Program Center, and/or participating in the short term study abroad opportunities offered by the CARS department.

Set Goals and Plan for Results

• Most CARS students can study abroad at any time during their four years, but some concentrations have stricter eligibility requirements than others. Studying abroad at UNCG is a complex process, similar to selecting your major or minor.
• It is never too early to begin planning; start at least one year before you intend to study abroad.
• Set some goals. There are many excellent study abroad programs and the best one will match your objectives.
• Prioritize your goals. Consider your long-term academic and professional goals as well as your degree requirements.
• Prepare academically. You may need to take language or prerequisite classes for your program.
• Consider short-term and long-term programs.
• Give yourself time to do research; talk to advisors and students who have studied abroad.

Map your academic plan with your advisor

• Once you have decided to study abroad, it is time to choose the exact courses you will take at the foreign university.
• Select 8-9 possible courses based on your current UNCG Degree Evaluation.
• Meet with your advisor to make sure that the courses you plan to take abroad will fulfill your program/UNCG general education requirements.
• Provide a course description or syllabus for all courses.
• Work with your advisor to develop/revise our 4 year plan of study.
• Have your advisor complete the “Transfer Credit” form before you leave on your adventure.

You Can Afford to Study Abroad

• Student Exchange Program
• You pay UNCG tuition and fees, and exchange places with a student from a foreign country.
• Financial aid applies to all semester and year-long study abroad programs.
• Travel grants are available to cover your cost of transportation.
• Early planning for study abroad helps you make cost-effective program decisions and allows you to prepare finances through saving, scholarship and financial aid.
• Contact the International Programs Center (IPC) to discover ways to receive some of the $100,000 UNCG offers in study abroad scholarships.

Your Next Steps…

• Stop by the International Programs Center
• Learn about study abroad resources by browsing their website: http://www.uncg.edu/ipg/index.html and call (336)334-5404 to schedule an appointment
• Talk to you advisor in the CARS Department
• Tell your advisor you are interested in study abroad. Discuss coursework and terms that will work best for the situation.
• Think about your Four-Year Plan
• You can study abroad at any time during your academic career- even as a freshman or sophomore. As a junior or senior, more study abroad options will be available to you.
• Investigate programs
• Print your degree evaluation
• Visit the websites of schools you are interested in and list classes you want to take
• Use study abroad materials at the library’s reference desk
• Visit IPC for more information.