Beloit College has been a national leader in making study abroad possible for all students. However, a handful of myths and misconceptions often prevent students from thinking that study abroad is for them. Let’s examine the top five myths and get a reality check.
Myth #1: “Studying abroad costs too much!”
Fact: Study abroad can cost the same or less than studying on campus.
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Students pay for tuition and spend $6,054 for housing and meals for a semester on campus. When you study abroad, you pay the same tuition and all your financial aid travels with you. For the cost of housing and meals on campus, you can cover the cost of your housing and meals abroad and cover your airfare at many locations. 50% of students report that studying abroad costs the same or less than studying on campus. Here is our “top 10 list” for excellent study abroad locations that save you money.
The University of Ghana is a rich study location that can save Beloit College students up to $2,954 over studying on campus.
Myth #2: “I need to work, so I will lose income!”
Fact: Beloit College students can replace lost income with the Betsy Brewer Award.
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Students can apply for the Betsy Brewer Award to replace lost income that you cannot earn while abroad. While there are some locations where working is permitted and might enhance your community engagement, most students are not able to work. The Brewer Award addresses this issue by offering scholarships to offset the lost income.
Aadi Joshi ’25 and Satirtha Protya ’25 (second and third from left) both received the Brewer Award while studying at Queen's University Belfast.
Myth #3: “Studying Abroad will delay my graduation!”
Fact: Students who study abroad are more likely, on average, to graduate in four years than those who do not.
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Through advising and Beloit College’s application process, you plan your degree requirements out in detail, including courses you can take abroad toward your major. You meet with your advisor and plan further ahead than you might ordinarily if you weren’t planning to study abroad. Even students planning on graduating early have success in staying on track and on schedule while studying abroad.
Myth #4: “Studying Abroad does not work for my major!”
Fact: There are options for studying abroad in all majors.
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No matter what you are studying, you can take courses abroad in your major subjects and add a hands-on global facet to your Beloit College degree. Graduates of Beloit College should be able to “approach the complex problems of the world thoughtfully and ethically,” as our mission states. This is true whether you are studying engineering, health sciences, economics or anthropology. The skills you gain from studying abroad widen your perspective on your field of study, while gaining an edge on marketing yourself. Search by major or subject in the Program Finder.
Biology and Spanish student Meshach Roberts ’19 studied in Ecuador.
Myth #5: “Studying abroad won’t help my career!”
Fact: Studying abroad greatly enhances your career in both the short-term and long term.
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Several studies, including Gaining an Employment Edge - The Impact of Study Abroad, indicate that studying abroad builds skills and knowledge that are highly valued by employers. Students who studied abroad got a job faster, earned more money, and were promoted more. They also reported that the value of their study abroad experience grew in value over time.
Study Abroad and Career Quick Facts: 97% of students who studied abroad were employed within a year after graduation, compared to 49% of those who did not study abroad.
