The following were taken from a recent telephone survey conducted by Measurement and Research Services at Texas A&M University. This survey included 553 students selected randomly from thousands who graduated in in May 2005. Among the survey questions relating to international experience, one question asked each student if she/he has lived or traveled outside the U.S. for reasons that were not strictly recreational. Those who indicated that they have not were asked to explain their reason(s). The following "myths" about studying abroad, that were given as reasons in the survey, are addressed by staff at the Texas A&M Study Abroad Office.

1. Studying abroad is too expensive.
   Yes, it is true that, for most students, studying abroad costs more than staying on campus and taking the same courses, depending on factors such as the length of program, lodging expenses, number of field trips, food expenses, inflation and exchange rate for host country, whether travel expenses are included, guest lecturers and speakers, lab and experimental equipment, vaccinations, etc. However, the affordability of studying abroad has dramatically increased in recent years due to varying factors such as increased opportunities for Financial Aid (ie., grants, loans, scholarships), study abroad university scholarships, and national scholarships such as the Gilman International Scholarship, the Freeman-Asia Scholarship, the National Security Education Program, Fulbright Student Grants, etc. Careful planning in advance can help you find a program that is within your budget. Take a look at our web site for funding Texas A&M programs and non-Texas A&M Programs.
2. My financial aid doesn’t cover study abroad costs.
   For Texas A&M programs, all of your financial aid can be used for studying abroad. In fact, due to the increased cost of studying abroad, your financial aid is typically adjusted and increased to cover additional expenses. For affiliated non-Texas A&M programs, federal loans and grants can be used to study abroad.  Scholarships such as those mentioned above, as well as the Study Abroad Fellowship and International Education Fee Scholarship, can help with the remainder of your costs.  Your Scholarships & Financial Aid counselor can assist you with your specific needs and questions. To set up an appointment with a Scholarships & Financial Aid Advisor, please call 845-3236.
3. Studying abroad would delay graduation.
   Advanced planning is important in structuring your degree plan so that the courses that you plan to take abroad would apply toward your degree, thus likely allowing you to graduate on time. Please contact your academic advisor about planning in advance for a study abroad program to work into your graduation timeline. Furthermore, an increasing number of students go on summer programs abroad, providing a key time to actually catch up on courses while simultaneously gaining a valuable short-term experience abroad. 
4. Studying abroad does not fit my degree plan.
   The Study Abroad Program Office at Texas A&M University offers a wide variety of programs that fit most students’ degree plans.   If you plan your study abroad carefully, each of the courses that you take will ideally count toward your major, minor, or elective requirements.  If Texas A&M does not offer a program that interests you or does not work into your curricular needs, with a little extra effort you can find a program through outside universities and organizations that meets your specific needs.  Be sure to consult with your academic advisor to determine the relevancy of courses toward your degree plan. 
5. I need to work.
   Studying abroad is something you will remember long after you have forgotten about your college job and, in fact, could even benefit your future career (see question 8).  Also, the increasing availability of funding resources such as financial aid make it more feasible financially. If you are interested in working abroad, there are work abroad opportunities that allow you to work in a country for a short period of time. Also, many internship options are available, providing invaluable international work experience.
6. My family is worried about me leaving the U.S., as well as political tensions, and terrorism.
   Safety is a top priority when sending students abroad.  Faculty and staff prepare in advance for emergency situations.  First, all programs available at Texas A&M only go to countries not issued with a Travel Warning by the U. S. Department of State. Second, in planning for travel abroad, all Texas A&M programs are engaged in a preparatory orientation course. Part of this orientation is to prepare students to follow basic safety precautions such as letting individuals know where they are going and when they are anticipated back, being alert to their surroundings, avoiding potentially dangerous situations (protest marches, poorly lit areas, etc.), and following other safety precautions described in the pre-departure orientation course. Another part of this orientation is to inform each student about the international insurance coverage that is included for each participating student during the program dates. At most of our program locations communication via phone or email is readily available, and can help allay worries and fears during the program. In addition, all study abroad programs are linked to the university's Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and advising staff monitor global situations.
7. I don’t speak the language.
   There are many programs offered in English, for both English-speaking countries and non-English-speaking countries.  Nevertheless, we strongly encourage you to acquire as much of the language as possible, certainly during the program but ideally before the program begins. In fact, studying abroad can be an excellent way to reinforce basic knowledge of a foreign language.  If you do speak the language and wish to improve your speaking skills, opportunities through Texas A&M are available for Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Russian. Many other languages are available through non-Texas A&M programs.
8. Studying abroad is not beneficial to my career.
   Study abroad provides many benefits that are critical for all levels of today's increasingly globalized workforce.  Further, students from virtually every academic major at Texas A&M University would acquire knowledge and skills on an international experience that would enhance the student's marketability in acquiring a job following graduation. Much of the knowledge and skills that are gained on experiences abroad are applicable to a wide range of essential job skills, such as enhanced interpersonal and cultural skills, language awareness, awareness of U.S. policies and the global perspective of the U.S., valuable perspectives on your field of interest - perspectives that would perhaps be more difficult to acquire in the U.S. The bottom line is that employers from all fields want to hire people with international experience, and graduate schools consider study abroad a “plus” when receiving applications.  Also, faculty led programs allow you to develop strong relationships with the professors who lead them. They in turn can write strong recommendations for you later on.  It can be what sets you apart and distinguishes you from the other candidates.