doesnt studying abroad get in the way of "ec's"

[abcxyz0123]

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hi, i was just curious what most people do when they decide to study abroad their entire junior year of college, but at the same time they've gained momentum in research, or are positive they will be able to be president of a few clubs their junior year....do you just come back to all that stuff your senior year? How could anyone consider you to be as qualified since you were away from everything for so long? What do you do to recover from the gap in ec's during your junior year? Or is studying abroad considered an EC in itself?

 

[evajaclynn]

Studying abroad can be an amazing experience and a 'real-world' educational opportunity beyond what you can gain at your home university. It can also provide a well deserved and much needed break away from the monotony of classes at your home campus.

It all depends on your priorities, but I wouldn't trade away my semester in Australia! What great memories!!! 😛 🙂

 

[skiracer90]

hi, i was just curious what most people do when they decide to study abroad their entire junior year of college, but at the same time they've gained momentum in research, or are positive they will be able to be president of a few clubs their junior year....do you just come back to all that stuff your senior year? How could anyone consider you to be as qualified since you were away from everything for so long? What do you do to recover from the gap in ec's during your junior year? Or is studying abroad considered an EC in itself?

Because I was so committed to my institution's EC's, I only studied abroad for 1 semester...and I coordinated it so that I would only miss pre-season for my varsity sport. I had to give up an officer position of my community service group...but that's okay...I'm still a member and I can still say that I have held a leadership position. I did research the summer after my freshman year, my entire sophomore year, then the summer before studying abroad. When I came back for second semester junior year, all lab spots were taken but my friend who also studied abroad coordinated with a professor beforehand and was able to start right up in a lab when she returned. You are just as qualified as if you left. It's just a semester...even a year wouldn't be horrible. As long as you are dedicated and there are spots available for you, you should be able to hop right back into research. Also, I would think going abroad is an EC...one that is not comparable to any other ECs. I also was part of some of the campus groups at my abroad university...so you can do ECs within an EC. Genious! Believe me...don't let ECs hold you back from going abroad because it's an experience you will never have again...and it is AMAZING. It's been a year since I've been away and I still think about it everyday. Go for just a semester if you feel a year will hinder your involvement in your campus activities.