List Study Abroad in app?

[PowerFool]

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I have not been able to find any recent threads that discuss this. I was wondering if I should list my study abroad experience as an extracurricular activity? It was a 3-4 month program that was through my undergraduate study abroad center. I basically went to the UK and studied physics. I also traveled to various countries during my stay in Europe. I also met a person who introduced me to a healthcare experience that makes up a large portion of my personal statement.

I have been getting mixed answers reading through the older threads that address this. Some have been suggesting that I should not add it because I was not exposed to the healthcare system or that I did not embrace the culture enough. Others have been suggesting that I should add it because it allows me to show that I experienced different cultures, politics, etc. I also saw that some people had interviewers that that were really interested in the applicants study abroad experience.

I would greatly appreciate all opinions on this topic. I just don't want to add something that could possibly hurt my application. BUT if it could enhance my application, that would be great.

Thanks!

 

[cjfarrell21]

I have not been able to find any recent threads that discuss this. I was wondering if I should list my study abroad experience as an extracurricular activity? It was a 3-4 month program that was through my undergraduate study abroad center. I basically went to the UK and studied physics. I also traveled to various countries during my stay in Europe. I also met a person who introduced me to a healthcare experience that makes up a large portion of my personal statement.

I have been getting mixed answers reading through the older threads that address this. Some have been suggesting that I should not add it because I was not exposed to the healthcare system or that I did not embrace the culture enough. Others have been suggesting that I should add it because it allows me to show that I experienced different cultures, politics, etc. I also saw that some people had interviewers that that were really interested in the applicants study abroad experience.

I would greatly appreciate all opinions on this topic. I just don't want to add something that could possibly hurt my application. BUT if it could enhance my application, that would be great.

Thanks!

I actually had the opportunity to study abroad and do my physics in the UK as well. No one batted an eye and actually it got brought up in one of my interviews and became a talking point about traveling. I will be attending said school in two months OP. So I think you're golden!

 

[whitecoatadvising]

Absolutely, Adocms love the diversity that study abroad contributes

 

[Rikkibot]

I have a similar question and haven't been able to find an answer anywhere. I've done several different of study abroad programs in China (all different programs as well as extended travel alone) and think that it's been important to my development. I was thinking about adding an activity called "Study Abroad" and listing what I've done in China. I could make it one of my "most important activities" and elaborate on how the opportunities have been important in my lift.

My hesitation is that I'm not sure if schools would appreciate that sort of utilization of an activities box. I also don't know who I would list as my contact for this activity since it would be several activities rolled into one section. (This is also relevant for a different activity, undergraduate employment. I put them all together, but don't have one contact for every job I had, so should I just forget it or just add a few of my undergrad jobs?). Thanks for your help on this!