In-Country: What to Expect
- What does a typical day look like on a global opportunity?
- How much homework will there be?
- Will I have exams?
- Will I have any free time?
- Am I allowed to consume alcoholic beverages in foreign countries if I am not 21?
- Where will classes be held?
- What if I get sick or have a medical emergency during my program?
- Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
- Are the programs safe?
What does a typical day look like on a global opportunity?
It will depend, but most short-term classes are taught in a truncated (shortened format). Consequently, class meeting times can range from 2-4 hours a day over 3-5 weeks. Although this may seem challenging, students tell us that they learn time management skills and often retain concepts better than they do over a semester long course. You will be expected to work hard, but you will also be provided opportunities to enjoy your time abroad. It is up to you to determine how to balance your schedule.
How much homework will there be?
It will depend on the specific program you are taking. Homework assignments will be addressed in the academic syllabus provided by your faculty leaders. For semester exchange students, the homework assignments and exam schedules will be addressed in the academic syllabus provided on the first date of each class at partner universities.
It will depend on the specific program you are taking. Exam dates will be addressed in the academic syllabus provided by your faculty leaders. For semester exchange students, the exam schedules will be addressed in the academic syllabus provided on the first date of each class at partner universities.
It will depend, but most short-term classes are taught in a truncated (shortened format). Consequently, class meeting times can range from 2-4 hours a day over 3-5 weeks. Most often, students will take classes for 2-4 hours a day, 3-4 days a week with homework due nightly. Faculty led programs often have mandatory cultural visits on one or two weekends and students often have one or two free weekends to travel independently, but this will also vary by program. You will be expected to work hard, but you will also be provided opportunities to enjoy your time abroad. It is up to you to determine how to balance your schedule.
Am I allowed to consume alcoholic beverages in foreign countries if I am not 21?
While we do not encourage underage consumption of alcohol, many countries do have a lower drinking age than the United States. Certain cultures look at the consumption of alcohol as part of a traditional meal. We expect all students to make mature decisions, and if they choose to consume alcohol, that they do so responsibly, provided it is legal in the country the student is in. It is never required for students to consume alcohol on any program under any circumstance. Faculty members reserve the right to dismiss students from their programs if a student abuses alcohol while on a program.
It will depend on the program. Classes are often taught in pre-arranged meeting spaces, hotel conference rooms or at the campuses that host our students.
What if I get sick or have a medical emergency during my program?
We require that all students purchase mandatory health insurance whose cost is automatically built into our program fees. The study abroad insurance is for health and medical services only. This coverage is intended for emergency medical, political or security evacuation, and repatriation if needed. The mandatory health insurance coverage does not cover theft or loss of valuables. We recommend that you do not bring valuable items on your program. For more information, please visit our health and safety page.
For the valuables that you will need to take (computers, cell phones and other gadgets), we recommend purchasing insurance, but it is entirely up to you whether or not to purchase it.
Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
If an emergency arises while a student is on their program, the Texas A&M University Education Abroad Office maintains an emergency cell phone line that students and/or their emergency contacts can call while the student is overseas. An Education Abroad staff member is on call with the emergency cell phone 24/7 throughout the year and can be reached by calling 1-979-255-6103. You can also email abroademergency@tamu.edu.
The safety of our students is our number one priority. Our office works in close partnership with the Texas A&M University Education Abroad Office and the Texas A&M Risk and Compliance office to ensure the safety of our students while studying abroad. For more detailed information, please visit our Health and Safety page.