Study abroad exemplifies the spirit of Susquehanna's English curriculum, which emphasizes learning about how culture and language and literature interact. You will find that an increasing number of Susquehanna students study abroad. When you talk to one who has, you will hear not only how the courses deepened her or his knowledge, but also about how the experience of living abroad helped to see many things in a new light, including her or his own life.

However, there is a dizzying array of study abroad opportunities-almost 3,000-available to American college students. Sifting through them to find the right one for you can be time-consuming and frustrating. If you'd like to do your own research, Susquehanna's Office of International Programs in Bogar Hall has the catalogs and guides for you to consult. However, Dr. Susan Johnson, director of the Office of International Programs, has suggested several excellent programs throughout the world, which she already knows and trusts. Materials for these programs are available in the English Department's Library (former seminar room) in Hassinger Hall. If you'd like to check them out for a couple of days, please sign them out with the secretary (Ms. Crystal Vanhorn) in Hassinger 002.

Here are some important tips from Dr. Johnson to keep in mind as you pursue study abroad:

1. Check with Dr. Johnson for current prices. Financial aid packages often can be used for the study-abroad year. Check with the Financial Aid Office (512 University Avenue, 2nd floor, x 4453). 2. Always make copies of any applications (program or passport) or visa documents to keep for your own records. 3. Apply for your passport now if you don't have one already. You can obtain and submit applications at major post offices (sorry, not Selinsgrove's). The Sunbury courthouse and the federal courthouse in Lewisburg have applications. 4. Send any documents to study abroad programs, embassies, or to the U.S. Passport Agency via certified mail-return receipt. 5. Expect to be charged a $50 processing fee by Susquehanna University for all off-campus study-abroad programs. You'll be billed automatically by the Business Office. 6. Look for study abroad presentations (fairs, workshops, class visits) during the fall semester. You may begin the application procedure as soon as you settle on a choice of programs. Remember that you don't lose anything in applying. You may always choose not to go if not accepted. But you can't go if you miss the deadline!

7. Keep in mind that the application procedure can take six to eight weeks. You'll need to get signatures from many people, and recommendation letters from others, and it's easier to do these over a few weeks. So begin the application process early. 8. Remember that all IES/IAS programs have rolling admissions-in other words, the first qualified applicants are accepted up to a cut-off point. So the earlier you apply the better chance you have of being accepted. 9. Know that the junior year is the most practical for a study abroad experience. Many programs require at least junior standing, and you'll want to be on campus during your senior year to do your career search. 10. You should start to plan for your year abroad during pre-registration during your freshman year or in the fall of your sophomore year to make sure that you meet all requirements. If you're interested in a specific program, get further details from the contact person for that program (see Dr. Johnson for this) and then perhaps write, call, e-mail, or visit the Web site of the program if necessary. 11. Visit the Registrar's Office before you leave to make sure that the coursework in your study abroad program will transfer smoothly. That office will be able to tell you whether your coursework will fulfill major requirements and Core requirements, review your progress toward graduation, and discuss preregistration procedures for your return to Susquehanna. 12. Remember that grades earned abroad do not go into your Grade Point Average. If you earn below a C- in a course taken abroad, you won't be able to transfer credit for that course. Before you leave campus, be sure to fill out a request for prior approval for off-campus study (you can pick up the form in the Registrar's Office). Know the credit hours awarded for each course signed on this form and described in the program description. You will be awarded exactly the number of credit hours listed on this sheet. 13. Look into the Fulbright Student Program, Grants for Graduate Study Abroad if you'd like to study abroad after graduating from Susquehanna. This program gives recent B.A./B.S. graduates, master's and doctoral candidates, and young professionals and artists opportunities for personal development and international experience. Projects may include university course work, independent library or field research, classes in a music conservatory or art school, special projects in the social or life sciences, or a combination. For more information, write to Institute of International Education, 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017-3580. 14. If you are traveling to a second- or third-world country, always check the Travel Advisory issued by the U.S. State Department and by the Centers for Disease Control. You can get this information from each department's Web site-U.S. State Department: http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html

15. If you plan to travel while abroad, plan to get a Youth Hostel Card and Handbook. Information on youth hostels can be found at this Web site-http://www.iyhf.org/iyhf/world.html