The best time for a Chemistry or Fermentation Science major to go abroad will be a combination of their concentration, credits they have transferred in, whether they have a dual major or a minor, whether they plan on taking any summer classes, and obviously their personal situation. Listed below are some suggested time frames for each concentration. Students looking to go abroad during a different period are encouraged to work closely with their advisor and the Education Abroad Office.
For all concentrations short-term study abroad opportunities are normally fairly easy to fit into a student’s degree plan. Students are able to start participating on short-term programs (winter break, spring break, and summer) as early as their first year. Students participating on short-term faculty-led programs often fulfill General Education, Major Free Electives, Major Concentration courses, Language requirements, or 2nd Major/Minor requirements. Students participating on partner summer programs may be able to fulfill Chemistry or Fermentation Science requirements in addition to the above options. Some students will also engage in research or complete an international internship.
Chemistry
First Year
Students in their first year are not able to apply for a semester program but may be eligible for short-term faculty-led programs either during the fall and spring semesters or during the summer session.
Second Year
Chemistry students can study abroad during their 2nd year. If you’d like to take Chemistry classes abroad in your 2nd year, it is important to think about your sequence courses and whether the partner program offers equivalent coursework. The summer after the 2nd year can be an ideal time for students to go abroad.
Third Year
Third Year can be a difficult time to go abroad given the difficulty of finding matches for your major specific courses. If you would like to study abroad during your 3rd year planning ahead is crucial. Some students will take a summer class or two between their 2nd and 3rd years to free up some space in their curriculum. The summer after your 3rd year is a good time to participate on a short-term program.
Fourth Year
The first semester of your 4th year can be a good time to go abroad, but it does require careful planning to make sure all of your course requirements are in order. Studying abroad during your final year can help you finish a research project, gain additional language skills, take classes not offered at Appalachian, or even do an internship.
Fermentation Science
First Year
Students in their first year are not able to apply for a semester program but may be eligible for short-term faculty-led programs either during the fall and spring semesters or during the summer session.
Second Year
Fermentation students can study abroad during their 2nd year, however it is important to think about your sequence courses and whether the partner program offers equivalent coursework. The summer after the 2nd year can be an ideal time for students to go abroad.
Third Year
Third Year can be a good time to go abroad to concentrate on FER electives, Focus Area coursework, Business courses, as well as possibly a General Education course. Students should work with an advisor to make sure that they have a plan for completing any required FER coursework either before or after their study abroad semester. Some students will take a summer class or two between their 2nd and 3rd years to free up some space in their curriculum. The summer after your 3rd year is a good time to participate on a short-term program or complete an international internship.
Fourth Year
The first semester of your 4th year can be a good time to go abroad, but it does require careful planning to make sure all of your course requirements are in order. Studying abroad during your final year can help you finish a research project, gain additional language skills, take classes not offered at Appalachian, or even do an internship.
