The best time for a Sustainable Development 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 department 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 Sustainable Development requirements in addition to the above options. Some students will also engage in research or complete an international internship.
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 sessions. The first year is also a great time to start planning for a semester abroad by making sure that you take the required core courses early on.
Second Year
Second year can be a good time to study abroad. You can work on foreign language requirements, fulfill general education or minor requirements, or work on some of your major coursework. If you’d like to take SD classes abroad in your 2nd year, think about going overseas your second semester, and then try to complete your introductory level classes during your 1st year and the first semester of your 2nd year.
Third Year
Third Year is perhaps the best time to go abroad. By now, you’ve probably taken your foundation and some of your introductory coursework, so you’ve got a good foundation to build on. Look for programs with courses that fit into your academic plan. Students will often take courses that relate to their Focus or Skills area.
Fourth Year
Fourth Year can be another great time to go abroad, but it does require careful planning to make sure all of your course requirements are in order. It is recommended to go abroad the 1st semester of your fourth year so that you have another semester at Appalachian to fulfill and outstanding requirements. 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.
