Elizabethtown College’s study abroad program recently switched their application process from a paper to an online version.
“The study abroad application process is the same, but it has moved online to a system called AbroadOffice. It saves time, money and paper. It also makes it easier to ensure that applicants, the Study Abroad Office and administrators involved in the process are able to receive the information that they need in a timely manner. The Study Abroad Office can manage accounts and data, create reports, and showcase programs in a manner tailored to Etown’s needs,” Director of Study Abroad Sabina Post said.
Post works with students who are interested in going abroad and helps students maximize their learning opportunities before they depart, while they are abroad and upon their return.
Most of the new application forms are similar to the old paper application forms; however, a new section of the application asks students to elaborate on why they want to study abroad and how it will enhance their academic careers. “AbroadOffice is more user-friendly with an interactive map that details all of our programs. We learned that students were browsing the Study Abroad Office website mostly in the evening, so now students can easily begin the study abroad process online on their computer instead of having to come to the Study Abroad Office several times to fill out a variety of forms during the process. The system also tells students what parts of their application and enrollment are still missing, so they can easily check-off and plan their time accordingly to make sure everything meets the deadlines,” Post said.
With the new application process, students can begin their application as early as a year before they decide to go abroad. This can benefit students because it can open up new opportunities for scholarships that require more long- term planning.”Another benefit is that any student, even in his or her first year, can create an account online and indicate when he or she wants to go abroad and what types of programs he or she might be interested in. This allows us to easily follow up with and remind students regarding upcoming deadlines or events related to their interests,” Post said.
There are still two separate applications for affiliated programs. Students wishing to study abroad in the summer of 2014 or fall of 2014 terms must apply by Feb. 28. Start an application online or stop by the Study Abroad Office for more information.
