Working with Students
SAF students have three phases in their study abroad experience and work with two distinct offices throughout these phases. During the pre-departure period, students work with the SAF Country Office in their home country to select appropriate university options. The SAF Country Office will then work directly with SAF Headquarters in Indianapolis to receive a positive admission decision, arrange housing and procure the necessary student visa. The SAF Country Office then works with students to prepare them for their time abroad through individual counseling and pre-departure seminars.
After arriving in their host country, students work with SAF Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana (for those students studying abroad in the North America) or with the designated Student Liaison Officer (SLO) in their host country in Europe, Australasia or Asia. Students rely on staff members at this time for academic advising services and emergency assistance.
After returning to their home country, SAF students again work with their SAF Country Office to receive academic transcripts from their host university, as well as join the SAF Alumni Network as a means of staying connected with past and future SAF study abroad students.
Health and Safety
Keeping students safe and healthy is a top priority for SAF. Our publications, pre-departure materials, and orientations include extensive information about maintaining personal safety and health while abroad. It is natural to assume that life outside one's country of residence is more dangerous than it is at home, a perception heightened by the unrelenting international media coverage of infrequent violent incidents. The fact is, however, that most students time abroad is spent safely, productively and enjoyably. Students need to be careful and cautious in their new surroundings but unwarranted fear should be avoided.
During orientation sessions we talk about many of the risks students may be exposed to overseas, and we explain how to lower these risks. We cover issues of personal safety and specifically introduce the host university’s public safety departments whose sole responsibility is the safety and protection of the campus community. Most campuses offer a combination of safe-ride programs, escort services and controlled access to university buildings, including the residence halls. Students may choose to travel away from their host university, host city and even host country, when classes are not in session. We have systems that encourage students to provide their local SAF contact with their travel plans and alternative contact information as a safety precaution.
Having adequate health insurance is extremely important while studying abroad. SAF staff work with students explaining the specific requirements for each of our countries/universities. In many cases students will be required to purchase supplemental insurance. All SAF students are required to purchase 24/7 emergency assistance through ACE/AIG/AIU Travel Insurance. The cost of this insurance is not included in the SAF Program Fee. Payment of this very reasonable insurance fee is coordinated by each local SAF Country Office.
What Some of Our Recent Student Participants Say
Mariko Noda
Home University: Keio University
Study Abroad: University of Colorado - 2008/2009 Academic Year
With a limited time of only one year to study abroad, I wanted to make the most of my experience both in and out of class, so I decided to always try to take “action” when I saw or heard of something in which I was interested. I tried to take initiative by going to visit my professors during their office hours to ask about points I didn’t understand in class, for extra time on assignments when I needed it, or to ask for permission to use an electronic dictionary in class. This action in itself was a learning experience for me, and helped me to learn to better express my wishes in English.
I thought that it would be waste of time to simply take trips while I was abroad, so during spring vacation I applied to participate in a university program in the Catalina Islands to work as an eco-volunteer. In order to apply for this program I needed to submit an essay and undergo a group interview (both in English). All of the other applicants were Americans and were native speakers, and at that point, I was still not confident in English, but I tried my best to express my strong desire to participate and make the most of my short study experience, and in the end was accepted. I was so happy that the professors understood my strong motivation and that I was able to participate in such an amazing program.
I am now back in Japan doing “job hunting activities”. I now feel that I have no problem with English, but of course I am still not at the native level. In the ten months I was abroad, I was able to learn not only English language, but also about American culture and the differences in senses of values between people from different countries, and was at the same time able to make friends from around the world. Much of this was achieved because I took the initiative to experience new things and continuously motivated myself in my daily life. This experience is proving to be very helpful in my job search, as I am able to use the above unique experiences to set me apart from other Japanese applicants, and as I am able to concretely show evidence of my motivation and curiosity through explaining my study abroad experience through SAF.
Tsukasa Ishida
Home University: J.F. Oberlin University
Study Abroad: Macquarie University - Semester 1, 2007
I studied abroad with the Study Abroad Foundation because my university chose SAF to assist me with my study abroad program. I was particularly interested in Australia, especially Sydney, so I chose Macquarie University as my host university. After I went back to Japan, I decided to then come back to Australia on a working holiday straight away. I would say that my study abroad program made me motivated to come back to Australia on a working holiday. I recommend SAF to other students because my program coordinator was really kind and friendly and she always listened to my stories and was always available via email and phone. It was very good help for me to live and to study in a different country with the help of SAF. To all future SAF students, do not be afraid and just do it, after that you will find out what a great choice you made.
Xiling Chen
Home University: East China Normal University
Study Abroad: Indiana University Bloomington 2008-2009
Thanks to SAF, I experienced a lot not only academically, but also socially from my study abroad program. Unlike what I imagined before I went to United States, to be successful on school work is not only getting straight As, but also learning actively and trying to be the leader of your team. That is, use effective communication skills to let your professor know you and your peer trust you. Then, after class, it is time to enjoy your life! Have fun partying, travelling, and making friends with people from all over the world. That was what my life looked like in the United States-- not just As on all the classes, but also a lot of fun. So I really appreciate the opportunity that SAF gave me to realize my study abroad dream! And for all of you who are thinking of studying abroad, I would say, "go for it!"
Kyun Heo
Home University: Dongguk University
Study Abroad: University of Vermont - Academic Year 2007-2008
Going abroad through the Study Abroad Foundation gave me a lot of options which is why I chose the program. I am majoring in Management Information Systems (MIS) and English/Korean Interpretation and Translation so I was looking for a host university which has both majors and thus chose the University of Vermont. Every single class I took at UVM transferred to my home university and I could get those credits applied to my university majors. I will always recommend SAF because students get so many more choices than just doing an exchange through their home university. In particular, I recommend the University of Vermont because in this area of the U.S. there are very few Koreans so for learning the English language it is one of the best places in U.S.
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