What do Ireland, Costa Rica, Thailand and Italy have in common?

None of them are DeKalb, and students can study there through programs offered by the NIU Study Abroad program.

Ines De Romana, coordinator of semester/academic year and exchange programs, said while studying abroad has obvious benefits such as looking good on a resume and the chance to live in another country, there are other benefits as well.

“It adds to the cultural understanding of a person,” De Romana said.

The NIU Study Abroad Web site at www.niu.edu/niuabroad gives details on the summer, semester and academic year programs.

Study Abroad opportunities are divided into two categories: those that are co-sponsored by NIU and those that are NIU-administrated. The co-sponsored trips are not lead by NIU faculty and are administered by other universities and go through an approval process, and the NIU-administered programs are lead by NIU faculty.

The Study Abroad Office, located on the 4th floor of Williston Hall, not only provides the programs for students but walks them through the process, helping them get financial aid and avoid other obstacles.

Anne Seitzinger, program coordinator for NIU-administered study abroad programs, said it is very common for NIU students to receive financial aid through grants and scholarships.

One thing that both De Romana and Seitzinger stress about studying abroad is that it is not a vacation.

Seitzinger said that it takes a little more drive to work study abroad into a student’s college career, but it can be done.

“A majority of students are happy and positive about the experience,” Seitzinger said.

Students shouldn’t be discouraged by the myths, such as it’s too expensive, about studying abroad.

“Yes, they can study abroad,” De Romana said. “Yes, it’s financially possible. Yes, it can be done in a stipulated time that won’t delay graduation. And you don’t need to study in a foreign language.”

Seitzinger added that students who are looking to study abroad through another university can come to the NIU Study Abroad Office to receive advice about the trip and as to whether NIU credit can be earned.