Keeping in Touch
While abroad, you are expected to check your Clarkson University email on a regular basis.
Ambassador Role – Being a Good Representative
Regardless of how you personally identify yourself, it is important to understand that while you are abroad, you are an ambassador representing both the United States and Clarkson University.
Individuals from the host country may use you as an example of U.S. culture in general and Clarkson students in particular. They may make judgments about U.S. social and professional etiquette. It is important to be respectful and act accordingly at all times. Your actions, both positive and negative, are likely to have long-term repercussions for Clarkson University and future participants.
Be a Good Student
After all, first and foremost, the purpose of your time abroad is to study. Attend all classes, do your homework and show respect to your professors. Show a genuine interest in the host country. Learn as much as you can about the country prior to departure, and continue to ask questions once you arrive.
Stay Positive
Avoid expressing negative opinions or generalizations about the host country. Such statements usually serve only to reveal the ignorance of the speaker. If you are studying in a non-English-speaking country, try to learn as much of the language as possible. If you are studying in an English-speaking country, be sensitive to differences in dialect. Remember that you are the guest in someone's home, school and country. Be respectful and courteous!
Stay Informed
Be well informed about the current events happening in the U.S., in New York and even in your hometown. As you meet new acquaintances and make friends, you will be asked about a variety of issues related to U.S. culture, politics, history, geography and social environments. Educating yourself about U.S. policies and cultural news will enable you to speak eloquently about complex and sometimes controversial topics. This dialogue and exchange will inevitably enhance and enrich your experience and deepen your friendships.
Promote Clarkson
As a current student at Clarkson University, you are one of our most important representatives abroad. During your time abroad, you may be asked to give a presentation about Clarkson University or even to represent the university at a study abroad fair at the partner university.
You have an important role in inspiring prospective exchange students to come to Clarkson. Exchange students contribute to the international profile of Clarkson, which is an important part of making the university one of the best in the world. Remember that the more incoming exchange students we receive, the more students at Clarkson get a chance to go abroad for an exchange. These are several good reasons to market Clarkson while you are abroad!
Post-Trip Evaluation
Once you complete your experience abroad, you will receive an email asking you to complete the Post-Experience Survey in CU Global. This is the final step of your Post-Acceptance Information.
Buddy Program
During your exchange or shortly after it ends, the International Center will email you regarding participation in the Buddy Program. Each semester, we match the former outgoing Clarkson students with new incoming students studying abroad for a semester here at Clarkson.
Study Abroad Fair
You may be asked to represent the program, university or country where you studied abroad at the Study Abroad Fair. You may remember what students said to you at the Study Abroad Fair a couple of years ago to influence your decision to study abroad. Your insights and enthusiasm will be a valuable contribution.
Information Sessions
You may be asked to make a short presentation during Information Sessions to promote the program and/or university where you studied abroad. You have firsthand knowledge and are our best resource! The details and highlights of your experiences really will inspire other students to go abroad themselves.
Pre-Departure Meetings
Pre-departure meetings are a way to connect you with students who are heading abroad next semester. You'll be able to provide advice to outgoing students before their study abroad adventure. We'll try to match you with someone headed to the school and/or country where you studied. This is a great way to share your experiences with someone who will truly benefit from your insights.
Global Ambassador
Many students planning to study abroad want to speak with students who have gone through the process and have lived and studied in a different country. Global Ambassadors respond to emails and provide information and recommendations.
Open Houses
You may be asked to help the International Center with Clarkson's Open Houses for prospective students. Duties involve talking with students and parents to share your experiences about the program.
The Matthew '09 and Briah Marra Study Abroad Award
The Matthew '09 and Briah Marra Award aims to enrich a Clarkson University student's foreign experience through the gift of a transportation stipend. The students that benefit from this fund are encouraged to explore the country of their university, embrace the local culture and network with the people they meet on their adventure. Two awards of $1,000 each are available for each semester. Each award will be used to either purchase $1,000 of Uber credits or be split to purchase $500 of Uber credits and $500 for other transportation expenses at the discretion of the student awardee. Eligible students are emailed details about the application process the semester prior to studying abroad.
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarship
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) award invests in promising students with financial need who wish to study abroad. Potential applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may participate in any international education program that meets their academic objectives. There are multiple scholarships available.
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. One-hundred-twenty-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness.
For additional scholarship information or help with scholarship preparation, please contact the International Center.
