Resources For Returned Students
- RIT/
- RIT Study Abroad/
- Resources/
- Resources For Returned Students
Welcome back from studying abroad! We hope you had an unforgettable international experience that has inspired you, expanded your worldview, and made lasting memories. Now that you’re back at RIT, we want you to share your experiences with others and continue the learning and growth that you started while abroad. Remember, your study abroad experience doesn’t end when you return home!
Where in the world will you go next? If you've been bitten by the travel bug, there's a world of opportunity for more travel after studying abroad. Check out some of our top suggestions.
Global Learning Symposium
The Global Learning Symposium takes place each fall during International Education Week, which showcases your academic accomplishments from your study abroad experience. Hosted by the RIT Education Abroad office, you can share a class project, research findings, portfolio/display of creative work, internship project, or volunteer project from your time abroad. A call for proposals is extended in September each year, and all returned study abroad students are invited to participate (a great addition to your resume!). For more information, contact Michelle Fitz at michelle.fitz@rit.edu.
Be a Global Ambassador
Did you have a life-changing experience while studying abroad? Was there something you learned that you wished you had been told before you left? Work as a Global Ambassador for the RIT Education Abroad office and make an impact on other students as they prepare for their own profound overseas journey! All returned study abroad students are invited to apply - even if you only went abroad for a few weeks! As a Global Ambassador, you'll help us recruit students by sharing your personal experience, photos, and advice with students through various RIT events, including the Study Abroad Fair, information tables, Pre-Departure etc., and by connecting with students one-on-one. The Global Ambassador is a paid position, and we recruit students at the beginning of each fall semester. For more information, contact Michelle Fitz at michelle.fitz@rit.edu.
Re-Entry Events and Opportunities
ROC Your Global Future: Rochester Area Study Abroad Returnee Conference
If you have recently studied, interned, volunteered, worked, or lived abroad, you are invited to the ROC Your Global Future conference. This is a networking and career development opportunity where study abroad returnees representing colleges from the greater Rochester, N.Y. area, come together to connect, reflect, share, network, and explore additional international opportunities. Seven Rochester-area colleges participate, and the conference is held every fall. For more details, visit the ROC Your Global Future website or email global@rit.edu.
Become a Global Citizen
A global citizen identifies as part of an emerging world community whose actions contribute to building this community's values and practices. As a returned study abroad student, you have a unique opportunity to continue to build on your experience by getting involved in various ways:
- Continue studying a foreign language or learn a new language. Use language apps like DuoLingo or software like Rosetta Stone.
- Befriend a newly arrived international student. You might remember how difficult it was when you first arrived in your host country and how nice it would have been to have a friend to help you adjust to a new country. Volunteer with RIT International Student Services or with the RIT English Language Center.
- Join the RIT Global Union or other RIT international or cultural clubs to volunteer and participate in international events on campus.
- Get involved in your local community by volunteering with international organizations in Rochester or your hometown.
Add your experience to your resume
Consider the career implications of your study abroad experience. The AIFS Student Guide to Study Abroad and Career Development can help provide a framework to understand the added value of study abroad experiences.
Graduate School Abroad
If you have considered attending graduate school abroad, there are some important things to consider before applying:
Accreditation
Accreditation is the process of assessment and recognition of the quality of a higher education institution. Accreditation ensures that diverse higher education institutions maintain the same standards in their academic programs. Just as if you were attending graduate school in the United States, you should make sure that the institution you are attending abroad is accredited to grant the degree you seek.
The World Higher Education Database has a search engine that allows you to quickly check to see if the institution you are interested in is accredited. You can also search institutions by country or field.
Value of the Degree
Attending graduate school is often a step toward advancing in your career. Just as schools in the United States may carry varying reputations for delivering certain degrees, so do graduate schools abroad. You should research to understand the university’s perception in its home country and your field internationally and here in the United States. You can search for international master’s degree programs at Mastersportal.com.
Funding
Graduate school abroad may be more or less expensive than in the United States. Make sure to fully understand the cost of attending your school of interest and what funding options are available. The school may offer scholarships for international students. Some European public universities may offer very low tuition rates even for non-European Union/U.S. students (Germany, France, Austria, Norway, Finland, and Sweden are some of the countries that may offer low tuition rates).
There are also opportunities for funding graduate school through fellowships. A fellowship is a competitive and prestigious grant which may be used to attend graduate school. The U.S. Fulbright Student Program is an opportunity to fund a one-year master's degree in over 160 countries.
Work or Volunteer Abroad
RIT students can work abroad in different countries, cities, and cultures. Our students grow personally and professionally as they experience work in their field of study, adapt to a different work environment, and gain perspective on living in an unfamiliar city. These resources can help you get started:
- RIT Co-Op/Work Abroad
- Video overview of Co-Op/Work Abroad at RIT
- Foreign Service Officer
- BUNAC
- JET Program in Japan (Japan Exchange & Teaching Program)
- How to Become a Digital Nomad
- Countries with Digital Nomad Visas
- Manna Project International - work on community impact programs in Ecuador (3 to 13 months) as a Program Director volunteer. A reasonable monthly fee covers housing, meals, and more.
- Worldpackers.com - a platform that connects you with hosts worldwide where you can travel and exchange your skills for accommodation.
- WorkAway.info - a platform that connects you with hosts worldwide where you can travel and exchange your skills for accommodation.
- Volunteers for Peace - helps you find short and long-term international volunteer opportunities
- People and Places - volunteer travel
- Oceans 2 Earth - animal and conservation-focused travel
- GoEco - eco-tourism offering affordable and ethical volunteer projects abroad
- Iracambi - conservation work in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
- CIEE Teach Abroad
- Peace Corps
- WWOOF - work and live on organic farms worldwide in exchange for accommodations.
- Learn about other volunteer opportunities available