Studying Abroad as an Ad/PR Student

Written by: Andrew Bower

Studying abroad. Most people are curious about the opportunities available, but are often deterred by pricing, logistics, and finding the right time to go. All while not falling behind in graduating on time. However, it is 100% worth the effort and time invested in personal growth. You can travel, see the world, try new foods, meet people from around the world, learn about cultural differences, and so much more. This isn’t just about personal growth, but also professional growth. As the world becomes increasingly connected year after year, cross-cultural communication and cultural awareness are more crucial than ever in advertising and public relations. By studying abroad, you would set yourself apart with these international experiences. 

In Spring 2024, I lived and studied at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea, for four months. It’s easily the best experience of my life, and I’m so happy I went through the process to make it a reality. I began planning a year prior and prepared by selecting a large number of courses to request equivalency for. I applied for scholarships, subleased my apartment, and got a job to fill the empty time before the later semester start date in South Korea. 

Especially as an Ad/PR student, finding the right time to study abroad can be tricky. After completing ADV3008 and PUR4000, you must take the WritePlacer exam and then complete a three-credit internship. It’s also encouraged to do more than one internship! At the same time, you can’t study abroad feasibly in your graduating year due to UCF’s credit policy to take 30 of your last 39 credits at UCF. If you’re on the traditional timeline, you realistically have the spring of your sophomore year until the summer before your senior year. It’s really not a lot of time. 

When is the best time to start researching programs or planning to study abroad? If you have any interest, start now! If you’re still planning out your class schedule for the rest of your degree, consider not completing your GEPs first. It will make for a more relaxed schedule if you have a GEP or two while abroad, so you can spend more time making memories and exploring. 

First, figure out a budget. If you receive financial aid, to be eligible, you need to have full-time enrollment with courses that count toward your degree audit. This may mean that if you don’t have any GEPs left, you may have to explore minors if you don’t already have one.

There are several types of programs to consider. Exchange programs are typically more affordable and accept Bright Futures, but they offer limited location options. As Nicholson students, we have exchange programs in Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Third-party programs offer more flexibility in location but come at a higher cost. One strategy is to select an International Business minor, which opens up affordable business exchange programs worldwide. Many universities with international student programs offer coursework in English, even if the primary language isn’t English. For instance, Korea University had 40% of its courses taught in English.