Sobre mim

UPDATE ABOUT STUDY ABROAD
Study Abroad Program Options
From what I saw, there were several options to choose from at UW. All study abroad programs broke into three categories: exchanges, faculty-led programs and affiliated programs.
Faculty-lead programs are themed and planned out by professors at UW. Basically, according to studydaddy.comyou sign up, pay a certain fee and go. The classes are set, you are with the same group of students and professors the whole time and your day schedules are known from the time of application.
University Exchanges are much more liberal. Here universities switch students: 4-5 UW students go to Sussex and Sussex sends 4-5 people to UW for a semester or two, whatever they choose. In my case, we have a group of 4 girls from different majors going for the same amount of time. In this case, I will be studying at Sussex as if I am a Sussex student, taking regular classes and all, all the while getting my usual number of credits from UW. If I take any specialized classes needed for my major, they will get transferred later. I am just going to pay my regular tuition and housing fees, as if I am studying at UW.
Affiliated Programs: these are based on independent programs and are usually for a higher fee. As in the case of faculty-lead programs, the schedules are all planned out and you know what your group will be doing, everything is very well structured. You can also choose the programs based on your area of interest. The only downside I saw in this option is the super high fees, but I guess everything pays off in the end because the food and living accommodations are included in that fee.
Visa Info
For most students participating in an exchange, like moi, there is a visa requirement. Since it’s not just a touristy activity, but you’ll actually be living and eating and sleeping and studying in a foreign country, it is required that you have a student visa. I will provide examples based on the UK visa processes, as it’s the one I am most familiar with.
UK Visas
Since I personally will be going only for 5 months, I am applying for a short-term study visa. This type of visa is needed if you are going for up to 6 months and not planning on working while studying. I figured this is the best fit for me, since I want to use all my time soaking in the student life at Sussex instead of working. The Tier 4 visas, both child and general, are for international students studying and living in the UK for more than 6 months. This type of visa gives you the opportunity to work as well. These are the main differences for the UK visas as I understand them, so keep your fingers crossed for my application!
 More resources:
STUDY ABROAD UPDATE
Avoid These 6 Mistakes For A Tension-Free Stay In Europe As A Student
HOW TO HACK YOUR UNDERGRAD STUDIES
MY STUDY ABROAD STORY: THE BEGINNING