TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1999

Earn college credit abroad

By Daniel Oliveira

On-Line Forty-Niner

Traveling the world while earning credit towards graduation is an opportunity some college students dream of having.

For students who want to enrich their resumes and expand their academic experiences, the California State University system offers programs at various universities around the world.

The International Programs is affiliated with more than 70 institutions of higher education in 17 countries. According to Tom Hao, the program coordinator at CSULB, the students can apply their units earned abroad to CSU credit.

"Students should contact their major chairs," he said. "We have a list of classes offered in their majors and they can get them pre-approved before they go."

Besides leaving their families and adapting to new cultures, Hao said students should be aware that each country has a different educational system.

"In England, a lot of things are based on self studies," he said. "The students need to be really responsible. Once they go abroad, we don't want them to leave in the middle of the program."

Hao said that countries, like Spain, offer an intensive language program before the student begins his or her actual university program. But he said, depending on each case, students should not worry too much about the language barrier.

"Once you are in the country, you will be totally emerged in the culture and eventually it will just become second nature to you," he said. "When the environment pushes you to do it, you will have to learn [the language]."

According to Hao, Japan offers the most expensive program ­ $20,145 for one year. Other prices range from $9,085 in Mexico to $15,655 in Denmark, all for one year of studies.

Hao said these prices include airfare, tuition, housing, meals, transportation and even an estimate of personal expenses.