Temple’s study abroad programs offer students the chance to have a unique academic experience both on Temple’s main campus and abroad. External study abroad programs allow students to go to countries of their choice and participate in various types of programs run by study abroad companies and international universities. Students who choose to do external study abroad programs take the time to research program options to take classes that fulfill their degree requirements. The following is paraphrased from an interview with Eli Zukor Zimmerman who studied at the Amsterdam conservatory for Jazz.
How did you decide that this was the program you wanted to pursue?
The only jazz conservatory program offered which he felt had a lot to teach and elevate his academics here at Temple. He really wanted to experience studying abroad and both of his parents did so as well, which he felt made the experience that more memorable.
Did you have initial concerns, and how were they addressed?
Over it was a fantastic experience he says, however, it being an external program Eli stated that it did mean that there were less Temple students than the average program, on his trip there were only 3 other kids. But the classes were so incorporated with other students that it did not really matter, he says.
Additionally, another concern was taking 16 credits which was a pretty hefty course load, but he enjoyed it as he was learning and said that the coursework was mainly conducted in person and afterwards he was able to spend more time in the country.
He hopes that these concerns are considered by other candidates but hopefully through his experience other Boyer students can participate in more advanced external programs outside of the Temple campuses.
Otherwise he also felt like financially there was a rough estimate of what the costs were, he had to get his own housing, and sign up for classes themselves while coordinating with advisors here at Temple, and definitely felt a little challenged during that experience as well.
Who did you contact, how did you find out more about this program ?
To find out more information about the program Eli contacted The Boyer advisors, the study abroad advisors, and advisors at the conservatory in Amsterdam. The information was still very much on him to figure out however he took a leap of faith and he loved the experience. To start the applications cycle he simply had to fill out an application through the program and one through the study abroad office, and doing his own research offered him a lot of independence to figure out how the program would add to his academic journey.
How did you feel this program impacted your educational career, and who would you advise to do this program as well?
He said it was the greatest 4 months of his life, a great experience that he recommends to other Boyer students. He loved meeting great people from different countries, learning about a different type of culture, and living in a foreign country was something he had always hoped to experience. He states that not only music majors can do this program and that there were many other classes offered there, but especially the jazz program.
What was the best part of the program?
The best part of the program was having the ability to travel and make experiences outside of the campus. He was able to use the convenient transportation system to go to different countries such as Berlin and Belgium. Additionally, he loved going to the various museums, and being part of the school rather than being a “weird” external program which was separated from the school.
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