When you’re in college, you often have the desire to pursue an array of passions. You’re working on moving toward your chosen career, but you also want to travel. Figuring out how to travel while still taking classes requires your attention to and consideration of some major points.
School Attendance Policy
The university or college itself may have an attendance policy. For example, college professors often have to fill out rosters early in the semester noting which students have not attended or have stopped attending the course. If your name comes up on one of those rosters, you may find yourself removed from the class or university, or you may lose financial aid.
Class Attendance Policy
Most college instructors develop attendance policies for their specific classes. After missing a certain number of classes, your grade will be reduced by a set number of points. In the majority of cases, some allowance is made for absences. A professor might allow you to miss two classes without penalty. Professors may also allow for excused absences. Keep in mind that traveling is generally not considered an excused absence.
Length of the Course
You should compare the length of your travel to the length of the course. If you are planning to explore another continent for a month and the course is three months long, then you should probably take the class at another time. Trying to catch up on a month of college work is challenging, and many professors will not allow you to do so. On the other hand, if you have a week-long opportunity in another country, recovering and succeeding in a three-month long class may be possible.
Online Classes
Since the opportunity to get an online bachelor’s degree exists, you might decide to pursue that route if you want to travel. Most online programs do not require you to be at the computer at the same time as the professor or the other students. You will need to complete readings and submit assignments on time. Keep in mind that the program may have a residency requirement or that you may have to work with a partner or a group on some assignments. A residency requirement means that you have to spend a designated period of time at the college’s campus whether it is to take a full class or to participate in a seminar or workshop.
Online Courses
When you don’t want to get your entire degree online, you can look into taking online courses while you are away. If you’ve never taken an online class before, you should speak with the professor and the college’s help desk before you go to make sure you don’t encounter any difficulties while on your trip.
Study Abroad
If your desire is to travel and get an education, then you should consider a program that allows you to do both. Plenty of colleges and universities offer study abroad programs in countries all over the world. When you are looking to go on a shorter trip but still take classes, research study abroad programs that take place during the winter or summer sessions, which are generally much shorter than the summer and fall.
Availability of Work
If you really want to travel and take a class at the same time, a class that is on your regular college campus, then you should speak with the professor to find out if doing so is a possibility. In the event that it is, see if getting the work in advance is an option. Keep in mind that professors do not always have the work ready in advance for you.
Traveling and taking classes at the same time is possible. You just must consider some different options.
