Students are required to keep a journal during their semester abroad. The journal must be submitted to OISP by January 15th (fall semester abroad) or September 15th (spring & summer semester abroad). Study abroad grades will not be posted to the registrar until the following paperwork is received:
A journal is a place to reflect and write about experiences, ideas, emotions, reactions, likes, and dislikes. A journal allows you to get to know yourself on a deeper level and provides an opportunity to see first hand how much you can grow during a semester abroad. A journal is different than a diary in that it is much more than a simple recording of day-to-day events.
Writing in your journal at least once a week gives you an opportunity to relax and tune out the rest of the world while you think about where you have been, what you have done, and what you have learned on this amazing experience. Integrate what you are learning in your classes, out on the street and through your travels in your journal.
If you want to write about anything that is private and/or personal, please record them in a separate journal or simply clip those pages together and we will not read that section of your journal. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or punctuation while writing, however please try to communicate as clearly as you can for those that will be reading your journal.
Please make sure you indicate your name, program, semester abroad, and your current email address on the cover or first page of your journal.
Here are a few guidelines to get you started:
You should be writing in your journal at least once a week. Each entry should be at least two – four pages depending on the size of your journal. Two pages for 8.5x11 paper and four pages for journals half that size is appropriate.
You have a few options for the journal:
Keep in mind that if you do not have internet access you will have to use an internet café to keep up with your blog. This could be costly!
The following will not be accepted:
