Finding an internship or a study aboard program that is perfect for you is a difficult feat. It becomes even more overwhelming after you get married and need to think about your spouse and what will happen to him/her during your academic experience.

BYU offers various international academic experiences for married students as well as single students.

According to the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies' Web site, "The Office of International Study Programs serves students, faculty and departments by facilitating the development and implementation of quality international academic experiences," is the mission of international study programs.

To accomplish this, they offer four different programs for all students: study abroad, internships, field studies and direct enrollment. All of which are available for married students under the right circumstances.

Studying abroad gives students an opportunity to take curricular classes in an international setting to gain new cultural experiences among the native people.

This is the only program that requires both husband and wife to apply and be accepted to the same program.

"They both need to be a part of the group," said Lyn Elliott, director of international study programs. "They can't tag along."

An international internship, or working abroad in a professional environment, is more flexible, Elliott said. Both people are not required to apply.

"We strongly encourage the other spouse be doing something," he said. They should obtain either a job or an internship, whether the same or not, so that they may be productive.

"It's difficult otherwise," Elliott said.

Study abroad is not very difficult to apply for, however programs may vary on accommodations. For instance, different genders may have to sleep apart, he said.

Elliott said it is not difficult to get accepted, either. Everyone is interviewed before they are accepted into the program. Marriage is discussed with the director who can take appropriate action to acceptance.

Also, before a couple applies, they can talk to an academic director up front who can tell them the odds of both of them getting accepted.

"Some places are more difficult than other programs for married couples," Elliott said.

Field studies, or research projects, are about the same as an international internship as far as marriage goes. They are more flexible and both people do not need to apply, but it is encouraged that they both have something to do while they are there.

The direct enrollment allows students to register at international universities. This, too, is as flexible as an internship or field study program.

Jodie Jensen, internship facilitator, participated as a student in an internship in Holland, Belgium and France with her husband, Tim.

"It felt like an extended honeymoon," Jensen said. "It was so great. We were away from the world."

She said that while they were away from family and friends that they had each other to rely on.

"We grew really close together because we had to always work together," she said. "I can't imagine anything better for a couple to do. It gets them out of their element. They work harder together."

Many married students are interested in participating in these programs but are financially strapped. They are concerned and wonder how to finance an international experience.

According to the Kennedy Center's Web site, "All students register for international study through the university and are therefore eligible for financial aid: Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and university and department program discounts usually transfer to cover the costs of your international experience."

Jensen said she and her husband would not have gone if not for financial aid that paid for 95 percent of their total expenses.

Copyright Brigham Young University 16 Apr 2008