#CETvotes2020: Study Abroad + the Election
It might be tempting to stay in the US during presidential election season, but studying abroad this fall presents the opportunity to experience an American election from an entirely different viewpoint. Not only will your CET program help you make the most of this election season, you’ll also learn what political engagement means for you beyond your home base. Get ready for taxi drivers to ask you who has your vote, for local news channels to provide an outsider’s perspective to the headlines, and—of course—get ready to vote from abroad.
Each site is different, but every program will find ways to work the election season into your semester. Maybe you and your cohort have late night debate watching parties. You might hear from an economist about the local ramifications of what each candidate is proposing. And for intensive language learners, your lessons will even incorporate different election-related terminology so you can respectfully engage in discourse using your target language.
Casting your ballot
Absentee voting is simple. The rules differ from state to state, but what it comes down to is registering to vote and requesting an absentee ballot! Both of these can be done with one form (Federal Post Card Application [FPCA]). It’s best to do this before you leave for your program, though it’s still possible from abroad. Learn more about voting while studying abroad.
You might not be able to canvass door-to-door or stand in line at your local polling station, but studying abroad during an election season offers its own once-in-a-lifetime experiences.