Guidelines for Writing The academic experience at a foreign university will differ markedly from what students are used to. They will have to adjust to courses that lack syllabi or assignments and final grades that depend on a single exam. They must have the initiative and discipline to search out relevant readings and pace their own work. Life abroad presents challenges. Maintaining equilibrium in the face of changes in diet, hygiene and comfort requires tolerance, flexibility and humor. Because participation in overseas study brings potential for emotional stress, it is important to identify students who may have difficulty coping with the experience. Your candid appraisal of the student's academic and personal strengths and weaknesses is essential. The trauma of failing in the foreign country can be more severe than the disappointment of not being accepted. References will be shared with members of the IU screening committees for initial review, and then forwarded to representatives of the host or partner institution. Please avoid using discipline-specific jargon and terms or abbreviations specific to the IU system. If your experience has not enabled you to assess aspects of the student's potential for a successful study abroad experience, indicate that fact in your letter so that the selection committee can explore those areas in greater detail in their interviews.