College is a time in a young adult’s life full of immense growth & discovery. Periods of uncertainty, defeat, & triumph are inevitable, but it is important to allow yourself to welcome & enjoy the various new & exciting adventures that may come your way.
One of those adventures a college student may embark on is a studying abroad program! You get the opportunity to travel, experience independence, immerse yourself in a variety of cultures, all while earning college credit!
Although it is important to study hard & earn high marks, there is also so much to learn outside of textbooks & classrooms, & what better way to experience that than in a foreign country?
So you have an interest in studying abroad! Here are some things to consider before making such a big decision:
What do you hope to gain from the experience?
Do you see this as an opportunity to have a fun time, or do you hope that this can help you professionally in the future?
It is important to know what your goals educationally & personally are, as this will help you determine what type of study abroad program will best fit your needs & interests.
What are your professional & personal objectives?
Studying abroad will provide you with global experience & possibly a second language, both of which are invaluable & look impressive on resumes, as well as to future employers. Just as you would plan your goals after graduating, you should give studying abroad the same attention. How does studying abroad fit into your post-graduation plans?
Where do you want to study?
If you are like me, you may already have your ♥ set on a country. Remember, though, that not all programs are offered in every country, nor do all programs complete or meet certain course requirements.
So, if you happen to be heart-eyed emoji for a certain location, do your research! Does a program exist in that country? Will that program cooperate with your professional & personal goals? In the end, you have to remember that you are studying abroad & although it will be an awesome experience, you should make sure that you earn your credits appropriately.
Also consider how important culture, language immersion, & course offerings are for you. Find a program & country that will fulfill all of those needs.
Now here’s the big question: What type of program is best for you?
Study abroad programs do not come in a perfect fit for every student. There are a variety of programs to fit a variety of student needs.
Perhaps you’d be interested in a semester abroad, or maybe a whole year? You could do a summer program, or a Semester at Sea. If you’re interested in something more professional, there are even options to do study abroad internships.
I decided to study in a country that I have lusted over for many years, opting to do a single semester (as I get homesick quite easily), & am going to be taking mostly English courses that will go towards my degree. Currently, I am excited for my semester abroad & believe that I have made the right choices for myself!
Now you have a general idea of what type of program you want to participate in… Get more information & go for it!
MOST schools do offer a study abroad program. It may be obvious, & obtaining information will be easy, or you may have to go hunting around for the right resources. Always search your college’s website to see what programs are available. If you are serious about studying abroad, be diligent in your research!
I asked a counselor, searched my school’s website, & even asked some of my professors if they had any information before I was directed to the right people.
Studyabroad.com is a great resource to obtain initial information about various programs & where they are offered. The American Institute For Foreign Study or AIFS comes highly recommended (my study abroad coordinator claims it is the best!) & on their website you can search for a program available to you.
Do not forget to factor cost!
You know your goals, have found the perfect program… & now you realize how much studying abroad will cost. There may be programs where you can study abroad at little to no cost or can obtain specific scholarships.
Every program is different; flight costs, living accommodations, tuition, among other things need to be considered. Check with your university or community college to determine what options are available & best fit your financial situation.
Apply for financial aid & any scholarships available.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offers grants to U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to allow them to study abroad! It is a fantastic resource for those worrying about financing their study abroad program.
It may be time consuming & the risk of not getting the scholarship is present. However, you have to remember that you are doing all of this work to fund one of your life’s most exciting & rewarding experiences, which in itself, is priceless.
