Regardless of your major, you probably want to study abroad. Going abroad is an invaluable experience, and visiting another country in college presents you with the opportunity to explore another culture with some independence but also with some guidance and security from whoever's hosting you.
More students contemplate participating in a study abroad every year, but it can be tricky to choose one. There are a ton of study abroad options, and it can be overwhelming. If you've been thinking about studying abroad, then consider following this guide to help you pick the program that's right for you.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO THERE?
What goals do you have for your study abroad experience? What can you accomplish in another country that you can't at your own school? I studied in Costa Rica to immerse myself in another culture and improve my Spanish. An Art student might study in Paris to see famous artwork firsthand at the Louvre. Think about what you'd be going abroad to learn. Do you want to immerse yourself in another culture for your language credit? Do you want to do groundbreaking research in the rainforest for biology? Consider which countries are best equipped for what you want.
Also, there's more to study abroad than classes. At your home school, you don't just go to classes, and that's it. At least, not all the time. Make sure your study abroad program also offers recreational activities along with your classes, so you can enjoy being abroad and get a break from your work. There should be time to explore your surroundings, meet new people, and do something you would never get to do at home.
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?
If there is a country that you're dying to go to, then maybe it would be better to consider that first. Look for programs relevant to your major or minor in the country that you want to visit. If you can't find any programs relevant to what you want to study, then look for programs for what you must study. Some schools have study abroad programs for classes that the university requires.
Maybe you're a STEM major, but your university requires credit hours in a language, literature, history, etc. There may be one study abroad program where you can knock all those out at once while also getting to experience another country. Maybe your major is related to the humanities, but you must take a science class with a lab. Going abroad could make a potentially boring experience more exciting and engaging.
You could also participate in a foreign exchange program. Your school may have a relationship with a university in the country you want to visit or a school you want to attend. In this case, you'll also be giving another student the chance to study abroad.
WHEN AND HOW LONG DO YOU WANT TO BE THERE?
Don't forget to consider the weather. I went to Costa Rica during the rainy season, and it was beautiful, but I prepared to walk home in a downpour every evening. Some countries have wet seasons and dry seasons. Others may be colder or warmer than what you're used to. These factors may not affect where you want to go, but they could affect what you need to pack and be prepared for.
i.e., Don't travel to South America in the Summer without your sunscreen.
If you're worried about missing your friends and family too much, look for a program that only lasts for a semester. If that still seems too long, there are also study abroad programs during breaks like Summer and Spring break. Are you studying abroad to get better in another language? Then ideally, you'll want to be there a while. Studying abroad is the best way to become fluent in another language, so teachers recommend living in another country for at least a year to get accustomed to living abroad and speaking comfortably.
WHO DO YOU WANT TO GO WITH?
Consider going abroad with programs outside of your school. It may make transferring your credits trickier, but you could have better opportunities and the option of taking classes not offered by your school. On the other hand, your school may provide you with better financial aid for participating in their programs. Also, remember that not every program includes room, board, and transportation. It's easier to have those things included in your program fees. Compare similar programs and pick the one that offers the best in classes, activities, financial aid, etc.
Something else to consider is the people with whom you spend your time abroad. Do you want to go alone or with a group of future classmates? Whoever you study with can affect your experience, but going solo comes with its own struggles. This applies to professors as well. You don't want to be stuck with the worst-reviewed teacher on ratemyprofessors.com in another country.
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO FINANCE YOUR TRIP?
Financial aid is an important factor when considering study abroad programs. Not everyone can afford to go to another country, and student loans can take more than 10 years to pay back. You don't want to increase your future financial burden, but don't let that hold you back! Don't pick a program that'll have you staying in ritzy hotels and eating at 5-star restaurants. Pick a program that fits reasonably into your college budget, or if you're going somewhere pricey, save up first. Think about how much you'd be willing to pay and exhaust all your options first.
My advice would be to talk to your study abroad department (if you have one), and advisory, or google study abroad scholarships from your school or local community. Research possible scholarships before you worry about how much the trip will cost you in loans. In my experience, it was always worth my time more to apply for scholarships provided by my school as opposed to the ones on those scholarship websites. Then, apply for big-name scholarships like the Gilman Scholarship or the Boren Awards. These scholarships may take a lot more work, but they could pay off in a big way if you get one.
Also, consider scholarships and grants with requirements unique to you or requirements that apply to a smaller number of people. For example, being a member of an underrepresented group in academia (e.g., being poor, a woman, a minority, a physically disabled person, or the child of a physically disabled person), someone studying a critical language, or someone who wants to study in a country that's not usually sought after.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Over the past 5 years, hundreds of thousands of students have earned academic credit from study abroad programs. According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the 2016-2017 academic year saw an increase of 2.3%. However, this only accounted for barely 2% of all U.S. students enrolled at institutions of higher education.
Most students cite finances, family, friends, time, and relevance to their degree as reasons they don't participate, but I don't think you should let those things hold you back. Think ahead and take advantage of all your resources. Good luck!
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