Study abroad continues to grow in popularity each year. With dozens of countries and programs available, students have a lot of options to choose from for their study abroad experience.
The benefits of studying abroad are well-known. Students can learn a language, become immersed in a new culture, make lifelong connections, become more independent, and expand their world view. Of course don’t forget the academic benefits! You may find courses and programs abroad that your school does not offer, taught by professors who have unique backgrounds in their field.
Get started early
Do not wait to explore your options for study abroad! The first thing you should do is visit your university’s study abroad office and talk to the staff. They will help you research your options and find the right program for you. Keep in mind that there might be limited space available in one or more of the study abroad programs. So to guarantee a spot, be sure to submit your application and additional paperwork well before going abroad.
Your school’s study abroad office will have a list of destinations and courses, organized by continent and academic disciplines. Most of the information will be posted on the school’s website, but keep in mind that parents especially will prefer to have print catalogs and brochures to review (after all, mom and dad are important in this process!).
The study abroad information, in whatever form you have it, should include the course names and description, number of credits available, professor names, language of instruction, and overall impression of the country’s lifestyle and culture. Former study abroad participants are also a great resource for information, so try to contact those students to get their feedback. Also, make sure that course credits for the study abroad courses are transferable so that you stay on track for graduation.
Where to study abroad
There are several factors to consider when choosing a study abroad destination. The most important ones are language, the local setting, the culture, and of course the academic program.
Over the years, one of the most popular study abroad destinations is the UK. In the UK students living in London experience the hustle and culture and energy of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. For a more relaxed and rural experience, the UK has wonderful universities in towns like St. Andrews. Of course English is the official language in the UK, but you will still have to deal with regional accents — which can be fun!
If costs are a major factor in your decision, you might want to consider countries where the US Dollar is strong and the cost of living is low such as those in Asia, South America and even Africa.
Paying for study abroad
Funding your study abroad trip is a critical aspect of the entire experience. Again, start with your school’s study abroad office to find out how much the trip will cost. The major costs will be the tuition, round-trip airfare, and room and board. Ask your university for a sample budget or worksheet that you can use to do some calculations. Make sure their materials include costs like obtaining a passport, visa fees, vaccinations, books, daily commuting, and travel insurance.
There are a number of funding options for study abroad. The US Federal Government offers grants and loans to students who want to study abroad. The most popular grant program is called the “Pell Grant”. These grants are awarded based on the availability of program funding. You can receive only one Pell Grant in a given year.
There are also loans available from the federal government. They are called “Stafford Loans,” which can serve as a supplement students who may already have some cash, scholarships, and grants to pay for study abroad. If you have an excellent academic record, consider applying for merit-based scholarships, from organizations like the Rotary Club and the Fulbright Program. The State you live in can also provide aid for study abroad. Keep in mind that for any financial aid given by your school in the form of shcolarships and grants, the school may not allow you to use these funds for study abroad.
Prepare for the trip
After you officially sign-up, the study abroad staff at your school should also have information on pre-departure preparations including funding your trip, obtaining a passport, getting a visa, booking your flights, and even vaccinations.
Your school will almost certainly have an in-person group orientation on campus for all students going abroad. The orientation will cover the living experience and the academic program. With advances in technology like video conferencing, the orientation participants can also include those currently abroad with the program like professors, students, and program coordinators.
For the living experience, make sure you have information on health and safety. Is street crime a problem? Can you drink the tap water? What are the procedures for handling medical problems faced by students? Which hospitals are nearby? What are the meals like? How will you get around everyday? Can you use your cell phone from home or should you buy one abroad?
For the academic program, it is a good idea to organize all of the study abroad information into one packet. Take the packet with you on your trip, but also leave a copy at home with your family. Make sure you have contact information for your academic advisor(s), copies of your transcript, as well as signed paperwork on the study abroad academic program.
When you are abroad
Now that all of the hard work above is done, it’s time to actually go on your study abroad trip! When you first arrive, you might experience culture shock, especially if you’re studying abroad in a country where English is not widely spoken. Be patient with yourself — and others — as you adjust to the culture, time zone, roommates and even the cuisine.
Although it is exciting to be in a new country, keep the “study” in study abroad by working hard on your academics. The courses you’re taking ultimately count toward your graduation credits and GPA. While spending long hours at sidewalk cafes in Paris can and should be a part of your study abroad trip, make sure you don’t ignore your work in the classroom.