Finding and Choosing a Study Abroad, International Study, or Summer Abroad Program

Deciding to study abroad through a foreign exchange student program is a big decision – and a big step towards your educational and life goals. Finding and choosing a study abroad, summer abroad, or international study program is an important part of your decision to participate in a foreign exchange program, and there are lots of considerations to be made when doing so. Let's look at what you should consider before selecting the study abroad program you will use.

Study Abroad Program Length

How long do you wish to study abroad? International study programs can last from a couple of weeks to a couple of semesters. When determining the length of your stay abroad, keep in mind that staying for a longer period of time will allow you the opportunity to experience more than you would in a shorter program. For students who have never traveled abroad (or alone), a shorter stay may be optimal.

Studying Abroad Costs

The cost to study abroad is one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing how long to stay. While shorter programs abroad may be cheaper in some regards, that is not always the case. For instance, summer study abroad programs may actually cost more than staying overseas for the entire semester. The type of program that you choose may cover some of the cost to study abroad like housing, meals, and insurance with regular program fees, or you may need to pay for these costs separately. You may also have to pay application fees and deposits – and of course, tuition at the university where you will study. Keep in mind that tuition is often cheaper overseas than in the States and that most types of financial aid can be used for international study. If you haven't done so already, you will need to submit the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to determine your eligibility. There are also different study abroad scholarships available from different agencies and organizations; scholarships can help defer the costs of students abroad.

Study Abroad - Choosing a Location

Perhaps the biggest consideration that you will make when selecting where to study in abroad is the location where you will study. Study Abroad in Europe? Italy? Spain? France? The world is basically your oyster when studying abroad, but you will also want to consider whether you wish to study in a big city or in a smaller, more rural locale. While bigger cities have more for you to explore (museums, theaters, and more), you might feel more like a tourist than you would in a more remote location; more remote locations may also help you get a feel for the culture of the country in a way that a more tourist-focused larger city can.

Language & Study abroad - Language Barriers

International study abroad students shouldn't let lack of speaking native languages become a barrier to studying abroad. In fact, depending on the length of time that you choose to do international study, living in a foreign country and being exposed to the language abroad, in it’s natural setting, is a great way to build your skills in that language. Many study abroad students choose to purchase a pocket translator until they become more familiar with communicating in the language of the host country.

Study Abroad with Friends

While studying abroad gives you the chance to become more independent and reliant upon yourself and can be a great way to build your self-confidence, some students choose to share their experiences with long time friends and fellow students that they are accustomed to being around. Studying abroad with friends may also be safer for you and will allow you to have some familiarity in a strange place. However, if you don't have any friends who are planning to or wish to study abroad, that’s okay because part of the whole study abroad experience is meeting new people.

Study Abroad Housing

Housing in your adopted country is a big consideration as well. Many international study abroad students choose to live with a host family; others may find it more suitable to live in dormitory housing units on the campus of the university that they plan to attend. Living with a host family gives you a more realistic look at the country's culture, and allows you to really experience living in the country up close and personal. Host family housing is also much cheaper than dormitory housing. University dorm rooms will give you the biggest amount of control over where you go and what you do while you are in the host country.