Factors in Choosing a Study Abroad Program

International Educational Exchange Programs Help You Meet Your Goals

Oct 22, 2008 Nancy Longatan

Foreign Study is growing by leaps and bounds. Study Abroad Programs are proliferating. What do you need to consider when facing this bewildering variety of opportunities?

According to the US-based Institute of International Education (IIE) more than 200,000 Americans went overseas in 2006, and more than half a million internationals came to the US. The Canadian Institute of International Education reports that “thousands” of Canadians are studying overseas.

The IIE’s study abroad directory in 1986 listed 2,005 programs available to US students. In 2006, this number increased to 6,514, and the 2007 edition includes over 7,500 listings. These do not include campus-based programs open only to their own students, or the growing number of students enrolling directly in foreign universities.

So how do you make a choice in this amazing market? Consider the big factors:

Cost of Foreign Study

Of course you have to think about the cost! Read the program description carefully and see what is included and what is not. If you are now enrolled as a student, look into your own campus’ financial aid program. Many can be used for foreign study. In addition, there are some financial aid programs specifically for study abroad.

Academic Credit

Be sure you understand clearly the accreditation of the program you are considering. Check that your own college will accept the credit, if it’s not affiliated there already. The more adventurous may seek out small language institutes or other programs based in a foreign country that have no connections in the US or Canada. These could turn out to be tremendous educational opportunities, but may never be recognized on your transcripts.

Your Major Subject

Colleges are beginning to recognize the value of study abroad for even non-traditional majors such as engineering, nursing or education. Ask: you may be pleasantly surprised to find that your international educational exchange program can fulfill some of your major’s requirements.

Study Abroad Helps Career Goals

Yes, employers need globally aware workers. No, they don’t automatically assume that if you’ve been overseas you have the skills they need. For it to have long-term value in your career, your program needs to challenge you to grow in communicative competence, flexibility, self-reliance, and other skills that employers value.

Personal Inclination

You’ve always wanted to see wild lions in Kenya. You’re dying to experience the fabled Kathmandu. You’re majoring in French, but your heart is in Moscow. After you’ve seriously considered the important factors above, ask your heart and your gut. Don’t cheat yourself out of the chance of a lifetime, the personal pull of a place is a real factor in your decision making. Go for the gusto!

International education can be an invaluable, life-changing experience. Unfortunately, it can also be a bust. Careful planning and preparation can help you insure that your goals and vision for studying overseas will be fulfilled. The opportunity is out there, you just need to do some research to find it and make it yours.

The copyright of the article Factors in Choosing a Study Abroad Program in Work/Study Abroad is owned by Nancy Longatan. Permission to republish Factors in Choosing a Study Abroad Program in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Thailand, Land of Smiles

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Oct 22, 2008 6:41 PM

Guest :

I am attending a foreign university. It is not affiliated with a US university. I cannot find any information about getting aid or scholarships because I am not enrolled in a US institution. Why don't all these articles talk about this? It is very frustrating.

The university I am attending does not offer aid or scholarships, so I am really out of luck. And I just finished my master's and am afraid I will have to start paying loans while paying for my PhD.

I had a perfect 4.0 and Outstanding Masters Student honor, plus I have published twice and presented multiple times. You'd think there would be some kind of fellowship ...something. I'm supporting my family and my husband is on disability. This is puzzling. I've been looking for over a year.

Oct 23, 2008 7:22 PM

Nancy Longatan :

Wow! Sounds like a complex situation! Since you are working "out of the box" you have to think "out of the box". How about organizations your parents belonged to? Try Rotary International. Join professional organizations. Try www.scholarships.com, but remember that financial aid providers are looking for someone to enhance their program. Don't beg, sell yourself! Good luck!

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