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Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisors

What Students Should Learn Before Departure for Another Country

Mar 15, 2009 Suzanne Swartz

There's a reason why study abroad advisors at universities and within individual programs exist: To advise students! Here are some useful questions to ask them.

Before even finalizing the decision to participate in a particular study abroad program, students still have a lot of investigating to do! From academics to financial matters to international visa regulations, it's important for students to educate themselves about what studying in another country entails.

Types of Advisors

After doing some individual research, get in touch with an advisor. This could be a study abroad advisor at your university or your study abroad program's on-site advisor:

A study abroad advisorat your college or university typically assists students with everything they need to do before departure.
A program advisoris usually on-site in the destination country, but you should be able to contact him or her with questions before you arrive.

Questions about Academics: Major, Course Offerings, and Language Requirements

Here are some suggestions for what to ask the study abroad advisor at your college or university:

Have students in my academic major participated in my study abroad program before?
Is there a university-wide language requirement for studying in any non-English-speaking country?

And some useful questions for the on-site program advisor:

Does the program offer courses within my major?
Does the program offer a language refresher (or even an introductory) course?
Are any courses conducted in English?

Questions about Studying Abroad and Money

And, of course, there are always personal and academic finances to consider. Here are questions that either your school's study abroad advisor or the on-site program advisor can probably answer:

Will the financial aid I'm currently receiving from my university transfer?
How much money should I bring? How much have other students on this program taken along with them?
Are there scholarships available for my program or in general?
Is there a stipend for students participating in this program?

Questions Exclusively for an On-Site Program Advisor

These are questions that a study abroad advisor may be able to answer, but are better for the on-site program advisor to answer:

What kind of visa do I need to enter the country? Does the program provide assistance with securing a student visa?
What sort of housing is available, and how much does it cost?
Will I live in a dorm or with a host family?
What sorts of things do students in this city like to do? What do you recommend?
Is there an orientation program you'd recommend participating in?

All of the above questions can help you educate yourself on what you need to know before departing on your semester or year studying abroad. Research the answers on your own through your school and program's websites and brochures, and take any unanswered questions and information on which you need elaboration to your advisors.

The copyright of the article Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisors in Work/Study Abroad is owned by Suzanne Swartz. Permission to republish Questions to Ask Study Abroad Advisors in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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