Study abroad has become a more and more popular component of college education; schools often boast several programs through which students can spend a semester or year in another country. For students thinking about this option, there is much to consider, including the type and length of program, costs, locations, and coursework. But before researching any of that, the first question to answer is whether studying abroad is what you want to do.
New Culture, New Situations, New Adventures
Spending time in another country during college is a fantastic opportunity, but it may not be right for everyone. Here are some questions to think about when deciding whether studying overseas for a semester or year is the right decision for you:
- Do you want to spend an extended amount of time away from home? Do you get homesick easily?
- Are you comfortable in unfamiliar, and unpredictable situations, or at least open to experiencing new things?
- Do you like the idea of speaking another language for an extended period of time, traveling, and meeting new people?
Of course, with regard to homesickness and adaptability, these are things that everyone may experience at one time or another. But with the decision to study in another country comes the acceptance of the fact that you will be willing to work to overcome any apprehensions in favor of living in a new culture and finding new adventures. Unless you absolutely hate being away from home, studying abroad may be a great option for you.
Practical ConsiderationsThe next thing to think about is how the program will benefit you in your education, and whether it will fit well into your degree program. Talk to the study abroad office at your college or university to see what options are available, be they the school's own programs or approved programs through other institutions. Questions to think about:
- Will a study abroad program work with the degree I am pursuing? Will it require me to spend extra time completing my college degree at home?
- Does a study abroad program cost the same as a regular semester of school? If it costs more, is there additional funding available (scholarships, grants, adjustments to financial aid packages, etc.)?
Once you've figured out the answers to these questions, it's time to start researching specific programs. Again, the best place to start is your college's study abroad office. Professors in your area of study can also recommend programs based on what students in the department have done in the past. Figuring out which program best suits your interests is the next crucial step in the study abroad process, after you've determined that it is definitely something you would like to do.
