I recently wrote about things you experience while/after studying abroad (read that here) and I thought “hey, maybe some people still have questions or want to know more but don’t know where to go”. SO, I present to you “Everything You Need to Know before Studying Abroad”. I hope this post will answer any questions you might have and inspire you to see the world after realizing it IS more do-able than you think.
TYPES OF PROGRAMS
Providers – this option features programs that usually work independent of universities and are good with providing assistance through the entire process. You should consider this option if you want to study in a traditionally “off the beaten path” destination.
University – Schools also have a multitude of options for students to choose from.
Faculty-led – these programs are usually shorter (spring break or summer trips), are accompanied by a professor and work with small groups of students at a time.
Exchange – your school will more than likely have “sister schools” around the world from which you can choose from and are more likely to find classes still relevant to your degree.
*** University scholarships apply to these types of programs ⇑
Independent Study – If you’re school signs off on an independent study, this means you get to pick your area of research and even have free range in deciding where to go.
Government Program – A number of programs are funded by the Department of State is order to promote diplomacy and cultural exchange. A really good example here is the Fullbright program. However, in some government programs you don’t get to choose how long you will be gone.
Grad Studies/Research – This will beef up with resume and benefit your academic career tremendously because your work is now ~global~. Some countries even let students earn their masters for free!
WHERE CAN YOU GO?
Literally, anywhere. There are program options for any and all things you want to study, throughout the world. If you can’t find a program that suits you, you probably aren’t looking hard enough.
DOCUMENTS
Some documents you will need are a passport, a visa and a health insurance ID card. You will need a passport to enter any foreign country so this is obviously very important! You also may need a visa depending on how long you are staying. If your trip is shorter than a month, chances are you won’t need one. Finally, I would recommend getting a health insurance ID card because accidents happen and you don’t want to be stuck paying heaps of medical bills.
Still have questions? Ask them below.
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Interesting. It was a bit different when I studied abroad. In the UK if you study a language then you need to spend a year aboard. It was basically an exchange program (but much more faculty led.) It was a non-optional part of our degree, but we could chose from a whole range of universities.
very cool! I love to learn about different study abroad options…..although, now I am graduated, I still tell my cousins and siblings what a great experience studying abroad is!
I love how there are so many different types of programs for students to choose from. It makes it more flexible for people to actually study abroad 🙂
yeah i really feel like programs cater to student’s needs more often than not!
Sadly, unless you know of any study abroad opportunities for post-graduates, I am past this period of my life! I so wish that I had done some more study abroad, and I will definitely share this information with my family and friends that are thinking about doing this. (I think everyone should if they can!)
i only studied abroad once, but i wish i had done more! and yes, i tell everyone I know still in college to consider studying abroad
I wish I had studied abroad when I was younger. Hopefully, my daughter will want to do this.
yeah hopefully she will – i really think everyone should give it a try 🙂
I was fortunate enough to study abroad for 1.5 years during undergrad, and then I just moved abroad and have lived abroad since graduation! Traveling abroad changes you and I just couldn’t go back. Great guide!
wow that’s so cool!! where did you study abroad at?