The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Study Abroad Program

Choosing a study abroad program can be a daunting task. Sure, you’re excited at the thought of traveling. Who isn’t? Just the thought of scaling the Eiffel Tower, touring Buckingham Palace, or visiting the Taj Mahal gives you a rush of excitement. You imagine your friends at home – jealous of your far-away adventures. But, before all this can happen, you need to make a choice and decide which study abroad program suits your goals best. For example, do you want to study in a place like Seville? Some people know immediately where to go, when to go, and what to do, but it’s okay if you don’t!

How to Choose the Right Study Abroad Program

For many, finding the right program can be like a frustrating game of pin the tail on the donkey. Well, that’s where we come in! Below is a not-so-short how-to guide to help you in your search for the perfect study abroad program.

Step One: Research & Discover Your Options

First off, let me say that it is never too early to start researching. With so many options, you want to make sure that you’re choosing a study abroad program that truly aligns with your goals. You’d be surprised at the types of opportunities available, and the earlier you start looking, the more opportunities you may have. Want to help with sea turtle conservation efforts? Take classes towards your engineering degree? Intern at a law firm? You can do all of these things abroad! Take some time and do some browsing to see what types of programs pique your interest.

Step Two: Get to Know Your Advisor

An increase in study abroad programs over the years has meant more opportunities for more people. Whether you’re majoring in global studies or marine biology, there’s a program out there for you. However, there may be better times to go abroad than others. Learn more about our team and your future academic advisor – these are the people who can help you narrow down when might be the best time for you to go and what types of classes or programs you should focus on (ex. credit-bearing, intern, study, short-term, etc.)

Step Three: Pick the Perfect Program Duration

Once you’ve met with your advisor, you should have a better idea of what time frame you should aim for. While some may be fortunate enough to study abroad for a full year, this isn’t possible for everyone. Luckily, program providers and universities have found ways for almost everyone to fit in some period of time abroad during their academic career. Therefore, choosing a study abroad program that matches your interests is certainly an option to consider. From week-long volunteer trips to four-month internships, there’s something for everybody. Once you’ve narrowed down a time frame, say a two-month summer program after your junior year, you can begin to get a better idea of what places and programs will work for you.

Step Four: Select a Program Type

This can be one of the harder parts of choosing a program abroad. There are so many different types of programs, each with its own unique benefits and features. Use our program finder to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Step Five: Decide Which Country is Best for Your Study Abroad Experience

Choosing a study abroad program according to location can be one of the best parts of traveling abroad, but also one of the hardest. For many people it may be easy. Maybe they always saw themselves sitting along the shore in Valencia or sipping a cappuccino in Florence. But for some, it can be hard to choose between these two scenes and the many others that likely occupy your daydreams. Choosing a general area is really the best place to start. When choosing a volunteer or internship travel destination, take language, climate, and time zone into consideration. Keep in mind that, while these are things to be aware of, they shouldn’t necessarily be deciding factors when you get down to picking a program.

Wherever you go and whatever you do, it’s all about finding a program that will allow you to have the best possible experience abroad.

Step Six: Choose a Program!

You know what’s out there, when you’d like to go, what type of program you want to do, and where you’d like to go. Now the only thing left to do is pick a program. Once you know what you’re looking for, the process of finding a program can be a lot less scary and a whole lot quicker.

If you’re still having trouble, simply ask for help. There are plenty of people out there that want to help you get abroad – academic advisors, professors, the study abroad office staff at your university, and us! Any one of the World Endeavors staff members is ready and willing to help you narrow down your options and plan your program.

Now You Know How to Choose the Right Program for you!

Once you’ve figured out your program, there are many things you can do to get started on your adventure. Reach out to your university’s study abroad office and inform them about the program you plan to join and the provider you are working with. They can assist you with securing funding (such as scholarships, crowd-funding, financial aid), transferring credits, and any other necessary steps.

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