Choosing the right study abroad program can be an exciting but overwhelming task. I get it, I remember how daunting it felt to me! There are so many factors to consider, from location and academics to finances and culture. But I got you. To help you narrow down your options and find the perfect program for you, here’s an exhaustive list of tips to consider:
1. Define Your Study Abroad Goals.
- Academic Goals: What do you want to achieve academically while abroad? Do you want to earn credits toward your major or minor, take electives in a new field/explore new subjects, or improve your language skills?
- Personal Goals: What are your personal goals for studying abroad? Do you want to immerse yourself in a new culture, travel to new places, or gain independence?
2. Think About Your Ideal Location.
- Country: Do you have a particular country in mind? If not, consider factors like language, culture, climate, and cost of living. As a black student abroad, it is equally important to do a bit of research about current race relations in the country you’re interested in traveling to. I don’t say this to sound negative, but you at least want to be aware.
- Region: Are you interested in a specific region, such as Europe, Asia, or Latin America?
- City vs. Town: Do you prefer to study in a bustling city or a charming town? Consider your preferred lifestyle and access to transportation.
- Research the local culture, customs, and social norms to ensure a good fit.
3. Research Study Abroad Programs.
- Talk to Your Advisor: Your academic advisor can help you find programs that fit your academic goals and major requirements. I didn’t go this route, because I attended an informational study abroad session hosted by my university. So I was able to get all of my questions answered directly right then and there. But do utilize your advisor if you’re feeling stuck.
- Search Online Directories: There are many online directories of study abroad programs, such as Go Overseas and ISEP. You can also check out the resources I’ve listed here.
- Consider Your University’s Programs: Many universities have their own study abroad programs that offer a variety of benefits, such as scholarships and faculty-led trips. The program my school offered was through International Studies Abroad (ISA). And I loved it!
- Review the curriculum, course offerings, and areas of study available at different programs.
- Evaluate program features and reputation.
- Consider additional opportunities like internships, guest lectures, or field trips.
- Academics: Look at the courses offered by the program and make sure they fit your academic requirements.
- Program Type: There are many different types of study abroad programs, such as direct enrollment, exchange programs, and internship programs. Choose a program that fits your learning style and interests.
- Program Length: Consider how long you want to study abroad. Programs typically range from a few weeks to a full academic year.
- Language: Do you need to speak the language of the host country? Some programs offer language immersion courses.
4. Determine Your Budget and Explore Study Abroad Financial Aid Options.
- Cost: Study abroad can be expensive, but there are many ways to save money, such as scholarships, grants, and financial aid. Be sure to factor in the cost of tuition, housing, food, travel, and health insurance. Don’t forget planning for any travel you’d like to do on your own while abroad and personal expenses.
- Research and apply for university scholarships, external scholarships, and financial aid opportunities. My study abroad program through ISA (in 2015, so the cost may have changed) was $20,000. My school offered me a scholarship of $8,000. The rest was funded by loans. I mean, my family wasn’t sitting on thousands of dollars in savings. So a girl had to do what a girl had to do. In the end, I only had to come up with money for the flight (which was $2,500. My church paid half, I paid the other half from savings from my summer job.) and spending money. If you’re apart of a church, it also doesn’t hurt to ask your church leader(s) if there is discretionary spending that they could donate to your trip.
- Compare program costs and look for affordable options that fit your budget.
- Housing: Many programs offer housing options, such as dorms, apartments, or homestays. Consider your budget and preferred lifestyle when choosing housing.
- Visas: You may need to obtain a visa to study abroad. Research the visa requirements for your chosen country well in advance. I had to apply for a Visa through the General Italian Consulate in Detroit.
- Health Insurance: Make sure you have health insurance that will cover you while you are abroad. I don’t recall paying for health insurance separately. That may have been covered in my study abroad package, if I remember correctly.
6. Seek Study Abroad Guidance and Advice.
- Connect with current or former international students to gain firsthand perspectives. They can give you insights into the program and the host country. If you’d like to chat with me about my experience sometime – or if you would like a free 15 min. consultation to get help with starting your study abroad process – feel free to contact me on any of my social channels, or shoot me an email at thetoscanadream@gmail.com.
- Attend study abroad fairs, webinars, and information sessions to clarify doubts.
- Read Reviews: Read reviews of study abroad programs online.
7. Determine If You Want to Study a Language.
- If you want to learn or practice a specific language, consider programs in countries where it is spoken. For my chosen program, it wasn’t optional. Those of us who couldn’t speak the language were required to take Beginner’s Italian. It helped tremendously! Especially when our professor took us out into the community to practice.
- Immersion in the local language and culture can greatly enhance your language learning experience. And it certainly earns you brownie points with the locals. Don’t be afraid if you don’t get it quite right. They really do appreciate the effort and will be excited to teach you.
8. Consider Your Existing Knowledge and Qualifications.
- Review the program’s entry requirements, such as prerequisite courses or grade requirements.
- Make sure you meet the necessary qualifications or explore programs with slightly lower entry requirements.
9. Evaluate Study Abroad Program Inclusions and Opportunities.
- Consider programs that allow you to explore interdisciplinary courses or areas of interest. I loved that my ISA program had built-in excursions for us. We took day trips to the island of Capri, Pompeii (where we hiked the iconic volcano Mt. Vesuvius), Greve in the breathtaking, rural Chianti region, Sorrento, and more.
10. Make Your Decision.
- Compare Your Options: Once you have narrowed down your options, compare the programs side-by-side to see which one is the best fit for you.
- Go With Your Gut: Ultimately, the best program for you is the one that you feel most excited about. You’ll feel it, you’ll know it, it’ll call out to you. Sound corny? I like corny. But it’s the truth. I compared my options between Ireland, Peru, and Italy. As amazing as Ireland and Peru would have been, I didn’t think twice when I selected Italy on my application.
By considering these tips, you can make an informed decision and choose a study abroad program that aligns with your academic goals, personal preferences, and overall aspirations for an enriching international experience.
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