General Studying Abroad Advice for College Students

College is a big time for students to find them selves and their passions and sometimes this entails studying a foreign language or a completely different culture. Study abroad programs are extremely popular for students who are typically in their sophomore or junior year of school and can last from a semester to a year long.

Why should you study abroad? Beyond the self-discovery, it’s an incredible valuable experience for travel combined with education that you typically cannot do later on in life (primarily due to job constraints, family responsibilities, etc.) Therefore, study abroad programs are popular.

If you want to learn a foreign language, there are hundreds of countries to choose from (provided that your university supports these programs — always check with the study abroad office to see if you can get college credit or if there are similar offerings that give you what you want). You also may want to ensure that you meet the prerequisites of the program — such as some fluency in the foreign language, for starters. The English speaking countries that are most popular include Australia, England and the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and even our local Canada.

What are you trying to get out of going abroad? Sometimes this will be experience in your major. (On the other hand, if your major is way too intensive, you may either consider summer study aboad programs rather than longer term.) Sometimes it will be language exposure. Some give you immersion with local people, local culture, and local flavor — and that is something that students may have to seek out themselves (especially since some programs would rather give students familiarity rather than cultural immersion). Regardless, study abroad is an enriching and self-growth experience above all else.

Students may live in dormitories or with host families (homestay programs), and depending on where you go, you may have more freedom within the dormitories. If you know students who are going to the same program, you might want to lease an apartment or sublet for the duration of the time that you are at the school.

Additionally, finance may be a factor in your study abroad decision. Surprisingly, a lot of study abroad programs may actually be cheaper than attending your school! Look into those options, and obviously, make sure you know exactly what is required of you.

Research the school you are attending and the city and make sure that it is right for you.

If you have any questions, Swarthmore has a great guide on study abroad programs that should definitely be read.