Things To Know About Studying Abroad

If you are considering the possibility of studying abroad, awesome! Studying abroad can be an incredible opportunity to explore new and faraway places and experience different cultures first hand. Rather than experiencing places through text or pictures, a person can touch, feel, and live their way through new places and curriculum. Having the ability to learn in a completely different context can really broaden and shape the mind in ways that are hard to imagine unless you have done so. As with any opportunity or life change, it is important to gather facts and do your research before committing to moving forward.

When considering studying abroad, you will need to consider the length of time you would like to be away. Programs are informally broken down into two categories:

Short term:

Short term study abroad programs are popular (and gaining more popularity) for multiple reasons. These programs give a student the ability to visit and explore a new area without the long term commitment of a full program and without having to uproot their lives completely. Think long vacation with lots of homework and study. These programs vary in length, but the majority are typically less than 8 weeks and vary in type and curriculum. For the most part, these short term programs tend to be organized down to the details- having your lodging, transportation, and other details already planned for you. Another benefit to short term programs- they are usually scheduled so as not to interrupt regular schooling semesters. Students will find a number of short term study abroad programs are scheduled for summer months, in between semesters, or during holiday breaks. This keeps the regularity of the rest of their education on track.

Long term:

Long term study abroad programs means different things to different people. Some will define the long term as longer than 8 weeks, while others only consider 12 months or longer to fit into this category. Regardless of the actual length, long term programs have some similarities with one another. Long term programs tend to leave more of the details up to the student. While the bigger items are usually covered, more of the details will be up to the student to organize. Long term programs sort of cross over into a more permanent feeling of living and therefore some of your arrangements will be more of a personal choice. Although there is quite a bit more commitment, work, and change involved in a long term study abroad opportunity, there is also a ton of reward mixed in. When learning abroad for longer periods of time, a student has the opportunity to become immersed in a culture and really begin to understand the intricacies and experiences less as a tourist, and more as a local. Students will find it easier to learn and become fluent in another language due to this constant immersion. By staying longer term, it is more likely (and possible) to view more parts of a country or location than just the standard attraction draws. Long term opportunities can also be more cost-effective. Students staying long term in a more permanent location can take advantage of cooking at home, saving on convenience costs and saving to visit attractions. There is also the possibility of obtaining a job to help with costs. During a short term trip, students will try to cram experiences into a short time frame and it is easy to overdo it. By spreading the trip out, there is more time and money for experiences over the longer term.

Regardless of what program you choose, be sure to gather info from your school on whether the credits will count, what is managed and covered by the program, and what will be your personal responsibility. Part of having a great experience is being well prepared and aware of your options. Good luck and safe travels!