How to Decide to Study Overseas

Studying overseas provides a unique opportunity to learn a new language, see the world and understand other cultures.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vaccinations
• Academic Counselings
• Travel Guides
• Travel Magazines
• Health Insurance
• Passport Services
• Travel Services
• Travelers' Checks

1. Visit the education office of your school to see what colleges are available for exchange programs. Make a list of your top choices.

2. Find out whether the schools you like offer the right courses for you, so that you don't get behind in your studies, and whether they will be taught in English or another language.

3. Talk with the education abroad adviser about the programs that interest you to determine how difficult it is to be accepted to them.

4. Make sure you have the necessary grade point average to study abroad.

5. Determine how many letters of recommendation you'll need, and think about which professors you can ask. Plan ahead.

6. Check exchange rates and living costs in the country where you want to study, and decide whether you can afford it. Some programs will cost about the same as your current school's, but some will cost more, depending on the country you visit.

7. Find out whether your current financial aid, if any, can be transferred to the education overseas.

8. Think about how living arrangements will be while you're gone. Do you have someone to sublet your place? Will your landlord or school waive your fees during the time you're overseas?

9. Determine if you have to withdraw from your university before leaving. This means you'll have to reapply when you return.

10. Consider the famous landmarks, museums and architecture you can encounter overseas: the Louvre in Paris, Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the Vatican Museum, China's Great Wall.

11. Prepare by brushing up on the history of the country you'll be visiting.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the knowledge, confidence and experience (not to mention the great addition to your résumé) you'll gain from studying abroad.
• Try applying together with a friend if you don't think you can go it alone.
• Be sure that you can be away from your family and friends for a semester or year.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

on 11/22/2005 If your university does not offer something that works for you through their study abroad office, approach your department and find the person who is in charge of independent studies. Ask them if it would be possible to arrange a study abroad on your own. This can often be the best route for internships and are self motivated. Your department may end up being more flexible than the university.

on 11/22/2005 Consider all factors. What are you going to do if you don't like your host family? If you have trouble fitting in? If you become really homesick? Think about all the cons to studying overseas before you make your final decision.