How to Participate in Adult Study Abroad

If you feel like you missed out on study abroad in high school and/or college, you have another chance. Currently there are many study abroad programs available to adults. Whether you want to learn a new language, learn a new skill or make the world a better place through travel, there's a study abroad program for you.

Instructions

1. Tailor your search for a program based on your goals. Many adult study abroad programs are language specific, however these vary in their focus. Decide whether you need to learn for exam preparation, business language or want private lessons. Look into programs that don't require you to learn a language, or intern or volunteer at a business of charity abroad. There are also special programs, mostly travel or activity based, for adults over the age of 55.

2. Look at program lengths. Programs are available in traditional academic year or semester formats in addition to summer or week or month long options.

3. Consider teaching English abroad. Some programs require a teaching certificate, but others have less stringent qualifications. This type of program can be especially good if you want to get a taste of the country and its culture without spending years learning a foreign language. Visit the Teach Abroad website for country-specific program information and to learn about job placement and paid teaching positions. (See Resources.)

4. Find accommodations for your stay. Many programs help connect you with host families or cheap rentals, but you can also investigate housing arrangements yourself if you're confident in your language abilities. However, you should stick to program recommendations if you're studying in a developing country you don't know well.

5. Look for a speaking partner if your goal is to learn the language. Put up a flyer in the English or American Studies department of your university abroad saying you're looking for someone to practice conversational language with and that you can offer them practice in English. Meet at least once per week, if not more, to practice your language skills. You may find a speaking partner can quickly get you up to speed on local idiom and slang.

6. Go to your classes and meet with any available advisers. This includes advisers at the local university, not just program advisers. If you want to get college credit for your classes, know the requirements beforehand. You may have to put in more effort than your foreign peers, including writing additional papers or giving presentations if you want to be able to get credits to apply toward a degree at home.

7. Network. If you are participating in a long-term study abroad program, it's vital you find opportunities that suit your interests, whether it's playing in an orchestra ensemble or playing sports. Get involved and introduce yourself to other participants so you can widen your social network. This helps you immerse in the target language and culture as well as relieving culture shock and homesickness. You may also meet contacts for employment abroad.

8. Follow all program rules. Program regulations may seem restrictive to an adult study abroad participant, but they can be incredibly important. Rules do everything from keep you safe in an unknown environment to ensure you can transfer all of your academic credits once you return home. Especially if your study abroad is work subsidized, you want to make an effort to be a responsible participant--adult study abroad should be fun, but realize your actions may have more consequences back home than they would if you were a college-age student.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave plenty of time for paperwork. Check due dates for program applications and ensure you have all required documents to travel to and stay in the country of your choice.

• Full-time workers should investigate leave programs, or use accumulated vacation time in order to take advantage of study abroad. Those with families need to make special preparations. However, don't be discouraged as some study abroad programs are as short as 1 or 2 weeks.

Resources

• BusinessSchools.com's adult study abroad directory
• Look for programs at IIE Passport by country, discipline and age
• Search for intern opportunities abroad
• CCI language schools for adults offer programs in many countries
• Search Teach Abroad for English teaching opportunities
• Visit Cross Cultural Solutions for volunteer abroad options
• Programs for adults 55 and older
• Visit Study Abroad Buzz for program reviews