How to Find a Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is the dream of many high school and university students. By carefully checking out the options, you can choose a program that will send you where you want to go and provide the most for your money.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

1. Go to your high school or university's study abroad office. Get a list of the possibilities and all the information you can pick up. Emphasize your field of study and (if applicable) any foreign language skills you already have.
2. Get online and use the information obtained at the study abroad office to contact individual providers of study abroad programs. Look through the information and pick out a few programs that look interesting to you.
3. Go back to the appropriate office at your school and see which of the programs you selected can be pre-approved by the school for participation and - most importantly - academic credit. You don't want to study abroad for a year and then find out your credits cannot be used toward graduation or your major.
4. Consider the costs. These prices vary depending on where you go, how long you stay and who is administering the program, but you need to consider all of the costs of the trip and make sure you can afford them before you apply.
5. Find students at your school who have recently returned from the study abroad program you are considering, or go online at one of the study abroad sites. Discuss the pros and cons of each program with people who have experienced them.
6. Weigh all the issues and apply to the program that best fits your needs.

Tips & Warnings

• In many cases, your school can organize the study abroad program. This generally guarantees that your credits will be accepted, but may not allow you to go where you want to go in the world. Explore all your options before choosing.
• Generally, the cost of study abroad includes the program's tuition fee, room and board, books and other supplies, transportation, visa and passport fees, cost of immunizations, and money you will spend on cultural, educational and recreational excursions.
• You can apply for financial aid, grants or scholarships for study abroad. Check with your study abroad office for the possibilities.
• As with all foreign travel, there is some risk in going abroad to study. Be sure to find out what provisions are being made for your safety and security before you leave.

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