Choosing a study abroad destination can be tricky. Here are seven questions to ask yourself to help narrow down your options.
You’ve decided you want to study abroad? Congrats! Maybe you already know what region you want to go to, or if you’re super lucky, you know exactly where you want to study. But for most students, they just know they want to go abroad. Determining where to go is the first step in the journey, and it can often be the hardest.
With so many places to go, classes to take, and programs to research, the decision can get seriously overwhelming. University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) offers more than 50 programs across nearly 25 countries. How do you decide where to go? To narrow down your choices, start by asking yourself the following questions.
What are my goals for studying abroad?
There are countless reasons why students choose to study abroad, so knowing your goals can help narrow your choices. For example, if you want to learn a new language, consider a program with an intensive language track. If you’re looking to dive into a completely new culture, you may be drawn to some of our non-traditional programs locations, like Chengdu, China, or Rabat, Morocco.
Other common goals for study abroad include fulfilling a school requirement, gaining international experience, participating in an internship … or just living in a different culture?
Do I have specific academic requirements to fulfill?
Most students have specific academic requirements to fulfill, so it’s a great idea to look at programs that offer classes that could count toward your chosen degree. Contact your academic advisor at your home institution to see what your specific degree requirements look like.
You can also talk to a USAC enrollment specialist through the Virtual Advising Hub, or see if your school has a USAC Ambassador you could chat with. If you don’t have a chosen degree yet, consider locations that offer general education credits that will transfer back to your school.
A lot of students fear that studying abroad means they will fall behind in graduation, but this doesn’t have to be the case if planned properly.
Do I want to focus on language learning, or would I prefer to study in an English-speaking country?
It’s common to think that study abroad = language learning. But, this isn’t always the case. Every single USAC program offers classes taught in English, and many USAC programs are in English-speaking countries, including Australia, England, Ireland, and New Zealand.
If you choose a Specialty Program, there will be a Resident Director (RD) onsite who speaks English, so even if you’re in a new country, you’ll have help acclimating to the area. Some programs also have buddy programs that partner you up with local students to help you settle into your host city, practice the language, and make friends.
If you are interested in learning a second language but are feeling a little apprehensive, here are five benefits of learning a second language abroad to give you a push, as well as some tips for learning the language before you go abroad.
Is there an ideal time for me to study abroad?
A lot of factors go into finding the best time for you to study abroad: your school schedule, graduation plans, financial situation, and personal commitments. USAC offers a variety of program lengths so students can study abroad in the timeframe that works best for them, including summer, semester (fall and spring), yearlong, and January sessions.
Think about your study abroad goals and anything back home that you cannot miss and go from there. Be sure to check program deadlines, listed on program pages, or the Can I Still Apply page for the most up-to-date information. Most students begin planning to study abroad about one year in advance.
How long do I want to study for? Am I interested in a short-term study abroad, or does a semester or yearlong program interest me more?
Short-term study abroad experiences like winter or summer sessions can be a great option for first-time travelers or students who have time constraints. Yearlong programs are the most bang for your buck financially, while also allowing for more time to adventure and explore the host country. Semester programs fall in the middle — not too short and not too long, which is why they are so frequently chosen.
While committing to a longer program can feel nerve-wracking, most alumni report that they wish they had stayed longer. That being said, if you can make a semester or yearlong program happen, do it. You won’t regret your decision. The longer you live in a place, the more comfortable you become, and the more enjoyable it is.
Would I prefer to live in an urban or rural environment? Big city or small town?
With more than 50 programs, there are a plethora of options when it comes to selecting the environment. Think about where you grew up or currently live (in a big city or small town? Near a beach or in the countryside?) and decide if you want something similar or the opposite from what you’re used to.
Determining the type of climate and activities you want to have during your time abroad can help narrow down the options, too. Did you know that in countries like Australia, Chile, New Zealand, or South Africa, wintertime is during the American summer months? Having an endless summer is possible with the right planning.
Am I more interested in traditional or non-traditional study abroad locations?
Traditional study abroad locations include cities in Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. These places are typically more Westernized — having more North American behaviors and customs — with their higher presence of English speakers, which can make your adjustment to life abroad a little bit easier.
Non-traditional study abroad locations offer greater opportunities to connect with the culture and experience the authenticity of the country. USAC is known for offering programs in unique, off-the-beaten-path locations, such as Heredia, Costa Rica; Montevideo, Uruguay; Bengaluru, India; Chiang Mai, Thailand, Da Nang, Vietnam, and more.
When you’re choosing your study abroad program, explore both traditional and non-traditional locations. Be willing to challenge yourself with something new or different, but also be realistic about what you can handle. Remember that studying abroad will challenge you no matter what program you choose.
In addition to finding a program that is the right fit for you, it is important that you consult with your study abroad and academic advisors. They will be able to advise you about any specific on-campus requirements you might have and can help answer some of the academic questions you might be pondering.
