Do you possess a high adventure-quotient? Would you rather eat insects on Survivor than watch islanders from your couch at home? A successful study abroad experience partners the following prerequisites: curiosity and independence. So if you can’t stomach anything but white bread and peanut butter, or if you’ve never started the washer by yourself, you may want to choose a study abroad alternative such as enrolling for a semester at a new university within the United States.

Why study abroad?

Students bring home a lot more than souvenirs from a foreign study program. Before you embark abroad you may want to evaluate your motivations. Why do you want to study abroad? Although a trip outside the US isn’t a genie in a bottle, it can grant the following:

• Self-Confidence: Successfully navigating a subway in a foreign country is an accomplishment worthy of respect, especially your own. Many students report increased confidence in their own abilities following the completion of their semester or year abroad.
• International Perspective: Galileo finally convinced the world that the earth revolves around the sun. Students who travel unlearn ethnocentrism and are better equipped to identify the United States’ role and relationship to other countries.
• Credits for Graduation: It isn’t just a vacation, so be prepared for more than hot chocolate in cafes or cocoa butter on beaches. Taking courses at many international universities may help you earn credits for your home university degree. Foreign universities may have classes not offered at your home university which correspond nicely with your major or minor.
• Develop Foreign Language Skills: ¿Estudia español? Etudie le français? Although you don’t need to know a foreign language to study abroad (many international universities offer courses in English), nothing will improve your command, and expose your ignorance, of a second language like being immersed in native speakers and culture.
• Career Edge: Graduates with a global perspective on their resume have a competitive advantage in the world marketplace.
• New Friends: Expose yourself to a whole country of new people. Form lifelong friendships with natives who may invite you to visit them again, maybe you’ll even find yourself “adopted” by your host family.

When should I study abroad?

Some of us have a hard time planning five minutes ahead, but if you start planning your study abroad a full year before you depart, you'll have plenty of opportunities to be spontaneous as you learn around the globe.

Which year you ask? Well sophomores who study abroad typically choose their second semester or the summer following their sophomore year. By this time their academic plan is more clearly defined.

Junior year is the most popular year to go abroad. You’ve finished most of your general education and possibly four consecutive semesters of language study. You’re also free of the worries of a senior thesis, applications for graduate school, and a career search for the time being. Many universities only allow juniors to study abroad because of its many advantages.

A senior year sojourn may be the only opportunity for students who discovered study abroad programs late in the game. If you aren’t writing a thesis, don’t need to participate in on-campus job fairs, and aren’t applying for graduate schools or fellowships, take advantage of the space in your schedule and go abroad.

Once you’ve nailed down a year, move on to duration. Study Abroad programs come in three sizes: 1 semester, 2 semesters, and summer. If you can’t afford to be away a whole year, pack everything into a single semester. Make sure you take every opportunity to try new food, speak the language with natives, and meet different people. Make a check list before you leave and get busy crosing things off as soon as you arrive.

If you’ve planned ahead, you may be able to study abroad for a full year. In a full year, your fluency will improve dramatically and you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the culture. You may even be able to extend your adventure and study in two different places if you’d like.

If you’re not dependent on a summer job for your academic income, you may consider taking your break abroad. Summer programs vary widely from a few weeks to the full summer. Before you set off for a summer excursion, research financial aid, scholarships, and credit requirements, all which may not apply to summer courses. Also be aware that the majority of native students are away from university during summer months.

Where should I study abroad?

Spin the globe and pick a spot because your options are wide open when considering study abroad locations. Your foreign language background may guide you to select a country where you’ll be able to easily ask to use the bathroom. But you may be driven abroad by other motivations. Many students select a country to explore personal heritage. Spanish speaking countries may be attractive options to Hispanic students. Israel’s heritage draws many Jewish students. Instead of studying a completely foreign culture you may choose to explore the roots of your own.

Western Europe, with its extensive well-developed study abroad programs, accounts for two-thirds of US study abroad students. However Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East offer a fantastic option for students wishing to diversify.

There are several international university directories available online and at public libraries to help you identify an appropriate college in your country of choice. Make sure you check to ensure selected courses meet your home university’s transfer requirements.

After selecting a country and university, you need to find your home away from home. This decision will heavily affect your level of cultural immersion. Do you want to dip your toes in or be culturally soaking wet? Students can choose to live in on-campus dorms, neighboring apartments, or with host families.

What should I study abroad?

Aztec-Mayan Cosmology? Comparative Victorian Literature? International programs exist in nearly every subject, from art to zoology. The most prevalent course work available overseas is in social sciences and humanities areas, followed by business and management; third in popularity are foreign languages. Remember your course selection is part of the adventure.

After you select courses that interest you, check to see if they will apply to your home university degree. Transferring credit may be one of the trickiest parts of studying abroad. Consult with your study abroad adviser, major adviser, class dean, or registrar at your home university to determine which courses meet transfer requirements.

How do I get started studying abroad?

There are hundreds of resources available for study abroad students. But before you take another step or click on another link, visit your university’s study abroad office. Many universities offer university sponsored study abroad programs. Tuition for these programs is the same as you would pay at your home university. Any scholarships or financial aid which you typically receive at your home university will also be applied to your study abroad program. If you’re school does not have a study abroad office. Explore our provided list of links.

As you begin tallying expenses, don’t forget to include the cost of room and board, groceries, and any other expenses you may not cover at your home university. Also, remember to explore financial aid and scholarships which can apply abroad as well as at home. Finally, take advantage of student travel discounts.

Apply for your passport and or visa early if you need them. Pack light but don’t forget a journal and picture from home. And get ready for the experience of a life time.

Brought to you by Agilix Backpack

This tutorial is brought to you by Agilix Backpack. Use Backpack to collect all your study abroad information in a single place. Book your trip online and print the receipts to digital paper using Backpack ’s print driver. Download and annotate your international professor’s course syllabus. Mobilize Blackboard learning content from your home or foreign university. Backpack is a perfect companion to your study abroad adventure. It will help you to stay organized at your home university and abroad.