Whether to study abroad is a serious decision.
Studying abroad can open a world of possibilities and expose you to people, places, and concepts you’ve never seen before. Not to be cliche - but it can really be the experience of a lifetime.
That being said, studying abroad comes with a specific set of possible drawbacks that are not to be ignored. When deciding if - and where - to study abroad, you should consider not only the
pros but also the cons. Here are some things to consider when deciding if (and where) you should study abroad.
Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad
How will I afford the program?
Boring as it may be, it is vital to consider your financial situation when deciding whether to study abroad. Ideally, your program will not come with additional fees, and any financial aid you receive will transfer to your study abroad program.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. At many schools, there are additional fees for study abroad programs.
At some, your
financial aid may not transfer or may be lowered during terms that you study abroad. Make sure to check what the situation is for your particular program.
Additionally, make sure you budget for travel and food. Saving up to cover these expenses is a valid option, but it generally is not advisable to go into debt to participate in study abroad.
How does this fit into my major program?
Depending on what school you attend and what program you’re taking, it may be easy or difficult to fit in time to study abroad. Ideally, you will be able to
complete either major or general education requirements while on your study abroad program.
If your program doesn’t fall into one of the categories, make sure you plan out your other semesters in order to complete all of your requirements. Although study abroad can add a new layer to your education, it should not interfere with you completing your degree on time.
Even if your program will help you complete requirements, make sure that it does not coincide with times that you need to take certain classes. For stricter major programs, or for some
pre-professional tracks, you may need to forgo study abroad altogether or wait until your senior year.
Where will I be going?
The location of your study abroad program will shape your experience. Although a study abroad program in a wide variety of locations can be fun and educational, you might want to think about what countries you’re most interested in. You might want to choose a country that will help you
develop language skills or gain new ones.
It’s also vital to consider the safety of your study abroad program. Although some study abroad programs in high-crime areas are safe, make sure to investigate what safety measures are in place for students before committing to a program.
What type of program am I interested in - direct enrollment, school sponsored, etc?
Not all study abroad programs are created equal. Or, more precisely, not all study abroad programs are created the same. Study abroad programs generally fall into one of three categories - university centers abroad, direct enrollment, or company sponsored.
The first type is generally the easiest to work out. These programs are specifically created by the university a student attends and the classes are generally taught by professors of the college. Because you are still a student at your university, it will be very simple to
transfer credits earned abroad.
The second type of program, a direct enrollment program, involves a student enrolling at a partner institution abroad. These institutions generally work with their home institution to create a program that will transfer. However, there can still be some issues with transferring credits, depending on the details of the program.
The last type of study abroad program involves a student individually enrolling with a company, like
Semester at Sea or certain language schools. These companies may or may not have a relationship with your home institution, and as such, if you want to use the credits earned during that period toward your degree, you need to carefully check how they will transfer.
Any of these can be valid options, but some pose more troubles than others, so make sure to do your due diligence.
Am I ready to move abroad?
Studying abroad will help you gain new individual skills, like independence and confidence in new locations. It will also expose you to a variety of people and cultures you may not have otherwise seen. However, make sure that you actually feel ready to go abroad.
Studying abroad can be a major transition, and you likely
won’t see friends or family for a long time. You’ll have to quickly adapt to new circumstances. This can be a great push to grow - but make sure you feel truly ready.
Bottom line, studying abroad can be a great opportunity - but only under the right circumstances. Make sure that you are fully prepared for your trip and that it adds to your personal, academic, or career goals, before taking the leap. Most importantly, have fun!
