As a third year Media and Cultural Studies Major and traveler at heart, I’ve been on the fence about whether or not to set sail and study abroad next year. There are so many things to think about when making the decision to go abroad that the choice itself can seem a bit overwhelming. I’ve decided to throw caution to the wind and go for it but for some, the decision is not that easy.
From expenses and course units to where to go and what to do, moving away for a quarter is no small feat. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to consider when making the big decision!
1. Money
It’s expensive. When deciding on the journey, make sure to factor in your financial need. If you’re planning on going with a program through EAP, their website gives you the prices for every program they offer. Look at your total cost and estimate your financial aid, scholarships, grants and any other additional help you would be getting. Once you have an estimate of how much you’ll need out of pocket, decide whether or not the program is worth it, and if you’re willing to go the distance to earn the money or take out a loan. Some programs, depending on your financial aid, may be surprisingly affordable or come to not much cost at all. The best way to find out what it will cost is to talk with an advisor. Also take into consideration your pre-departure costs, like passports, visas, luggage and anything else you’ll need for your time away.
2. When
Choosing the right quarter to go involves a lot of inquiry. You want to make sure you’ll still be able to meet all of your academic requirements if you study abroad, and choosing the wrong quarter may disrupt your graduation schedule. Talk with your academic advisor about whether or not your program offers units that meet your needs. Try to choose a quarter when you’ll have leniency in your schedule so you’re not feeling rushed or regretful when on your trip. You want to be able to enjoy your time abroad without worrying about the load of classes you’ll need to take the following quarter.
3. Where
Take your time choosing a program. Make sure to explore all your options when deciding on a country and keep an open mind as to the possibilities each one will offer you. Take into consideration your goals for after graduation and see which programs offers you experience in your field. For example, if you’re interested in teaching after college there are several study abroad programs that offer jobs to students willing to teach English to locals. Internships and extracurricular activities are also available, and most of them are posted under each destination on the EAP website. If you’re using a different program, check with your advisors there to see what opportunities beyond the classroom each country has to offer you. You want to use your time abroad effectively!
4. Is it for you?
Moving away from your family and friends for a long period of time may not be your cup of tea. Going to college in another city or state is one thing, but living in a completely different country is a whole other ball game! Make sure to really think about how you’ll enjoy your time abroad. A new country means another language, new customs and a whole realm of unfamiliarity you’ll have to overcome. For some, this is a dream come true. For others, this is their worst nightmare. Don’t let your fears hold you back, but don’t make the decision to go if you know you’ll be miserable.
5. Research, Research, Research!
I’m one of those people who need to know everything before I jump in, so researching the chosen country/ program is a must. Get testimonials from other students on sites like studyabroad101.com or look up travel vlogs on Youtube. Another great tool for research is Tumblr! (who knew!?) Look up the tags study abroad and your chosen country and you’ll find plenty of blogs dedicated to documenting individual experiences for the quarter. Here’s a bit of a disclaimer; not everything you hear will be wonderful and glamorous. Don’t be turned off by one person’s bad experience. The testimonials can be convincing but you’re only getting one person’s opinion, so take each one with a grain of salt!
So the question remains; to study abroad or not to study abroad?
For me, it’s a no-brainer, but the choice is yours! Do your research and let us know what you think!