Studying abroad is one of the most powerful ways to develop a global perspective and international experience among today’s youth. No matter their future professional plans, when students gain perspective on diverse cultures, economies, languages, and government systems, they are prepared to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.
So how can students study abroad? We’ve put together these tips to help students achieve one of the most educational and rewarding personal experiences of their lives, studying abroad.
How to study abroad
Choose your own adventure
Studying abroad can be an exciting way to fully immerse yourself in a country and its culture–especially if you have a particular interest in that region. Part of studying abroad is identifying where you want to go and why. Perhaps your family has European origins, so you’d like to study in Spain. Or, maybe you’ve obtained a certificate of biliteracy as a high school student and plan to pursue a degree in that second language in college. That language could be a deciding factor for where you go. Once you determine your shortlist or a specific destination for study, it’s time to research what programs are available and how much they will cost.
If you’re struggling with identifying exactly where you would like to study abroad, check out Educations.com’s top 10 list of places.
The government is a resource
As we said, studying abroad can be exciting, but it can be expensive. The U.S. Department of State supports study and research abroad programs to help American students realize their dreams. Students and their families should start their specific program search by reviewing the information offered at USA Study Abroad.
This government resource will not only help students discover study abroad opportunities offered by the U.S. government, but it can help you discover programs offered by foreign governments around the world. Head over to this website to discover what language learning programs, exchanges, and foreign study programs are available for high school and college students and educators.
Apply directly
Another way to help you realize your study abroad dreams is to apply directly to the university or high school where you wish to study. There are hundreds of exchange and study abroad programs in the world, and not all of them offer their services for free. You can save money by cutting out the middleman by going directly to the program you wish to pursue. Many universities will have scholarships for study abroad programs. When you find the school you wish to attend, ask about their scholarship and work-study opportunities.
Corporate giving
In addition to applying directly, take advantage of corporate giving that encourages international study. If there are corporations with whom you’d like to pursue a career in the future or for which you currently intern, ask about what funds are available to support your study abroad program. There may be criteria to meet and an application, but in the end, these steps are worth it for the savings and experience to be had.
Getting there and staying there
Depending on the program you enter, you may do a short study or a long-term program. Some students stay a semester while others study for a full school year. Either way, there are some things you’ll need to do in order to do your program:
- Obtain a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Visa. Unlike a tourist visa, this visa type is required of exchange students. The order of steps to apply for a visa for your destination varies by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For more information, go here.
- Find housing. You will need to determine if you will stay in a dorm with a host family or rent an apartment. Depending on what type of housing you choose will likely be determined by the program with which you participate and your budget. Something many students find comforting when away from their own families is staying in a home with a host family. Homestay can help connect you with a family away from home.
- Get credit for your courses and time. Not all study abroad programs will result in academic credit. Take a good look at what type of high school or college credits you can obtain while studying since international programs may not be recognized by your local school or university. American Field Service recommends getting ahead of missed credits by confirming with your educational institution about how to get credit for your program before you leave.
Now that you have this information in mind, you are more prepared to venture into the world to learn and explore. Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to gain more perspective, knowledge, and cultural understanding of the world around us. Check out this tool by the Department of State to search for the best fit for your international education experience.
Links:
https://www.educations.com/top-10-lists/top-10-places-to-study-abroad-global-18096
https://studyabroad.state.gov/value-study-abroad/why-study-abroad
https://studyabroad.state.gov/us-government-scholarships-and-programs
https://www.educations.com/scholarships/
https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/living-with-host-family-study-abroad