Higher education offers a wealth of new opportunities for young people. Some of these include an increased independence, tons of extracurricular activities, and on-campus events. Many colleges bring in acclaimed speakers or high-profile entertainment acts. However, one of the greatest opportunities modern colleges and universities offer is the opportunity to study abroad in a foreign country.
Colleges and universities offer many different options for students who wish to study abroad. They range from many different costs and lengths and offer differing degrees of competitiveness. Generally, the most competitive study abroad programs are the ones that are scholarships, meaning the cost (or partial cost) is covered by an outside source. This is one of the best ways to study abroad. Don’t be afraid to apply to as many of these as you can, seeing as the biggest reason students choose not to study abroad is cost.
The shortest study abroad programs offered are usually two-week courses offered in a variety of cultures. You may study Mexican literature in Mexico or take a history course while you tour English castles. These courses usually involve papers and journals about your experience and are a great way to fill elective slots.
Four week and eight week study abroad programs are also offered, especially in the summer semester. This is an amazing option for students studying a major with a lot of course requirements. These students may have a lot of university-required classes and a full-semester study abroad program may delay their graduation. Summer programs generally don’t cause any graduation delays and they may also pad a student’s elective count.
The final option is full-year and semester study abroad programs. These offer the most immersive experiences and generally have the least amount of restrictions. Make sure that any classes you take abroad will count towards your degree, however. Most schools encourage studying abroad and will work with you accordingly.