Considering studying abroad in college? Whether you go for a few weeks, months, or longer, the experience will open your eyes to innumerable, invaluable things about the world, its people, and yourself.
Though you might not be climbing onto that Prague-bound plane for a while, you can start getting excited about studying abroad now—you can even make it a part of your college search as you consider and compare different schools’ study abroad offerings. Let’s explore the benefits of studying abroad, what to look for in a program, and how to make the most of the experience.
What is study abroad all about?
Are you excited to see historical places, experience different cultures, and eat lots of delicious street food? Who wouldn’t be? Beyond visiting a new place and meeting new people, there are many life-changing benefits to participating in a college study abroad program, including:
- Gaining foundational skills like adaptability, problem-solving, communication
- Developing networking and career connections
- Experiencing a global marketplace
- Gaining confidence and self-awareness
- Expanding your comfort zone
- Broadening your perspectives
- Earning college credit
- Boosting your résumé
“Not only do students return with a better sense of the world’s cultures and their own, but they gain more tolerance, flexibility, and understanding of different values and lifestyles,” says Shaik Ismail, former Director of International Programs at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. So while you’re getting to know the best sidewalk banh mi vendors in Hanoi, you’re also building a foundation for an exceptional future.
Related: College Search Tips for Students Wanting to Study Abroad
Choosing the right study abroad program
You’re already considering many important factors during the college search, like location, majors, extracurriculars, internship opportunities, and more. If studying abroad is important to you, it should join the ranks of your other search criteria. “You may want to assess the policies and the degree to which your chosen college supports the experience,” says Helena I. Kaufman, Director of Off-Campus Studies at Carleton College in Minnesota.
Go to school websites and check out the available opportunities and resources: Is there a variety of study abroad choices, and do a significant percentage of students participate? To get a sense of what it might cost, Kaufman also suggests asking important financial questions like, “Is study abroad folded into or covered by their college tuition? Or are there some additional costs associated with it? Will financial aid carry?”
You can ask any of these questions about studying abroad during a campus visit or later during orientations for accepted, potential, and enrolled students. Many colleges even have special sessions devoted to helping current and potential students explore their study abroad programs.
Related: 5 Unique Locations to Consider for Your Study Abroad Travels
Understanding why you want to study abroad
You’re sure to encounter lots of information as you search for study abroad programs. You may feel overwhelmed, even if you’ve narrowed your options down to a handful of schools or countries.
Programs within the same country can have very different structures, features, and goals, Kaufman says. So ask yourself: “Is cultural immersion important to you, speaking the language most of the time when you are studying abroad? Is it field studies?” Whether you want to return home with a firm grasp of a new language or some volunteer experience, answering these questions can lead you to the ideal location and program to achieve those goals.
Choosing how long to study abroad
How long your study abroad trip should be depends on your goals. For example, if you want true cultural immersion or language fluency, one week isn’t going to cut it. “You really want to have time to be able to go through different stages of transition, to adapt and take advantage of local culture,” Kaufman says. Experts recommend spending a full semester abroad at a minimum, the entirety of your junior year abroad if possible.
However, many college classes have corresponding trips abroad, like science courses with two-week field experiences. This type of study abroad experience may be shorter, but it’s carefully planned. “In that case, I think the two-week experience can be very rich and perfectly designed to meet your goals,” Kaufman says.
Learning about study abroad requirements and roadblocks
Kaufman says students face two main difficulties in their quest to study abroad: the financial burden and earning credits toward graduation requirements. She recommends learning school policies on these two fronts as soon as possible, whether you’re attending college or searching for one. If your classes abroad can’t be applied as a credit toward your major, you may need to make up those credits elsewhere—like spending more time and money in classes back on campus.
You'll most likely need to be in good academic standing, perhaps meeting a GPA requirement. “We always advise our prospective students and first-year admits to begin preparing for study abroad during their first week in college,” Ismail says. “During their first meeting with their faculty advisor, they should begin planning on how to fit in a semester or year abroad in their degree program. Many semester abroad experiences can fulfill majors and minors as well as the general education requirements so that students can graduate within four years.” Ismail also recommends students start taking requisite language classes early on, as most language-centric programs require at least two years of classes.
Related: The Top 5 Things to Consider Before Studying Abroad
Preparing to study abroad
If studying abroad during your first year of college is on your bucket list, you will need to start preparing as soon as possible. Planning your trip may be a little complicated, but don’t worry! Kaufman says schools have very high standards for preparing students for studying abroad; it’s simply a matter of following instructions. Here are some tips for getting ready for a study abroad program, no matter when you choose to go.
Using your provided resources
Because there are so many things to consider and official documents to prepare for studying abroad, the more you know—and the sooner you start—the better. Read the materials on reading lists and attend the pre-departure orientations.
Many schools also offer things like webinars and online tutorials. Pay attention to the advice you receive. “All you have to do is not ignore the deadlines, to really pay attention, and to follow the trajectory of the pre-departure process!” Kaufman adds.
Knowing what documents you need
Again, you should have guidance from your college or university throughout this whole process, but as a general introduction, here are some of the most important documents you’ll have to prepare in advance of your study abroad program:
- Passport: If you don’t already have a passport, you’re going to need one! They take about six weeks to be delivered after you apply, so don’t drag your feet on this important document.
- Student visa: Student visa requirements vary from country to country, so it’s important to determine how you can obtain one for your destination (if you need one at all). In general, you need the following: a declaration of finances, a letter from the sponsoring institution, your fingerprints, your passport, and another passport-quality photo. If you have any questions, reach out to your school’s administrators for help!
- Medical requirements: Like visa requirements, medical documentation is often specific to the country in question. Check out the Center for Disease Control’s general travel health recommendations for your country and determine what you’ll need for medical documentation, like vaccinations or immunizations.
- Health insurance: This is another important aspect; if you’re not covered, for whatever reason, consider buying a student health plan for studying abroad—it’s good to have that safety net should something happen to you while you’re traveling.
It also helps to keep track of the dates you completed and mailed documents in a spreadsheet, and be sure to keep digital or hard copies of everything you submit!
Related: 10 Things You Need to Pack for Study Abroad
Learning about the country you’re going to
It goes without saying that you should learn more about the country you’re going to before you arrive. Read up on its political system, history, and current events. Also take a look at the US State Department’s country breakdown. There, you’ll learn about things like entry and exit requirements for US citizens, health and safety issues, and more. Then you can visit your country’s consulate or embassy to request or download a visa application.
Figuring out your transportation costs
Flights abroad can be expensive, so be sure to check if travel expenses are included in your scholarships or tuition. Also try to book your tickets as soon as possible. Depending on how long you’re staying, you may have some flexibility regarding departure dates. If you’re booking in advance, see if flight days are changeable. If not, how much is the fee? And speaking of fees, keep in mind that many airlines charge bag and overweight fees as well.
Dealing with culture shock when you get there
So you found the perfect study abroad program in the perfect place, flew across an ocean or two, and now you’re in your host country! After the initial excitement calms down, everything may start to feel...off.
Perhaps you can’t sleep and you miss home. These are common symptoms of culture shock, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with them before going abroad. It helps to prepare for the transition process and the normal peaks and valleys of physical and mental shifts you might experience so you’re not blindsided.
Embracing the learning experience
Don’t worry too much about culture shock in general; it’s totally normal! It should also be part of all those pre-departure orientations, where you learn strategies to help yourself overcome it and enjoy yourself again. Try getting involved in activities around you to shake it off. Making surprising discoveries about a new culture is often where the most learning takes place during study abroad.
Related: My Weirdest Lessons from 3 Months in a Different Culture
Understanding and adapting to local customs
Cultural nuances are extraordinarily broad around the world too. This includes facial expressions, gestures, art, values, holiday customs, food and eating habits, religious beliefs, relationships, concepts of modesty, personal space, social etiquette, work ethic, and more!
“Knowledge is power,” Kaufman says. “The more you know about the culture, about the customs, the less likely you are to make mistakes in your behavior and maybe even put yourself in danger.” Observe locals to see what’s appropriate and go with the flow. Listen to your host family and/or RAs too.
Making the most of your study abroad experience
In addition to knowing how to conduct yourself in your study abroad country, you should also develop an idea of what you want to do and see when traveling. It’s all about making the most out of your time there.
Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make while studying abroad is squandering the opportunity. “Even the best-designed program is not designed to give you the experience on a plate,” Kaufman says. “You need to engage. You need to make things happen.” Join sports teams, volunteer with local charities, hang out with your host family—just put yourself out there!
Related: 5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Study Abroad Experience
Thorough preparation will only enhance your study abroad experience. Attending orientation and planning ahead will help you have a smooth transition and make the most of your time in a new country. Learning to navigate the unknown is a valuable skill—one of many you’ll develop while studying abroad and carry with you long after you return home.
