Have you ever wanted to study abroad but didn’t know where to start? Is there a country that you’ve always dreamed of visiting? Well, what’s stopping you? There’s no better time to see the world than when you’re in college. And the best part is that you can even earn some college credit for doing it!
Allow Collegeboxes to introduce you to the wonderful world of study abroad. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about studying abroad and could be the first step in an exciting new chapter of your life.
Types of Study Abroad Programs
1. Through Your University
This is the most common way to study abroad for students who want to go overseas. Most universities partner with other schools around the world and offer credit-transferable programs. They also provide almost all assistance services, from consulting to mentorship, except for visa applications. The only downside is that students have limited school options, as they can only go to schools partnering with their home universities.
2. Directly with an Overseas University
If you prefer to take matters into your own hands, apply for a study abroad program yourself. You can research the school website’s admissions section, where you can find all the information about the program, such as enrollment, housing, and visa applications. This way, you have a broader range of choices.
3. With a Third-Party Provider
If you don’t want to do everything by yourself or have limited options, check out third-party providers! Companies like International Studies Abroad and CEA make sure students get full support while having a fun experience. You don’t have to worry about anything, as you get a full package of services, including visa application, school enrollment, accommodation, and 24/7 overseas support. Scholarships and funds are also available to reduce expenses through these providers.
4. Through a Language School
For those who want to learn languages overseas, this is for you. These programs offer flexible class schedules with a focus on languages and cultures. You will have opportunities to communicate with natives and engage in cultural lessons. However, this can be overwhelming for some students, as most of the programs are intensive and classes are regularly five days a week.
5. Through an Internship for Course Credits
Many international companies offer students overseas internships in exchange for course credits. They also provide support for visa applications and housing if needed. This is a good chance for anyone who wants to experience a multicultural working environment or even their dream company in advance. However, most of these internships are unpaid.
6. A Field Research Abroad Program
This is another immersive study abroad program for those who want to gain hands-on experience. Field studies are integrated experiences outside the classroom in which you collect data and conduct research in real-world settings. From the Amazon rainforest to, archaeological sites, and even the UN in Geneva, you can be anywhere! The downside is that some field research programs’ timelines don’t align with the school semester, and some may even require a full-year commitment.
7. Through a Government Program
To encourage cultural exchange and promote diplomacy, the U.S. Department of State offers a variety of exchange programs with financial support, including the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship. While these programs are well-planned and make your resume stand out, they are incredibly competitive. You have to fulfill many requirements to be granted a slot.
Learn more about ways you can study abroad
Benefits of Studying Abroad
1. Experience Other Cultures Firsthand
There are so many rich cultures to learn about, and the best way to do it is by experiencing them for yourself! Studying abroad allows you to fully immerse yourself in a culture. You’ll be interacting, living, and learning alongside locals. By the end of the experience, you’ll walk away with a deeper world perspective and fantastic life lessons!
2. Affordable Traveling
While study abroad opportunities aren’t exactly cheap, it’s cheaper than trying to fund a trip by yourself! Study abroad programs typically have you pay for the cost of flying to your destination, but they usually help organize affordable living arrangements for students. Overall, it’ll be one of the most cost-effective ways to see the world as a college student.
3. Personal Growth
When you travel to a foreign country, you can be over 20 hours away from home. So, studying abroad is the ultimate test of independence. It’s an effective way to learn how to solve problems, develop interpersonal skills, and grow as a person overall.
4. Better Grades
It turns out that on average, students who study abroad have a higher GPA than those who don’t. And on top of that, students who participate in immersive programs also end up with higher language proficiency than their peers.
Tips to get ready for study abroad
1. Plan Ahead as Soon as You Can
As soon as you know you want to study abroad, start making plans. Your first step will probably be talking with your academic advisor and researching study abroad programs offered at your school, and what you need to get accepted. Some schools have hundreds of programs, so give yourself as much time as possible to go over the details and find the right fit. You may also want to create a study abroad checklist to ensure you’re making progress.
2. Start Saving Money Now
A big part of preparing is getting your financials in order. Make it a point to put money aside wherever possible to give yourself extra wiggle room when you’re abroad for things like food, clothing, and more, even if you plan on getting a scholarship or grant. If you don’t have a job currently, it might be a good idea to get one. If you have one, maybe take on more hours or even consider a second part-time job.
3. Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships and Financial Aid
Speaking of finances, did you know you can apply for financial aid specifically for studying abroad? This might be another good topic to discuss with a school advisor or financial aid office. You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your experience. This, in addition to your own savings, will help cover the costs of housing, travel, food, and more. It can be expensive to study abroad, so be sure to explore every avenue you can to help cover the costs.
4. Prepared required documentation
Traveling abroad is a complex thing. Every country has different requirements for entry and temporary residence. Do your homework and find out what your destination requires. For example, you may need a student visa and a passport. Those types of things take time to get, so you’ll want to get that sorted out as early in the process as you can. Talk to your study abroad advisors to find out if there is any special documentation required for your trip.
Learn more about tips for study abroad
Study Abroad with Collegeboxes
Planning to study abroad and don’t know what to do with your stuff? Collegeboxes is here to help! With our Study Abroad Storage and Shipping Services, we ensure your belongings are picked up, stored, and shipped to any destination. Learn more about our Study Abroad Storage and Shipping Services and sign up today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is studying abroad?
Studying abroad is gaining educational-related experience in a foreign country. While studying abroad, students stay overseas to study at a foreign university.
How long does a study abroad program usually last?
It depends on what the school offers for a certain major and the students’ personal needs. A typical program usually lasts one-to-two semesters. Some programs last up to 12 months.
How much does studying abroad cost?
According to research from the International Institute of Education, students who study abroad spend an average of $18,000 per semester and $36,000 for the full academic year. The cost includes tuition fees, accommodations, living expenses, and transportation. Students can apply for scholarships, financial aid, and student loans to support their trip.
Who Can Study Abroad?
Basically, anyone! As long as you’re someone enrolled in school, study abroad opportunities are available to you. You don’t even have to be a college student; high schoolers may also get an opportunity to travel abroad, too.
Where to Study Abroad
Where you go depends on what you’re after. The United Kingdom is a popular choice thanks to the familiar language and deep history. Central Europe is perfect if you want to hop between countries every weekend. Nature enthusiasts might lean toward places like Australia, Costa Rica, or Argentina for their unique ecosystems. For vibrant cultures, countries across Asia and Africa offer unforgettable experiences far different from life in the U.S.
Where should I start if I want to study abroad?
You can start by setting a goal. Think about what you want to achieve after your trip and why you want to do it. If you need more information, check out these tips for studying abroad!