Some Common Study Abroad Questions: Our Perspective

• When should I start searching for a study abroad program?
• How do I choose a study abroad program?
• I can't afford to study abroad!
• Is it safe to study abroad?
• A final thought...

When should I start searching for a study abroad program?

As early as possible!

The earlier you start planning to study abroad, the more time you have to select the right program for you, to adapt your academic path to be consistent with your study abroad objectives, to arrange financing and ensure you have all necessary course approvals, and to start preparing for an experience of a lifetime.

We recommend that you start the application process 6-12 months in advance for semester programs and 3-6 months in advance for summer programs.

Our application deadlines can be found here.

How do I choose a study abroad program?

There are several factors to consider in choosing a study abroad program that reflect your interests and academic needs:

• Are you fluent enough in another language to be able to take classes in that language or do you need an English-based program that will allow you to focus on subject matter?
  
  
• What academic credit do you need to receive in order to continue on your degree progression?
  
  
• Do you want your study abroad experience to deepen your skill in your academic field or round out your knowledge with a completely different experience?
  
  
• How much time do you have to study abroad? (Aim for a semester if you can)
  
  
• Do you want a traditional academic classroom experience or something
  non-traditional such as a field or volunteer opportunity?
  
  
• Are you deeply interested in one specific location or would you prefer a program or location that will allow you to see multiple countries and cities during your time abroad?
  
  
• Do you prefer to live in a modern, high-energy city or do you prefer something more quaint, rural or exotic?

Our counselors have helped students answer these questions and many more.

Feel free to call us to discuss whether one of our programs might be right for you. Even if it is not, we would be happy to give you our advice about what programs might be better-suited for your needs.  

I can't afford to study abroad! What should I do?

Study abroad does not have to be out of your reach financially if you plan ahead.

If you are currently receiving financial aid at your home institution, you can often apply it to semester-long study abroad programs, as long as you maintain full-time academic status. Other options for financing your semester abroad include scholarships and private loan programs.

Our financial aid page contains more information about the various financial aid, loan or scholarship programs that our students have used in the past.

Is it safe to study abroad?

While no program can guarantee your safety abroad, safety is a manageable issue in most countries. Many countries are likely to be statistically safer than your home state.

Nonetheless, preparedness is critical in having a safe study abroad experience. Some important items to consider:

• Is your study abroad provider familiar with the recommendations of the Interorganizational Task Force on Safety and Responsibility in Study Abroad for Health and Safety?
  
  
• Does your study abroad provider provide local, on-the-ground staff and emergency support?
  
  
• Does your study abroad provider provide a pre-departure and/or post-departure safety orientation?
  
  
• Is medical, evacuation, and repatriation insurance included in your program?
  
  
• If your program includes excursions, how do you travel (e.g. charter bus or train) and where do you stay (e.g. hotels or hostels)?
  
  
• Have you prepared yourself by researching the politics, customs and health and safety issues associated with the location you are studying?
  
  
• Have you made plans for any medical issues that might arise?

A final thought...

It is easy to think and dream about studying abroad, but to be caught up in the daily ups and downs of student life at your home instutition and just never get around to it.

Our whole-hearted advice is to go for it, whether it is with us or another provider.

In our team's long experience with study abroad, we almost never have come across a student that has regretted going abroad. For most students, it is an incredibly enriching (and pleasant!) experience and for quite a few students, it has changed their life.

College, particularly at the undergraduate level, offers you an opportunity to spend real time abroad that you will most likely never have again once you start working.

Take advantage of it and make the most of your college years.

Feel free to give us a call, whatever your question...

With warm regards,

The Study Abroad Team at Global Learning Semesters.