Study Abroad Guide: Planning Your International Experience
Studying abroad is one of the most transformative experiences available to college students. Research shows that students who study abroad have higher graduation rates, stronger job prospects, and greater cultural competency. Here's your comprehensive guide to making it happen.
Why Study Abroad
Academic Benefits
Gain a global perspective on your field of studyAccess unique courses, labs, or field experiences not available at homeLearn or improve a foreign language through immersionDevelop critical thinking by navigating unfamiliar academic systems
Career Advantages
97% of study abroad alumni find employment within 12 months (compared to 49% of all graduates)Employers value cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and independenceBuild an international professional networkStand out in graduate school applications
Personal Growth
Develop independence and self-relianceBuild lifelong friendships with people from around the worldGain empathy and cultural awarenessReturn to campus with renewed motivation and perspective
Choosing a Program
Program Types:
**Direct enrollment**: Attend a foreign university as a regular student**Exchange programs**: Your school sends you to a partner institution**Provider programs**: Third-party organizations (CIEE, ISA, API) arrange housing, courses, and excursions**Faculty-led programs**: Short-term programs led by your own professors**Internship abroad**: Work experience in a foreign country
Factors to Consider:
Program length: semester, full year, summer, or January termLanguage requirements: taught in English or local language?Academic credit: will credits transfer toward your degree?Location: urban vs. rural, region, climate, safetyCost: tuition exchange, program fees, cost of livingSupport services: housing, orientation, emergency support
Financing Study Abroad
**The surprising truth**: Studying abroad can cost the same as or less than a semester on campus, especially at programs with tuition exchange agreements.
Funding sources:
**Financial aid**: Your federal and institutional aid usually travels with you**Scholarships**: Gilman Scholarship (for Pell Grant recipients), Boren Award, program-specific scholarships**Tuition exchange**: Many programs let you pay your home tuition instead of the host school's rate**Cost of living savings**: Countries like Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica, and Thailand have significantly lower costs of living
Cost-cutting tips:
Choose a country with a lower cost of livingCook meals instead of eating outUse student discounts on transportation and attractionsApply for multiple scholarships (Gilman alone awards $5,000)Budget carefully and track spending with an app
Timeline
12–18 Months Before Departure:
Research programs through your study abroad officeAttend information sessions and talk to returneesCheck how study abroad fits your degree planBegin passport application if you don't have one
9–12 Months Before:
Apply to programs (deadlines are often 6–12 months before departure)Meet with your academic advisor about credit transferApply for scholarships (Gilman deadline: March for fall, October for spring)Begin visa research for your destination country
3–6 Months Before:
Apply for your visaRegister for courses at the host institutionArrange housing (program-provided or independent)Visit your doctor for vaccinations and prescriptionsSet up international banking and notify your bank
1–2 Months Before:
Book flights (flexible dates save money)Pack strategically (you will buy things abroad)Make copies of all important documentsDownload offline maps and translation appsConnect with other students going to the same program
Making the Most of It
Academic:
Take courses you can't get at homeEngage with local professors and classmatesKeep a journal or blog documenting your learningVisit museums, historical sites, and cultural events
Cultural:
Learn basic phrases in the local languageTry local food, traditions, and social customsTravel on weekends using budget airlines and trainsJoin local clubs, sports, or volunteer organizationsAvoid spending all your time with other Americans
Practical:
Keep a budget and track spending weeklyStay in regular contact with family (but not so much that you miss out)Take care of your mental health — culture shock is real and normalBuild relationships with locals, not just other exchange students
Common Concerns
**"I can't afford it"**: Check your financial aid eligibility and apply for scholarships. Many students study abroad for the same cost as a semester at home.
**"It won't fit my schedule"**: Work with your advisor early. Summer and January terms can work for tight schedules. Many programs offer courses that fulfill major or gen-ed requirements.
**"I'm nervous about going alone"**: You won't be alone — you'll be with other students in the same situation. And the discomfort of being in a new place is exactly what creates growth.
**"My GPA isn't high enough"**: Many programs accept students with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Some have no minimum.
After You Return
Complete credit transfer paperwork immediatelyUpdate your resume with international experienceShare your experience at study abroad fairs to help future studentsStay connected with friends you made abroadConsider how your experience informs your career goals