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 study

Access unique courses, labs, or field experiences not available at home

Learn or improve a foreign language through immersion

Develop 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 independence

Build an international professional network

Stand out in graduate school applications

Personal Growth

Develop independence and self-reliance

Build lifelong friendships with people from around the world

Gain empathy and cultural awareness

Return 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 term

Language requirements: taught in English or local language?

Academic credit: will credits transfer toward your degree?

Location: urban vs. rural, region, climate, safety

Cost: tuition exchange, program fees, cost of living

Support 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 living

Cook meals instead of eating out

Use student discounts on transportation and attractions

Apply 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 office

Attend information sessions and talk to returnees

Check how study abroad fits your degree plan

Begin 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 transfer

Apply for scholarships (Gilman deadline: March for fall, October for spring)

Begin visa research for your destination country

3–6 Months Before:

Apply for your visa

Arrange housing (program-provided or independent)

Visit your doctor for vaccinations and prescriptions

Set 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 documents

Download offline maps and translation apps

Connect with other students going to the same program

Making the Most of It

Academic:

Take courses you can't get at home

Engage with local professors and classmates

Keep a journal or blog documenting your learning

Visit museums, historical sites, and cultural events

Cultural:

Learn basic phrases in the local language

Try local food, traditions, and social customs

Travel on weekends using budget airlines and trains

Join local clubs, sports, or volunteer organizations

Avoid spending all your time with other Americans

Practical:

Keep a budget and track spending weekly

Stay in regular contact with family (but not so much that you miss out)

Take care of your mental health — culture shock is real and normal

Build 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 immediately

Update your resume with international experience

Share your experience at study abroad fairs to help future students

Stay connected with friends you made abroad

Consider how your experience informs your career goals

Study Abroad Guide: Planning Your International Experience