There are a plethora of things to consider when studying abroad. The experience can offer wonderful opportunities for growth and eye-opening moments. However, while many students hope to spend at least a few weeks studying in a foreign place the reality of it can be very different than what is imagined. It doesn’t matter what country you travel to; there will be a slew of things to research and prepare before you begin. It can be daunting to decide where you want to go, how long the duration of your trip will be, the costs, and the programs that are available.
The first thing to do before making any sort of commitment is to create a budget. Have a conversation with the financial aid office at your school, there are usually loads of resources for students hoping to travel for studies. Be realistic because studying abroad can be quite expensive, however many schools offer scholarships and other aid to help offset costs. When looking for plane tickets make sure to use incognito mode in your browser so that prices don’t increase the next time you’re searching and comparing flight prices. Things such as housing, tuition, travel insurance, food, visas, and a passport will all cost money so don’t forget to include these things in the budget.
Next, you have to decide how long you will be studying abroad and what you want to do while there. While most people think of these programs as strictly taking classes there are other options. Many universities offer programs where you only take one class and then everyone goes on a short trip. There are even programs that don’t include any classes and are solely about learning from experiencing culture first hand for a couple of weeks. If you don’t have a very big budget or you aren’t sure you’d like to be away from home for too long the latter two options are something to seriously consider.
Another major factor in studying abroad is language. Are you willing to dive right into a completely different language and learn as you go? Do you already know enough of a foreign language to get along? You can take foreign language classes before you go and use apps and books to study basic, essential phrases. Keep in mind that there are also plenty of places that have a large population of English speakers.
No matter how long you decide to study abroad it’s critical to have a clear understanding of which classes will transfer to your home university, whether you can keep all of your financial aid, and if you will still graduate on time. Learning and growing in a foreign place will allow you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Remember that having nerves is normal, but pushing out of your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding.
