So you’ve decided to study abroad. First of all, congratulations! Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that cannot really be achieved anywhere else or via any other means. It gives students the opportunity to learn about other cultures, explore what other countries have to offer, and interact with individuals they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to meet.
That said, while there are undoubtedly countless benefits to studying abroad, not all study abroad programs are created equal. Study abroad programs come in all shapes and sizes and offer the chance to study in diverse locations around the world. Moreover, each program is designed with varying levels of individual emersion and cohort learning. Some programs specialize in one area of study, while others specialize in several.
With so many study abroad companies out there, it can be difficult to know where to find the right program for you. Before you embark on your study abroad journey, it is important that you do your research and compare all the study abroad programs that are available to you.
Research Online
The first place to being your search for a study abroad program is the Internet. There are several websites dedicated solely to student reviews about their experiences studying abroad with different companies, including Abroad 101 and Go Overseas. By reading honest reviews from students who attended these programs, you can find out whether they would be a good fit for you as well.
Also be sure to check out each program’s website to learn more about what’s included in the cost of the program, what destinations they travel to and if there are scholarships available.
Speak with a Study Abroad Advisor
One of the best resources available to students who want to study abroad is likely right on campus. If your university has a study abroad office, be sure to stop in and speak with an advisor about what you are looking for in a program. It’s their job to find a good match for students like you, so they are an expert on many of the options available.
Talk to Your Friends and Family
If you have friends or family members who recently studied abroad, ask them about the program they chose and if they enjoyed their experience. Be sure to ask what their favorite (and least favorite) part of the process was. People love to talk about their experiences abroad and will be more than happy to give you tips and advice.
Reach out to a Program Coordinator
Once you’ve narrowed down your top choices, be sure to reach out, via phone, email, or the company’s website, to speak with someone who knows the program inside and out. You want the study abroad program you choose to offer support both before and during your trip, and contacting the program coordinator can give you an idea of how much support the company is willing to provide its students.
Is International Business Seminars Right for You?
International Business Seminars has been offering short-term, multi-destination seminars since 1977. Over the past 40 years, its reach has grown, and today it has connections with countless business executives at big name companies such as Coca-Cola, AT&T and BMW. The program is business-focused, and those who attend either the Europe or Asia seminars get their first business trip abroad experience, complete with lodging and dining at some of the top destinations for business executives.
Some other benefits of studying abroad with IBS include but aren’t limited to the following:
- Ability to meet with top business executives from some of the most successful global companies throughout an assortment of fields
- The chance to visit some of the world’s most celebrated destinations and attractions
- The ability to earn college credit while acquiring a competitive advantage for your future career
- Plenty of free time in each city to explore
- Alumni Ambassadors available to provide insight and advice to prospective students
Making the Right Decision
When it comes to study abroad programs, you have countless from which to choose. However, just because a company is ranked as one of the best study abroad companies does not necessarily mean that it is right for you. When researching programs, look into where the company has locations, what subjects it specializes in, the duration of the sessions and the cost. When you do your due diligence, you will be more likely to find a program that is not just the best, but that is the best for you.
