Questions to Ask While Selecting a Study Abroad Location
There are many benefits for students who enroll in a study abroad program, no matter what degree they are working to attain. Admittedly, there are some students who think no further than the fact that they want to spend a semester or two in a foreign country. It is, however, almost impossible to participate in a study abroad without experiencing some of the following benefits:
- Total immersion in a new culture
- Opportunity to see different parts of the world
- Benefit from different educational styles
- Enhanced future career opportunities
- Enriched foreign language skills
- Associates across the world
The fact that a study abroad program can be so beneficial is sometimes offset by the fact that it can be difficult for students to choose a study abroad location that will be the best for them. Many select a program simply by thinking about the foreign country they would most like to live in. Perhaps taking some time to ask important questions is the best way for students to select a program that will be most beneficial.
5 Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Study Abroad Program:
1. What is the cost?
Taking a close look at the cost of a study abroad program is probably the best place to start the selection process. Thankfully, the internet has made comparing tuition costs, accommodation costs and the cost of day to day life pretty simple. Students who begin this process with a set budget in mind are more able to filter out choices that may not meet their financial criteria.
2. Are there any available scholarships?
Scholarships are available on a very limited basis for students traveling internationally. These scholarships are offered by select private foundations, government foundations and by the educational institution as well.
3. How do I apply?
Once again, the internet has made the application process for a study abroad program very user-friendly. The clear admission process is generally held in the spring and again in the fall or winter. As a general rule, students should apply about 2 months before they intend to actually begin their study abroad program.
4. Will a study abroad really have long-term benefits?
Taking time to list the benefits one would like to gain from a study abroad program is a great way to pinpoint if the long-term benefits are high enough to justify the time and expense. For instance, a student from the United States who travels to Canada for a study abroad may find that the culture, style of education and language spoken regularly are not different enough from their every day life to justify the cost of the program. Students should keep in mind all of the long-term benefits that are possible with this type of study and make sure to select a program that can produce such results.
5. How many cultures will I be able to interact with?
Full immersion into a new culture can be exciting, fulfilling and challenging, as well as looking great on a future resume. Some locations, however, offer an ease of travel to different countries situated nearby. When considering where to study abroad, take the ease of experiencing a few different cultures into account.
Unique Study Abroad Opportunity
One new way to make the most of a study abroad program is to enroll in a program that hosts short-term, multi-destination programs that are led by qualified faculty members. Some of these short-term study abroad seminars last as long as 23 days and allow both undergraduate and graduate students experience intense learning about cultures, customs and country-specific business practices while visiting several different European cities. Other available opportunities include 12 days which are split between Beijing and Shanghai, China where students have a chance to learn about the customs, history and culture that influence international business practices. Some students also opt for a 10-day experience instead.
By enrolling in this type of short-term yet intensive study abroad seminar, students can frequently attain many of the same benefits with much less cost when compared to a program that takes a full semester or two to complete.
Make Your Study Abroad Experience Count
By asking the right questions, students considering enrollment into a study abroad program can make sure, before even enrolling, that they will get maximum benefit from their experience. Instead of choosing which country to study abroad, perhaps it is more beneficial to consider what benefits each student would like to experience.
