The possibilities for study abroad are abundant. Before researching programs you will want to have made some preliminary decisions as to the type of experience you want to have. Start by realistically assessing your academic and personal preparation and your objectives. Consider the following questions to help you think about the kind of study abroad experience that would be the right “fit” for you. Then read the short online article How to Decide Where to Study

LOCATION

• Where do you want to go? Why?
• Do you want to study in a less-developed or more-developed country?
• Do you want to be in a big city or a small town/rural area?

ACADEMICS

• What do you want or need to study to meet academic objectives?
• Are there specific academic requirements that you need to fulfill during study abroad?
• Are you fluent enough in a foreign language to take classes, write papers, and take notes, or will you need to take some or all of your coursework in English?
• Are you interested in taking courses on the language and culture of the host country?
• How will study abroad positively affect your academic program?
• What do you want or need to study to meet personal objectives?

STRUCTURE

• To what extent do you wish to integrate yourself into the host culture?
• How much contact do you want with other American students?
• Would you feel more comfortable with the services of a resident director or are you confident you can handle problems on your own?
• Do you prefer to participate in planned excursions included in the program or to arrange your own sightseeing and travel?

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

• Do you want to live in a university dormitory?
• Would you prefer to live in an apartment?
• Do you want to live with other Americans or with local students?
• Do you want to live with a local family?

COST

• How much time can you afford to spend abroad in terms of economic resources?
• How much money can you spend on the study abroad experience? Consider not only tuition and fees, but also housing and food, personal expenses, and international travel.
• Do you need to apply for financial aid? Is it available to you?
• Are you willing/able to take out loans or use personal funds in order to pay for study abroad?
• Are there scholarships that you might be eligible for to help fund your study abroad?

ELIGIBILITY

• Does your GPA qualify you for the program? Minimum GPA requirements vary from 2.5 - 3.0 depending on the program.
• Do you have the language skills required for the program?
• Do you have time to apply before the application deadline?

DURATION

• How long do you want to study abroad (academic year, semester, summer, special short term program)?

See Policies and Procedures for a full listing of approved study abroad programs supported by the Office of International Programs as well as corresponding policies and procedures on registration, payments, financial aid, credit, etc.