When you decide to study abroad, there’s an incredible sense of power in knowing that you can pursue your coursework just about anywhere in the world. But that initial feeling of freedom can also be eclipsed by a sense of uncertainty. How do you know if you’ve found the right program?
That’s where your university study abroad office comes into play. You’ll want to meet with an advisor and learn about the different program types your university offers, housing, and study abroad policies.
As you weigh your options, consider your academic and personal goals, as well as your comfort level with unfamiliar education systems and travel. Here are a few items to factor into your decision as you build your perfect study abroad experience.
Types of Study Abroad Programs
While the naming conventions may vary, study abroad programs generally fall under four main categories: university-sponsored, direct enrollment, exchange, and third-party.
University-sponsored
University-sponsored study abroad programs typically involve traveling abroad with students and faculty from your university and taking pre-approved courses led by your professors.
This tends to be an ideal option for students who 1) have limited travel experience or 2) want to use travel as a means to enrich their coursework.
One of the best aspects of a university-sponsored program is the support you’ll receive while you’re there. Not only will you have a great network of fellow American students, but you’ll also have professors from your university to provide both personal and academic support.
These programs tend to be meticulously planned as well, so all you’ll need to do is enjoy the experience.
Direct enrollment
Not for the faint of heart, this type of study abroad experience means you formally enroll as a student at a foreign university. This option is great for independent students with previous travel experience.
When it comes to student support, there’s very little handholding in direct enrollment programs. This can be exciting for seasoned travelers who are ready for the next level of independence, but overwhelming for those who aren’t as well-traveled or who haven’t studied abroad before.
You’ll navigate a new university’s administration, build brand-new relationships with students from your host university, and tackle grown-up tasks like apartment hunting and financial aid with limited guidance.
You’ll also be the master of your own travel plans — from weekend trips to longer-term vacations. Direct enrollment is an amazing opportunity for growth if you’re up for the challenge.
Exchange
In an exchange program, you and a student from a partnering international university will trade places. Exchange programs often create a middle ground between university-sponsored and direct enrollment programs.
This option offers the freedom of a direct enrollment program, but since the American university approves the exchange in advance, it's often easier to transfer credits between universities. You still have connections at your American school, but you’re responsible for using the academic, student life, and financial resources offered at your host university.
When it comes to extracurricular travel, you’ll be your own guide.
Third-party
In this option, you enroll in a program coordinated by an accredited study abroad provider. Third-party providers might offer a broader range of programs than your university, and they offer planning services and logistical support.
Third-party programs typically have local staff to help you get acclimated to your new surroundings and navigate your new academic environment. These staff members might also plan excursions and social events for participants in your program.
With third-party study abroad, you have the freedom to make the trip your own. It’s up to you whether you want to use the on-site support provided, but it’s helpful to have the option.
While there are dozens of accredited providers to choose from, websites like GO Overseas make it easy to compare and contrast.
How Much Does Study Abroad Cost?
It might go without saying, but figuring out how to pay for your study abroad experience is a huge part of the preparation process. The cost of programs varies widely. The type of program you choose can also dictate what kind of study abroad financial aid is available to you.
Paying for university-sponsored study abroad
When you enroll in a university-sponsored program, you are typically eligible to use the same financial aid you normally receive at your American university.
This means that federal financial aid, university scholarships, and grants can be applied to your time abroad. Of course, you’ll want to check with a financial advisor to make sure there aren’t any unexpected costs or limitations.
Paying for direct enrollment during study abroad
When you enroll directly into your host university, you may still be eligible to receive Stafford loans to finance your studies. However, since you will not be affiliated with an American university, you generally aren’t eligible for federal grants or state financial aid.
Scholarships from your home university may not apply, either, so it’s smart to check with your financial aid office to confirm.
That said, higher education abroad tends to less expensive than in the U.S. Although you might not be eligible for the same scholarships or aid as you are at your American school, there’s a chance your host country charges less for courses, meaning less tuition money out of your pocket.
Paying for international exchange programs
The costs of exchange programs vary based on your university’s policies, but you will typically pay tuition for your American university plus travel-related expenses like international health insurance.
Paying for third-party study abroad programs
Third-party programs tend to be somewhat pricier than other program types. However, because third-party programs offer options that may not be available through other means, the cost can be worth it.
Make sure to do your research and compare costs carefully. All providers include pricing information on their websites. Just beware of hidden fees and make note of what’s actually included in the price.
Finding financial aid for study abroad
Before you go anywhere, meet with your study abroad advisor and/or financial aid office. They can help you figure out how your existing scholarships and aid apply to your trip. Plus, they might know of additional sources of funding you never considered.
Before my first meeting with my study abroad advisor, I made a list of all my financial aid sources, along with the costs associated with my preferred programs. By having basic financial information on hand, I was ready to discuss my options in greater depth.
As you prepare for your own meeting, don’t forget to consider the following:
- How much of my existing financial aid will apply to my study abroad program?
- What types of grants, scholarships, and loans can I pursue?
- How can I ensure that my financial aid applies to my study abroad program?
- Could financial aid for my study abroad trip affect my funding for the following semester?
- What campus financial aid resources should I utilize as I prepare for my trip?
- How should I budget for my study abroad and travel overall?
What Courses Can I Take When I Study Abroad?
One of the first things you’ll want to do is determine whether or not studying abroad is a feasible part of your degree program. For instance, most universities have a minimum GPA requirement to determine study abroad eligibility.
Beyond that, many academic departments have a carefully curated list of approved programs to ensure that all options are well-aligned with their students’ degree plans. Others leave those decisions to their students.
Regardless of your university’s approach, make sure that the courses you take while abroad will benefit you academically. There’s nothing worse than finding out too late that your course credits won’t transfer to your home university or count toward your degree.
Courses in a university-sponsored study abroad program
The easiest way to avoid that headache is to join a university-sponsored program. Because these programs are led by professors from your university, there’s nothing to transfer.
Classes for direct enrollment in study abroad programs
By contrast, when you directly enroll in an international program, you’ll have to take the reins in figuring out which courses, if any, will be accepted by your home university.
Check with your study abroad office before you enroll to find out what credits will transfer and what steps you need to take to make sure that happens. It may not be automatic.
Courses for study abroad exchange programs
Like direct enrollment, the courses that you take in an exchange program will be defined by your host university.
That said, many exchange programs offer pre-approved courses. This saves you the time and hassle of transferring credits when you return to your American university.
Classes through third-party study abroad programs
One of the benefits of studying with a third-party provider is the wide variety of courses available, many of which might not be offered at your American university. Depending on your American university’s relationship with the third-party provider you choose, some of these courses can be pre-approved for credits to transfer automatically.
If not, choose courses that align well with what your American university would offer. If glassblowing en español doesn’t sound like a course your university would accept as an art credit, you might reconsider adding it to your schedule.
Before you commit to a program, talk with your American university’s academic advisor to sort through available courses and help you find the right fit.
How to find out if your study abroad classes will transfer
Universities often have explicit guidelines on academics while abroad. Here are a few questions to run by your advisor to help you get started:
- Am I academically eligible to study abroad?
- Will a study abroad trip affect my ability to graduate on time?
- How rigorous is the coursework associated with my preferred study abroad program?
- How many credit hours am I required to take while abroad, if any?
- What process should I follow to get my courses approved?
- How will my academic credits transfer back to the university? Will I be responsible for obtaining a transcript?
- Are there any other university advisors I should speak to during my planning process?
- If I am graded on a different scale while abroad, how will my grades be converted?
- Who should I contact if I begin struggling with my coursework while abroad?
What Is Study Abroad Housing Like?
Like a lot of the points on this list, study abroad housing can depend on the type of program you choose.
University-sponsored, exchange, and third-party programs will typically arrange accommodations for you. It could be in hotels if you’re traveling frequently during your trip, with a host family, or in dorms. You likely have more options if you’re directly enrolling in the international university.
If you are in a position to choose your own housing for study abroad, here are the best options to consider.
Hostels
Ideal for short-term stays, hostels are a favorite among student travelers (myself included). You will share a room with other travelers, but it’s not all dingy bunk beds and cramped quarters. There is a wealth of affordable, yet stylish, hostels in most major cities, especially those popular among students.
Check out reviews before booking, and confirm what your hostel provides. Basics like linens and bedding, towels, and breakfast aren’t always included.
Make sure your hostel offers lockers, too. Nothing puts a damper on a trip like having your stuff stolen!
Airbnb
Another attractive option for short-term stays is rentals. You get to be a guest in a local’s home and immerse yourself in a host culture but with the privacy and personal space you won’t get in other types of housing.
Just like if you were traveling for vacation, do your research and make safety a priority. Read up on the profile, ratings, and reviews of any potential Airbnb host before booking.
Hotels
Hotels tend to be a pricier option for student travelers, so you’ll want to reserve this for shorter trips. However, the guarantee of privacy and security can be worth the extra expense.
It’s crucial to research both the hotel itself and the surrounding neighborhood. A hotel might seem lovely online, but if it’s in a high-crime area, getting back to your room can turn into an unpleasant adventure.
When selecting accommodations, many young travelers stick with well-known hotel chains for their reliability. I tend to favor smaller-scale, independent hotels, though. They often make for a more memorable experience.
My favorite websites for finding unique, cost-effective hotel accommodations are Kayak and Student Universe.
Homestay
When I spent a semester in Spain, I had the bizarre and wonderful experience of living with a host family of hippies (but I’ll save the details on that experience for another post). My host parents were gracious and inviting, and there was never a dull moment in their tiny, art-filled apartment!
That said, homestays can be ... complicated. Depending on your host family, you can expect less privacy, restricted menu options, and new rules to follow. And while many host families genuinely enjoy housing students, there are some less-than-savory families who are only in it for the stipend.
When selecting a host home, don’t be afraid to check for reviews online or with your study abroad provider.
In my experience, homestays are an excellent way to learn about local foods, novel customs, and cultural quirks. My host parents were always happy to answer any questions that I had about Spain, while offering advice and guidance along the way. If you’re looking to find your home-away-from-home while abroad, a host family is a great place to start.
Apartment
For longer stays — think six months or more — an apartment offers a great degree of privacy and the freedom to come and go as you please. But before you rush to sign a lease, make sure you understand the responsibilities that come with being a tenant abroad.
Although some study abroad providers offer housing assistance, you may find yourself on your own with an over-eager realtor. Take your time, especially if you’re communicating in your second language. Make sure you understand exactly what comes with your apartment (I’ve heard horror stories of properties without refrigerators or stoves). Take thorough notes on when you should pay bills and to whom.
And most importantly, understand your rights. You should know how much responsibility your landlord holds and what sorts of tenant protections your host country offers.
Student dorms
Dorms are a great way to connect with fellow college students. This housing option offers countless opportunities to befriend locals and become an active member of your campus community.
Cultural differences and language barriers are difficult to navigate, even for the most extroverted students. Although it might be tempting to stick with a group of American students, push yourself to get involved on campus.
Whether you join a student organization or take a weekend trip with students on your floor, a solid group of local friends can make your time abroad unforgettable.
Does the Student Code of Conduct Still Apply When I Study Abroad?
Regardless of where your travels take you, you’ll find that your host country has different laws and policies than what you’re accustomed to in the U.S. It’s a great idea to know your own schools’ student code of conduct for study abroad.
Why? Because you don’t want to get this quiz wrong: If you’re doing something that’s entirely legal in your host country but not at home, could you still be penalized by your American university? Drinking alcohol at 18 is legal throughout much of Europe, but could “underage” drinking land you in hot water when you return?
As a student traveler, you represent both your university and your country while you’re abroad. You never want to end up in a situation where a poor decision from your time abroad haunts you when you return home. Consider running the following questions by your advisor:
- Where can I find a list of the university’s student conduct policies?
- How do these student conduct policies apply to study abroad programs?
- Are there any additional rules or protocol specific to study abroad?
- How does the university handle cases of student misconduct while students are overseas?
Even if you aren’t on a university-sponsored or exchange program specifically, it can’t hurt to know the answers to these questions.
What Do I Do in an Emergency While Studying Abroad?
In the excitement of preparing for your program, it can be easy to overlook the risks associated with travel. Before you depart, make sure to review your university’s emergency protocol.
No one can fully anticipate a natural disaster, political turmoil, or a health emergency, but with the help of your study abroad advisor, you can make sure your bases are covered.
Here are a few questions to get the conversation started. If you’re traveling with a third-party provider or directly enrolling in a foreign university, ask them these questions, too, since they’ll be your main point of contact while abroad.
- What insurance plans will I be required to purchase? Where can I find more information on their coverage and costs?
- If I wish to travel to a high-risk destination, what steps should I take to prepare?
- Who is the best university contact to reach in the event of an emergency?
- What steps should I take to ensure my safety and preparedness while abroad?
Ready to Study Abroad?
Planning for your trip and staying on top of your responsibilities once you get there can be daunting, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Before you leave, make sure you go over all the resources, training, and contact information you need to ensure that your trip is as successful as possible. Don’t forget to ask the following:
- Are there any orientations or materials available to help me prepare for my trip abroad?
- What cancellation or withdrawal policies should I keep in mind?
- What disability accommodations should I expect while abroad (if applicable)?
- What on-site resources are available should I encounter a personal or academic problem?
- Do I have the right travel insurance, vaccines, travel documentation, visas and passports for my trip?
No matter your interests, skills, or budget, there’s a study abroad program out there for you. Weigh your options to decide which program aligns most closely with your vision for your study abroad trip. A good program creates a framework for an epic time abroad.
Before you take that next big step, check out our blog to find the best places for students and how you can choose the right one for you.
Contributors
Grace Lower was the lead writer for this article. Editorial assistance provided by Becky Hart.
