Are you thinking about studying abroad, but you don’t know where to start? Well, that is exactly how I felt a little over a year ago. After a lot of time researching and talking with people, I have discovered many incredible resources for college students wanting to study abroad. My name is Julia, and I participated in a 4-week long study abroad program in the Summer of 2023, and I will be participating in a semester-long exchange program in the Fall of 2024. It has taken me a long time to figure out what works for me. With that being said, I have compiled some tips and resources for any of you who are interested in studying abroad!
- Get in Touch With Your School’s International Programs Office
The best way to see about any study abroad trips sponsored by your school is to get in touch with the International Programs Office. You will likely be able to talk with an advisor who can guide you in the process to study abroad. They can tell you about various programs sponsored by your school, scholarships funded by the school, and be the mediator between you and foreign universities.
- Look into Different Programs
After talking with your advisor, you might hear about various short-term programs, as well as semester-long programs sponsored by your university. In addition to these options, there are many organizations who provide students with opportunities to study abroad. These can be a great opportunity for students who don’t have a program that applies to their major. Some great organizations that I recommend you look into are:
- AIFS Abroad is a great option and an organization that I have personally worked with. They have employees in various cities where their programs take place who help show you around!
- API Abroad is another great option. They have programs that are perfect for a variety of people, including study abroad programs, intern abroad, research, and more! https://apiabroad.com/
- Apply for Scholarships
While the cost of studying abroad varies greatly, depending on which program you are participating in, you will likely have to pay at least a little bit. This is where scholarships can be a big help. As I mentioned, I would check with your school’s International Programs Office to see if there are any scholarships offered by your university. If not, there are many organizations who help fund study abroad trips!
- The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a great scholarship for undergraduate students who attend either a 2-year or 4-year institution.
https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
- The CIEE Scholarships and Grants are an amazing source for a variety of students. They offer Merit based Scholarships, as well as Need-based Grants!
https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/scholarships-grants
- Traveling Check-List
When applying for some of these programs, you will be required to submit some documentation to affiliate programs and/or your university. Most obviously, you will need to have an updated passport. Additionally, you may need to apply for a visa, depending on where your program is located. Many programs also require students to get a physical done before their departure to ensure that they are physically capable of making the trip.
So, if studying abroad is something that you are interested in, I hope that these resources and tips will be useful to you. I implore all of you to take advantage of the opportunities that your university has to offer. College is the perfect time to study abroad and learn more about yourself. If you have any questions about something I didn’t cover, feel free to contact me on my contact or advice page! I will be more than happy to share the knowledge that I have gained with fellow travelers! As always, I hope that you continue to “Wonder With Me.”