For many college students, study abroad programs represent the first opportunities they have to travel to other countries and experience new cultures. But before you schedule your study abroad trip, it’s imperative that you iron out the details.
Study abroad programs are offered at nearly every four-year college and university around the country, yet only a small portion of the student population ever takes advantage of these opportunities. If given the chance, you shouldn’t delay in signing up. Some of the many benefits include:
- Cultural awareness. The first couple of weeks in a new country will undoubtedly be a culture shock – especially if you move beyond the western world. Educating yourself on how people talk, act, eat, work, and play will promote a greater sense of cultural awareness in your own life.
- Personal development. Expect to grow as a person while you’re studying abroad. As one former study abroad student says, “Overall, I learned a lot more about myself in that one semester than I did in the three and a half years in my home school because of the unique space in which I learned, experienced, and spent exploring another culture.”
- Professional development. You’ll also experience a great deal of professional development – possibly even discovering what it is you want to do after graduation.
- New friendships. Most study abroad programs place multiple students together. Living in a new country with someone will create a lifelong friendship and bond. You may also meet some locals, which will give you the benefit of having international friends.
There really isn’t a question regarding the value of study abroad programs. Sure, it might take you out of your comfort zone – but isn’t that what we all need from time to time? If you’ve put it off up until now, don’t waste any more time.
Study abroad programs are highly beneficial, but there is some planning and forethought that must go into the process.
The first step is to choose a study abroad program (of which there are many). There are numerous ways to go about this, but you need to take a number of factors into account. These include destination, time frame, program opportunities, cost and funding, degree credits, and support options.
From a logistical point of view, there’s a lot of paperwork and documentation that comes with studying abroad for an extended period of time. More specifically, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the various visas you may need.
For example, students studying abroad will need a visa to legally stay in the country, this is where an immigration lawyer can help.
“When you study abroad, your daily routine, culture, and the attitudes of people around you are no longer familiar. The process of recognizing, understanding, and adapting to these changes is called culture shock,” study abroad expert Mandi Schmitt explains.
While you may not be in a literal state of shock, you certainly feel a wave of new emotions, fears, and anxieties. Eventually, this state of disorientation will wear off – but don’t shy away from it. The more you familiarize yourself with these “strange” elements of the new culture you find yourself in, the faster you’ll acclimate. Doing research ahead of time will help you gather some context before actually being immersed in the culture.
It’s wise to see your primary care physician before studying abroad. The doctor can conduct a basic checkup and let you know if you need any specific vaccinations or medications before leaving.
“If you are taking prescription medications already, you would be wise to coordinate with your doctor to fill these for the duration of your study abroad program,” international educator Megan Lee advises. “It would be unreliable to expect your study abroad destination to have your specific drugs at the ready.”
Furthermore, it would be smart to locate the nearest pharmacy, health clinic, and hospital as soon as you know where you’ll be staying abroad. You never know when a sickness or injury will occur and it’s best to be prepared.
Regardless of whether or not your study abroad program is funded by a scholarship or as part of your normal tuition, it’s smart to save up some money before traveling. This will give you the freedom to eat out, go on excursions, and enjoy the many activities and opportunities your host country affords.
Before setting off on your study abroad program, do some research on the country and make a list of things you’d like to do prior to returning home. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you want to make the most of it. If you’re traveling with someone else, sit down together and make a list of activities, sights, and experiences you both want to check off.
Study abroad programs are all about broadening your horizons and experiencing new cultures. While there are plenty of logistical issues to sort through, the pros far outweigh the cons. Check out the opportunities available to you at your school and don’t hesitate to spend a semester abroad. It’ll be something that shapes your life for years to come.