It’s a beautiful, warm Friday night and you’re sitting at home thinking about the big questions in life like: What’s the purpose of it all? Will I ever find love? Does green make my eyes stand out?
Don’t just ponder about your dreams, make them reality!
Just kidding, we know what you’re really asking yourself: What sort of study abroad program do I want to go on? It’s a big question, and if you’ve already started browsing study abroad programs, you know that it can get overwhelming fast.
In order to make your final choice, you’re going to have to ask yourself the most important questions about study abroad to help narrow down your options and make sure you’ve found the best possible program that fits everything you want and need. That’s where we come in! We’re here to lay out all the questions to ask when choosing a study abroad program.
7 questions you need to answer
So what are the questions to ask before studying abroad? It’s not all about the books, you know. Here are some of the top areas you should focus on before making the big (and exciting) leap across the pond to a new, international adventure.
You’ve got the questions? We’ve got your answers! Take note.
1. Can I afford it?
One of the first questions you’re probably going to ask before even looking at specific study abroad programs is can I afford to go? That’s probably the biggest, most important question of them all, but don’t let it scare you! While some longer, all-inclusive programs may be beyond your budget, you can definitely find a program that you can afford.
Adjust your program search to look for shorter duration programs (summer or J-term semester programs, for example) or programs that have fewer all-inclusive amenities (such as programs that don’t provide you with housing, and having to find your own).
You can also make studying abroad more affordable through scholarships and financial aid! It’s always a good idea to first check in with your high school’s counselor, or with your university’s financial aid office and study abroad office to see if your university offers any scholarships to study abroad students. You can also utilize resources such as GoAbroad’s Scholarship Directory to search for any number of scholarships or grants that are available for students with different backgrounds, majors, or destinations.
2. Can I transfer credits?
Having incredible, international life-changing experiences are obviously #goals for study abroad, but no one ever said no to a little academic credit! It’s incredibly important to check with your high school counselor, study abroad advisor, and/or university registrar to make sure that the classes you’ll be taking abroad will transfer when you get back on campus. Those international experiences are great, but you want to make sure they actually count and can go towards your major or transcript!
You will celebrate after finding the right study abroad program for you!
3. Does it align with my values?
As the old saying goes: picking a study abroad program is like picking your soul mate.
Okay...there is no old saying that says that—but who’s to say it can’t be true? When choosing your study abroad program, you want to make sure it’s the sort of program that connects with your personal values in approaching life. Which is why we stand by the fact that one of the most important questions to ask yourself before choosing a study abroad program is whether or not it aligns with your values.
Do you believe in getting involved in the community? You’re going to want a culturally-immersive program so you can be a part of the local life. Are you passionate about eco-friendly lifestyles? Maybe choose a program provider that also takes those issues seriously, and integrates environmentally sustainable living situations and activities into your study abroad program. Do you want to do more than just travel through a country, and actually give back to the people you’re a guest of? Narrow down your search to programs that incorporate volunteering gigs.
Make sure you’re choosing a program that aligns with what you believe in, and you’ll be amazed by how much more you’ll get out of your time abroad.
4. Were past participants happy? Can I picture myself happy, too?
You’re ready for your next adventure!
It’s always a good idea to do your research and see what past students thought of the program you’re considering. Many programs have alumni representatives around the country who will all-too-happily sit down for coffee with you to discuss their experiences with you. You can also reach out to your school’s study abroad office, where your study abroad advisors can connect you with past program participants. Don’t be afraid to ask real, honest questions about any concerns you might have about the program or what it’s like to live in your chosen study abroad country.
Of course, you can also do research on GoAbroad.com! Find your program on our website and read through the student reviews—feedback on your chosen program is right at your fingertips!
5. Will I feel safe on this program?
A reality check is important when considering a study abroad program: will you feel comfortable in the country you’ve chosen, or on the program you’ve decided to go on? Obviously you shouldn’t be afraid to push beyond your comfort zone and try new things, but make sure you’ll actually feel safe and comfortable on the program you’ve chosen. Going on a bad@$! program may seem cool, but if you’re going to be too uncomfortable or nervous to get anything out of it, then you might want to choose another program instead.
6. Will this program get me where I want to be in life?
Yes, life is all about the journey, but it's also ok (and good!) to have personal, academic, and professional goals. These are the things that will give you direction in life, and guide you towards jobs and personal interests that you can be passionate about and dedicate yourself to throughout life.
Don’t just choose any ol’ program… choose the best one—for YOU.
When choosing a study abroad program, always be realistic about how this program is going to help you get to where you want to be. Will it put you on a path towards that dream job? Will it help you become more fluent in the language you've been dying to learn for years? Will it allow you to dig deeper into a subject you'd like to study?
Study abroad should be a fun, immersive experience, but you should also take it seriously and consider how it can help set you on the path to bigger and better things! Consider thoughtfully how this experience will contribute to your overall study abroad goals—career, personal, and academic.
7. Can I see myself happy there?
After you’ve looked at all your options, done all of your research, and asked all your questions, you need to ask yourself the most important question of all: can I see myself happy there?
Study abroad can be scary, confusing, and intimidating. You’ll inevitably go through some culture shock and maybe even some homesickness. So it’s important to choose a program that will truly fit your dreams and needs in order to ensure that you’ll have the best (and most rewarding) time abroad ever.
It’s time to book your program!
Sit down deliberately and think about your answers to the questions to ask when choosing your study abroad program.
So here’s another question: are you ready to book your program? Choosing a study abroad program might seem like an overwhelming process, but with a little help from your friends here at GoAbroad, you’ll be on that plane in no time. It’s important to not just jump in without looking—be sure to take the time for some personal reflection, do some research, and really think about what you want out of your study abroad experience. Once you do, you’ll be well on your way to the most incredible, life-changing experience of your lifetime!
More resources to help you find your dream program:
- MyGoAbroad—Bookmark & compare program options with confidence
- What to Pay Attention to When Comparing Study Abroad Programs
- First Timer’s Guide to Choosing a Study Abroad Program
- Study Abroad Fees—How to Know What’s Included
- 10 Best Study Abroad Programs in 2019-2020
Look for the Perfect Study Abroad Program Now
Start Your Search