Should I Study Abroad or Just Travel?

See the world! Experience new cultures! Meet fellow adventurers! These are only a few of the reasons many college students choose to take a break from their home campuses to study abroad. But wait—can’t you accomplish the same things by simply traveling independently, outside of school? The question at hand is: Should you study abroad or just travel?

So you’re ready to get off campus and see the world—but what’s the best way to do so?

Of course, there are benefits to both, but it’s important to consider all sides before deciding to take your studies (or just yourself) overseas. Weighing all the pros and cons will help you clarify your priorities and make the most of your experience, no matter what you choose to do.

Please Note: The recommendations and examples in this article presume that you are traveling as an individual or among friends, as opposed to planning a family trip or coordinating a group vacation. Those are entirely different experiences for another article!

Is studying abroad worth it?

Anecdotally, the vast majority of people who study abroad report that yes, it is incredibly worth it! Studying abroad is an excellent way to expand your horizons while working toward your degree.

Returning student travelers cite eye-opening experiences and strong friendships as some of the most positive outcomes of their time abroad. However, those considering studying abroad may wonder if the experience will actually benefit them in the long run, both academically and professionally, especially considering the investment of time and money required for the trip.

Speaking of which, the cost of studying abroad can be a stumbling block for many would-be travelers, since the overall price tag can often exceed that of a semester on campus. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for study abroad financial aid, from needs-based grants to merit scholarships to work-study arrangements.

Regarding whether it’s “worth it” in the long run, there is data to support taking your studies on the road. Research by the Institute of International Education (IIE) found that those who studied abroad believed the experience contributed positively to their job search, expanding their prospects, helping them make professional connections, and strengthening critical 21st-century skills such as adaptability, compromise, problem-solving, and independence.

5 differences between study abroad and independent travel

Independent traveler or study abroad student? There are a few key differences.

A desire to travel is a big reason that many college students and graduates study abroad, but there’s more to the experience than seeing the world. There are some important differences between studying overseas and traveling independently—consider what’s most important to you as you make your decision.

1. Studying abroad carries academic responsibility.

It’s right there in the name; studying abroad means you still need to do your homework. Presumably, your chosen program offers classes that contribute to your degree while providing extracurricular enrichment in the form of cultural immersion.

Many people find that traveling to study reinvigorates their love of learning, or at least offers a break from the day-to-day on their home campus—but it’s not simply a vacation. Independent travel, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily carry responsibilities other than staying safe, being respectful, and getting yourself from place to place.

2. Who’s in charge?

There are many different ways to study abroad, from enrolling directly in a foreign university (or via a partner program at your home university), to participating in a third-party program that handles everything from accommodations to meals to extracurricular excursions.

No matter the circumstances, when you study abroad, you are still operating within an established framework, whether that of the school or program, and therefore obligated to follow a code of conduct.

When you travel independently, you usually only have to answer to yourself and your own desires, within reason (unless you join a formal travel group, such as Road Scholar or Atlas Obscura guided trips).

3. The nature of travel affects the price.

If you’re on a strict budget, independent travel gives you more control over your spending.

Whether you study abroad through your own school or a third party, you should know up front exactly what’s included in the overall program cost so you can budget for any additional expenses and seek the appropriate financial aid, if needed.

The average U.S.-based study abroad program costs over $16,000 per semester, though prices vary widely between third-party programs and those managed by a college or university.

Program fees may include lodging, some meals, in-country ground transportation, and extracurricular activities, but there will likely be additional expenses such as travel insurance, airfare, and study materials. Many student travelers take advantage of scholarships, loans, and grants to defray the overall cost.

When you travel independently, you will likely need to price out each individual expense yourself, as opposed to having a nice, tidy program fee. If you have the luxury of choice, there are plenty of ways to travel on a shoestring budget—but always keep a financial cushion for emergency funds or unexpected expenses.

4. Consider your ultimate goals.

It matters whether you actually want to study abroad or travel after graduation. What do you hope to accomplish by going overseas?

Perhaps international travel will naturally enhance your studies. A semester aboard an ocean research vessel, for example, might help an Environmental Science major understand the effects of climate change; a language immersion program may help a French major complete their degree faster.

But if your ultimate goal is to travel for the sake of traveling, consider whether you want the responsibility of academics while doing so.

5. Can you put it on your resume?

You need to know how to make your travels work in your favor, especially if you have ambitious career goals!

Many students are encouraged to study abroad because they are advised that employers like to see candidates with this type of experience. While this may be true of some employers, it matters more what you did with your time.

Think beyond the chance to put an interesting talking point on your resume: Will your time abroad enhance your education in a way that boosts your competence or expertise in your field? Will it help you build critical interpersonal skills that can translate to any workplace? Or will it give you the opportunity to engage in humanitarian work, such as building shelters or improving sanitation infrastructure?

Travel experiences, while interesting, may not contribute much to your future career at face value—pursuing relevant knowledge or helping others, on the other hand, are desirable qualities in any job candidate.

How to decide between study abroad or travel

As you consider whether to study abroad or travel after graduation, it helps to talk it over with someone else. College academic advisors are excellent sounding boards for these kinds of conversations, since they have likely guided students through every imaginable scenario regarding study abroad options.

They may ask you a series of questions that will help you narrow down your choices, solidify your overall goals, and help you answer the ultimate question: Is studying abroad worth it?

Whether you speak to an advisor or not, it’s important to ask yourself some honest questions:

• Where have I always wanted to travel?
• How do I want to travel? (Independently, with a group, on an organized trip, on my own timeline, etc.)
• When is the best time for me to travel?
• Where am I in my academic journey?
• Will studying abroad support my degree?
• Is there a specific destination that relates to my studies?
• What are my ultimate goals for this experience?
• Do I want to do schoolwork while I’m traveling?
• Do I actually just want a vacation?
• Is there a non-academic experience I’ve always wanted to have?
• Does my school offer study abroad?
• Can I afford to study abroad?
• Am I eligible for study abroad financial aid?
• Are there study abroad scholarships available?
• Will I be responsible for a portion of my own expenses?
• Should the program support my professional goals?
• What have past participants said about the program?

Try to answer each of these questions as truthfully as you can and put it in writing—these are great notes to bring to a meeting with your advisor, if applicable.

Find and compare study abroad programs on MyGoAbroad—it’s free!

Whether you choose to study abroad or travel independently, the most important thing is to see the world!

New experiences and new perspectives await!

There are so many study abroad opportunities out there, from purely academic to nontraditional to service-based, or a combination of all three and more. No matter what you choose, taking time to experience life beyond your day-to-day can expand your worldview, help you practice independence, and present you with entirely unique opportunities you won’t find at home.