Studying abroad in Spain? Volunteering in India? Teaching in South Korea? Undecided but ready to hit the road, like, yesterday...? Whatever your travel plans may be (or not yet be), we know that you’re most likely in the midst of making the attempt to maneuver through the research process. It can be time consuming, but if you want an experience abroad that won’t disappoint you, it will absolutely be necessary to put in the work and research to make it happen.
To help with travel programs research and make it easier on you, we have comprised an essential travel program research checklist! There are a few questions that you must consider if you want to find meaningful travel experiences to brag (or to blog) about.
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Of course, travel programs research isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Between costs, layovers, the hunt for accommodation, and all of the other logistics involved, research and planning can become a tad overwhelming to say the least. Even if you know exactly what you want to do, it can prove to be a challenge to find programs that offer everything you’re looking for, as well as knowing what exactly you should be taking into consideration on the hunt for travel abroad programs.
Every international travel program you consider should check off these boxes
1. Does the focus match your goals?
When you’re planning a trip abroad, it can be exceedingly easy to get swept up in the excitement of it all and forget why you’re going abroad in the first place! Try to avoid such pitfalls though, lest ye be ready to waste precious savings. That volunteer program in Costa Rica may include weekly excursions to the rainforest, but does the day-to-day work help you achieve what you set out to do and fit into what you want to get out of a volunteer experience?
2. Is it where you want to be?
This question may be the most simple on the ol’ travel checklist, but it’s still one you should ask yourself. Many travelers pick destinations and student travel programs simply because they have fallen in love with an idea, and not necessarily because it’s somewhere they would truly enjoy. Research your destination thoroughly before committing to a travel program; once you arrive and your fees are paid, it will be difficult to back out because you didn’t realize no one speaks English.
3. Does the duration fit your schedule?
Program durations have thwarted many travel plans, so read the fine print. For instance, if your schedule only allows you to study abroad for a summer, make sure you’re not looking at student travel programs that offer only fall and spring enrollment. If you have to be back for summer camp or need to be on campus for training at the end of May, don’t consider programs that conflict with your previous commitments.
4. Does it offer your preferred housing?
There is a wide array of housing options across all types of travel, from private apartments, to shared housing with other program participants, to homestays with local families—so consider what your preferences are. For example, many student travel programs solely offer homestays as a means to support the local community, so if staying with a host family isn’t at the top of your study abroad checklist, make sure to look for travel abroad programs that offer private accommodation.
5. Are there spots available?
If you have found travel abroad programs or student travel programs that you’re interested in, make sure to reach out to the provider(s) ASAP to check and see if spots are available—especially if the departure date is in three months or less. He who hesitates is forever lost, so act swiftly and secure your spot.
6. Are you eligible to participate?
Again, make sure to check the fine print when shoveling your way through travel program requirements. When it comes to types of travel like volunteering and working abroad, many programs want to see either prior experience or a degree in a related field. If you don’t fit the bill, it may not be worth taking the time to apply.
7. Are you aware of the deadlines?
Unfortunately, you can’t always stop and smell the roses when it comes to travel programs research and choosing travel abroad programs. Most programs have specific deadlines for applications, fees, and submissions of necessary supporting documents. If you have already been accepted to a program, make sure to reach out to the provider or your assigned advisor and touch base on upcoming deadlines. Don’t miss out on your semester in France because you didn’t submit a copy of your passport on time!
8. Are you aware of the application requirements?
Yep, we’re gonna bring up that pesky fine print one more time! Initial travel program research can trick you into thinking that applying for a program is as simple as submitting a name, email address, and phone number. Instead, a Skype interview is often required prior to program acceptance, as well as a decent chunk of paperwork. Don’t fret, though—more often than not, there will be someone to guide you through the process.
9. Does it fit your budget?
Shop wisely! There are so, so many amazing travel abroad programs out there, and a fair amount of them come with a hefty price tag in tow; make sure you’re not falling in love with a program that is wildly outside of your price range. Also beware of hidden costs that might push programs from affordable into money pit territory. Which leads us to….
10. Do you know what’s included?
Some adult and student travel programs have price tags that are initially shocking, but do not let cost scare you away completely. Program fees often include quite a bit, such as accommodation, meals, transportation, health insurance, and activities. If you’re lucky, the cost of your flight might be partially or completely covered! It’s important to investigate and know what exactly will be included in your travel program fees—you might be pleasantly surprised.
11. Does it prioritize your safety?
This is a question that is extremely important to consider, but so often overlooked. Sadly, scams and shady travel companies are real (but rare), and there are travel abroad programs out there that see participants only as a way to make money. Make sure you’re traveling with a program or company that puts your safety above all else, especially if travel to developing countries or remote locations is involved.
12. Does it use ethical practices?
Finding out if your potential choices for travel abroad programs use ethical practices can take a minute, but it’s worth it for everyone involved. You definitely don’t want to perpetuate harmful operations by giving your money to a company that exploits people, the community, animals, the environment, its employees, or you.
13. Does it have great reviews?
Newsflash! Other travelers can be an amazing resource and great help with travel programs research. When researching travel abroad programs, check out the reviews for sure—there is no doubt that they will shed light on the true nature of the programs you’re interested in, good or bad or anything in between.
14. Are there any deal-breakers?
Do you have a list of oh-no-nos? Break that sucker out! If you have certain dietary restrictions, can’t sleep without air conditioning (come on, man), or need frequent access to WiFi, make sure to mention it to your advisor and find out if you can be accommodated.
You’re now closer to finding *the one!* (program, that is!)
There’s no shame in needing travel programs research help! Answering all of the questions on the travel program research checklist will surely take a little weight off your shoulders. So, if all of the boxes have a neat and tidy checkmark—hooray! Now get out there and explore.
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