Study Abroad in Multiple Countries

Set goals

Taking on this big of a trip while studying, it’s important to set some goals and structure. A mix of both academic and personal goals can help you stay grounded while being intentionally open about all the sights and experiences ahead.

• How do I want to connect with people or the country on a more personal level than just seeing the sights? Opt for a hobby or interest you like and can easily access while studying abroad to make a more personal connection.
• In what ways or manners do I want to push myself or boundaries? Be more social, try new foods or activities, practice a new language or languages—whatever is comfortable for you!
• How can I stay present in my studies but not overlook any fun activities in different countries? Consider a grounding routine to get in the habit of balancing both study and adventure.

Understand the benefits

Traveling to multiple countries may host even more benefits than a singular country—depending on who you talk to. Either way, there are plenty of awesome benefits to a multi-country study abroad experience.

• New cultures. The amount of history, traditions, and cultures you’ll be exposed to is thrilling! You can learn so much about a place through its culture, and to have the opportunity to do it a few times over is life-changing.
• Different perspectives. Along with experiencing different cultures, there are new ways of thinking and operating to experience too! It’s an incredible opportunity to push yourself in critical thinking, empathy, and resilience when figuring out how to adapt to a different perspective.
• Changes of scenery. With a multi-country trip comes plenty of different landscapes, environmental areas, and even biomes depending on your journey. Experiencing it through an academic lens is all the more special.
• Lots of faces. You’ll get a bigger picture of the world and meet a lot of different people along the way. To be clear, you’ll meet all types of people, and that’s part of the fun!

Things to know

No matter how many countries you see, here are some important factors and ideas to know before starting your travels.

• Visa and paper requirements - Check visa requirements and gather necessary documents from academic programs, embassies, or airlines for your volunteer experience.
• Language skills - Learn key phrases in the local language to navigate and show respect, even if you don’t need full fluency.
• Cost and logistics - Plan for program costs upfront, stay in common accommodations like homestays or hostels, and always have a backup plan, money, and important documents.
• Health and safety - Follow the country’s health and safety guidelines, get necessary vaccinations, and be mindful of different living standards while traveling cautiously.
• Cultural and social etiquette - Learn local greetings, social customs, and avoid cultural faux pas like tipping expectations or removing shoes when entering certain spaces.

While multi-country study abroad programs are available all across the globe, each placement comes with a different set of people, food, landscapes, and learning experiences.

Europe

It’s one of the most popular regions to do a multi-country study abroad program because there is so much culture tightly packed together. Students full of joie de vivre can easily score double-digit passport stamps soaking in the art and history hopping from coastal cities in Spain to the Louvre in Paris. Indulge in cheese fondue in Switzerland and end up practicing your Italian skills over gelato in Rome in your free time.

Central America

Another compact area of the world where borders are just a hop, skip, and jump away is Central America. A multi-country study abroad program could start with a week in Nicaragua, and end with a stay in Guatemala or Costa Rica. As the getaway paradise of the world, it won’t be difficult to indulge in vacation views and activities to break up classes. Even jet over to the Caribbean for some island hopping!

Southeast Asia

The region has everything from developing countries to hip, modern cities. Begin your free time feasting on some of the best (and cheapest!) seafood, riding bicycles through French-inspired streets, or fall in love with tropical beaches, yummy curries, and incense-filled Buddhist temples. There are plenty of picturesque opportunities in Thailand that should be included on any traveler’s bucket list, while Cambodia gives students the option to hike through Angkor Wat, and Vietnam students can visit Hanoi and Halong Bay all in one program!

Choosing a subject can be a tricky task if you are a bit undecided or unsure of what the possibilities are. Here are a few cool options to choose from.

Languages & linguistics

What’s a more natural choice to study in multiple countries other than language! It’s the way the world goes round and to be able to experience practicing your area of language in a few different countries will solidify your academic knowledge within the field. Your perspective and viewpoint will expand greatly by participating in a program like this.

Mathematics

If you’re more interested in numbers than words, there are opportunities for you, too! The great thing about Math is that beyond a few orders of operations or conversions for some areas, it's the same anywhere you go in the world. Learning how different parts of the world study Math and work in the field can help any student grow immensely.

Literature

Another great option for students to study in multiple countries is literature! Stories are another universal medium that is an essential part of the collective global community. Studying different stories from different places throughout the world is one of the best and most accessible ways to expand your perspective.

Studying abroad in just one country can feel like a lot to manage, and planning for multiple countries might seem even more complicated. But don’t worry—with the right steps, you can make the process much easier. Here’s a helpful guide to get you started on your trip:

1. Get matched

With our Online Advisor, you can be matched with academic programs in real time and get them emailed to you.

2. Choose a program

Want to save those recommendations somewhere? Sign up for or log in to a MyGoAbroad account. You can find more programs in addition to your saved ones, compare them side by side, and much more.

3.Choose how long to stay

Deciding on how long to stay can look very different from student to student. Make sure you pick something that feels right for your academic schedule.

• Trimester. Going for a short period of time is possible! It can be even more impactful depending on the subject matter and the course.
• Semester. Whether you go in the first half of the year or the second, it can be a tremendous way to spend a semester of your college career. There’s more time to connect with the places beyond the academics.
• Academic year. A full year abroad in multiple countries is great for an immersive program getting a broader look at a business, trade, or skill-related subject.

4. Funding & scholarships

Need some financial assistance or are curious to know more? Fill out our scholarship and deals application to see what’s available to you!

5. Apply

After you’ve applied to some exciting volunteer options, a program coordinator will contact you with more information.

6. Get your essentials

Once all of that is finished, and you’ve been accepted into a multiple-country program, it’s time to apply for your passport and visa, book your flight, and buy travel insurance.