Helpful Hints for Applying to a Study Abroad Program 

By Silvia Hou, University of Maryland

If you are considering study abroad, the options are endless. One of the most difficult challenges is choosing the right program at the right time. Numerous study abroad programs are offered during fall and spring semesters, and additional opportunities are available during winter and summer breaks.

Another challenge is timing. Most programs have application deadlines a semester prior to the desired travel semester. For example, if you wish to travel in spring 2007, application deadlines are usually from September to late October 2006.

Think about the type of program that suits your academic needs. The major categories of study abroad programs are project- or course-related, research- or internship-related, or country- or language-specific. Sponsorship of each program also varies. Most of them are hosted by your home college, another university in the United States, the institution you wish to attend, an international or national nonprofit organization, or private incorporated programs. Be aware that private programs whose websites end with .com and programs sponsored by private universities are usually for profit. These programs may cost twice as much as programs sponsored by in-state campuses and nonprofit organizations.

Answer these questions when approached with any study abroad opportunity:

What courses are offered? Are they in my major?

Will the credits transfer to my home institution?

Are the courses offered during the semester I wish to study abroad?

Are courses offered in English or the host language?

Would I need language fluency for certain classes?

Are language classes offered to help improve my communication?

Will I have an opportunity to do an internship? If yes, is a work visa required?

Is there a service learning or volunteer component?

What are the GPA, credit, and other eligibility requirements?

Most importantly, think about the current political and environmental situation in the country you choose. War or weather catastrophes can seriously alter your overseas experience and may cause you to return home early.

Confirming your interest in participating in a study abroad program is the least difficult aspect of the process. The next steps require you to be well organized and diligent. The majority of programs require letters of recommendation, a transcript, an application, and an essay stating your interest in the program. Before you begin this process, consider the program’s location, housing situation, support, and cost.

In two study abroad programs, I used the following checklist:

Location

Is the program in a big city or small town?
Is the program offered in multiple locations?
Are there plenty of other tourists in the area?
What is the quality of student life, and can I get around easily (e.g., transportation)?
What social and cultural activities are offered (e.g., museum, sports venue, night life)?
How is the climate?

Housing

Is there a home stay option?
Can I live in an apartment or residence hall or with a friend?
Are there different housing options, and will my preferences be guaranteed?
Will the possible housing be close to where I have an internship or am taking classes?

Cost

How much does my program cost?
What costs are included (e.g., tuition, flight, room, board, excursions, entertainment)?
Is it possible to directly enroll in a local university (thus bypassing a program, especially if it’s a private program that charges you fees)?
Are scholarships available for my program?

Keep in mind that there are scholarships opportunities on both sides of a study abroad experience. Your home university, the institution of interest, and government and nonprofit programs can offer financial assistance for interested students.

Before you travel, tie up loose ends at home and settle all personal issues. It’s the little details that will define the quality of your experience.

• If you have a year-long residential lease, start searching early for someone who can sublease your residence. In some instances, individuals neglect to tend to their housing situation and end up with no one to sublease their room. Leasing offices and landowners normally strictly adhere to the guidelines of the housing contract and require you to pay rent even if you are not physically residing in your apartment.
• Consider your citizenship status. For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, it is fairly easy to leave the country. If you have a study visa in the United States, however, it might be difficult to obtain a foreign visa or return after being abroad for more than three months. A shorter study abroad program is a better option if you have immigration restrictions.
• Consider your health insurance options while overseas. Most students are covered by their parents’ insurance plan, which does not include accidents abroad. It may be necessary to temporarily purchase a plan that would cover not only doctor visits and services overseas but also emergency evacuation and other necessities. Although this investment may be expensive, it is critically important.

More information about AAUW’s international partnerships and programs.