Academic Study Abroad Programs, the Cost, and How to Make it Work For You

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Students studying abroad and enjoying the cultural experienceThe  study abroad programs offered in most accredited institutes of higher education is a real world opportunity to travel to a specific country and immerse the sudent in the culture, language and government that is very relevant to their actual degree of study.

Where Can You Study Abroad?

There are many locations around the world to study abroad, but the place you finally settle on is based on the area of study. It only make sense that a student studying business might want to study in Hong Kong (China) London (England) or Sydney (Australia), three of the biggest biggest centers of the world. If you're pursuing East Asian studies, you will probably go Japan, Thailand, or South Korea, and If you pursue medieval history, A European country is the obvious place to go. The idea is to get immersed in a culture and location related to your academic field of study.

There are many prestigious international universities and extensions of your own countries universities around the world. If you choose to study in another country, you can use your financial aid to offset the costs of a college semester study abroad program, while enjoying the opportunities you get with a multicultural experience.

You have two options when you do study abroad, you can go during a regular fall , winter or spring semester, or you can go during the summer break. All accredited study abroad programs will award you the same academic credits you receive at your home college or university once you complete the program. You do not receive credits if the program is not accredited. 

What Are the Living Situations of Study Abroad

Before you go abroad, you must setup your living arrangements. You'll either be hosted by a family, but in most cases, you'll live in a dorm room, apartment, or similar living situation as what you had at your home college.
 

Where Do I Find Study Abroad Programs?

Finding a study abroad program is fairly easy. Most colleges and universities will have a department solely dedicated study abroad. Visit the office at your academic institution or get the information from their website. The office will almost always provide  brochures and employees on hand to give you detailed and step-by-step information about where to begin.

If however your institution does not provide the employee resource to help you get started, Go online and search the  websites and agencies that provide informatiuon to find the right study abroad program.

How to pay for Study Abroad

Unless you are financially stable and well off, finding the money to pay for a study abroad program can be challenging, but there are a few ways to to this.

Before the academic year begins, you can work and save up your money over the summer. See our article on Great job ideas that pay for college students and teens.  The next option is, if you have a great academic record, you can apply for various scholarships and grants. The key though is to apply for a lot, as this increases your chances of winning a few.

Comments 

 
0 #4 paulyOcarzy 2010-08-22 13:46
Loved when I went to Hong Kong. OMG, that city really know how to live, and so many beautiful people there. The whole British influence is everywhere man. Studies were a breeze because English is widely spoken there, and when you're not doing school stuff you can always go somewhere or find something culturally interesting to check out. I went there through the Syracuse University study abroad program for business. Nice time and great place.
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0 #3 katrina 2010-08-15 19:40
I loved study abroad so much when I did it two years ago as a sophomore in college. I was in Italy and it was by far one of the most memorable experiences for me. I recommend any student to try it. It broadens your cultural horizons tremendously and the people you meet are so different and have something new to offer that you can't experience in your home country. I was an art history major so naturally being in Italy was ideal for me. It's the birthplace of many great Renaissance artist like Leonardo and Michelangelo. Also because Europe is so connected by mass transit railways and currency now it was very easy to go from one place to the next like Italy to France, or France to England. I think every student should experience this at least once in their academic career.
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0 #2 angelina 2010-07-23 20:50
Studying abroad is the best experience a student could have while in college. The foreign historical sites and cultures of people you encounter are unforgettable. You do miss home but you make a lot of interesting friends and greatly expand your network globally. I'll never forget my junior year in Spain. I spent alot of time not only there but traveling to the meditterranian, paris and london using the interconnecting railroad system. I basically advanced my learning and had a blast.
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0 #1 ana 2010-03-04 16:50
That was a really very good article. I am glad to know. Thanks!

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