Monday, February 05, 2007

Studying Abroad

Studying abroad allows you to travel the world as a student, earn credits toward graduation, get invaluable cultural experience, and have an incredible time doing so. What isn't to like about that? Most colleges and universities have programs that allow students to study in a foreign country while paying the same tuition as they would normally pay. Transportation to and from your country of destination will be the one significant cost beyond typical college expenses. You will also have to pay for housing, which varies widely throughout the world. However, you would most likely be paying for housing anyway.

The limiting factor in studying abroad is one's tolerance for difference. Can you handle living in the third world (most of Africa and parts of Latin America and Asia) or would you feel more comfortable in the developed world (Europe, Australia, as well as parts of Latin America and Asia)? Do you feel comfortable studying in a country where English is not the predominant language? Is a robust nightlife and cultural scene your flavor or would be happy studying somewhere less urban and more rural? It is questions such as these that prospective study abroad students must ask themselves.

Most colleges, including 2-year community (or junior) colleges, offer study abroad programs. If for some reason the college you attend does not offer study abroad programs, there are often people on campus who can point you in the direction of legitimate abroad organizations and programs. In the next post, I will share some online resources for students interested in finding out more about studying abroad.

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