"The Experience"



Study Abroad: An Overview

Author: petersons, Category: College Search

Did you know that your college education doesn’t need to be the same routine every year?

A temporary change in scenery can offer the opportunity of a lifetime. Why not consider enhancing your college experience with a culturally defining semester or two in another country? Studying abroad is an acceptable way to earn credit at most major institutions and provides a hands-on opportunity to connect with other languages and customs. Whatever your course of study, attending school in another country can further your education in immeasurable ways.

A growing trend
In support of studying abroad, The Institute of International Education (IIE) reports that “young Americans clearly recognize the crucial role they will play in leading our nation into a world even more connected than it is today.” The number of U.S. college students receiving credit for studying abroad continues to increase from year to year.

The face of study abroad is changing as well, as the number of students choosing to study in non-traditional destinations expands rapidly, particularly in China and India, two countries of growing economic importance to the United States.

Clearly, as the world shrinks, international awareness and experience becomes ever more important.

A matter of choice
Choosing a study abroad program can be overwhelming. There are tons of things to consider, so it’s a great idea to start making plans at least a year ahead of time. Besides, this is fun!

First, you’ll have to decide whether to be gone a year, a semester, or just an intersession (the month between semesters). Most importantly, you’ll need to give serious consideration to where you want to go and why. Programs can take you to one or many places, and they may include a variety of opportunities, such as international internships and volunteer programs.

You’ll also need to find out what types of programs are available. Study abroad programs can be:

* Sponsored or operated by your school in its own facility abroad and available only to its students
* Sponsored either by your school or by a member of your school’s study-abroad consortium and available only to students in that consortium
* Sponsored by your school or another school, but open to all students
* Sponsored and operated by the host school
* Sponsored and/or operated by an independent study-abroad organization
* Self-designed and created

Once you have the basics covered, it’s time to let you imagination go wild. Picture yourself in a variety of different places. Do you want to live with a host family or go it alone? Are you about academics or cultural experience…or both? By keeping an open mind as you explore, you’ll be sure to discover the place that will make your college experience unforgettable.

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