College Study Abroad Programs

College study abroad programs are well worth the cost. At any major university, study abroad programs are an integral part of the learning experience, and with good reason. Studying a language in a local college is valuable, but spending time where that language is spoken is invaluable. Studying about a region, its issues and history, is possible in a local college, but studying those things in the region of focus adds the immense benefit of understanding how the issues and events shape the people and help determine their future.

University study abroad programs need students, so they send brochures to colleges, with the intent of getting them into the hands of the students. College study abroad is usually the domain of the Department of International Studies. If not there, the Department of Humanities or Foreign Languages should be able to provide information on language-specific programs. In smaller colleges, the information might be held by the Career Counseling office.

If you can't find information at your school but want to study abroad, learn about programs online - even those operated by other universities - and then ask your school if the credits will transfer.

Important factors in choosing a study abroad program for college are:

• Reputation/Feedback: Most important. I don't know how new programs get started, but it shouldn't be with your tuition money. Go only to programs that have a good track record.
• Cost: Important, but not all-important. If you're willing to get student loans for study here in the U.S., get loans for study there. Also, learn about the local currency and exchange rates.
• Location/Culture: Make sure it fits your personality or develops you.
• Language: You can take a short introductory course when you get there, but you should still study a bit before you go, at least the greetings.
• Transferable Credits: Unless you can afford to spend time away from your major, you'll want to choose only programs that you get credit for.

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