Studying abroad is an excellent and exciting way for students to enhance their education. Students can experience new cultures and learn a new language. However, students should consider their goals, preferences, and academic requirements of the program if they plan to attend one.
Types of Study Abroad Programs
Students can choose from different study abroad programs—direct enrollment, exchange, group study or faculty-led, research, internship, language immersion, and service-learning programs. The programs can focus on academics, service, research, language proficiency, or a country’s cultural and historical aspects. Depending on the program, it can span an entire academic year, a semester, during summer, or a few weeks.
A direct enrollment program is for students who wish to study directly at an institution abroad. The student registers with a university in a different country to complete their program of study. This option provides the most immersive experience but can be challenging as students are responsible for navigating the foreign institution system and arranging their housing.
Under an exchange program, the home and the international institution have a formal agreement. The student studies at one of the partner universities abroad for one or more terms but remains registered with the home institution while paying their home institution’s tuition fees. In return, the foreign institution sends its students to the home institution. Most courses taken through an exchange program earn academic credit after completing the program and getting it transferred to your home institution.
A professor from your home institution takes students abroad for experiential learning in a group study or faculty-led program. These programs often occur during the summer or winter break, typically for 2-3 weeks.
Students attend a research program at another university as part of the study abroad experience. Research programs might not offer academic credit, but the experience at a top research university might be enriching.
Students take up an internship with a company abroad, typically during the summer. Most internship programs do not offer academic credit. Still, check with the university if it fulfills any internship/co-op degree requirements.
Language immersion program focuses on language proficiency and cultural immersion. Students sometimes live with a host family and take language classes while participating in cultural activities.
Students work on a community development project while taking classes on related topics in a service learning program. These programs combine academics with community service.
The University of Alberta has over 270 study-abroad programs in over 50 countries. Students can go on exchange, faculty-led, internship, or summer programs. Queen's University offers over 220 exchange programs in 40 countries. The university provides students with various education abroad, field studies, internships and volunteering opportunities.
Benefits of Study Abroad Programs
Some of the important benefits of participating in study abroad programs are:
Personal growth: Students learn to be independent and develop confidence and resilience while handling unfamiliar environments. They learn to adapt to new environments and prepare for future challenges while away from home.
If you do not wish to be away from your family for long periods, studying abroad might not be for you. There might be a big time difference, and you might not get to visit your family frequently.
Cultural immersion: Students combine studies with travel while living in a different country. They get to immerse in a different culture, learn new customs, and better understand people from other countries.
Language proficiency: Students improve their communication in a foreign language by practicing speaking and listening to the foreign language daily while living abroad.
Enhanced academic opportunities: Students have diverse learning experiences and earn credits toward their degrees. They might have access to unique programs and courses not offered at their home institution.
Professional growth: Students gain international experience and build on their resumes, which can help them stand out to potential employers. Students learn to relate to people from different backgrounds, an increasingly important skill in the global job market. They are better prepared to work at an international location or multinational organization.
Network building: Students build networks with people from around the world, including fellow students, faculty members, and professionals abroad.
Factors to Consider for a Study Abroad Program
There are several factors to consider when thinking about a study abroad program. Talk to your academic advisor to find out about the programs offered by your university and how these programs fit your academic plans.
Eligibility
- Do I meet the eligibility requirements of the program? Does the program require me to complete certain credits or years of undergraduate study before I can apply?
Each program is unique and has its own constraints. Research your program options in advance. If your university partners with other universities, it will post the study abroad programs on its website. Note any application requirements and deadlines of the program. Consider the duration and structure of the program, including start and end dates, program length, and the number of courses offered.
- Does the program require a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA)?
Check if you require a certain GPA to be eligible to apply to the program.
- Do I need a certain level of proficiency in the foreign language?
Ensure the program you plan to take is in a language you are proficient in. Though English is the medium of instruction in most universities worldwide, the program might be taught in a different language.
Academic Growth
- What courses should I take?
If you are going to study in another country, decide if you want your courses to align with your major, minor, or elective subjects. Consider the reputation of the program and the host institution and any accreditations or affiliations relevant to the program.
- Will I receive transfer credits to my home university, and how many will I earn?
It is good if studying abroad gets you credit for your degree because you complete academic courses without adding extra time to your degree program. Check which faculty has an exchange program that fulfills your academic requirements. Speak to your academic advisor about how credit transfer to your home university works.
For example, in six years, students can complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Sussex, UK. You get to study and gain international experience.
Cost and Funding
- What is the approximate expected cost for the program?
Students pay tuition to the home institution for most exchange programs. Extra costs might be involved in attending the program, like visa processing fees, airfare and local transportation, food, accommodation, entertainment, and personal expenses. Estimate the cost of studying abroad and see if it is affordable without taking debt. If finances are tight, you might not be able to take full advantage of experiences in a foreign country.
If studying for a term or two is not possible, explore short-term programs like faculty-led travel, volunteer opportunities abroad, or cultural immersion programs.
- Are any grants and scholarships offered for study abroad programs to help cover some expenses?
Understand the funding options and compare the estimated costs of studying abroad. Most universities run information sessions about their programs so you can find out what the costs might be and funding options. Students are eligible for some scholarships and loans. If you are on financial aid, ensure you will continue to get it while you pursue the study abroad program.
Support Services
- Does the foreign institution offer the relevant support services I might need?
Check if the foreign institution has dedicated staff to help you apply to the program, get visas, and provide information on housing and health insurance. They should provide crisis management and academic counselling to exchange students. Ensure that they offer any accessibility support you might need.
Tips for Having a Good Study Abroad Experience
Before packing your bags, reach out to students who have done a study abroad program, especially the country you plan to visit. Ask them about their experiences, problems and how they dealt with them. Seek any advice they might have about good places to eat, see, and visit. Below are a few things to remember to make your study abroad program a memorable experience:
Before you travel
- Keep a record of your IDs, important documents, and travel details safe.
- Pack clothing appropriate for the culture and climate of that place.
- Get the required vaccinations.
- Keep details of your country’s embassy or consulate with you in case you need to contact them in any emergency.
- Try to get a debit or credit card in the local currency if your program is of longer duration.
- Learn about the economy, politics, religions, customs and traditions of the country you plan to visit to settle in that country quickly. The language, food, culture, and clothing might differ from your home country.
- Research the safety and security of the program location and ensure you understand any potential risks or concerns.
Once you arrive
- Be open and flexible when needed.
- Try new foods, participate in cultural events, and learn the history and traditions of the country you are visiting.
- Reach out to other students in your class and on campus and try to make new friends. This can help you feel more connected and supported while abroad.
- Participate in extracurricular activities by joining clubs or teams.
- Even if you are not studying a language, try to learn some basic phrases to help you navigate everyday life. It will improve your proficiency in that language, build connections with locals, and make you feel more integrated into the community.
- Stay safe by being aware of your surroundings, taking precautions while travelling alone, and following local safety guidelines to avoid any unexpected dangerous situations.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is a great way to travel, earn academic credits in a new country, improve foreign language skills, and develop better communication skills. Prioritize your academic, personal and professional goals and evaluate how this experience will help you achieve these goals.
When searching for programs, take notes of the course taught, eligibility requirements, like minimum GPA or language proficiency, application deadlines and fees, cost to attend the program and support services. Check if the program matches your preferences, like academic accommodations, financial constraints, support services, and medical needs. Consider the qualities of a good study abroad program as you explore university websites, talk to the university’s admission officer/representative, and visit campuses, if possible. Contact us at admissionelements@gmail.com to help you identify your priorities and goals and research programs that would be a good fit for you.
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