Before you can commit to study abroad, there are several important factors you need to consider first.

 

Having a solid payment plan that coincides with any financial aid or scholarships you may be receiving is, of course, a must. However, a benefit to study abroad is the large amount of scholarships that become available to international program-participating students. Be sure to inquire about these opportunities with your home university, and apply for as many possible.

 

You also need to make sure that you have room in your scheduled graduation plan for travel. You need to ask yourself questions like: If I go abroad will I still graduate in four years? Will my degree audit still be okay if my international courses only transfer as elective credits? Are there required courses for my major that aren't available abroad? By thinking about these things in advance, you will save your future self from a potential pre-graduation panic.

 

And finally, if you have any academic or disciplinary sanctions on your record, those will most likely need to be disclosed and approved by both your university and program of choice before you be accepted into a program. No matter how big or small the sanction is, err on the side of caution by reporting it in your application. Failure to do so can often lead to a disqualification from participating in a program at all.

 

These considerations may feel overwhelming, but they are critical in determining if international education is right for you. The most important thing is to consult all of these matters with your study abroad, financial, and academic advisors at your home institution, as they are the best resources in making sure your dream to study abroad is possible.

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Enrolling in the right program is the single most important step in having the best study abroad experience possible.

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To find the perfect fit, ask yourself some of the following questions:

1. How long do you plan to be abroad for? (Semester, Winter, Summer, Year)

2. What country do you want to live in? Are there language barriers restricting your options?

3. Are you looking for a major-centered program?

4. Do you intend to participate in an internship while abroad?

5. What kind of program structure do you prefer?*

6. Do you meet the specific qualifications (major type, GPA, appropriate college year, etc.) to participate in the program you want?

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*Typical Program Structures:​

Direct Enrollment- your program enrolls you in a local college or university

Organization Programs- courses are held at a study abroad-only education center

Internships- can be included with organization programs or stand alone

Multi-Destination/Custom Programs- include education across multiple cities/countries instead of in just one home residence

Specialized Programs- such as for volunteering, specific degrees, or research

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Once you find the answers to these questions, you can begin exploring available organizations and programs according to your needs. If you attend a university, seeking further guidance from its International Education or Study Abroad center is the best way to do this, since their options will be most compatible with your degree. If your school does not have these offices or you are enrolled in an online degree program, please feel free to explore the 'Programs' page of COMPASS.

Once you have found a program you love- it's time to confirm your place.

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Naturally, this begins with your application. While applying, bear in mind the earlier advice of disclosing all academic or disciplinary sanctions that you have received, and be sure to double check that you are eligible under the program's qualifications. Then, prepare yourself for any essays or interviews the organization may ask for while considering your application. (This will vary from program to program- with some requiring none.) Then once you're accepted, be sure to confirm your placement right away, as some programs can fill up quickly.

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Even after your confirmation of acceptance, it is still very important to keep in contact with your advisors. First, seek out financial advising for any potential loan, aid, or scholarship applications you may need, now that you have confirmed your spot on the program. You should also visit your academic advisor if your grades are just barely at the minimum GPA for the program, or if you need to pass certain prerequisites before you go abroad.

 

And finally- get comfortable meeting with your study abroad advisor, as they will be the ones guiding you through the remainder of the process. If there are any questions you have about your program, they are your best resource to consult. Plus, they will let you know of any additional paperwork or steps that need to be completed during the time before your initial flight.