Avenues for Studying Abroad
For many students, the idea of studying abroad is fun, exciting, and adventurous – but it can also be expensive. Your options for study abroad programs will differ depending on your school, and there are many different factors to consider when looking into studying abroad. For example, you’ll have to consider if you want to study for a year or a semester, where you’d want to study, what classes you’d be able to take, and if your degree program allows you to earn credits internationally. The good news is that there are different avenues and opportunities that students could explore if they’re looking to have an international experience while they study.
Types of opportunities
There are two primary types of study abroad opportunities for college students: options offered directly through your school and opportunities offered by third-party companies.
School options are study abroad programs that exist within certain schools because they have partnerships or affiliations with schools in other countries. These may be good options for students because they often cost less than third-party options, and there is a greater chance that your school and program will allow you to count your international credits towards your degree.
Third-party options are options with companies that exist solely to help coordinate study abroad experiences for college students. While these options are sometimes a bit pricier, they often have a greater variety of opportunities available in terms of different study programs, universities, and countries that you could choose from.
Grants/Scholarships
For some students, the cost of studying abroad can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. Thankfully, there are grants and scholarships that exist specifically for students looking to have international experiences, regardless of the kind of program you choose. A great place to start is your university's financial aid office and scholarship webpage. Some schools have financial aid opportunities set aside for study abroad opportunities that could help you to pay for study in a different country. You could also do an online search for grants and scholarships that may help fund your international studies as well. There are many different opportunities for study-abroad funding, and even opportunities that will fund an entire degree in different countries and foreign universities.
The Bottom Line
With sufficient research and some extra effort, study-abroad opportunities may be more attainable than they seem. Many colleges offer opportunities to their students, and if your school doesn’t have what you are looking for, there are also third-party companies that may be able to provide you with the international experience that you’re seeking. And, while studying abroad does often cost money, there are numerous different financial aid options that may help eliminate that financial barrier. If you’re considering studying abroad, be sure to look into all your options – you never know what opportunities you could find.
