Before you apply to study abroad, there are some serious questions you need to consider.  Identifying your goals for off-campus study is the first step in selecting a  program that best suits your academic needs and is the “right fit” for you.

1.     Why do you want to study off campus? 

2.     What are your academic interests and career goals?

3.     What do you want to do in addition to studying while you are off campus?  Travel?  Have an internship?  Do a service project? Independent research? Learn a language?

4.     Is foreign language proficiency necessary to study or do an internship in the country you are considering?  If so, do you have the necessary proficiency, or do you have plans to gain it before you go?

5.     Are you fluent enough in a foreign language to take all of your classes in it, or will it be necessary for you to take some or all of your courses work in English?

6.     How deeply do you want to be immersed in the culture?  Do you want to attend classes with students from the host country, or mainly with other Americans or foreign students?  Do you want the classes to be on the American model, or on another model that may involve much more independent work?

7.     Where do you want to live?  If you are considering going abroad, do you want to live with a family, in a dorm with students from the host country, or with other Americans?  If you are considering a domestic program, do you want to live in the neighborhood where you work, perhaps in a big city, or do you want to live with other students doing the same thing?

8.     Where would you like to go?  Do you want to spend most of your time in one location or travel to several places?  Do you prefer cities or small towns? Large universities or small programs?

9.     Would studying off campus alter your graduation plans?

10.  Will you need to apply for financial aid?  Are your parents supportive?