What is a Study Abroad Program?


A study abroad program may be the best solution for your college student who wants to explore and experience other cultures around the world. This education program enables the student to take college classes at a college or university in another country while staying in a dorm or living with a foreign family.

Before writing application forms, the student should have a clear idea where to go and what subjects to study. These are usually related. One can look at university listings and find out what subjects can be offered to him or her, or one can search for subjects and find out what countries have institutions that can offer these. As soon as she has decided, he or she must also take into consideration if he or she will have the classes taught in the country’s native language.

A number of study abroad programs can give preparatory classes in order to provide the student with working knowledge about the native language. This should be able to help the student understand whatever is talked about in class. Students generally learn very quickly just by hanging out with people who speak the language.

The student should also decide about his or her living arrangements. As was previously mentioned, the student can live in a dormitory or with a host family. Living with a host family is indeed a unique experience, but the student will of course be asked to help around the house. The student should also exhibit good behavior, since he or she is a houseguest. Furthermore, unlike living with the parents, the student should have his own money to spend on personal items.

Speaking of costs, study abroad programs are often funded by the college or university through regular financial aid to these students. Scholarships and grants provided by the school or the sponsoring organization can and should be discussed fully ahead of time so as to avoid delays. Additionally, the student would need to secure proper travel documents, as well as insurance. The insurance policy coverage should be wide enough to cover almost any unforeseen event. Legal insurance should also be obtained in the event of unfavorable circumstances. These may be overwhelming to the family, but student representatives from study abroad programs can help the family with their concerns.

A study abroad program is no doubt beneficial to the student concerned. Aside from having a taste of how it feels to live and study in another country, he or she can also learn values such as studying independently, being sensitive to others’ cultures, and enhancing interpersonal skills.