International Studies: Taking Education to Exciting Places

The New Global Classroom

So, you’re thinking about studying abroad! Studying in another country can be an exciting learning opportunity. In fact most colleges and universities offer diverse study abroad programs. Many now encourage students to take a course or semester abroad.

And it’s not just colleges and universities that offer international programs, it’s also become big business. Students may opt for a study abroad course program designed by one of a number of well-respected independent study abroad agencies.

Initial benefits to studying abroad: you’ll grow as a person and learn about another culture.

Americans Studying Abroad

The number of Americans studying in foreign countries is continuing to rise. More and more students recognize the importance of studying abroad in our globally-inter-dependent world. According to most figures close to 200,000 students venture abroad each year. Most even earn credit for the experience.

While many students still seek traditional European locales, such as United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and France, a growing number of students are opting for non-traditional destinations, including South America, Central America, and even “safe” countries in the Mideast.

Once upon a time studying abroad was reserved for students that could afford to get themselves there. Now colleges and universities have fashioned international programs that are accessible to every student with lucrative scholarship and grant programs designed to get even the most disadvantaged overseas.

International Students in America

Just like American students choose to study in other countries, thousands of international students choose to study in America. However, there has been a slight decline in international students studying in America in recent years. There are many reasons for the decline, including difficulties in obtaining visas, rise in tuition costs, and perceptions that international students are not welcomed in the United States.

Graduate international students in particular make tracks for American soil. Here are some of the biggest most respected research universities in the world and they are hotbeds for international scholars, many here on fellowships and grants.

Choosing a Quality Abroad Program

There are so many countries and study abroad programs from which to choose. How do you decide which one is right for you?

While you’re shopping for a study abroad program consider the following criteria:

  • Academic Needs/Personal Objectives: It’s important to find a program that matches your academic needs as well as personal reasons for wanting to study abroad. What do you expect to gain from the experience? Will the program meet those needs for you?
  • Program Sponsors: Who runs the program? Is the program owned and operated by the college or university that you attend or another institution? Or, will you travel as a student, independent of any college or university?
  • Finances: Will your financial aid package cover costs associated with studying abroad? Is there a study abroad scholarship or grant available? Have you researched the currency exchange rate? How do you plan to keep track of your expenses?
  • Housing: What will be your living arrangements? In what type of area will you live? Is it safe? Will you have a roommate?

Benefits of Studying Abroad

If you ask anyone who has studied abroad, they’re sure to tell you that you’ll come back home a different person. There are many benefits of taking your education to another country.

Studying abroad will definitely enhance your personal growth as an individual. Many students return home with increased maturity and self-confidence. Some students even report being able to tolerate ambiguity better by being exposed to another culture. In addition, long-lasting friendships are often made. Many students remain in contact with friends who study abroad with them.

When you choose to study abroad, you will learn a great deal about another culture. You will gain respect for another country’s culture, economic system and political system. By living in that country, you will be submerged in the culture and can learn much more than pictures and stories in a textbook can provide. Studying abroad will bring another culture to life for you.