When Should My Student Go Abroad?

While many students study abroad while in college, there are plenty of opportunities available to high school students and college graduates.

High School Students

Studying abroad in high school will have many benefits for your child. For example, your child will learn to appreciate other cultures early on. Furthermore, your child’s study abroad experience will enhance their college applications. Because your child will have already lived away from home, studying abroad will help ease their transition to college. Also, your child will be more likely to study abroad during college.

Community College Students

If your student attends a community college, study abroad is an excellent opportunity for them to explore a different educational system before transferring to a four-year university. Studying abroad will give your child a taste of what it is like to live away from home, and allow them to become more mature and self-confident.

Does your child not have plans to transfer? For students seeking their associate degree or a certificate, a study abroad experience will not only enrich their educational experience, but it will also help them stand out when pursing future career opportunities.

University Students

There are a wide range of study abroad opportunities available to university students. Depending on where your student goes to school, they may be able to study abroad during any year of their undergraduate studies, from freshman to senior year. The majority of students study abroad for a summer or a semester. However, there are also opportunities for your student to go abroad for a academic year, during winter break, or spring break.

It is important to consider how your student’s study abroad program fits in with the rest of their academic plan. The best time for your child to go abroad depends on their major and what classes are available. Your student needs to speak with their academic and or study abroad advisor to determine when they should study abroad.

Going Abroad After Graduation

There are still many opportunities for your student to go abroad after college. For example, your child can study abroad in graduate school or teach abroad. There are also many exciting opportunities to volunteer, intern, or work abroad.

No matter when your student travels abroad, their experience will serve as a stepping stone to many future opportunities. Whether they are transitioning to another institution, going on to graduate school, or entering the workforce, their time abroad will be an impressive addition to their application and oftentimes a conversation starter during interviews.