Choosing a Study Abroad and Foreign Exchange Program Destination

Where Should You Go Abroad?

Study abroad and foreign exchange programs are offered throughout the world, but how do you decide where to go? Your personality, interests and goals will contribute to choosing one location over another. For example, if you want to learn Spanish in a large cosmopolitan environment, Madrid, Spain, may be perfect. For another student learning Spanish, a small town in Peru will be the right fit. It all depends on your preferences.

Many students go abroad on foreign exchange programs offered by their school. However, don’t let this limit where you can go. Consider study abroad organizations for more options, or look into interning,volunteering, or teaching abroad. 

Remember these two rules of thumb:

• No single location will have everything you’re looking for.
• Stay open-minded when choosing a location (open-minded students tend to gain the most from study abroad).

General questions you should ask yourself:

• Do I prefer to study in a large metropolitan area, or a small town?
• Am I willing to live in a country where English is not the main language?
• How long can I afford to live in the chosen city?
• Is this a safe location for students?

Questions to ask if you are a foreign exchange minority student:

• What is the attitude towards minorities in this city?
• Have minority students had problems in this location in the past?
• Is this a safe location for minority students?
• Am I willing to be a foreign exchange student in a location where there is little ethnic diversity?

Visit Minority Students Abroad for more information

Questions to ask if you are a disabled student:

• How accessible is this location? Will it be difficult for me to get around?
• What kind of accommodations can be made for my disability?
• What kinds of local resources and services are there for people with my disability?

Visit Disable Students Abroad for more information

Questions to ask if you are a foreign exchange GLBT student: 

• What are the attitudes towards GLBT people in this city and country?
• Is this a safe place for me to study?
• What are the religious and cultural values of this country?
• What is considered appropriate behavior for friendship and dating?
• What are the laws in this country? Is homosexuality considered illegal?
• How will I express my sexual identity abroad?
• Am I willing to hide my sexual orientation? 

Visit Sexual Orientation Abroad for more information

Questions to ask if you are an economically disadvantaged student:

• Can I work and study in this country?
• How long can I afford to live abroad in this chose city?
• Will my ability to participate in excursion and independent travel be hampered in this location due to cost?