What is Study Abroad?

The world is getting smaller. To thrive in it, it is almost essential to know how to navigate across various cultures, communicate in more than one language, and interact with people different from you. Spending a period of time abroad, whether it be a month or a year studying, interning, researching or volunteering abroad, is an invaluable investment into your ability to be prepared for our ever-growing global society.

Studying abroad allows you to immerse yourself in another culture, learn or enhance your language skills, launch lifelong pursuits, make lasting friendships, and gain an edge in an increasingly competitive global job market and grad school admissions process. While studying abroad, you can earn college credit by enrolling in courses that fulfill general graduation or specific major or minor requirements. Best of all, you indulge in an incomparable experience and should still graduate on time!

What is Study Abroad?

Let’s define studying abroad as participating in a program that takes place in a country that you do not consider home and earning academic credit for it.

While you will be spending time in another country, it shouldn’t be perceived as a vacation or a semester “off”. Depending on the type of program you participate in, you may still be required to take courses, complete a project or conduct research.

If you plan properly and coordinate with your academic and study abroad advisors, studying abroad should not delay your graduation. Express your interest and start researching early because some application processes take place the year prior to departure!

As studying abroad becomes higher in demand, institutions and program providers are working harder to develop courses and programs that cater to a wider range of studies. Therefore, we can dispell the myth that studying abroad is only for electives. As mentioned previously, check-in with your advisors who are familiar with graduation requirements and program offerings to see what is available to you.

Institutions and program providers are also becoming more aware of the different concers student have in regards to participating in a study abroad program. There are so many types of study abroad and global programs that exist today that there is a great chance you will come across a program that fits your needs and obligations.

If you want to dive deeper into the benefits and types of study abroad, we’ve included additional resources for your convenience. If you find this information helpful, let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and #diversityabroad.

Related Articles:

• Top Questions to Ask Your Study Abroad Adviser
• Convincing Your Parents You Should Go Abroad
• Four Things You Should Ask Yourself Before Studying Abroad
• "STUDY"ing Abroad: The Study part of Studying Abroad

Author: Diversity Abroad Community