Have you ever thought about studying in a foreign country? Maybe you wonder what it would be like to learn a new language and culture, while also going to school in that country. If these thoughts have ever crossed your mind, then studying abroad is for you! Whether you want to study marine life in Australia or about the philosophers in Greece, there is something out there for everybody. Many college and university students choose to study abroad and it’s truly a great idea.

Where to Start:

Now you’re probably wondering, “Where do I start? What’s the process like?” Starting the process of studying abroad is a little difficult, but don’t let that discourage you. Once you know what you need to do to start, the process can be easy—with some help of course. 

To start studying abroad, you first need to figure out how much time you want to spend in the country of your choice. If you want to spend just one semester or a full year. There are also summer abroad programs and other options. After this, you should try to see how much it’s going to cost. The average cost of a semester abroad through a third-party provider is about $15,000-$22,000.

Next, figure out if your university offers a semester abroad. Most universities have this option, but if not, you can also find programs outside of your university often called “third-party providers.” These programs specialize in finding students all around the world to find a program that suits you and your interests.

 Why to Study Abroad:

There are a ton of reasons why studying abroad is a great idea.

• Expanding your horizons: Studying in a foreign country can be an eye-opener for you. You can learn something new every day while living in a foreign country.
• Learning a new language: Living in a different country is a great way to learn a new language. Having conversations with people who are fluent in the language can raise your chances of picking up the language faster.
• Making new friends: Getting to meet new people is the best part of studying abroad. Most universities have a foreign exchange program, meaning you’ll be meeting people from all over the world.
• Connecting with your heritage: Studying abroad is a great way to learn about your past and where your family comes from. You can learn about the culture, language and so much more.

What to Know About Studying Abroad:

There are certain things to note when making your decision about studying abroad. Social media makes studying abroad seem like a fun experience, which it is. But what social media doesn’t tell you about is that when being in a foreign country you have to be prepared for an emotional journey. This means that one second you can be excited and happy to be in a different country but the next, you’re feeling homesick and just want to be home.

To deal with this feeling most universities usually organize events for their foreign exchange students. These events usually have activities for the students to engage in and to meet other foreign exchange students who are going through the same experience.

How to Pay for Your Studying Abroad Experience:

One of the first questions people ask when considering studying abroad is “how much does it cost?” According to BestColleges.com, “Costs can match or exceed American universities tuition rates, and students need to pay for plane tickets too.” Yes, studying abroad can be expensive, but it can also be cheap.

First, you want to figure out your funding status with your school. If you’re going to school on a scholarship, find out if that applies to foreign studies as well. Some schools might offer funding to study abroad. If you’re using a third-party program make sure to check their financial aid services. 

 There are many scholarships available that can help you pay for your foreign studies. Here’s a list of some scholarships:

• Arcadia Abroad Scholarships and Financial Aid ($500-$2,500)
• DIS Scholarships ($6,000)
• Semester at Sea Scholarships and Financial Aid ($500-$14,000)
• USAC Scholarships and Financial Aid ($500-$5,000)
• IFSA Scholarships and Financial Aid ($500-$2,500)

Studying abroad can be a very fun and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t let the fear of being far away from home fool you, it can truly change your life.