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Deciding on a Study Abroad Site and Program
Choosing your study abroad program is an exciting opportunity to explore the world. Of course, the world is a big place and can be a little overwhelming. This worksheet is designed to help you think about your choices and preferences for travel.
Choosing Your Destination:
When choosing your destination it is important to consider your travel preferences:
- What activities are you interested in doing abroad?
- Do you normally like spending time indoors or outdoors?
- Why type of climate/terrain do you enjoy the most? (Tropical, mountains, forest?)
- Do you prefer big cities or rural settings?
- What is motivation for studying abroad: language, cultural immersion, international career?
Once you have thought about your choices, start thinking about what countries might suit your preferences. Here are a few questions to help you research countries:
- What are the people like? What religions do they practice? What ethnic groups are represented in the population?
- What is the geography of the country like? (Altitude, climate, terrain?)
- How dense is the population? Does the country offer mainly rural or urban populations?
- What relationship does the country have with the U.S? With other countries?
- What are popular hobbies, pastimes, or activities in the host country?
- What is the country known for?
When researching countries, these websites might be helpful to you:
Other great resources are libraries and book stores. Check out the photography books and travel guides for pictures of the countries you are considering. Book People, Whole Earth Provisions, and Half Price Books usually have a good selection. The St. Edward's library has a number of videos about different parts of the world and countless books. Also, the Office of International Education's Resource Center keeps an updated collection of catalogs, articles, and other useful travel guides.
Choosing Your Program:
St. Edward's University currently offers three different models of study abroad: SEU exchanges, provider programs, and faculty-led study trips. See Types of Programs for more information. When choosing a program, it is important to speak to someone directly, either a company or university representative, about the questions you have. Use the questions below as a guideline of what to ask.
Questions:
05/29/2008s? Are the students American or from other countries? Are my classes with other study abroad students or with students from the host university?
Is there a staff available to assist students at the site abroad? Are tutors available? Are tutors included in the program cost?
Are computers available for use by the students? How often are they available?
What courses are available? Are they taught in English or in the host country's language? Who teaches the classes? Can I get copies of the course descriptions?
What types of housing are offered? How far is the housing from the school? What types of transportation are available?
What types of excursions are offered? How many? To where? Am I responsible for any of the cost?
Can I use my financial aid? What types of scholarships do you have and how much are they? What are the deadlines for applying?
What is the refund policy? What are the cancellation deadlines?
Comparison Chart: As you research programs, you will probably find that many programs are very similar. Use the chart below to compare the programs you are considering. Pay special attention to what the price includes and what special benefits are offered (airfare, excursions, cell phone, etc.)
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Program 1
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Company/University
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Location
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Cost & what it includes
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Dates
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Housing/Meals
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Eligibility Requirements
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Application Deadline
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