Planning for Study Abroad

A world of study abroad opportunities awaits you! With more than 90 programs available through IAP, it can be difficult to get started researching programs to find the best one for you.

Ask yourself these questions to help focus your search:

Personal Goals:

1. Why do I want to go abroad?
2. Which aspects of study abroad are most important to me? (Language immersion, program duration, housing, specific location, etc.)

Academics:

1. What subject areas do I want to study?
2. Do I need to fulfill any academic requirements abroad?
3. Do I want to take classes in English or the language of the host country?
4. What is my foreign language ability? Do I speak another language and do I want to use that language abroad?

Location:

1. What country or region of the world appeals most to me?
2. Would I rather live in an urban or rural location? With a host family or in a dorm or apartment?

Other considerations:

1. How long would my ideal program be? A semester? Year? Over summer or winter break?
2. What year do I want to study abroad? (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior)
3. How will I pay for my study abroad experience? Do I need financial assistance?

Continue your research by taking the following steps:

Visit the Study Abroad Resource Center

Meet with Peer Advisors (students who have recently studied abroad) and learn more about preparing to study abroad. You can also get academic, financial, and logistical information for all programs, browse travel books, watch videos, learn about the application process, and more!

Meet with your academic advisor

Your major advisor(s) can help you figure out how to fit study abroad into your academic plans and what types of classes to take while abroad.

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