De-Mystifying Study Abroad: Find the Perfect Program for YOU!

Whether you've dreamed of studying abroad before or this is the first time you're considering the possibility, here are some variables that can work together to create the perfect experience for you.

By Clara Wodny — November 7, 2023

Tags: study abroad, travel

De-Mystifying Study Abroad: Find the Perfect Program for YOU!

Growing up, I often equated the concept of studying abroad to a fairy tale— something that could happen somewhere, to someone, but never to me. When I started college and heard my friends talk about their unforgettable study abroad experiences, I rarely considered it as something that I would be interested in or could realistically do.

Fast forward to now, my junior year of college, as I write these words from the comfort of the living room in my shared student flat in Nottingham, England. This is my second study abroad trip to Europe, and, this time, I will be here for an entire year.

So, what changed?

Well, I found out that study abroad isn't as one-size-fits-all as I had previously been led to believe. With such a variety of programs, destinations, and course topics available, there are endless opportunities that will resonate uniquely with every student. Whether you've dreamed of studying abroad before or this is the first time you're considering the possibility, here are some variables that can work together to create the perfect experience for you:

Program Affiliation

As you begin your search for the perfect program, the best place to start is your home university's study abroad center. Here, you will find information about the courses and trips that are sponsored by your school. Generally, these courses are led by university staff, with the class composed of fellow university students.

School-sponsored programs tend to be the most convenient option in terms of fitting into your four-year plan and earning credit. They are also ideal for students who are new to international travel, as traveling with students and professors from your home school allows you to explore new cultures and expand your horizons while maintaining some of the comfort and familiarity from home.

For students who want to travel to a specific place or have specific goals in mind for their time abroad, however, there may be other options that would fit better.

Many schools support partner programs with other institutions that offer similar conveniences to school-sponsored programs, as they will already be pre-approved by your institution. There are also many study abroad programs and experiences that aren't directly affiliated with any higher education institution. These include a wide variety of government-funded programs, as well as opportunities through external organizations such as CEA Capa.

Length and Timing of Program

The length of study abroad programs is another factor that can help customize your experience. Common time frames for study abroad trips include month-long trips (such as over your school's J-term or May-term), semester-long trips, full-year programs, and summer programs.

With a variety of length and timing options available, it is possible to study abroad without giving up any of your dreams and activities! One of the reasons I never considered study abroad was because I didn't want to miss any of the swim season, but a month-long trip ended up being the perfect way to expand my horizons, see new places, and continue to participate in my sport.

Another common reason for not studying abroad is the fear that you won't be able to complete your degree in time for your projected graduation. While most schools will work with you to make study abroad during the regular academic year possible, summer programs are another great option if that's something you're worried about.

Method of Study

There are many options regarding what types of courses you can take while studying abroad, and how those courses are delivered. As mentioned previously, most short-term courses will be taught by faculty from the sponsor institution. Most often, these trips make up one course that takes place in various locations and settings throughout the trip.

Other programs, generally ones that last a semester or more, will allow students to complete their studies at a foreign institution, then transfer those credits back to their home school. This option is great for students who want to fully immerse in a new culture, and experience a completely different education system.

Some programs, such as Luther College's Nottingham Year (where I currently am!) employ a combination of these methods, where students are part-time at a local university while also completing courses as a cohort.

There are even programs that offer other educational experiences without taking an actual class, such as internships abroad, or language immersion programs like the Critical Language Scholarship Program.

Clara Wodny

Clara Wodny is a junior at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she studies English and Visual Communications. Her junior year will be spent in Nottingham, England, as part of the University of Nottingham’s exchange program.

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