College Search Tips for Students Wanting to Study Abroad

You don't have to be in college to think about study abroad! Find a college with a great travel program and plan for all the expenses with this advice.

There are many things to consider when choosing a college, including study abroad programs offered by your prospective universities. While not all students intend to study abroad in college, these programs can lead to lifelong friendships, valuable career opportunities, and amazing cultural experiences. On the other hand, studying in another country can be a daunting and less-than-budget-friendly option. If you’re considering studying abroad in college, you’ll want to make sure the cost, location, and duration of the program align with your academic and personal goals.

All about study abroad

Though many colleges suspended their programs for the 2020 school year, study abroad is still becoming increasingly popular among college students. Inside Higher Ed estimated that nearly 11% of undergraduates studied abroad in 2017–2018, compared to 8.2% the previous year—and that number grew an additional 1.6% the following year, according to NAFSA. There are many benefits to spending a semester or more learning in another country and culture outside of your comfort zone. In addition to traveling to new places, creating lifelong memories, and maybe even learning a new language, students have the opportunity to discover new interests and impress future employers. Study abroad programs also broaden a student’s knowledge of different cultures, expand their worldview, and allow them to gain independence. Though many colleges offer unique study abroad options, U.S. News & World Report ranks Elon University as the #1 study abroad program in the country, followed by New York University and Middlebury College. Other colleges with highly ranked study abroad programs include the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Denver

Related: The Experts' Choice: Terrific Study Abroad Programs 

What to look for in a college study abroad program

Though it might seem far away, you can start researching study abroad programs while you’re searching for colleges in high school. Here’s what you should keep in mind if you plan to study abroad in the future.

Cost of program

When looking for a study abroad program, it’s important to make sure the cost is within your budget and whether grants, stipends, and scholarships are available for participants. According to thebalance.com, the average cost to study abroad was $14,295 per semester in 2019. At the University of Washington, the National University of Singapore Exchange Program Winter/Spring 2018 offered 25 credits. The program costs included tuition ($5,361), books ($400), housing ($4,500), food ($2,000), local transportation ($400), airfare ($1,700), personal expenses ($2,500), a study abroad fee ($675), passport/visa ($500), and health insurance ($400). The total cost of the exchange program was $18,436.

Costs vary depending on the location of the program you choose. For example, at UW, the semester-long exchange program that takes place in Asia (listed above) costs $5,000 more than the exchange program in Europe ($13,800). If these prices are still too high for your budget, you can (and should) apply for scholarships to ensure you have the ability to experience the cultural benefits of living in another country. Sometimes study abroad is built into a college’s tuition, like at Soka University of America, where undergraduates are required to study abroad for a semester during junior year at no extra cost.

Program details

In addition to the cost of a study abroad program, ensure the program’s focus matches your long-term goals. Common programs include study of language, medicine, and history. At NYU, students have the option to earn a Master of Arts in Historical and Sustainable Architecture in London. Alternatively, students can travel to Ghana, among other countries, to complete work on Urban/Metropolitan Studies. Along with the program specialty, students should search for a study abroad program with a reasonable trip length. While some participants may prefer studying abroad for an entire year, there are shorter options, with many colleges offering programs lasting anywhere from two weeks to one semester. Also consider the number of credits that will be earned during the duration of the program. A shorter program will likely result in fewer credits, while a longer program will lead to a greater number of credits. No matter the program duration or specialty, your trip will result in new experiences, knowledge, and a more diverse mindset.

Related: The Top 5 Things to Consider Before Studying Abroad 

Whether you’re studying engineering or learning a new language, there’s a study abroad program for every college student—it just takes some research to find them in your program of interest. Students can learn more about a particular study abroad program by visiting official school websites. Overall, studying abroad helps students gain life experience, enhance their appreciation for other cultures, and discover their true identity. To all the students out there wondering whether they should study abroad, remember this: “Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.” — Paulo Coelho

Request information from featured schools mentioned in this blog

Connect me with Elon! Connect me with NYU! Connect me with U of Denver!

Other sources

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:

About Samantha Slaughter

Samantha Slaughter writes articles and blogs, which, considering you’re reading this, makes a lot of sense. She enjoys reading, writing, and, most importantly, eating at the best restaurant in the world, Chick-Fil-A. She usually writes in the mornings so she can spend the rest of the day relaxing with her adorable dogs.

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress
Victoria Fuss

Victoria Fuss

March Madness Scholarship Winner, Class of 2022

CollegeXpress has helped me dramatically. Moving on to the next level has been a dream of my mine since I was just a young kid, and the support and help CollegeXpress has given me will help me further my education. I couldn’t be more grateful to everyone at CollegeXpress!

Monica

Monica

High School Class of 2023

Being a sophomore in high school, I never really worried about college. I thought it wasn't important to worry about until senior year. Through this program opportunity I came across, I realized how important it is to start looking at colleges early and start planning ahead. CollegeXpress has opened my eyes to what colleges require, what colleges are near me, and what they offer. The daily emails I get from CollegeXpress really help me look at the different options I have and what colleges I fit into. Without this website, I would not be taking the time out of my day to worry about what my future will be nor what opportunities I have. I could not be more grateful for such an amazing and useful website. It's thanks to CollegeXpress that not only me but my family now know how much potential I have in to getting into these colleges/universities that we thought were out of my reach.

Maria  Fernanda

Maria Fernanda

High School Class of 2023

CollegeXpress is always telling you with time to spare when to apply for certain scholarships, what they require, and if you’re eligible or not. They also provide helpful tips for both incoming college students and current college students, such as what to absolutely have in your dorm.

Damian Rangel

Damian Rangel

September 2021 Mini Scholarship Winner, High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress has helped me tackle college expenses, which will allow me to put more of my time and effort into my studies without the need of worrying as much about finances.

Khush

Khush

High School Class of 2021

CollegeXpress is a multi-maneuver platform that has been helping students in their college applications and scholarship hunt process. For me, CollegeXpress has been a boon. I've been able to find my dream university via CX, and I've also been able to apply to thousands of scholarships through it. All the thanks to CollegeXpress for doing such a great job for free. I express my sincere gratitude to you for doing such a wonderful job. I recommend CollegeXpress without any reservations.

College Matches
X

Colleges You May Be Interested In

University of Vermont

Burlington, VT

Pace University

New York, NY

SUNY Oneonta

Oneonta, NY

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK