People have been having the same debate in their minds for decades: go to college or go out and experience the world?
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, look no further than studying abroad.
If you’re considering studying abroad, here’s the basic process you’ll follow including figuring out the best country to study abroad and more.
The First Steps to a Study Abroad Program
Studying abroad can be an enriching experience if you choose the right program and other options. Here are the steps you should follow.
1. Nail Down Your Area of Study
Whether or not you already have a major, figure out what you want to study while you’re abroad. Perhaps you want to focus on a specific aspect of your future career.
This is one of the first steps because it will impact your options. For instance, some programs may specialize in stocks and financial training while others are for medical students only.
2. Make a List of Your Goals
Before you start looking for programs, you need to figure out what you’re looking for. Make a specific list of what you want to learn on your trip. Think about the type of experience you want it to be and what you expect to get out of it.
3. Find a Study Abroad Program
Now that you know what you want to look for, it’s time to start browsing your options. Some colleges and universities have their own study abroad programs in place.
If your school doesn’t have its own program or if that program doesn’t have the features you want, though, there are plenty of independent programs.
Check out programs that offer the areas of study you’re focusing on. Find out what locations they offer as well. For instance, one example called Titan Global Associates has international locations in Australia as well as the UK.
To narrow down your list, read the reviews. Check out what students had to say on Google, Yelp, and other review sites. Be sure to look at the program’s rating with the Better Business Bureau as well.
When you have a short list, you can make your choice by calling and “interviewing” the options. Ask them any more questions you have about the experience and what they provide. This can help you get a sense for how professional they are as well.
4. Choose the Best Country to Study Abroad
Once you’ve chosen a program, selecting a location is the fun part. There are plenty of popular destinations for studying abroad, but your choice should depend on that list of goals you made.
Make sure you consider the language barrier as well. Are you trying to learn a new language on your trip, or do you prefer more seamless communication?
5. Align Your Travel Documents
Now is the time to start preparing for your travel. It can take months to get a passport and a visa for your trip, so don’t delay. As soon as you have the travel dates, you can start the process.
Don’t forget about the details as well. Learn about the country’s forms of currency and brush up on the local language or on their slang if they speak English.
Getting Ready for Your Trip
Studying abroad definitely has elements of a vacation, but there’s far more to it. That’s why it requires careful planning. The tips above can get you started on the right track from finding the right program to choosing the best country to study abroad.
For more tips on finding the right programs and other types of businesses to fit your needs, check out our consumer resources blog.