Studying abroad is the act of a student pursuing educational opportunities in a foreign country. Typically classes taken while studying abroad award credits transferable to higher education institutions in the home country. However, students may pursue these opportunities at any age and may not require college credit. Students studying abroad may live in a dormitory or apartment with other students or with a "host family", a group of people who live in that country and agree to provide student lodging.

Length of study can range from one week, usually during a domestic break, to an academic year.

Topics of study can vary. Some students choose to study abroad in order to learn a language from native speakers. Others may take classes in their academic major in a place that allows them to expand their hands-on experience (e.g. someone who’s studying marine biology studying abroad in Jamaica or a student of sustainable development living and studying in a remote village in Senegal). Still other students may study abroad in order to explore topics within the framework of a different educational system (e.g. a student of English who goes to the United States to study American literature).

History

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The act of studying abroad originated at the University of Delaware. In 1923, Professor Raymond W. Kirkbride sent a group of 8 students to Paris, France. At the time, the concept of students studying in a different country was incredibly unconventional. The action was originally named the "Foreign Study Plan." For a period of time study abroad was seen as an option primarily for foreign language students, though this has changed.

Reasons why students study abroad

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As stated above, students may study abroad in an effort to expand their opportunities beyond those their home university offers. Learning a language is one of the most common reasons for studying abroad. Another is the opportunity to travel and experience new places.

Study abroad versus exchange

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Typically, institutes of higher educations refer to Study Abroad programs as programs in which courses are taught in a foreign environment by their own professors, whereas an Student exchange program implies that the student is being exchanged to the foreign university (and is therefore taking courses with local students taught by local faculty). These definitions, however, are not strictly adhered to. In fact, new terms are constantly being created and used to more accurately describe different types of programs/experiences (e.g. direct enrollment programs, immersion programs, (faculty-lead) study trips, etc).

Students can participate in a program through their home university, a study abroad company, or directly through the foreign university. Although most universities prefer their students to study abroad through their programs, this can be limiting. The study abroad companies are generally more flexible, can have more available options, and provide an opportunity to be involved in a group of students from all over the country. One extra available option that a study abroad company may offer that a university may not, is the ability to study during the summer in intensive language schools. These language schools focus only on teaching students a foreign language. The most independent form of studying abroad is directly enrolling in the foreign university. Some foreign universities offer classes with other students studying abroad or some offer their regular courses with the native students. However, the student should be very independent and have a good knowledge of the language in the country.

The financial expense of studying abroad varies widely. Sometimes, direct enrollment in a foreign university may be less expensive than participating in a home-university run program. However, often times programs offered through a home university can be substantially less expensive due to fee negotiations and tuition wavers as a result of reciprocity.

Necessary steps to study abroad

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Though requirements vary by institution, several steps must be taken in order to study abroad. Many domestic universities house offices devoted to study abroad. The first step in studying abroad is to identify a program of interest. Application procedures will differ between programs. Students wishing to study abroad must also obtain the necessary travel documents (see below). Documents include a passport, visa, and often certain medical releases. Obtaining visas can be a time consuming process involving lots of paperwork. It is best to begin the visa process well in advance to avoid delays and problems.

Students must also arrange for lodging. Some schools maintain residences in foreign countries or at host universities. Other programs may require a student to provide his or her own accommodations. Most students will know where they will be staying when they depart, but some students will make temporary living arrangements from home and seek a more permanent residence upon arrival. Arranging for a place to live in a foreign country can be difficult. In addition to language barriers and not being able to see apartments in person, different cultures have different customs and procedures surrounding contracts, deposits, and payments. The internet has made remote apartment finding much easier in recent years, and it is the best place to start. Advice from prior attendees is indispensable. Local newspapers and publications from your destination can also be helpful.

External links

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Student exchange