Is Studying Abroad
a Good Decision?

college planning articles and tips

Each year, millions of American students pack up their suitcases, rummage for their passport, and fly across the oceans to further their education by studying abroad. The idea can be quite tantalizing for many. The idea of taking classes in a French village, a Japanese dojo, or an Indian metropolis can be an extremely attractive prospect. Many students who return from their trips claim it to be one of the most influential and compelling experiences of their lives. Yet studying abroad is more than hopping on a plane and brushing up on a foreign language. It is a commitment that cannot be broken off after only a few weeks. When one is contemplating studying abroad he/she needs to ask several questions before making a commitment.

What are You Looking For?

The first and most important question that anyone considering studying abroad must ask is what experience he/she is seeking. If the answer is simply to live in another country, it is necessary to do more research and get more information. Studying abroad is not like going on a cruise, where everyone speaks English and you have free time to burn every day. No two cities in the world will give you the same experience, but you need to decide what experience you want. Is your goal to study a specific subject or topic you cannot study at home? Do you want to get exposure to another culture or language? In how large of a foreign city are you comfortable? Take time to read up on the possible locations for study and volunteer work abroad. Talk with former students who participated in a study abroad program to get their reaction to the experience.

What Do You Want to Do?

Once you figure out where you want to go, think about what you want to do. Going to a foreign nation puts you firmly out of your comfort zone. If you are a person who thrives on habit, a person who eats the same meal each day, or watches the same television show at the same time, maybe you do not want to get out of your comfort zone as much as you would think. When you go abroad you have the chance for an experience that you could never get in the United States, such as teaching English as a second language or working to improve the lives of the community around you. Only those who are willing and eager to get away from familiar sights need apply.

Language Barriers

The largest problem you will face in any foreign country is the language barrier. Unless you want to study abroad in the United Kingdom or Australia, English fluency is going to be a rare skill. Can you get up to speed on basic speaking and reading prior to taking off? Does the program offer language classes to better augment your immersion? A person hoping to leave a study program with good or even full fluency has an excellent opportunity, but all those who are frustrated or flustered by the prospect of speaking in another tongue will find the experience less than amicable.

What Can You Afford?

The final and most important question is that of money. Simply put, studying abroad is expensive. Airfare, lodging, tuition, and meals will take a serious dent in your bank account. The cost of living in major cities like Paris or London is so steep that you may find yourself running out of money faster than you anticipated. Check as thoroughly as possible for a source of funding to pay the costs, such as a scholarship or an internship, so that your out of pocket expenses are kept low. Financial aid is a long process but can save you hundreds or even thousands on a costly endeavor.

Author Bio
Ryan Ayers is a writer and blogger who produces articles in relation to education. This article was created to explain studying abroad in more detail and to encourage further international study with a Diplomacy Degree.

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