Study Abroad Programs are for experiential education. Picture the world as your classroom with each destination a new interactive textbook where instead of reading, you are experiencing history, art, culture, fashion, food and the arts in real-time! Maybe you have traveled overseas and had a taste of exploring a foreign city, a sandy beach, or a historical landmark. If you are looking for countries to study abroad and another opportunity to travel, to discover, learn, understand and connect with new people, studying abroad is a great option.

Who are Study Abroad Programs for?

As an undergrad, you want to venture out, build confidence, participate and learn by doing, seeing, and traveling. Maybe you want to study marine biology and rescue birds from oil spills but you live in a non-coastal state. Or maybe you are trying to understand history and archaeology from an urban jungle. Understanding new environments, languages, and cultures breeds an appreciation for what you have, or where you come from. It also opens your eyes to what is going on in the global landscape. Rather than studying words on a page, the element of participation, learning to say hello in a foreign language, or visiting heritage landmarks and museums might just stretch the parameters of your thinking. So for those of you who aspire to potentially open new avenues – academically and personally, read on to get started searching for study abroad college programs.

How to Find Study Abroad Programs: WHAT - WHERE - WHEN

Study Abroad Programs are available around the world! If you are interested yet slightly intimidated about how to find Study Abroad Programs? No worries. Here are a few tips to get you started.

WHAT Do You Want to Study?

Study Abroad Programs are available in different subjects. If you know what you want to study, go right to the ‘select a specialty’ menu. Are you a musician? Consider studying music in Vienna. Maybe you think it would be to fascinating to study technology in Japan, art history in Italy (as you sip a perfect espresso), Fashion Design in Paris or business in London, England. Or maybe you are interested in a Spanish Immersion program. Learning a second language is considered a fantastic way to strengthen the brain. Programs are available for elective credits and to support your major or minor.

WHERE Countries to Study Abroad?

If you know what country you want to go to, initiate your search for college study abroad programs with the ‘select a country’ menu. Spain, Italy, UK, Ireland…popular countries to study abroad around the world. Each of the countries may even have cities to choose from. Countries to study abroad are vast and each have its own nuances so choosing one that fits your personality and lifestyle will help your study abroad program be extremely successful for your personal growth.

WHEN Do You Want to Go Abroad?

If you know when you can actually get away (you’re thinking MayMester Intercession or Summer), use the ‘select a term’ menu to find year round or undergrad-term specific study abroad programs. This also gives you some food for thought. Using your spring break to learn about the rainforest in Brazil or learn French in France might be a pretty great way to spend your time.

Why Consider Study Abroad Programs?

There are so many personal reasons that undergraduates study abroad. Apart from learning about (fill in the blank) you are opening up new possibilities for personal growth and discovery. Whatever you decide to ‘do’ in your work life, confidence and self-reliance are assets. And let’s not forget communication skills! Navigating new surroundings (literally) is an experience that is likely to help you when it comes down to landing a dream job and learning the ropes of a new position. Studying abroad puts you into a new category, the ‘international’ potentially cultured, bilingual, self-assured student. So get excited about your education…look for Study Abroad Programs from just about anywhere on the globe!

usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economic-intelligence/2014/01/29/the-business-benefits-of-learning-a-foreign-language