Why It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning Your Study Abroad Journey
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience at any age, but it can be especially fascinating during the years of early adulthood. It’s a chance to embrace your independence, step out of your usual routine (even if just for a summer), and open your mind to new ideas and possibilities about life beyond high school. Studying abroad in college is an incredible opportunity, but many students don’t realize how much early planning can expand their options. By starting early and planning in high school, you can set yourself up for a more affordable, well-prepared, and enriching international experience. From financial planning to academic choices, here’s why getting a head start can make all the difference.
1
Save Money & Find More Funding Options
Studying abroad can be expensive, but starting your planning in high school gives you more time to research scholarships, grants, and crowdfunding. Many study abroad programs offer early application discounts (like us!), and some scholarships require students to apply well in advance. By researching your options early, you can budget smarter, apply for more funding, and avoid last-minute financial stress. Plus, if you plan your college coursework strategically, you may be able to use federal financial aid for study abroad, making it even more affordable.
2
Build a Standout College Application
Colleges love students who are forward-thinking and globally minded. Mentioning your study abroad goals in your college application essays and interviews shows that you’re ambitious, open-minded, and eager to embrace new challenges. If you’ve already researched potential programs, funding options, or even specific countries you want to study in, you’ll demonstrate a level of preparedness and initiative that can impress admissions officers.
3
Expand Your Opportunities with a Longer Timeline
Many students wait until their sophomore or junior year of college to start thinking about studying abroad—by then, their choices may be limited due to class requirements or availability of funding. Planning in high school gives you more time to explore different destinations, programs, and academic options. You might find you’re interested in longer-term programs, dual-degree options, or even internships abroad that require early application. The more time you have to research, the more choices you’ll have when the time comes to go abroad.
4
Choose a College That Supports Study Abroad
Not all colleges offer the same level of study abroad support, financial aid, or program variety. If you already know that studying abroad is a priority for you, researching colleges with strong international programs can help you choose a school that makes studying abroad easier and more affordable. Some universities even require a study abroad experience or offer automatic grants for students who participate.
5
Align Your Coursework for Study Abroad Credits
If you plan early, you can choose a college major or minor that aligns well with study abroad opportunities that you’re interested in. Certain programs—such as international business, foreign languages, or global studies—may have built-in study abroad components. Some colleges also require specific prerequisites for studying abroad, so knowing these in advance can help you avoid scheduling conflicts later on.
6
Get a Head Start on Learning a Language
If you’re interested in studying in a non-English-speaking country, starting a foreign language early can make a huge difference. While many study abroad programs offer beginner-level courses, being proficient in the language beforehand will make your experience smoother, both academically and socially. If your high school doesn’t offer the language you want to learn, you can take online courses or language immersion programs to get ahead.
7
Build Confidence & Independence
Studying abroad requires a lot of independence, from navigating new cities to managing your own budget. By planning in high school, you can develop these skills gradually instead of feeling overwhelmed when the time comes. You might even consider taking a short-term high school study abroad program or a summer exchange program to get a taste of international travel before committing to a longer experience in college.
8
Make Studying Abroad a Non-Negotiable Goal
When you start planning early, studying abroad becomes a priority rather than an afterthought. Many college students intend to study abroad but get sidetracked by heavy course loads, financial constraints, or last-minute planning struggles. By making study abroad a non-negotiable part of your college experience before you even start, you’ll be more likely to follow through. Setting clear goals, researching deadlines, and making study abroad part of your academic plan ensures that when the time comes, you’re ready to go without hesitation or barriers.
9
Take Advantage of Gap Year Study Abroad Programs
If you start planning early, you might discover that a gap year or summer program abroad before college is the best fit for you. Some universities allow students to defer admission for a year to study or work abroad, and there are many structured gap year programs that offer college credit, internships, and service-learning opportunities. This can help you gain real-world experience, explore different cultures, and enter college with a more global perspective.
10
Have a Clearer Plan Once You’re in College
Many students don’t realize until it’s too late that their major, financial aid, or class schedule makes it difficult to study abroad. By planning ahead, you’ll be prepared with a clear roadmap—knowing exactly what courses to take, what scholarships to apply for, and when to fit study abroad into your college timeline.
Building Your Future Starts Today!
The earlier you start planning your study abroad experience, the more affordable, enriching, and seamless it will be. From saving money and securing scholarships to choosing the right college and preparing academically, thinking ahead gives you a huge advantage. Don’t wait until you’re already in college to start figuring it out—start today and turn your dream of studying abroad into a reality!
