Going beyond the classroom syllabus and gaining invaluable opportunities as well as insight and global perspectives are just the tip of the iceberg for any student who decides to study abroad. According to the New York Times, students who want to work internationally should study abroad to differentiate themselves from the competition. Only a measly 10.9% of students get the opportunity to study abroad at some point during their undergraduate studies. Having worked with countless college students, we’ve gathered some of the top reasons why students study abroad for a semester.

• Gain international exposure to global markets
• Improve language skills
• Appreciate diversity across several cultures
• Enhance leadership skills

Parents, professors, advisors, and employers should consider making international experiences an essential and affordable component to a student’s education. By creating a safe environment and welcoming environment, students can experience new cultures and worldviews.

How Can College Students Study Abroad?

When deciding to study abroad, students must consider several factors before committing. Most schools will offer a few programs that can vary throughout the year. Here are a few main ways to study abroad:

• Study abroad via your university
• Short-term and summer study abroad programs
• Study abroad via another organization

When choosing a good study abroad program, remember to gather all the essential details involved with each program. If you have questions, try registering for on-campus seminars or reach out to your academic advisor. If you decide to study abroad via another organization, programs such as International Studies Abroad (ISA), or University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), offer programs in Costa Rica, and Poland. These are safe abroad programs that offer meaningful experiences at an affordable cost.

Is Studying Abroad Expensive? 

The cost of studying abroad depends heavily on how you budget your expenses. If you decide to pursue a study abroad program through your university, the costs may be the same as your current university fees and living expenses. Meanwhile, studying abroad through another organization can average from $10,000 a semester to $15,000 for a year.

But if you decide to register for a short-term program abroad or a summer program, you may notice more affordable fees. Prepare a budget of at least $600 a week for program fees, flight costs, meals, and pocket money. Additionally, there are scholarships for studying abroad that you may want to consider.

What are the Most Affordable Places to Study Abroad?

Sometimes it can seem difficult to find a foreign country that offers relatively low costs and high quality of life and education. Luckily, many countries will willingly offer you those aspects and grant you a life-changing opportunity. A few of the most affordable places to study abroad include Norway, Germany, France, Taiwan, and Mexico.

All these countries have rich cultural diversity and a plethora of destinations to explore. Be sure to prepare yourself for any cultural barriers that you might encounter during your time abroad. There may be some issues that you have to resolve and understand before traveling to a foreign country.

How Can You Overcome Cultural Barriers?

Since ample opportunities are waiting for you when you decide to study abroad, it is best to consider all your options and carefully consider the negative effects of studying abroad. Along with the high costs of living in another country, other disadvantages may include homesickness and encountering a cultural shock when studying in a foreign country. Luckily, there are many resources available to help you cope with those issues.

We recommend picking up a foreign language dictionary and try learning some conversational phrases or words. Doing so will greatly decrease the language barrier. Being far away geographically does not mean that you can’t stay in regular contact with your family and friends. These habits will help lower the risk of problems that likely to arise during your trip. To learn more about academic programs and tips on study abroad, make sure to visit our blog.