Taking the initial step: Where to begin

2008-05-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Step 1. Choosing a destination

The very first step in the study abroad process is obviously choosing where you would like to go. For some, this is the easiest step of all, maybe they have had their dream destination picked out for years, but for others, the choice is not so clear cut. For those of you who are not set on a particular place, the best way to decide is to take advantage of the resources around you. Check out some books at your local library or bookstore, search the internet, ask around, seek out your perfect destination. In my case, I found that the study abroad office at my university was one of the most helpful resources. They provided me with great information, including brochures for study abroad affiliate programs. These programs may offer you additional locations and options that are not available through your universities' study abroad program. More on this option later... Now I would like to touch on another important factor in deciding where to go.

Step 2. Choosing your type of study abroad experience

Studying in one country or in several?

Another crucial factor that will determine where you would like to go is

choosing the type of program that best fits you. Generally there are two

types of programs for studying abroad: Semester at Sea or a semester in

a particular country. Through the Semester at Sea program, you take

your classes aboard a large ship while traveling to several different

countries. The typical schedule has students traveling at sea for a few

days, and then docking at some magnificent location where students

can explore the culture and beauty of the location for a few days.

Then students get back on board and continue this same schedule.

Because I did not participate in Semester at Sea, I can not offer any

specific details about this program. However, I can tell you that the

people I know who did do Semester at Sea spoke very highly of their

experience; their favorite part being able to see more than one country

and culture. This option is most likely best for those students who like

to be on the go and who enjoy a variety of cultural experiences.

As for the latter alternative, choosing to study in one country also has

its fair share of benefits and adventures. While the idea of experiencing

upwards of ten fascinating and completely diverse countries in one

semester was very appealing to me, I found that I was more drawn

towards the idea of actually getting to live and immerse myself in a

culture as opposed to only seeing it for a few days. Now this is entirely

my own opinion and preference, I am neither encouraging nor

discouraging you from the program I did or Semester at Sea; both have

pros and cons. The option of living and studying in one county for a

semester really gives students the chance to observe people and their

customs, learn the language, adopt a new way of life, and to really create

a home away from home. Even though I love to travel, I am also

someone who likes to put my roots down, so remaining in one country

for three months provided for me a sense of belonging. I really enjoyed

not only getting to know the sites and landmarks of Florence, but also

the people that were the heart beat of this lively city. From Walter, the

older but charming, bright-eyed maintenance man for the apartment

building I lived in, to the lively trio of Italian baristas at my favorite cafe;

the chance to interact with locals on a regular basis made my journey that

much more remarkable.

When it comes down to it, the choice between Semester at Sea or

studying in one country is all a matter of your personality, interests and

preferences.So start asking yourself what it is you are looking for in this

experience. Do you want to see as many countries as possible? Do you

want to learn the language? Do you want to go somewhere with a lot of

history or architecture? Do you want somewhere warm or cold? A city

or a small town? Americanized or completely foreign? These are just a

few suggestions to help you narrow your choice down.

A further explanation of Affiliate Programs...

As I mentioned earlier, some schools offer the option of studying abroad

through an affiliate program. This is a very important topic in which I

have a lot of information on, so I have decided to dedicate a complete

post solely to this subject. You can look forward to this informative and

key information in my next post.

I thank you for reading my post and I sincerely hope you return again :)

Much Love,

Stacy G

Tune in next time for...

Where there's a will, there's a way: choosing your venue for studying abroad

Studying Abroad: Tips & Quips

Taking the initial step: Where to begin