Choosing to study abroad can be exciting, but finding the right program and destination takes more than just picking a place on the map. Here are some tips for turning a world of options into a perfect fit.
With thousands of study abroad programs out there, how do you know which one is right for you? The best program is likely one that aligns with your academic goals, personality, and level of independence, while also giving you the cultural experience you’re looking for. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key factors to think through before you pack your bags.
Before diving into destinations or program types, take time to define what you want to get out of study abroad. Are you hoping to earn credit towards your major, explore a new culture, build language skills, or meet people from around the world? Defining your top-priority goals will help narrow down the best places to study abroad for your interest.
For example, if you want to maximize cultural immersion, you might prioritize programs in non-English speaking countries. If you’re looking for flexibility or a shorter time commitment, summer study abroad programs could be a better fit than a full semester. Knowing your “why” will help you choose a program that supports your academic and personal growth.
Before you fall in love with a city or program, make sure the coursework you decide on will count towards your degree.
Picture This: You spend a semester in Rome, take amazing classes about art and architecture, and then find out they won’t count toward your degree. Suddenly, you’re short credits, behind in school, and might graduate late.
Avoid this by first meeting with your academic advisor and talking to your study abroad office early, ideally at least one semester (or 4 to 6 months) in advance of your planned study abroad term. You can then attend info sessions, browse approved programs, and talk directly with an advisor who can walk you through your options. Ask if your school has a course equivalency database or a list of pre-approved programs.
You may also be able to join study abroad programs offered by other universities or third-party providers, especially during summer or if your school offers flexibility. To explore these options, check your university’s study abroad website or visit provider websites directly.
Helpful Tip: Use platforms like Terra Dotta, your school’s registrar website, or the study abroad program’s website (such as, CEA or CIEE Study Abroad) to explore academic policies and learn more about how transferring credit works.
Matching the program’s set-up to your personality and preferences can make a big difference in how supported and comfortable you feel abroad. Think about how long you want to be away. Some students prefer shorter summer study programs, while others are ready for a full semester or even a year. Consider how much structure you like, how independent you are, and how much time you want for travel or personal exploration. Do you thrive with close guidance and a built-in community, or do you prefer the freedom to navigate things on your own? Your ideal program will reflect not just your academic goals, but also your lifestyle and comfort level.
There are several types of programs to consider:
Imagine This: You’re a student who thrives on structure and community, but you sign up for direct enrollment and find yourself alone in a foreign city, navigating housing, schedules, costs, and transportation with little guidance. This mismatch could make your experience more stressful than exciting.
Helpful Tip: Read student reviews on GoOverseas.com for honest feedback about what day-to-day life is like in different program formats.
You don’t need to be fluent in a second language to go abroad, but your handle on the native language will affect your experience, including your academics, navigation of your surroundings, and social life.
Think About This: You’re studying in Madrid. Your classes are in English, but ordering lunch, riding the metro, or getting a haircut all require at least some Spanish. If you can’t communicate, daily tasks can quickly become stressful.
Decide how much of a language challenge you’re comfortable with. Many programs offer courses in English, even in countries where English isn’t the main language. But if you’re aiming to improve your language fluency, go for immersion like living with a host family or taking classes that are not all in English. No matter what, try to learn key phrases. It makes everyday life easier and shows respect for the culture.
Helpful Tip: Use LanguageCourse.net to explore immersion programs focusing on language or practice with FluentU or Duolingo before your departure.
Culture shock is real. A big part of studying abroad is adjusting to a new way of life. Think about your comfort level with public transportation, unfamiliar foods, different classroom structures, meeting new people who have a different way of life and/or don’t speak your language, or homesickness.
Imagine This: You’re used to fast-paced, grab-and-go dining, but in your host country, meals are long and social events stretch for hours. Or you’re surprised to find that stores close for several hours in the afternoon, buses don’t always run on time, and strangers don’t make small talk the way they do at home. Understanding and accepting these differences is part of the journey, but being prepared makes it easier to adjust. Some students want to be pushed out of their comfort zone. Others may prefer a more familiar cultural setting. There’s no wrong answer – just be honest with yourself.
Helpful Tip: This article on ConquerAbroad.com can help you learn more about culture shock and how to deal with it. Also, CollegeData’s Seven Signs That Studying Abroad Might Be Right For You, can help you decide if you are ready for study abroad and all the challenges, including culture shock, that come with it.
Will you be living with a host family, in a student dorm, or an apartment? Housing can have a big effect on your entire experience.
Imagine This: You sign up for an apartment, excited about the freedom, only to realize you’re 30 minutes from class, your heater breaks in the winter, and you’re Googling how to translate “plumber” in the local language.
One student who lived with a host family in Madrid said it completely changed her experience. “I felt immersed in the Spanish culture more than if I had lived in a dorm or apartment. I was eating traditional Spanish food and being forced to practice my Spanish with my host family which helped me improve drastically.”
Make sure to ask important questions ahead of time: How far is housing from class? What’s included? Who will you live with?
Helpful Tip: Look up “Day In The Life” or apartment tour vlogs on YouTube by students in your target program or city.
Even if the tuition for your study abroad program is the same as your regular school, you’ll need to budget for airfare, daily meals, excursions, toiletries, medicine, travel, souvenirs, and possibly more. Some expenses that you might not think to plan for include public transportation, SIM cards or phone plans, travel insurance and emergency costs, and cultural events or personal travel. If you’re living off-campus, you may need to budget for essentials like dish soap, bedding, and utensils.
Picture This: You budget for flights and tuition, but forget to include weekend trips, metro cards, laundry, or museum tickets. By mid-semester, you’re rationing your budget and missing out on experiences you previously thought you’d be able to do.
The good news? There are many study abroad scholarships out there to help offset these costs. Both universities and third-party providers offer need-based and merit-based scholarships. Start your search by checking your school’s financial aid office, your study abroad office, and the websites of the program providers you’re considering.
Helpful Tip: Use Numbeo to compare the cost of living between cities, check whether your financial aid applies to study abroad and look for scholarships that are designed specifically for global study. Many third-party providers like CIEE and IES Abroad also offer grants.
Strong programs will help you navigate health care, safety, housing, and emergencies. Look for programs that support you throughout the program, from pre-departure prep to in-country assistance.
Think About This: Your wallet gets stolen on the train and you have no idea how to file a police report in another language, or you need to schedule a doctor’s appointment but don’t know where to start. If the program offers support, a local program coordinator would step in and walk you through every step.
You should look for support services that have on-site orientation, 24/7 emergency contacts, English-speaking staff, health and consulting resources, U.S. embassy resources, and travel or visa assistance.
Helpful Tip: NAFSA (Association of International Educators) offers insight into what support services a study abroad program should offer and provides important safety tips to students who participate in the programs.
You can learn a lot from information online, but real students will give you the unfiltered truth.
Imagine This: You’re debating between two programs. One offers lots of excursions and weekend travel, while the other has more academic rigor but fewer built-in social activities. Talking to former students can help you decide which experience better matches your goals.
Ask Questions Like: What surprised you the most? What do you wish you packed or prepared for? How were the classes, housing, and support staff? Would you recommend studying in the city you went to?
Helpful Tip: Ask your study abroad office to connect you with alumni from the program. You can also search Instagram or YouTube for vlogs and day-in-the-life videos.
The best study abroad program for you will likely balance academics, adventure, and personal growth. Take your time researching, ask lots of questions, and trust your gut. Studying abroad can be an amazing experience, especially when you choose the right program for you.