There has been a substantial  increase in the number study abroad programs offered to students all over the world. Picking the right study abroad program can be an overwhelming process. There are several questions you need to ask yourself as you are selecting which study abroad program is right for you.

The first question to ask is: what are the resources my home university provides for students to study abroad? By asking this question, you will find out what kind of help you can obtain from the university you attend. There are many scholarships particular to different world regions and specific countries Most universities have international study centers. These are campus resource centers that will provide information like affiliate programs and exchange programs. Some universities even have partnerships with specific universities abroad to minimize costs.

The second question is the most pivotal question of all: what can you afford? This question can help determine how long you study abroad. If you have a smaller budget, you may want to choose a semester or summer abroad program. Some world regions, such as Europe, are obviously more expensive than others, such as Southeast Asia. A smaller budget may also mean that you need to seek other financial support either from your own university or scholarship programs. The financial aspect of studying abroad is one of the most intimidating for students. In order to avoid becoming overwhelmed and intimidated look online for scholarships, there are many scholarships that students can win specifically to study abroad. You can find many right here on Voy! Searching, applying, and obtaining scholarships will make any student, regardless of their financial situation, ability to study abroad easier.

The third question is the fun question: where do you want to go? Sometimes this question is overlooked by thoughts like: these would only count as electives or none of my friends are interested in this program. Studying abroad is for you. It is to challenge you. It is for you to enjoy. It is for you to explore a whole new part of the world, so choose the place you will absolutely love without letting your fears stop you.

There are many more questions you could ask in order to figure out where to study abroad; however, these three are at the core of where you can study abroad. Go to your international education center and learn about the opportunities for you to study abroad. Sit down and figure out what you can do financially and where you will need help. Then pick where you want to go; the place you will fall in love with a new culture, where you will be challenged, and where you will have most fun.
photo credit: Kaplan International English KI Toronto via photopin (license)

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Sarah Derrick is a second year  Honors student at Radford University. She is studying journalism and communication studies.

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