3 Super Easy Things You Can Do Now To Make Study Abroad Happen

Three Things You Can Do Now to Make Study Abroad Happen later

For many of you, studying abroad during college is on your bucket list of must-do experiences before you graduate. However, even if you’re super motivated and excited to study abroad as a first-year student, making study abroad a reality does require some pre-planning and forethought. 

Regardless of your year in school or when you plan to study abroad, here are three critical things you can do now to ensure that a study abroad experience is in your future. 

#1: Save Your General Education Classes and Electives for Study Abroad

Here’s the deal, we all have to take classes we aren’t super excited about - whether they be gen ed classes or classes for our degree program. If you have to take these classes then why not take them someplace fascinating to make the subject matter a lot more interesting. 

For instance, if you hate the idea of taking art history, save that class for a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. You’ll be able to stand in the same room as famous works of art and learn the cultural importance of historic pieces IN FLORENCE FREAKING ITALY! 

What if you have to take an economics elective, but you’re dreading enrolling in the class? Head to Argentina to learn about South American macroeconomic issues or The Netherlands to learn about the impact of Brexit on the EU economy. 

Make sure you chat with your academic advisor and let them know that you plan to study abroad. They’ll be able to tell you which semester and which courses are the best for you based on your major and timeline. 

#2: Flag Your Favorite Programs and Keep That GPA on Point

The biggest reason most students don’t study abroad is that they didn’t plan far enough in advance to make it happen. The best thing you can do is to connect with your campus study abroad office, having a meeting with an advisor, attend an information session, and read about existing program options. 

Start flagging programs you’re excited about and attend any workshops or info sessions about that specific program. Also, connect with students who’ve been on your favorite programs to get an insider’s perspective. 

Study abroad programs often have strict GPA requirements. Make sure you know what those requirements are for your flagged programs and keep your GPA on point to make the application process easier for yourself. 

#3: Talk To Your Parents Sooner Rather Than Later

Your family loves you and they want you to have amazing experiences in college. But for some parents and guardians, the idea of you leaving the country for an extended period of time will freak them out. 

Make sure you start floating the idea of studying abroad to them as early as you can. If they are the types to be worried or concerned for your safety, make sure you provide them with all the information to help educate them about the place you want to go and why you want to go there. 

Send them links to articles, connect them with the study abroad office, even encourage them to attend an information session on campus if it’s allowed. 

Getting your family hyped up and excited about the experience will make it that much easier for you to make it happen when it comes time to apply. 

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Of course, there are many other things you can do to prepare yourself for a study abroad semester, but doing these three simple things will ensure that you’re starting on the right foot. Have more questions about studying abroad? Connect with us and we’ll help you choose a program that’s right for you.