How to begin doing your homework for studying abroad?

Applying to College
1

Hello, I’m an outgoing high school senior, definitely going to an accredited US university. I am an IB diploma student hopefully getting his diploma this coming May. Being a US citizen, I intend to attend my first two years of college in the states yet after some recent developments have developed a dream to study abroad in Australia in the Queensland/Sydney region and more specifically the Gold Coast. I just love the area and the idea of being in Australia. Here are some concerns I have as someone who has never, ever, ever considered studying abroad.

  • What is the financial situation like? My family is low-income in America and I would be hoping to get a scholarship for the fall or spring semester of my junior year in college. (Junior year is the year I think I would be ready to undertake something such as this)
  • What can I do right now or start to do next year to give myself the best opportunity to fulfill my dream?
  • What are the benefits of studying abroad besides becoming more culturally aware, developing world views, and simply having fun?
  • What is it like to live in a different country for a 3-4 months?
  • What are the dangers/cautions I should take in approaching programs/study abroad opportunities/promises?

Lastly, could someone point me in the general direction of either a website/book/organization that seems to fit what I’m looking for? Thank you very much if anyone cares to respond.

2

Where will you be going to college? First thing is to check partner colleges and approved programs your college has.
You also have to take into account the classes you need for your major and what you can take in that overseas that will fill requirements or general requirements. You will have to see what financial aid you get at your college and if the college will apply it to overseas study and see what shortfall you will have.

If you are Pell Grant eligible, you can apply for a Gilman Grant for study abroad. The funds can be used for your airfare and other expenses.

Why do you say you never considered study abroad when here you are talking about it? It really doesn’t matter if you thought about it before. Not everyone can do it because of financial constraints, but you can investigate and see. I don’t think my kid thought about it before either. But she picked the program not the country, so she went to the country with the best program that worked for her studies.

One big benefit is getting a foreign language immersion experience. You don’t have to worry about anything else for right now as you have at least a year before you can plan this.