I am a rising senior and currently have the option to attend the IUHPFL (Indiana University) study abroad program in Spain. While I would really like to go, I want to know how beneficial this may be in college applications to selective schools. Other than being an essay opportunity, would this really be more beneficial than staying in Bloomington, IN and working/interning/etc?
How long is the program for? Where in Spain is it? How much will it cost you? Is there an intensive lanaguage component to this program?
If it’s a two week vacation where you’ll go see major tourists sights, I’m not sure it’s worth the cost of traveling to Europe in the summer. It’s hella expensive and since you’re probably still under 18 you’ll find yourself really micromanaged by the grown ups. You’ll be over scheduled and constantly monitored, which is necessary for the safety of minors abroad, but I would have found very irritating.
If it’s a language program at least 4 weeks, I think it would give you some edge to your applications, but that’s no guarantee. The fact it is through a university and not just a tour company helps, but it’s an unfortunately truth that international is a common essay topic for those lucky enough to have gone. You’d want to identify a really specific, interesting experience I can’t guarantee you’ll have to differentiate from other students who go on a mission trip or with family.
Finally, I am a huge supporter of international education it’s an amazing experience and transformative, but that is only especially true for the individual that goes. International education is highly valued and global experiences are important, but Spanish culture isn’t that different from our own. It is the most popular destination for American students to study abroad, and going in high school may bar you from scholarship opportunities in university.
If you’ve never been abroad, there are scholarships and programs to support your journey once you get to university. My school as well as nationally competitive scholarships will prioritize students with no international experience. It’s worth it to maintain that status if you want to do a year or a semester once you’re in college.