where should I study abroad in college

Applying to College
1

hey guys,

current sophomore checking out colleges. please give me some suggestions on
-which colleges have great study abroad programs
-where to study abroad at these schools(I speak Spanish and a little french, but am open to all languages)

thank you

2

A quick Google search turns up a few lists: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/study-abroad-programs

http://www.bestcollegereviews.org/best-study-abroad-programs/

If you could narrow down the type of school you’re looking for, that would help, as many schools that aren’t listed still have great study abroad programs. And you’re not limited to programs run by the college you attend - depending on policies, you can go through a study abroad program with another university or even set one up independently. It’s more work making sure course credits transfer, but it’s doable. Also, many programs are quite different - some emphasize language immersion, including living with a family while studying abroad, while others are run by American schools where all classes are taught in English and students need to demonstrate English proficiency to attend. There’s also the option of schools that offer a “winter term” or “January semester”, which is a mini-semester in January, allowing students to study abroad without disrupting their regular semester course scheduling (a great option for those majoring in fields such as STEM, where strict pre-requisites make it hard to be away an entire semester. Elon and Centre are two schools that offer a winter term).

However, to truly help you there’s a lot more that needs to be factored in to your school search such as:

  • What part of the country you want to be in
  • What size school you want
  • How much your family can pay towards your education
  • Some possible majors that interest you
  • What your GPA and standardized test scores are (or will be, since you’re a sophomore)
  • What type of experiences you’re hoping for at college (sports, Greek life, service learning, and so on)

Study abroad can be an amazing experience - I have several family members who have had the opportunity. But this should be just one of your criteria in finding a college that fits.

Good luck!

3

Schools known to have excellent study abroad programs run the gamut, from FSU with its term that requires freshmen to spend their first year abroad (and you pay instate tuition year 2,3,4), to Dickinson (with study centers in many countries and seamless integration with all majors) to St Olaf (with a semester in Hungary especially for advanced math majors or a “Global” semester led by History and Anthropology professors).

4

I believe NYU has a great program for Studying Abroad

5

Don’t just about all 4-year colleges offer study abroad programs?