Well, you’re certainly not alone. Over 325,000 college students studied abroad in the 2015–2016 school year, and that number is on the rise, according to the 2017 Open Doors® Report on International Educational Exchange.*
Studying abroad presents a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Many students who have studied abroad say their time away was life-altering. Highlights include getting to know a new culture, becoming more independent, learning a new language, making friends from around the world, and unexpected but memorable events.
With collaborative partnerships increasing, many universities have the ability to offer students excellent options for international studies.
Where to Study
To help you decide where to study, ask yourself these questions: What’s your comfort level in becoming familiar with a new culture? Can you speak the language? Do you have family heritage that may influence you? Will the country you choose help in furthering your career choice? Do you want to study in a city or rural area?
The Open Doors® Report states the top 10 destinations for U.S. students studying abroad as the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, China, Ireland, Australia, Costa Rica, and Japan. And guess which country had the highest rate of growth among destinations? That’s right, Cuba.
When to Study Abroad
According to the same report, the summer time period, which is shorter than traditional fall and spring semesters, has become the most popular time to study abroad. Some universities offer semester-long courses that include short immersion trips to other countries. Generally, students take a semester abroad in their junior or senior years. At that point in college careers, students may feel more relaxed being away from home, so traveling overseas might not seem as daunting.
Students Most Likely to Study Abroad
Twenty-five percent of students studying abroad major in the STEM fields—agriculture, engineering, health professions, math, computer science, and physical or life sciences; 20 percent are Business and Management majors; and 17 percent major in the Social Sciences, noted the Open Doors report.
And don’t worry, a variety of study abroad programs are offered through participating universities outside of the STEM and Business and Management majors.
How to Pay for it
Scholarships are available! Check out goabroad.com and learn about 45 available scholarships.
Keep in mind: studying abroad is so much more than studying in a classroom. Actually, the real learning comes when you begin exploring the country, discovering new people and perspectives, and opening yourself up to other points of view and different ways of doing things. Expanding your world will open up your mind in ways you never could have imagined. Furthermore, it will prepare you for your career and life ahead.
Cabrini University offers study abroad opportunities in many countries, including Argentina, Australia, France, Guatemala, Haiti, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and even a semester at sea. Seven to 10-day immersion trips are offered as part of full semester courses as well.
Cabrini also offers students studying abroad the opportunity to apply for financial support through the university’s Heiberger Scholarship.
Hear more about studying abroad on this Ted Talk.
Learn about Cabrini University's study abroad programs.
*A project conducted by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs and the Institute for International Education.