Choosing the Right Study Abroad Program for YOU

AHHHH WHAT DO I DO??? THERE’S SO MANY PLACES TO GO! SO MANY THINGS TO SEE! I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE, I THINK I’M GONNA JUST STAY HERE INSTEAD.

If you’re considering studying abroad, this might be what your brain sounds like - at least, that’s what mine sounded like (at first). Deciding whether or not to study abroad is definitely overwhelming to say the least, but don’t let that deter you! If you are considering studying abroad, here are 3 pieces of advice I have for you that helped me in figuring out which program to choose:

1) Narrow down your options

2) Use your resources

3) Get excited!

First, narrow down your options. Looking at every possible opportunity makes it easy to mentally overload yourself, think about what you really want from a study abroad experience to help limit your options so you have an easier time deciding which program to choose. Do you want to study abroad for a whole semester? Or are you looking for a short-term experience? Do you want to develop your foreign language skills? Or are you hoping to make new English-speaking friends? Are you hoping to go to a university and live in a dorm? Maybe you’re looking for a homestay option. These are just some of the questions that I asked myself when choosing the right program for me.

Second, use your resources. You don’t have to make this decision alone - in fact, you probably shouldn’t be making this decision alone. Most colleges and universities have advisors or other study abroad resources for you to connect with and they can help you in your decision-making process. Additionally, there are plenty of resources available through IES Abroad. From detailed descriptions of every program to contact information for IES representatives, there are multitudes of ways to learn more about which program works best for you and how to go about applying if you are interested.

Third, get excited! Traveling the world is scary, but it is also so exciting! Our bodies have similar physiological responses to nervousness and to excitement, so if you can channel your nerves into eagerness, you’ll find that everything becomes so much more manageable and enjoyable. It can help to journal out your feelings, word-dump in a notepad, or talk to a friend about how you are feeling. Sometimes we can get caught up in our heads and overwhelm ourselves before anything has happened, so try to stay positive and don’t let your fears get in the way of the chance to have an amazing experience abroad!

I hope that you are feeling a little bit better after reading this post, or at least that you feel more prepared in considering studying abroad. If you are on the fence, go for it! The world is at your fingertips! And if that isn’t a reason for exhilaration, I don’t know what is.