Do you want to study abroad in 2023? The top 10 real ways you can travel abroad this year. This is a hot cake topic for most people. The internet has motivated college and high school students yearning to study abroad more than ever.
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If you’ve ever wondered about the ways to study abroad in 2023 then this guide is for you. Below are the top 10 ways you can study abroad this year.
Through School
Students usually go to other countries to study through programs organized by their own college or university. This is a common way for students to experience different cultures and ways of learning. It’s kind of like going on a long school trip, but instead of just visiting, you’re actually studying there.
This is often the easiest way to arrange studying abroad because it’s like a package deal. It’s all organized by your school, so the classes you take are almost sure to count towards your degree. Plus, the main costs are usually connected to your regular tuition fees, so it’s like paying for your usual classes.
Not only do the courses transfer easily, but your university’s study abroad program can also handle tricky things like visas and finding a place to live. Imagine trying to find an apartment in a country where you don’t speak the language! But with these programs, they take care of all that for you.
And here’s a surprising fact: did you know that many students say that studying abroad is actually cheaper than staying on campus? It might seem strange, but when you add up everything like housing and food, sometimes it can cost less to study in another country.
If you want to find out more about studying abroad, you can ask your school for information. Your school should have a program counselor who can help, or you might be able to find information online. So why not take a look and see what opportunities are out there? It could be an exciting adventure and a great way to learn.
Through Third-Party Provider
Just as not all schools are created equal, not all study abroad programs through universities are the same either.
If your university doesn’t have a program with the focus, location, or dates that you’re looking for, don’t give up there and assume you’re not destined to study abroad.
There are many companies that work within the education sector to help students spend a semester, year, or summer abroad regardless of their major or school.
These companies are called “third-party providers” and they specialize in matching students with study abroad programs around the world. One thing to note, though: there’s almost always a program fee for their services.
Directly With An Overseas School
Another way to study abroad (that not many students think of) is by directly enrolling in a university overseas.
Rather than going through an organized program with your home school or a third party, you can directly enroll for a semester, year, or full degree at a university abroad.
Surprised to hear you can attend school in a different country even if you’re not a citizen there. Yep, many colleges and universities abroad actually welcome international students with open arms!
Do note, however, that if you’re applying for a university that doesn’t provide courses in English, you’ll have to already have a pretty good grasp of the local language.
Global Independent Study
Are you working on a big project or academic paper within your major and the study abroad programs you’ve researched just seem too generic?
Perhaps this project might be essential to the next phase of your academic and professional career, even. If this sounds like you, a global independent study overseas might be just what you need.
Independent studies are usually an in-depth course both created and completed by a student under the guidance of a faculty sponsor.
For example, Brown University has a wonderful system laid out on their website to assist students in completing the requirements for an independent study.
Supplement your Learning With Research
Do you thrive in hands-on learning environments and can’t stand the thought of sitting in yet another classroom (even if it is in another country)? There’s a special type of study abroad for you.
Perfect for students who find global independent studies to be too demanding, field research is another type of immersive learning experience for prospective study abroad students.
Though it may not offer as much academic credit as class-based studies, the field experience will be worthwhile.
Intern for School Credit
Though interning abroad is usually considered the next step after college in order to get a job, you can still intern abroad for school credit before graduation day.
Many companies around the world only offer internships to candidates who can receive academic credit, and many universities around the world may require a number of internship credits (also known as hours of experience) in order to graduate.
These pre-entry level job opportunities may be unpaid, but they offer a wealth of learning opportunities while meeting academic requirements.
Through a Student Exchange
Have you ever considered swapping places with an international student just to see what a semester or year in their shoes would be like? Well, you’re in luck because that’s totally a thing!
Study abroad programs by way of student exchanges are usually facilitated through “sister schools”, or schools that have established relationships across the seas.
These schools accept a foreign exchange student under the condition that the international school will, in turn, accept you into theirs. When both of you have completed your semester or year, you switch back!
High School Study Abroad Program
If you want to get a jump start on your study abroad experiences and an exchange program isn’t an option, going abroad in high school is still a popular and viable option.
Most common with graduating seniors, high school study abroad programs are gaining steam to be the runner up to studying in college.
In high school, you can get started on your international education, make connections that will assist you in college or your career, and gain a perspective on the world that will change the way you value your own life experiences.
Federal Government to Study Abroad
Did you know the Department of State and federal agencies fund study abroad opportunities for students of all ages? Whether you’re in grade K-12 or in a college or university, you can enhance your education and project research by applying to their partnered programs.
High school students are offered yearlong and summer merit-based scholarships and language programs, like The Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange and National Security Language Initiative for Youth.
Undergraduate and graduate students have access to need and merit-based scholarships, teaching assistant assignments, language studies, field research support, and more.
Enroll at a language school abroad
Whether you’re still enrolled in college, haven’t yet started, or graduated long ago, another way you can study abroad is by enrolling in a language school abroad.
This is a little different than studying abroad through a third-party provider, since many of those will include extras, like non-language courses, excursions, or set you up with a local university.
Studying abroad with a language school is just that: you take language classes, possibly live with a host family or rent an apartment, and embark on a new linguistic journey.
