Deciding to study abroad is the first step toward a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that, in my opinion, helps people grow in many ways. Now that I have spent a semester in England, I have thought of a few things people should consider before deciding where to study.
The first decision to consider is whether or not the school you want to study at has a good academic program that coincides with your major. Always make sure the credits will transfer and that you will be getting the most out of your courses. Also, be sure to check if your classes run by semester or by academic year. Before I left, I was told there were some classes that ran by semester, so it would not be an issue for me to study at the University of Chester. When I arrived, however, I found out that was not true. Coming into the classes halfway through was nerve-wracking at first, but luckily I adjusted quickly, and it all worked out. That being said, being flexible is probably the most important skill to have when studying abroad. Once it all begins, learning about your major from people in another country brings a whole new perspective you probably never thought you could have. It just makes you well rounded and prepares you for future employment and experiences.
Obviously finances should be a major part of your study abroad discussion and decision. While the study abroad office at your home university may give you an idea of major expenses, it is also important to consider exchange rates. I learned this first-hand in England. During my time, Euros were very close to the American dollar, but British pounds on the other hand, were worth much more. I did not realize how much money I would be losing. I only had about 60 cents to spend for every dollar, which adds up quickly.
Location is another aspect to think about before choosing a university. Do you want to be in the center of Europe? Do you want to be in a warmer climate? Do you want to be in a big city or small town? Do you want to be in a touristy area? For me, Chester was the perfect size. It is a beautiful city located near Manchester and Liverpool, but without all of the large crowds found in those cities. I could walk everywhere I needed to go, and the train station was close by, which made travelling elsewhere a breeze. I didn’t want be in an area with too many tourists because I wanted to be able to go for relaxing walks on the weekends and be able to enjoy the city without being shoved through huge crowds. For some of my other friends who studied in places such as Paris or Florence, they loved all of the commotion and activity. It just depends on your personal preference. If you are not planning to study in Europe, research what is around the city you choose. Going to Australia, for example, may limit the countries you visit, but there is a lot to see inside the country.
Keep your travel plans in mind as you choose a university. Sorry parents, but study abroad is really about the abroad experience for many of us. Obviously studying is important, and I definitely learned a lot that I would not have at home, but I learned so much more through travel. Chester’s spring semester started mid-January and ended mid-May for me with one week off in February and a three-week spring break in between. This gave me plenty of travel time while I was in Europe. I was able to visit many countries and cities while still earning credits for my degree.
One very important thing to remember is how far away from home you want to be. Like most people, I find myself a little homesick from time to time, but I’ve always been fine being away from home after going to college more than 5 hours away. For me, it makes going home that much more special. Some other people I know, however, cannot stand the thought of being away from home for extended periods of time or being too far away. Make sure you are absolutely fine with being independent and away from loved ones. Trust me, there is so much to see and do abroad that it is actually easier than it may seem. FaceTime and Skype are wonderful tools as long as the time differences don’t get in your way.
If nothing else, go with your gut and enjoy every single second of your study abroad experience. It’s tough not being able to visit the university at an open house before you commit to it, but with research, alumni who give their advice and an open mind, choosing a university abroad can be one of the easiest and best decisions you make.
Now go cure some wanderlust, and make your dreams come true!
The first decision to consider is whether or not the school you want to study at has a good academic program that coincides with your major. Always make sure the credits will transfer and that you will be getting the most out of your courses. Also, be sure to check if your classes run by semester or by academic year. Before I left, I was told there were some classes that ran by semester, so it would not be an issue for me to study at the University of Chester. When I arrived, however, I found out that was not true. Coming into the classes halfway through was nerve-wracking at first, but luckily I adjusted quickly, and it all worked out. That being said, being flexible is probably the most important skill to have when studying abroad. Once it all begins, learning about your major from people in another country brings a whole new perspective you probably never thought you could have. It just makes you well rounded and prepares you for future employment and experiences.
Obviously finances should be a major part of your study abroad discussion and decision. While the study abroad office at your home university may give you an idea of major expenses, it is also important to consider exchange rates. I learned this first-hand in England. During my time, Euros were very close to the American dollar, but British pounds on the other hand, were worth much more. I did not realize how much money I would be losing. I only had about 60 cents to spend for every dollar, which adds up quickly.
Location is another aspect to think about before choosing a university. Do you want to be in the center of Europe? Do you want to be in a warmer climate? Do you want to be in a big city or small town? Do you want to be in a touristy area? For me, Chester was the perfect size. It is a beautiful city located near Manchester and Liverpool, but without all of the large crowds found in those cities. I could walk everywhere I needed to go, and the train station was close by, which made travelling elsewhere a breeze. I didn’t want be in an area with too many tourists because I wanted to be able to go for relaxing walks on the weekends and be able to enjoy the city without being shoved through huge crowds. For some of my other friends who studied in places such as Paris or Florence, they loved all of the commotion and activity. It just depends on your personal preference. If you are not planning to study in Europe, research what is around the city you choose. Going to Australia, for example, may limit the countries you visit, but there is a lot to see inside the country.
Keep your travel plans in mind as you choose a university. Sorry parents, but study abroad is really about the abroad experience for many of us. Obviously studying is important, and I definitely learned a lot that I would not have at home, but I learned so much more through travel. Chester’s spring semester started mid-January and ended mid-May for me with one week off in February and a three-week spring break in between. This gave me plenty of travel time while I was in Europe. I was able to visit many countries and cities while still earning credits for my degree.
One very important thing to remember is how far away from home you want to be. Like most people, I find myself a little homesick from time to time, but I’ve always been fine being away from home after going to college more than 5 hours away. For me, it makes going home that much more special. Some other people I know, however, cannot stand the thought of being away from home for extended periods of time or being too far away. Make sure you are absolutely fine with being independent and away from loved ones. Trust me, there is so much to see and do abroad that it is actually easier than it may seem. FaceTime and Skype are wonderful tools as long as the time differences don’t get in your way.
If nothing else, go with your gut and enjoy every single second of your study abroad experience. It’s tough not being able to visit the university at an open house before you commit to it, but with research, alumni who give their advice and an open mind, choosing a university abroad can be one of the easiest and best decisions you make.
Now go cure some wanderlust, and make your dreams come true!