| | | Personal considerations
How well do you adjust to new situations?
(If you’re not sure, think about how you did coming to college.)
Would you prefer studying with other Americans, students of the host country, or a combination of both?
Would you like to live with a host family, with students from the host country, or with other American students?
How well do you adjust to new situations?
(If you’re not sure, think about how you did coming to college.)
Very well. Fine, but I like to have some familiarity around me. - A study abroad program in which you travel with other American students and a director is probably appropriate for you.
I’m a little uncomfortable in new settings. - You should definitely travel on a study abroad with other Americans and a director. You may also want to start with more traditional destinations, such as Great Britain and Europe. For your first time abroad, a short-term experience might be the way to go.
Would you prefer studying with other Americans, students of the host country, or a combination of both?
Other Americans. Students of the host country.- Look into exchange programs in which you are taking courses alongside those students.
A combination of both.- Some programs integrate students from the host country with American students or offer opportunities to interact with people from the host culture. Even if you aren’t in courses with students from the host country, make sure you explore your opportunities outside of class to get to know these students, and host family options to learn more about daily life.
Would you like to live with a host family, with students from the host country, or with other American students?
Host family.- This is a great way to understand the culture of a country and improve language skills. Many language programs use host families. Be sure to check the living arrangements description when looking into a program. Some programs may provide a short-term host family experience, even if you aren’t living with the host family the entire time.
Students from the host country.- Many programs will place you in a dormitory or other situation with students from the host country. Be sure to check the living arrangements description when looking into a program.
American students.- Many programs will place you with other American students. Be sure to check the living arrangements description when looking into a program.
Back to Planning your experience |
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