Study Abroad

Any student can study abroad, but most programs have a GPA requirement (2.0 or higher), and the better your GPA, the better your chances of getting into the program.

Study abroad for a semester, full school year or go for a summer session. Summer sessions are usually just a few weeks long can be on your own or with a group from your school. On your own is more likely to be for a language course in a foreign country. Group trips will be with a school professor and focus on a specific subject, like English, Art History, Archaeology, etc.

There are many benefits to studying abroad and it doesn’t just look good on your resume and increase your career opportunities. Travelling abroad to widen your skillset also allows you to mingle with international students, learn about different cultures and experience new destinations like a local.

You may have to get out of your comfort zone a little but in return you can learn to adapt to new surroundings and learn about different traits and traditions, gain independence and make lifelong friends.

The best way to study abroad is through your university because financial aid applies, scholarships are available and class credit easily transfers. The best source for information about different study abroad programs is your university's study abroad office. The counselors and advisors can help you filter through all of your options. Are you dead set on studying in London and flexible about what you study? Are you dead set on studying art history and flexible about the location? This will help decide which school you pick and the classes you take.

Ask a lot of questions, too! Like what types of student clubs are available to get involved in and meet people, what's the local student scene, how big is the campus compared to the city and where in the city is the campus located (helps pick accommodation), etc. Consider the main reason you want to study abroad because it should help you a great deal in filtering out the programs that aren't right for you. Consider whether you wish to improve your language skills, be immersed in a different culture, travel, or just have a good time.

This depends on what you want to do, how much time you have etc. Whether you want to study in South or Central America, in a European city or teach English across the continent, our Travel Experts can help you answer this question. Our STA Travel Experts will create the perfect study abroad program tailored to your available length of stay, budget and preferences.

If you study through your university for one semester or full year, you'll pay tuition to your university because you're still enrolled there - just attending the foreign institution. You'll pay housing to the university at which you're studying and that cost will vary (based on proximity to the university, self-catering or catered). The cost of living will also vary depending on the country and city to which you're going.

The process here differs depending on where you want to go and what you want to do but we suggest, planning your Study Abroad experience up to 12 months in advance. For some countries you may require a visa or you may need to go through an application process for specific universities but don’t worry, our Travel Experts can help you out.

You will work this out in advance to make sure you get course and hour equivalency so that you don't fall behind in your degree plan. Classes may count toward your major or may just count as electives. Your study abroad office will help you get this approved with your professors before you go.

Yes, because you're remaining enrolled in your home university. Scholarships are also available.

No problem! You can go to English-speaking country or, if you'd like to go to non-English speaking country, you can learn enough of the language to get by when you first arrive and take classes to improve your skills. Some programs also offer intense language classes to help you while abroad.

Housing usually depends on your program. For semester and year-long students, you'll most likely choose from the regular student housing - dorms, flats, apartments. If you're going on a summer session, the accommodation will be pre-arranged.

Absolutely, if you're studying during the regular school year. You'll have total control over what you do and when (just make sure to study and write your exam papers). Summer session students will remain with their group and follow an organized itinerary.

Chances are you picked where you're going based on interest you already have in being there. Read about the city's and country's history, customs, food, tourism and language (if needed). Also, definitely ask your study abroad office to set up an informal gathering with current "inbound" exchange students. They can tell you anything you want to know about the differences in campus life there and abroad, how their home city is different, where to find the best food, their favorite bars and clubs at home, etc.