Choosing a Program

 

Congratulations!  You are thinking about studying abroad, which is an exciting but potentially confusing decision to explore. As you consider all your options, here are some basic steps to take to help you choose the right program.

Most students begin the process by considering the location to which they would like to travel. That’s a great place to start, but don’t forget to keep some other aspects in mind. 

Determine whether you want to study, work, or volunteer.  There are many options for going abroad – you can work, do community service, study, or travel just for fun.  Before you apply to a study abroad program, make sure that your goals are aligned with your program choice, and that you carefully considered the other options available to you.

Consider the program structure.  There are three basic types of study abroad programs – direct enroll, island, and field-based programs.  When students enroll directly into a university, they are considered a student at that university like any other, and they take integrated classes and live in dormitories like any other student.  An island program provides separate classes and spaces for foreign students, and they are often highly-structured and sponsored by a university in the United States.   A field-based program allows students to experience what they are learning both in the classroom and through hands-on learning outside of class.  SIT programs are field-based programs.  Of course, there are many variations on these basic models – review program materials and ask questions about program structure before making your decision.

Think about your living arrangements.  Do you want to live with a homestay family or in a dorm?  Would you like to try both?  Are you interested in living in urban and rural settings?  Consider the type of living arrangements and the length of time you would be living in that setting.  Almost all SIT Study Abroad programs have homestays, but they vary widely in type and duration.  You can read more about homestays on the individual program pages.

Establish your academic goals.  Different programs will allow you to achieve different academic ends—you may be able to study something to which you do not have access at your home institution, or strike out on a new subject for a semester, or test a subject to see if that is a career or graduate school option for you.   Once you have established what you hope to accomplish academically during your semester, then you can choose the appropriate program model and academic focus.  You should also discuss your options for credit transfer with your home college’s study abroad office and/or your advisor before making your decision.

Decide how long you want to be abroad.   Based on your academic and personal goals, both internationally and long-term, think about whether you would like to study abroad for a few weeks, a summer, a semester, a year, or even longer.   Would you like to stay in one place?  Would you like to compare places?  

Please read more about spending multiple terms abroad with SIT Study Abroad.

Determine how you would like to spend your time.  Think carefully about how you would like to spend your days and who you would most like to meet.   In some programs, you may get to know a number of community members, while others may offer more opportunities to meet college students.  Consider how you would like to spend your free time, and if the location, program policies, and structure will allow you to do that.   Make sure that your academic goals fit with the practical parts of the program – for example, if you are most interested in learning the language, then you may want to participate in a program with language partners, intensive language courses, or an extended homestay.  If you are interested in doing a practicum with an overseas organization, choose a program that incorporates that type of opportunity into the term abroad.

Learn more about programs out there, and talk to your study abroad office.  Students learn the most, succeed, and enjoy the program best when the program fits their needs and objectives. Your study abroad office at your home college or university can provide valuable guidance and assistance, so be sure to consult that office and others before you make a final choice. 

Read more about SIT Study Abroad’s unique model to determine if it is a good fit for you – and if you have questions about one of our programs, please do not hesitate to contact us.