How to Choose a Study Abroad Program
Top 4 Steps for Choosing a Study Abroad Program
Once you’ve made the exciting decision to study abroad, next up is planning your journey. While you may be pondering what you want to study, where you want to go, and/or when you want to get there, the good news is there’s no wrong answer!
To get started, follow our step-by-step guide on how to pick a study abroad program. Before you know it, you’ll have found the perfect program for you and be well on your way!
Step #1: Find Your Academic Subject
An excellent place to start is to evaluate how study abroad aligns with your academic major and the credits you need to stay on track for graduation. At CIEE, we offer programs across 16 distinct subjects and disciplines, including:
- Architecture, Design & Urban Studies
- Arts
- Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences
- Business, Economics & Management
- Computer Sciences & Math
- Education
- Engineering
- Experiential Learning & Research
- Finance & Accounting
- History, Philosophy & Religion
- Language, Literature & Culture Studies
- Marketing & Communications
- Political Science & Law
- Psychology & Health Sciences
- Sociology, Gender & Anthropology
- Sustainability & Environmental Studies
Step #2: Determine Your Availability
Next, consider what time of year and for how long you wish to study abroad. If your school year is packed with sports commitments, campus events, and/or extracurriculars at home, you may want to consider a short-term program like a J-Term program, summer session, or a six-week Open Campus Block program. Alternatively, if you want a fully immersive program, you may favor a full spring or fall semester abroad. Take a deeper look at the terms you can choose from:
- January Programs: Typically lasting 4 weeks
- Spring Programs: A full semester-long adventure
- Fall Programs: An entire semester-long adventure
- Summer Programs: Lasting anywhere from four to 12 weeks
- Online Programs: A chance to experience a new culture directly through your computer
- Open Campus Block Programs: Flexible multi-country programs offered in six-, 12-, or 18-week blocks
- Internship Programs: A chance to gain real-world work experience abroad during an eight-week summer internship, an 18-week semester internship, or a 12- to 18-week virtual internship
Step #3: Consider the Location
Where you take your studies matters just as much as what you’re learning when you get there. Therefore, how to choose where to study abroad comes down to selecting a study abroad location you feel excited about and connected to.
At CIEE, we host study abroad programs in 40+ incredible cities around the world, including:
- Africa: Botswana, Ghana, Morocco, South Africa
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, Greater China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore
- Europe: Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Spain
- Latin America: Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico
- Middle East: Jordan
Step #4: Plan Your Budget
Finally, factor in program fees and the cost of living abroad to finalize choosing the right study abroad program for you. Depending on the CIEE program you select, costs range from nearly $4,000 for a short-term program to more than $20,000 for a full semester abroad. CIEE believes every student should have the opportunity to study abroad, which is why we award $13 million annually in study abroad scholarships and grants.
When you’re ready to start your CIEE application, be sure to complete the Scholarships & Grants section. It only takes 15 minutes, on average, to apply for CIEE funding and we’ll automatically award you any scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, like:
- Need-Based Grants: Offered to students with demonstrated financial need
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Offered to students with strong academic achievement
- Other Scholarships: Offered to students based on alumni status or specific program choice
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose a study abroad program is a unique process for every student but, generally, we advise considering these three details:
- How a program aligns with your academic major/credits
- If the program’s start and end dates jive with your school calendar and personal schedule
- If the program is hosted in a city/country you’re excited about
Once you address these core details, you’ll have a better idea if a program you’ve been eyeing is the right fit for you!
How to choose a study abroad destination is a deeply personal process and one you should consider carefully. Some students select locations they’ve dreamed of visiting their entire lives while others opt for places that offer their favorite program.
Ask yourself these questions when pondering how to pick where to study abroad:
- Do you speak the language or want to learn the language of a particular country?
- Does the country you’re considering offer a program that aligns with your academic goals and interests?
- How much does your budget affect where you go? For example, going to New Zealand will likely be more costly than studying abroad in Mexico.
Read More: Where Should I Study Abroad: 7 Tips to Help You Decide
Many factors will contribute to choosing your study abroad program, including:
- Your academic major/goals/what credits you need to graduate
- Where you want to study abroad
- Your budget
- When you want to travel
- Your personal interests
- If you want to learn or advance your foreign language skills
Ultimately, there’s no wrong answer for which study abroad program to choose!
Get on Your Way
Why Study Abroad?
Studying abroad is life-changing, but don’t just take our word for it. Dive in deep to discover the top benefits of studying abroad and see for yourself why living and learning abroad will literally change your life.
Let’s Talk Housing Abroad
CIEE offers diverse housing options so you can live like a local no matter where you study abroad. From apartments and homestays to dorms and residence halls, find your home away from home!
Everything You Need to Know about Study Abroad Scholarships
Get the inside scoop on what’s included in your CIEE program fees, the types of scholarships available through CIEE, and how to apply to make funding your study abroad journey a breeze!