Where Should I Go?

 Ask yourself these questions as you research to help determine which program is right for you:

Location

• Where do you want to go? Why?
• Do you want to study in a less-developed or more-developed country?
• Do you want to be in a big city or a small town/rural area?

Academics

• What do you want or need to study to meet academic objectives?
• Are there specific academic requirements that you need to fulfill during study abroad?
• Are you proficient enough in a foreign language to take classes, write papers, and take notes in that language, or will you need to take some or all of your coursework in English?
• Are you interested in taking courses on the language and culture of the host country?
• How will study abroad positively affect your academic program?
• What do you want or need to study to meet personal objectives?

Structure

• To what extent do you wish to integrate yourself into the host culture?
• How much contact do you want with other American students?

Living Arrangements

• Do you want to live in a university dormitory?
• Would you prefer to live in an apartment?
• Do you want to live with other Americans or with local students?
• Do you want to live with a local family?

Cost

• How much time can you afford to spend abroad in terms of economic resources?
• How much money can you spend on the study abroad experience? Consider housing and food, personal expenses, and international travel.
• Are you willing/able to take out loans or use personal funds in order to pay for study abroad?

Eligibility

• Does your GPA qualify you for the program? Minimum GPA requirements vary from 2.5 - 3.0 depending on the program.
• Do you have the language skills required for the program?
• Do you have time to apply before the application deadline?

Duration

• How long do you want to study abroad (semester, summer, short term program)?

Source: Southern Illinois University International Programs Office