Global Studies

Getting Started

Begin your planning with these questions to consider.

Starting Off...

• What do I want to accomplish by studying abroad?
• What aspects of a study abroad experience are most important to me (e.g., courses, location, cultural integration, internship or volunteer experiences, travel)?
• Am I interested in a specific country or region of the world?

• What are my academic goals for this experience?
• Do I want to incorporate study abroad into my major or do I want to focus on other interests?
• Are there courses that I must complete towards my major/minor while abroad? Could I complete any of my liberal arts requirements while abroad?
• Do I want to study in a university setting or am I interested in an internship or service-learning experience?
• Is there a foreign language I would like to study? What is my ability and comfort level with that language?

• When is the best time of year for me to study abroad?
• How long do I want to be away?
• Do I have personal, social, job or athletic commitments that might influence if and when I go abroad?

• Am I currently in good mental and physical health for studying and living away from home? Do I have any personal and/or special needs that may influence my decision to study abroad?
• Have I spoken with my family and friends about my plans? How do they feel about them?
• Am I ready for the challenge and excitement of adapting to new situations and being independent, self-reliant and flexible in what may sometimes be an uncomfortable and/or stressful experience?