Study Abroad
by studying abroad you will become a much worldlier person, and become more marketable to grad schools and employers because of the intangible life skills you're going to pick up along the way. Think of it as gaining a sort of cultural capital. The fact that you've studies abroad will answer many people's questions about what type of person you are even before they have to ask.
You want culture? Perhaps one of the best ways to experience culture is to live it, which is exactly what you'll be doing as a study abroad student. Aside from gaining an understanding for cultures other than your own, you will also gain intangible skills (another great selling point for Mom and Dad). Independence, time management, organization, social skills and self-confidence, just to name a few, will all develop exponentially while you're abroad.
Type of Study Abroad Programs
This is the most common program type for students interested in studying abroad during a semester or two during the academic year. Options include: fall, spring or full academic year.
These programs take place during the summer months, typically lasting anywhere from a few weeks to up to two months, (program length is dependent on each program).
These programs are specially designed for high school students in grades 9-12, typically taking place during the summer months.
Intersession programs take place during the short term breaks from the regular academic semester, typically over winter and spring breaks, designed to make the most of your undergraduate education.
Internship Abroad
If you’re serious about building your resume and really want to stand out in job interviews, interning abroad may be exactly what you’re looking for. Interning abroad takes studying abroad to another level. Not only are you living and studying in another country, but you are working there as well, which allows you to make multinational connects and have a truly organic experience. As an international intern, you will have the opportunity to learn how to communicate across cultural barriers and experience globalization first hand – all things you can showcase on your resume.
Volunteer Abroad
Volunteering abroad allows you to be fully immersed in another culture. You can be working side by side with the locals, helping them better their neighborhood. You can get a strong sense of community and be able to experience something most other travelers never will. No matter what you’re interested in, there are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in many different locations. From practicing medicine, to agriculture or teaching, there are many volunteer opportunities in an assortment of locations.
Teach Abroad
People who teach abroad are gifted the opportunity to live in another country while intimately interacting with its populace. Unlike a vacation abroad, teaching abroad enables one to interact with people on a regular basis and to see what everyday life looks like in another part of the world. Additionally, people who teach abroad have the great privilege of contributing to the lives of others through meaningful education. And, much of the experience people gain while teaching abroad, contributes excellent experience to their resumes.
Intensive Language Abroad
Many students attempt to learn a new language at their home university, but find that it just isn’t enough. You may be able to pick up a few words, or make a few simple sentences. But to truly become fluent you need to practice speaking the language often, and that’s not always possible at your home university. If learning a new language is a high priority for you, an intensive language study abroad program may be the solution.
Full Degree Abroad
Obtaining a full degree abroad allows confident, ambitious students the opportunity to become true global citizens. Living, studying and working in a foreign city permits students to become more independent and cultured, while also fostering their cross-cultural and interpersonal communication skills. Students looking to earn a degree overseas can choose from a plethora of international universities, and according to the Center for International Studies Degrees Abroad, almost all degree programs are recognized in the United States.