Commonly Asked Questions About Study Abroad

International travel can be overwhelming and full of mystery, especially for students. Studying abroad is often someone’s first experience with long-term international travel. We’re here to answer some of the most common questions people ask when deciding whether or not to take their education overseas.

Whether related to the process itself or the best places to study abroad, read on for the most commonly asked questions about studying abroad (and their answers!).

When studying abroad, you’ll need to consider the basics such as countries, program options, language barriers, and so on.

Yes! Study abroad programs are worth it for those who want to see the world while gaining an education. A study abroad program will also provide a fantastic support network for new travelers to ensure that the study experience is one to remember. The benefits of studying abroad include:

• Cultural immersion and developing a global perspective
• Meeting new people
• Learning a new language
• Increased independence and confidence
• Traveling the world

Read more: 10 Reasons Why Every Student Should Study Abroad

While there isn’t a “best” country for studying abroad, there are many which stand out. Some of the best study abroad locations include the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, France, Spain, China, and Japan. These countries are popular due to a combination of their immersive programs, reputable schools, and excellent student lifestyle.

Read more: 13 Best Places to Study Abroad

No, you don’t need to speak another language to study abroad. While learning the local language can help you create a more culturally immersive experience, there are many English-speaking study abroad programs and universities across the world.

There’s more than one way to study abroad. Which way is best depends on how proactive and organized you are and how much support you’re looking to receive. You can study abroad through the following options:

• Direct enrollment: Direct enrollment involves applying to the university directly, and this is the cheapest option because it cuts out the middleman. However, you’ll need to handle your application and in-country transition by yourself.
• Faculty-led: A faculty-led study abroad program is done through your university or college. Students will be able to study abroad with the guidance and help of members from their current school or institution.
• Third-party programs: Studying abroad with a third-party program means you’ll receive thorough pre-departure and in-country support. While it may be more expensive, a third-party program often includes tuition fees, housing, visa support, an in-country orientation, and 24/7 support.

From tuition fees, in-country start-up costs, and scholarships, there are many things to consider when it comes to study abroad costs.

The cost of studying abroad depends on the country or university’s tuition fees, and whether you go through direct enrollment or a third-party program. Other financial considerations that you’ll need to factor in when studying abroad include the cost of living, airfare, student housing, your lifestyle, and so on.

The cheapest way to study abroad would be to go through direct enrollment. This way, you’ll deal with the university directly without a middleman. However, while this will save you money on tuition, you’ll need to spend much more time and effort on your application, visa process, house hunting, and other in-country adjustments.

Some countries, such as Germany, Argentina, Brazil, and Iceland, offer tuition-free (or very low) education for international students in public universities. International students may have to pay a registration fee, however, this is minimal compared to the cost of studying in other countries.

Alternatively, you can opt for a short-term study abroad program. This is beneficial because not only can they be more affordable, but they also offer more flexibility.

Read more: How to Study Abroad for Free or Cheap

Yes! Depending on your nationality and where you’re studying, you may be eligible for financial support such as school, government, or private scholarship aid. Scholarships can be program-specific, on your government’s website (such as Federal Pell Grants for US students), or offered by a third-party organization which you can find right here at Go Overseas!

Read more: 50+ Scholarships & Grants for Study Abroad

The requirements to study abroad vary according to many factors and don’t just depend on academic achievements.

The requirements to study abroad will vary from country and university. Many countries will require you to enroll as a full-time student on campus to be issued a student visa. In order to receive the student visa, you’ll likely need to provide the following:

• Copy of passport photo page and/or visa pages
• Application form
• Academic transcripts and projected grades
• Proof of language proficiency (e.g. IELTS score for English-speaking universities)
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Proof of finances through bank statements or scholarships that will cover tuition fees and living expenses

It depends. Many universities require a minimum GPA of 3.0, to enroll in a study abroad program. However, some will allow at least a 2.5. Especially prestigious schools, like those in the US Ivy League or the UK Russell Group, may require a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Read more: How to Study Abroad with a Low GPA

Not necessarily! You can take a semester or a year-long study abroad without it delaying graduation, if you plan it carefully. You’ll need to discuss with your academic advisor about how your study abroad fits into your graduation timeline. Alternatively, you can also study abroad as a freshman, do a summer study abroad program, or studying abroad in high school.

Programs come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you want to study abroad for a year in Buenos Aires or a summer in Barcelona, there are options to consider.

With so many countries, schools, and programs to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go. In order to choose where you should study abroad, you should consider a number of factors:

• Culture & lifestyle: Are you interested in the relaxed foodie culture of Italy, Costa Rica’s “pura vida” mindset, or South Korea’ s internationally-recognized “K-Culture”? It’s important to consider what culture intrigues you most, as this will greatly optimize your study abroad experience outside the classroom.
• Climate: Whether you’d prefer a snowy European capital, or want to venture somewhere in the tropics, consider how the climate and the time of year will impact your experience.
• Study abroad programs: English-speaking study abroad programs are available across the world, but some countries will excel in particular areas. While an engineer may be drawn to studying in Germany, a marine biologist student might be more likely to consider somewhere with a thriving marine ecosystem like Australia.

Study abroad programs are available across the world, whether the subject is in humanities or science. As long as the subject is in English – or you speak the local language – you can study almost any subject abroad. Depending on the program, US students can also complete their General Education requirements abroad if they need to.

Read more: 10 Best Universities for English-Speaking International Students

While there isn’t a “best” year to study abroad, many people tend to study abroad during their junior year of college. This is because most students want to enjoy the freshman year experience and knock out general education classes before venturing overseas. Additionally, programs often require students to have studied for at least 1 or 2 years at university before studying abroad.

Read more: When is the Best Time to Study Abroad? Pros & Cons

Yes, you can study abroad virtually. Online study abroad programs are popular among students who want to gain an education, improve cultural insight, or learn a language in a more flexible and cost-effective environment. Virtual study abroad allows students to access education on a tight budget, study from anywhere, and cater to other responsibilities such as work or family.

Read more: What is Virtual Study Abroad and Why You Should Consider It

Study abroad is an umbrella term that encompasses different types of programs, including exchange programs. Exchange programs are where two universities partner and swap students directly, resulting in transferred credits and generally fewer program expenses outside of tuition at the home institution.

Typically, exchange students pay their usual tuition fees for their study abroad program at their US university. This means your semester or year abroad would cost the same as it would any other year at home.

Not only do you need to worry about the academic side of studying abroad, you need to prepare for life abroad, too!

Packing for studying abroad is like packing for your vacation – but with a few extra things to consider. If you’re trying to decide whether or not to bring something, just ask yourself whether you really need it, and if so, can it be easily and cheaply purchased while abroad?

To simplify things, just remember that you can get by with just your passport, wallet, phone, and visa! Anything you’re missing can often be obtained in-country. However, on a less minimalist note, consider packing the following:

• Clothes and footwear appropriate for all weather (regardless of the season!)
• Lightweight laptop
• Chargers, power adapters, and plug converters
• Prescription medication and a doctor’s note
• Travel-size toiletries (purchase larger sizes abroad)
• Emergency cash
• A travel credit card or an international bank card (e.g. Revolut, Monzo)

When it comes to the packing itself, using packing cubes and weighing your suitcase beforehand will keep things organized! Remember, if you overpack and end up needing an extra checked bag, that can cost hundreds of dollars, so it’s often cheaper to buy things overseas than to haul them back and forth.

Read more: Ultimate Study Abroad Packing Guide

Yes, but it depends on the country and the visa. While conditions vary from country to country, international students can work in countries such as the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and more. Often, there will be restrictions on how many hours or days a student can work on their student visa.

Read more: Can You Work While Studying Abroad?

The options and hurdles to make your study abroad dream a reality may seem monumental at first, but with research and persistence, it can be easy! Fortunately, there are many resources, organizations, and people willing to help you along the way, including us here at Go Overseas.
The hardest step is always the first, but doing so will start you on the path to a fantastic semester, summer, or year abroad!

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