| Study Abroad - 4 Steps To Choosing The Right | | | | language? |
| Program | | | | - How large are the language classes? |
| Choosing a study abroad program is not easy. Don't | | | | - Where is the campus located? (near a city center, |
| get trapped into selecting something that's not right for | | | | public transportation., etc.). |
| you. Take control of the process! To help you with the | | | | - What facilities are offered? (on-site cafeteria, |
| process of researching, choosing, and applying for a | | | | computer lab, library). |
| study abroad program, AmeriSpan is happy to share | | | | - What are the housing options? |
| "4 Steps To Choosing The Right Study Abroad | | | | - What out-of-class activities are offered? |
| Program". Following these simple tips can help ensure | | | | - What excursions are included? |
| that you have the best possible international study | | | | - Are volunteer or internship opportunities available? |
| abroad experience, whether you want to study | | | | - What other services are included? (travel protection |
| Chinese in China or learn Portuguese in Brazil. | | | | program, mobile telephone). |
| Step 1: When & What Works For You? | | | | - What type of transcript is provided? (US college or |
| Write down your goals and constraints. In order to find | | | | foreign university). |
| a study abroad program that meets your academic, | | | | One of the best tools for researching and comparing |
| financial, and personal needs, you need to clearly | | | | study abroad programs is the Internet. There are also |
| define your goals and constraints. What is it that you | | | | study abroad blogs popping up where you can pick up |
| want to accomplish? When can you go? What can | | | | helpful tips, such as |
| you afford? While your dream may be to study | | | | Step 4: Who Puts It All Together? |
| Spanish in Barcelona, does it make more financial | | | | Find the right study abroad provider. Independent |
| sense for you to learn Spanish in inexpensive | | | | organizations and private/state universities both |
| Guatemala at this moment, and try out that new | | | | provide study abroad programs at foreign institutions |
| knowledge while taking a semester abroad in Spain | | | | worldwide. In your research, you may find that the |
| next year? | | | | program you want is offered by several organizations. |
| Step 2: Where To Go? | | | | Therefore, you should select the one with the best |
| Select a location BEFORE you select a program. | | | | service and value, and that you feel the most |
| AmeriSpan strongly believes that atmosphere is a key | | | | comfortable with. Remember that you will be studying |
| ingredient in the overall learning recipe ( You will learn | | | | far from home, or even overseas. You will have a |
| more in an environment where you feel comfortable. | | | | better time learning Spanish or studying Italian in a |
| Are you a big city person or do you prefer small | | | | foreign land if you are confident with your agent. Here |
| towns? What do you like to do outside of class? Do | | | | are some issues to keep in mind when evaluating |
| you prefer a busy nightlife or fewer distractions from | | | | different study abroad providers: |
| your studies? Are you interested in Latin American | | | | - Are they reputable? Ask for references, how many |
| indigenous cultures, or are European cultures more | | | | students they send, and years in business. |
| enticing? For example, if you love the beach and | | | | - Are your inquiries or concerns answered in a |
| water sports you might want to try a program to learn | | | | complete, friendly, and timely manner? |
| French and surfing in Biarritz, France, but if you love | | | | - Do they demonstrate a good understanding of the |
| museums and shopping, you might rather study French | | | | location and the finer details of the program? What |
| in Paris. | | | | exactly do you get? |
| Step 3: Which Programs Meet Your Needs? | | | | - Do they provide extra services? (excursions, mobile |
| Research and compare program details. Not every | | | | telephone, in-country transportation, extra activities, |
| international study abroad program is right for every | | | | other lodging options, etc.) |
| student. When evaluating different programs, we | | | | - Are the payment and cancellation policies flexible? |
| recommend that you answer the following: | | | | (credit cards, late registration, postponements, etc.) |
| - What are the deadlines, start dates, and payment | | | | These are your 4 basic steps. Sure, there is more to |
| policies? What are the requirements? (language, grade | | | | think about before you study abroad, but if you follow |
| point average). | | | | the above advice you are on your way to selecting an |
| - Are the elective courses taught in English or the local | | | | excellent study abroad program. |