Identify Your Goals for Studying Abroad
Think about what you hope to gain or accomplish by studying in a foreign country, such as academic advancement, cultural immersion, language proficiency, career development, personal growth, or any combination of these factors. By identifying your goals, you can tailor your study abroad experience to align with your aspirations and make the most of your time overseas.
Academics
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What is your intended major or areas of emphasis, and do you want to earn credits towards those while abroad?
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Do you have another interest or a complementary subject area that you want to focus on?
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Do you have a senior project, honors paper, or second language requirement you could work on abroad?
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Do you want to study one topic intensively or take a variety of courses?
Learning Style
- Do you learn better in the classroom or in the field?
- Do you like independent or guided learning?
- Are you able to adapt to different styles of learning?
Career
- How do you want your experience abroad to impact your career and professional development?
- What skills do you want to develop while abroad that are important in your intended field?
- How important is an internship?
- Does your internship abroad need to be in English, or do you have the language skills to do an immersed internship?
- What activities abroad will help your graduate school applications or make your resume stand out?
Geographic Interests
- Are you interested in a region of the world or a specific country?
- Is there something happening in the world today that you want to learn more about?
- Is there a political system that intrigues you?
Personal Identity
- Do you want to explore family roots?
- Do you want to live in your home country?
- Are there historical or current factors in places around the world that may impact your experience there?
Resources
