When I knew I wanted to study abroad, I had no idea where to start. I was a Spanish major with a certain interest in further developing my Spanish language proficiency and getting credit towards my degree. Little to my surprise, my university offered literally hundreds of programs that fit my needs. I spent days on end looking through my school’s education abroad portfolio online that features program information and also through packets and brochures acquired in the Education Abroad Office. Only slightly overwhelmed with information, I sat myself down and a list of my priorities that looked a bit like this…
- Cost
- Can I afford this program? I have 1 summer scholarship that is guaranteed, and the potential to apply for many more. I am not willing to take out a loan for my education abroad experience, nor do I want to deplete my personal savings. How can I get the most time abroad and best immersion for my money?
- Credit Offered
- Do the courses offered by the program meet my needs for graduation? I have one course left to complete my Spanish degree, and it needs to be at the senior level.
- Time Frame
- I want to be gone for a substantial amount of time in the summer, but I want time either at the beginning or end of the summer to work and rebuild some of my savings in consideration of how much I am personally spending on the program.
- Host family opportunity
- I certainly would like the opportunity to live with a host family abroad to guarantee the most cultural immersion, and to give me the most opportunities to use Spanish and further build my proficiency outside of the course I will be taking.
- Program Itinerary
- What is included in the overall program fee? Are meals and transportation included? Are there any included excursions to cultural sites, landmarks, or other cities? I want to make sure I selective a program with a comprehensive itinerary that will limit additional spending I will have to budget for after paying the program fee.
By focusing my energy into making a list of my goals and needs associated with education abroad, I was immediately less stressed and able to approach the search process in a much more reasonable manner. When I looked at a given program, I could then see which of my needs were met and which were not, and was thus able to make the most sensible solution for me. I ultimately selected a program with SOL Education Abroad, a third party organization that facilitates comprehensive Spanish language study abroad programs. In the span of a month and within my personal budget, I was able to see the country of Costa Rica from coast to coast and meet almost all of my desires in this one program! Furthermore, this experience was an academic and professional investment in myself and my future that will not only continue to benefit my language proficiency for years to come, but also my communication style and personal independence! Education abroad can be right for YOU too with just a little planning!
