Owing to the increasing popularity of learning abroad, more programs are being started every year to make it possible. While there are far too many amazing programs to list in one place, here’s a starting point for those looking to wet their whistle.
- Abbey Road Programs (Barcelona). Abbey Road is a popular program for any intrepid future academics, and their study center in Barcelona has been a sought-after destination for the best part of two decades. This set of programs focuses on active-learning techniques, which see students engaging in local communities as much as possible.
- Rustic Pathways (Australia). For those looking to specialize in veterinary subjects, Rustic Pathways provides the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience dealing with animals in need of care. Their program in Australia allows you to work for two weeks at the Australia Zoo in Queensland – which puts you within touching distance of the popular city of Brisbane.
- Broadreach (The Caribbean). Those with an interest in biology (specifically that of the nautical kind) would thrive on a Broadreach program in the Caribbean. The courses teach sailing and diving, while making sure there’s still enough time in the day to engage in more traditional aspects of Caribbean culture.
- Where There Be Dragons (Senegal). This summer program sees students travel to Senegal for four weeks in order to develop a better appreciation for West African culture. Those enrolled in this study scheme spend their time with local host families, as they learn more about how people in this corner of the world operate on a daily basis.
- Youth for Understanding (Japan). This immersive program is seen by many as one of the ultimate study abroad schemes. Students will live with host families, all while attending a Japanese high school. This can be done for just a semester, or, if you’re feeling brave, an entire academic year.
Where are the best places to study abroad?
Just as with the programs themselves, your options are vast when it comes to the area of the globe you might call home. With so many unique and brilliant cultures across the world, it can be hard to know which one to pick. Here are a handful of the some of the most popular.
- Ireland. Often overlooked for its slightly more noisy neighbor the UK, Ireland is a fantastic choice for any student wanting to give a totally unique culture a try. Aside from world famous natural beauties like vast roaming cliffs and the Giant’s Causeway, the Gaelic heritage of Ireland coupled with all the modern amenities we’ve come to expect in the 21st century makes it the perfect microcosm of old and new. There’s also no language barrier on arrival for American students, which makes integrating and exploring the Emerald Isle all the more accessible.
- Spain. Those with a penchant for studying in the sun would do well to give the Mediterranean nation of Spain a try. Whether it’s Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, or anywhere else across this beautiful country, you’ll find a culture steeped in history, and a people who are always laid-back and friendly. Think about Spain if you have a particular interest in financial subjects, as their banking system is world renowned.
- Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun is on a lot of people’s bucket lists – partly because of how hard it can be to reach from a lot of countries. That alone should inspire students to take the plunge and explore this utterly unique country for a fraction of the regular cost. Finances aside, the historic and contemporary cultures of Japan are unlike any other on Earth – with a strong focus placed on respect, honor, and tradition. With these values at their core, it’s perhaps no surprise that Japan is also one of the safest countries in the world.
- Sweden. With a strong emphasis placed on both sustainability and work-life balance (most employees leave early on Fridays), Sweden has been at the forefront of most people-first cultural movements for some time. Whether you’re looking to explore the historic viking culture of the Scandinavian giant, or instead want to focus on the natural beauty found hiking, camping, or relaxing in a hot spring, Sweden is a country which provides it all. Perhaps most importantly of all, the Swedes are famed for their academic excellence.
Scholarships to study abroad
Naturally, the cost of studying overseas can be quite high for some. This is particularly true if you need to book flights to far-flung countries, or pay for your own accommodation. Just as with university placements, you might be able to earn scholarships to study abroad. While these won’t be easy to attain, they’re something to aspire towards if you want to mitigate the costs of your overseas adventure. Here are some of the best available.
- Youth For Understanding (YFU) Financial Aid Fund. YFU has more than 200 scholarships which high school students can take advantage of to explore one of 40 countries. These will be based on academic performance, as well as a needs-based system. The only requirement is that you apply to a YFU program as part of your time studying abroad.
- Rotary International Scholarships & Grants. Rotary’s global grant scholarships offer up to as much as $25,000 for those wanting to continue their high school education in another country. In order to be accepted and given one of these grants, students have to commit to being a cultural ambassador – which involves them presenting on their own culture to their host nation, as well as returning the favor when they travel back home after their placement.
- The Experiment in International Living Scholarships. This group makes sure to offer scholarships to people in all corners of the U.S. The figure rises from a moderate sum of $250, all the way up to $5,000. GPA will be taken into account when deciding some of the grant totals, while others are based on financial and physical requirements.
- Where There Be Dragons Financial Aid & 529 Funds. This extensive application process requires students to effectively pitch themselves as international ambassadors. Applicants will need to provide a cover letter, and even go through an interview process.
Study abroad packing checklist
If you’ve booked your place and know that an overseas study program is just around the corner, it’s time to make sure that you’ve got everything covered when it comes to upping sticks for your new life. Make sure to use this packing checklist as a reference point when planning your move.
- The basics. Your day-to-day items which you need to successfully function should be your top priority. That means things like:
- Medication
- Face masks
- Currency/international credit or debit cards
- Food and drink supplies (like a water bottle)
- Books
- Precious or sentimental items
- Documentation. There are often a variety of documents which international travelers need to have with them when they go overseas for a long period of time. Some of the most important are your:
- Passport