Choosing the Right Program

Each study abroad program has distinct features and characteristics, and locating the right “match” is perhaps the most important step. Even if a friend or family member studied abroad, and recommends that program, it may or may not be suitable for you. As you research the various options, consider your specific intentions and the program characteristics; and explore several programs to allow yourself an informed comparison. The information below should help in understanding some of the distinctions to keep in mind.

ᐅ Program Types

• Exchange Programs: Utilize an established relationship through your home institution (Eugene Lang College) that exchanges students with another designated institution abroad, but maintain the same tuition charges and financial aid as a regular semester.

• Short-Term Courses: Participate in a special program during summer or winter break taught by a faculty member from your home institution; a useful option for students constrained by time, finances, outstanding major requirements, or transfer credit limits to still participate in an experience abroad.

• Outside Programs & Direct Enrollment: Participate in an outside program administered by an organization that offers interesting curriculum and support services; or participate as a visiting student through direct enrollment at a foreign university or college, for more of an immersion experience and often lower costs. In both instances, students may continue to receive at least federal financial aid for approved programs.

For a visual chart outlining the advantages & disadvantages of these program types, click here.

ᐅ Host Institution/Host Program and Relevant Costs

As you search host institutions and program providers, consider your preferences in terms of total enrollment size, percentage of local and international students, academic rigor, curricular breadth offered and subject depth available, pedagogical style of courses, language(s) of instruction, grading and assessment methods, facilities available, and co-curricular opportunities (internships, independent studies, research projects, civic engagement, etc). Additionally, program costs are often a critical question for most students, as well as what financial aid is available. While institutional and federal aid may be applicable toward exchange and short-term programs, only federal aid is generally available for outside programs. Nonetheless, some programs may be sufficiently affordable to compensate for the adjustments in your financial aid award. For more information, consult with a counselor in Student Financial Services, and review the chart of financial aid options for various program types available on our Financing Study Abroad page.

ᐅ Language Preparation & Requirements

Consider your preferences in terms of language. If your objective is to achieve proficiency, a program that emphasizes linguistic immersion through home stay arrangements, intensive seminars, or classroom instruction in the host language, for instance, should be researched. Your own preparation matters as well, of course; and the language options offered by the program should correlate with your level of academic study in the language (beginner, intermediate, advanced). The language fluency in English among the local population might be another dimension to consider.

Language requirements vary by program. Programs specifically designed to provide language instruction often have minimal expectations, while others might require some background or even fluency in the local language. Although Lang has no foreign language requirement for graduation, students interested in studying abroad should begin language study no later than sophomore year. For more information about foreign language preparation for study abroad through Lang, click here. For more information about placement and course offerings at The New School, visit the website for the department of Foreign Languages here.

ᐅ Location & Geographic Considerations

In addition to your preferences for a particular region or country of destination, think about the contextual and community factors as you investigate study abroad program options.

• Location: Think about your ideal study abroad location, including local language(s) spoken, population, general cost of living, ease of transportation, climate, local cuisines available, health and safety conditions, economic/industrial development, etc. Visit the country profiles available through this website to learn more.

• Context: Consider other contextual factors about the local environment, such as cultural heritage, civic engagement, religious traditions, diversity climate, and of course, the type of destination (cosmopolitan/urban, suburban/town, or rural community, for example).

ᐅ Housing Accommodations

Housing is an important concern for most students overseas. Study abroad programs often have a range of residential options. You should do some research about what options are available, and consider which appeal most to you: a homestay with a local family, a shared apartment or studio, a residence designed primarily to house other American students, a residence designed  to house international/visiting students, a residence that integrates local and international students, etc. Location is also important - consider the distance to the host institution, shopping, food options, and entertainment; nearby public transportation options; neighborhood environment, etc. Remember to factor in any housing deposits or leasing costs, and note some universities abroad may have contracted housing agencies to help students.

Some Additional Self-Assessment Questions

In considering the various study abroad programs, ask yourself some of the the questions below, in addition to reviewing the information above. Discuss your thoughts with friends, family and advisors to be sure you've considered all of the different factors in deciding to go abroad.

1. What types of courses do you need to complete while abroad to remain on track for graduation (major/minor requirements, major/minor electives, general electives)?

2. What academic topics would you prefer to study while abroad (subject areas related to your major, foreign languages, or a mixture of academic disciplines)?

3. Are you interested in co-curricular and/or experiential course options (ie, internships, field studies, independent research projects, service-learning)?

4. What is your level of language proficiency? Are you sufficiently prepared to possibly consider a course taught in the native language? Or are you most interested in acquiring language proficiency through intensive studies and/or immersion?

5. Do you have any particular preferences for the experience, such as an urban location or specific cultural demography?

6. Are you usually self-sufficient and independent, eager to engage with new experiences? Or would you prefer a more structured situation with familiar support services available?

7. Do you have any dietary, medical, or mental health needs to consider?

8. Would you rather become a “specialist” in one location (language, culture and history), or would you rather derive a comparative perspective of several different locations and perspectives?

9. Have you ever traveled outside the US before? In those experiences, what was most important in terms of adapting to the new environment?

10. What type of leisure activities do you enjoy in your free time?

Study Abroad Step-By-Step Instructions

For more information about studying abroad, we encourage you to read through the step-by-step instructions for students from Lang College here.

Suggested Preparation by Class Level

For more assistance with planning an experience abroad, we also recommend you review the suggested preparations for students by class level here. It's never too early to plan, even as a freshman!