In the case, that there aren't any programs available, you could ask yourself what type of climate you want, and whether you'd like to live in an urban or rural area. Would you rather be near the beach or in the mountains? Ask yourself if you are open to living in a country where you don't know the primary language and where residents may not speak your primary language. There are many important factors to take into consideration when choosing a study abroad program, but all schools should have a department to help students determine which the best program for their individual needs.
Next, you need to consider finances. Studying abroad can be expensive. How does one manage to live abroad without being able to work? There are many scholarships that aim to help students study abroad and gain real-world experiences, including scholarships offered by your home university or external scholarships to which you can apply. I applied to many scholarships and was rejected for many, but I applied to the Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship, and am grateful that I was chosen as one of their scholars. Another tip is that if you know you want to study abroad, you can look into working summer jobs and starting a savings account.
That's a lot of information, but I hope it helps you realize that studying abroad is possible! You just need to think ahead and make careful decisions. We can talk more about this topic during our video chat next week!
