Overseas Study

Choosing a Program

Finding all the information to help you choose the right program can be a challenge. Advice and support are available to assist you in your search for a program that fits your needs.

Help define what type of study abroad experience is best for you by working through these key considerations to conduct a personal assessment:

• Examine Your Objectives
  • What aspects of study abroad are important to you--courses, locale, cultural experiences, learning a language, opportunity to participate in internship or service learning, travel?
• Primary Program Considerations
  • Where would you like to study?
  • What is your foreign language ability?
  • How long do you want to stay—a semester, a summer, a year, a short-term?
  • How much does the program cost?
  • Will you need financial assistance to carry out your plans? (Most regular financial aid may be applied to the cost of IU overseas study programs, but may not always apply to programs sponsored by other institutions.)
• Academic Considerations
  • Does your GPA meet the requirement?
  • Do you want to take classes in English or the local language?
  • How important is it to receive academic credit?
  • Do you have specific degree requirements to fulfill while overseas?
  • What do departmental advisors think of your plans?

We offer suggestions on program options for popular majors. You can also view suggested program options in selected countries.

• Personal Considerations
  • Would you prefer to study with other Americans, students of the host country, or with a combination of both?
  • Do you want a study abroad program to arrange your housing, meals, curriculum and travel or would you prefer to make these arrangements yourself?
  • Because of your own family responsibilities, do you want to consider having a family member accompany you abroad?
  • Would you prefer to live with a family, with students from the host country, or with other Americans?
• IU and Non-IU Program Considerations

  Students considering non-IU programs need to consider the following:

  • Transfer of credits
  • Cost of program
  • Reputation of program/experience of past students
  • Applicability of courses to degree requirements
  • Senior Residency requirement
  • Possibility of transferring financial aid (loans, grants and scholarships) to the non-IU program

Some differences between studying abroad on an IU program and a non-IU program are:

In-state residents will typically find IU programs more affordable than non-IU programs. For out-of-state students it is rare to be able to study abroad on a program through your home state at in-state tuition rates since you are not a degree-seeking candidate at an institution in that state.

To determine program availability and the steps you need to take to apply for a program, read more about IU and non-IU programs.

Guidance from Overseas Study

At our weekly "Study Abroad 101" information sessions staff provide guidance on

• finding the best program and appropriate length for you
• applying for programs
• use of financial aid/scholarships
• fulfilling degree requirements overseas
• services our office provides

Join us any Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. in Franklin Hall 303, IUB. If you are unable to attend a session, please review the PowerPoint presentation.