How to Select a Global Program

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN RESEARCHING GLOBAL PROGRAMS 

You do NOT need to have an answer to all these questions. They are designed to help you start thinking about your global program options from a variety of perspectives. After reviewing these questions spend some time thinking about the experience you want to have while participating on a study abroad or US-Study program. Having a general idea of what you want to experience while away may help you navigate program options. 

When:

• What term(s) are best for me to be away from Trinity?
• What amount of time am I comfortable being away from home & Trinity?

Academics/Classes: 

• Do I need to complete certain academic requirements on my program?  
• Are there any academic interests I want to explore that I haven’t at Trinity? 
• Do I want to take courses at a foreign university where the learning style will be different than in the US? 
• Do I want to take courses at a center designed for US study abroad students where the learning style is similar to a US college? 
• Do courses need to be taught in English? 
• Do I want/am I able to take courses in a foreign language? 
• Do I need access to academic accommodations? 

People/Community: 

• Do I want to be with local students at a foreign university or with students from US colleges in a stand-alone program? Am I interested in a combination with options for local university enrollment? 
• What size program am I comfortable with? Small (<100), medium (several hundred), large (over thousand) or extra-large (over 10,000)? 
• Do I want to be with friends or other Trinity students? Or do I want to be on my own and to meet new people? 

 Goals: 

• What are my personal goals/reasons for studying in a different environment? Cultural immersion, gain independence, enriching academic environment, personal travel, etc. 
• Are there extracurricular activities I want to explore while abroad (athletics, internships, volunteering, etc.)? 
• Are there skills I hope to gain that will benefit my future academics and career?

Location/Environment: 

• Do I want to be in a large or small city? Am I interested in a remote rural or wilderness region?
• How comfortable will I be in a country where the language is not my first language? 
• Is the country or regions’ culture and laws going to impact my ability to safely and comfortably study there? (Ex: regions not friendly to the LGBTQ+ community) 
• Are there personal interests or activities I can pursue in a programs location? (family heritage, cultural activities, etc.) 
• Is there a region of the world that will best strengthen my academic & professional goals?
• Is the proximity and access to other cities/countries an important factor to me? 

 Other: 

• Do I need/want an extensive support system while away? Or do I want freedom and independence? 
• How much do I want to push myself while away? Personally, academically, emotionally, etc. 
• Am I mentally/emotionally prepared for a semester that will challenge me in a variety of ways? 
• Does the cost of living in the location impact my ability to study there?