How to select a study away program

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN RESEARCHING STUDY AWAY & PROGRAMS 

You do NOT need to have an answer to all these questions. They are designed to help you start thinking about your study away options from a variety of perspectives. After reviewing these questions spend some time thinking about the experience you want to have while studying away. Having a general idea of what you want to experience while away may help you navigate program options and select the best program for you. 

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 while away?  
• Are there any academic interests I want to explore while away 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 or US based study abroad students or a combination? 
• How many students do I want on the program? Small (<100), medium (several hundred), large (over thousand) or extra-large (over 10,000)? 
• Do I want to be with friends/Trinity students? Or on my own and meet new people? 

 Goals: 

• What are my personal goals/reasons for studying away? 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?  
• 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 by ability to safely and comfortably study there? (Ex: regions not friendly to the LGBTQ+ community) 
• Is the location of personal interest to me? 
• Is there a region of the world that will 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?