Location
When selecting a program location consider climate, geography, proximity to other nations, languages spoken, urban or rural. Be sure to remember that seasons and academic calendars are not the same around the world as they are here. In South America, Australia, and New Zealand winter is during our summer and vice versa. Do you want to travel during your program? Which countries are in close proximity? Is travel safe in these countries? What are the visa requirements? What amenities do you require? Do you need to be in a Western nation to be comfortable or does a 2nd or 3rd world experience look interesting? TIP: It is easier to find scholarship opportunities for less traditional destinations such as certain nations of South America, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia.  

Language
What is the language of instruction? There are  programs with courses taught in English, a foreign language, or a mixture. Do you want total immersion? How are your foreign language skills? Do you want to pursue a foreign language minor? Also consider all of your options: If you want an English speaking program look around, there are English instruction programs throughout Europe, Hong Kong, Ghana, South Africa, Denmark, Israel, Jordan etc.  Look beyond Spain for Spanish and France for French! You may find language programs in places you may not think of at first.

Personal/Academic Goals
What do you hope to accomplish? Master a language, gain cultural awareness, pursue a hobby, research in an internationally renown library? Do you want a vacation experience or serious academic experience? Are you an avid climber, do you want to study a particular religion, do you love to swim, are you interested in a particular type of literature or area of history? Evaluate your personal and academic interests to help you determine a location and type of program. There are many types of curriculum available. What course selection is offered? What type of credits do you need? Do you need major courses or electives? Visit your academic advisor prior to your final selection.

Costs
What is included in the program fees? Some programs include almost all of the costs, others cover tuition only. Look at the details and figure out what you will have to pay in addition to tuition/program fees.  Some costs to consider: Roundtrip airfare, fieldtrips, textbooks, health insurance, local transportation, housing, meals and hotels on fieldtrips, arrival services, orientation, support services and application fees. Application fees can range from $30 to $400! Be aware of what portion of this is refundable if you choose not to go.  Which services do you need? Choose a program that suits what you need so that you do not pay for what you won’t use!  Also be sure to have good idea of how much personal spending money you will need for the duration of the program.

Will you be using/needing financial aid and/or scholarships? Find out from your scholarship administrator and/or study abroad advisor if financial aid can be applied to the program. Most U.S. accredited programs are eligible.

Duration: How long do you want to be abroad?
Programs range from 3 weeks to 1 year. Do you want to be away during summer, spring, or fall?  Note that if you study in fall you may want to return home at end of study to be with family for winter holidays. If you study in the spring semester, you can travel during the summer. Also note differences in academic calendars and seasons. Ex: Australia and New Zealand attend school from July to November and February to July. Winter in the southern hemisphere is summer in the northern hemisphere and vice versa.

Living Arrangements
Typical housing options include private apartments, homestay, or dormitories. Some programs offer all three options, while other offer only 1 or 2 options. Apartment living can separate you from the other students in the program and you may incur additional costs but you will have  flexibility, independence, and privacy. Homestays are a great way to be immersed in the culture and will greatly improve your language skills by living with a native family. However, you will be expected to adjust to the culture, food, and rules of your host family. The decreased independence is balanced by the skills you will gain. Flexibility and openness to new perspectives are necessary traits if you are to have a successful study abroad experience.

Dormitories are an option where you will live in close proximity to the other participants and is good if you feel most secure with a group.  A meal program may or may not be included.

Type of program
Programs vary from having very structured programs that include prearranged field trips, on-site support staff, airport pick-up, and orientation programs to programs that offer only course instruction for the independent or internationally experienced student. Other programs fall somewhere in-between.  Do you want a total immersion experience or a group/tourist experience? Also look at how much free time you will have. Do you want a lot of time for independent travel or do you want group field trips? Do a self evaluation and talk to students who have studied abroad to aid in your decision.

Resources for finding a program
OSAIE has a library of information on recommended study abroad programs around the world. Our office has information on Univeristy of Arkansas  study abroad programs, UA exchange programs, and recommended programs administered by other institutions. We also have information on study abroad search engines to search beyond our list of programs. Our staff can help you evaluate a program and determine if it is a suitable fit for your individual needs. You can visit our office anytime or you can call 479-575-7582 and schedule an appointment with our advisor.