8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Study Abroad Program
Budget.
Don't think they can afford to go abroad? If you do your research and consider a less expensive city, living abroad could actually be cheaper than living in Boston!
Academic needs.
Review the Programs by Major page or consult the Office of International Services for schools that are a good fit for your major.
This list of previously approved courses shows what courses are offered on many of our programs.
Do you want to study a language?
Would having knowledge of another language be an asset in your future career? If so, plan a study abroad experience that will provide you with the opportunity to learn that language.
University setting and size.
Do you want to be on a suburban campus like Lasell? Or right in the middle of the city?
Some of the schools on the Lasell University Approved Program list are big schools (25,000 + students). Do you want your study abroad experience to be at a school that is similar to Lasell in size? What environment do you learn best in?
Housing options - apartment, a residence hall, or a homestay?
If learning a language is important to you, consider a homestay where you will be immersed in the language and have plenty of opportunity to practice.
Living in an apartment allows for more independence, but residence halls will give you a level of comfort and familiarity.
Meal plan.
Many study abroad programs do not offer meal plans. If you don't like to cook or want to pay for your meals upfront then a meal plan may be the best choice for you - a few schools do offer them.
Or live in an apartment or residence hall with a fully furnished kitchen. You do the grocery shopping, but pots, pans, and dishes are provided.
Dates and length of the program.
Programs in the Southern Hemisphere tend to have different semester start and end dates. A typical fall semester runs July-November and a typical spring semester runs from February to June.
Some programs run on trimester academic calendars making the time abroad a bit shorter than other programs. A shorter program can work well for budgeting, but can be disappointing if you are trying to maximize your time abroad.
Do your homework!
Finding the right study abroad destination and school requires research on your part.
It is never too early to start planning your study abroad experience, so start researching the various options on the Semester and Summer Programs List today!