First Semester or Year Abroad College Offers

Some colleges are managing enrollment and/or appealing to globally-minded students by offering selected students the opportunity to attend their institution after a semester or year abroad.

Typically, students are either offered the option of attending an international campus that is part of the school's system (like St. Louis University's Madrid campus), attending a partner institution (such as Northeastern University's NUin program), or traveling abroad through a third-party company like Verto Education that works with multiple colleges and universities.

In all cases, there are several important considerations to keep in mind when making your decision. Be sure to read all the provided materials and instructions to ensure you have a clear understanding of the parameters:

• Is the program abroad for one semester or a full school year? Can you choose?

  
  

• Is the program optional, or is it required for acceptance to your U.S. institution?

• Is attendance at your U.S. institution guaranteed after completion of the program abroad? What are the minimum gpa and/or other requirements to matriculate back to your U.S. institution?

  
  

• What are your location options?

  
  

• How does your U.S. institution assist with the visa process and other logistics?

  
  

• What are the program costs, and how do they differ from the cost of attendance at your U.S. institution?

  
  

• What are the room and board details at the location abroad? What are your local transportation, medical, mental health, and entertainment options?

  
  

• What support staff are available at the institution abroad?

  
  

• How many credits can you earn, and what are your course choices? Are the courses transferrable to other institutions should you want/need to transfer in the future?

  
  

• How might your time abroad affect your graduation date?

  
  

• Is housing guaranteed upon your return? Will you be roommate matched with other students who have also studied abroad?

  
  

• What is the orientation program like once you return? How does the U.S. institution help you integrate into the academic and social community?

Once you understand the parameters, you can make an informed decision. Of course, there are emotional considerations too, like weighing the amazing adventure of a study abroad experience against concerns about missing out on the first semester or year at your chosen college or university. Well-organized first semester/year abroad programs will be familiar with such concerns and should be able to address them with you.

At Growing2College, we assist families with all aspects of high school and college planning, and can help you determine whether a first semester or year abroad is the right fit. Request a free 20-min consultation to learn more about how we can be helpful.

Kate Pedigo, M.Ed., CEP, NCC is an Independent Educational Consultant and founder of Growing2College. Join us on social media for college planning updates, tips, and resources: Facebook   Instagram   LinkedIn