The summer may be over but that doesn’t mean we have to stop thinking about travelling around the world. If you’re in your second year, you’re most likely looking at the option of going on a year abroad in the following year. But there are a few things that you need to consider before you decide where or even whether to go. Here are the top 5 things that you need to consider!
1. Money
One of the deal breakers for many people is money. A year abroad is a ton of fun but it also costs a lot of money! So consider how much you’ll need overall and whether you’ll actually be able to afford it. But don’t fret and let the money problem stop you either – there’s a lot of help out there! Butex Scholarships, for example, runs a competition that offers students £500 if they win. Student Finance also offer a little extra help if you’re going on your year abroad!
2. Type of Person You Are
Year abroad is all about pushing us out of our comfort zones and there’s no doubt that it is challenging so consider if you can handle it. If you’re a homebody or get homesick often then maybe go somewhere a little closer to home so you can go home if you really need to. Or you could also go to a place where the time zone won’t be a problem so you can make keeping in touch easier.
3. Future
If you’re working on your year abroad, it’s a good idea to try to find some work that will relate to your future. If you’re studying, think about whether the host university offers courses that you wouldn’t be able to take in Nottingham or if they allow you to get an internship for academic credit. Never forget that the world is your oyster!
4. Location
Like I mentioned earlier, the location needs to match your personality. So, consider the barriers you will face. Will you be able to communicate adequately? If you’re studying French, France isn’t the only place to go to! Try Geneva! Think about the weather – are you a winter or a summer person? Consider the places you’ll be able to see and visit. There’s also the culture – will it be too much of a culture shock for you? Think outside the box!
5. Get first-hand advice
I knew I wanted to go abroad once I talked to the people who had gone abroad the year before. Get to know the place from someone who has experienced it but also remember that his or her experience may be different from yours.
Edited by India-Jayne Trainor
Image sources:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyperez/25-things-you-should-know-before-studying-abroad#.jsvdlWrvEL
https://media3.giphy.com/media/hol56wxuWmRrO/200_s.gif