As a collegiette™ just beginning my study abroad program in Sydney, Australia, I know that picking the ideal location for a semester away from Boston University can be stressful and frustrating, but also really exciting! Here are some tips to help you choose where you could spend a semester.
1. Classes/Internships: When deciding where to study abroad, this should probably be your top priority. Can you take classes that will fit in with your degree requirements? This way, you can earn credits while still having a great experience. If your desired study abroad location doesn’t have courses that you can take towards your degree, are you willing to take more courses per semester, take summer classes, or graduate later in order to choose that program? Additionally, what about work experience? Some fields, like journalism or advertising, rely on internships to bolster your resume for future jobs. If you are in an internship-dominated field, think about a program where you can intern and take classes! Boston University offers internship programs in destinations such as London and Sydney.
2. Cost: Can you and/or your parents afford the program cost and the subsequent fees (traveling, food, and more)? Many programs, especially at Boston University, can be covered with your original financial aid. However, keep in mind the exchange rates and potential travel costs, so start saving your money now. For example, although the exchange rate isn’t bad right now in Australia, food in general costs a little more because much of it has to be imported.
3. Traveling: This is the most obvious question—where do you want to go? Whether your dream is to scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef or see all of Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, there are many different choices when picking a study abroad program. Think about the possibilities for travel when you will be abroad, and which destinations seem interesting to you. Additionally, consider how much traveling it will take to get to your first destination. If you are a nervous flyer, choosing to study abroad in Australia might not be the best choice, as not only is it a 15 hour plane ride from Los Angeles, but many of the destinations within the country require a plane ride as well.
4. Weather: This is only a small part of the study abroad experience, but if you have an aversion to a certain type of climate, be sure to shape your study abroad experience based on the weather. For example, if you absolutely hate Boston winters, you might want to choose a warmer climate. However, this shouldn’t be the deciding factor.
5. Friends? This is a debated topic among study abroad students: should you travel with your friends? If you stick with your BFF like glue when you arrive in a new location, your ability to make friends might be impeded right away because you two are always together. However, in a new environment, it may also be comforting to have someone you know really well by your side. If you do decide to travel with your friends, make sure that you are picking your study abroad destination because YOU want to be there, not only because your friends do. They will be there when you get back, and all of you will have amazing stories to tell.