How to Pick your Study Abroad Location

Photo by Ivan Bertona on Unsplash

Study abroad is often described as the experience of a lifetime. However, where you study abroad can really change what type of experience you are getting. Think about what’s important to you. Do you want a work experience abroad, a cultural immersion or a chance to explore a new city with old friends? Take this quiz to find out which program is right for you.

Do you want to be surrounded by other study abroad students?

a. I want the chance to go totally out of my comfort zone. I’d rather not know anyone abroad.

b. I don’t mind if there’s other Americans, but I do really want to know the locals.

c. It really doesn’t matter to me who’s there as much as what I’m doing.

d. I absolutely want other American students abroad with me.

What is your goal for your experience abroad?

a. Meeting new friends in different places.

b. Getting the chance to immerse myself in another culture.

c. Building my resumé out of LA.

d. Trying new things and seeing new places.

Do you want to learn a new language?

a. I’d be open to it!

b. What’s a cultural immersion if you can’t communicate with everyone?

c. No, thank you!

d. Maybe if it’s a love language?

What do you envision yourself doing on a Friday night?

a. Hanging out with my friends in the local downtown.

b. Enjoying the local cuisine.

c. Relaxing after the long week of work.

d. On a train to the city you’re visiting that weekend.

What do you think you’ll learn in your program?

a.What it’s like to live in a different culture.

b. How you can make a difference in the lives of others.

c. Hopefully something useful for your future job.

d. How many amazing things there are to see in the world.

If you answered mostly A… An exchange program is right for you! LMU offers the chance to go to countries such as the Philippines, the UK, China, Japan and South Korea where you can attend a local university for the semester.

If you answered mostly B… Look for a program with a volunteer aspect! The SIT study abroad programs like those to Ecuador, India and Peru are great opportunities. Alternatively, Casa de la Mateada and the South Africa Service Learning allow the chance to give back while abroad.

If you answered mostly C… Try to find a program that has a work or internship experience. London has a great program of this sort. If you would be happy going to other states instead of countries, the Washington Center has an unique internship program as well.

If you answered mostly D… Choose a classic study abroad to a European city. Study abroads to France, Spain or Italy capture the essence of the typical abroad experience and allow you to travel easilty to other countries.