Study Abroad
Insurance
Studying abroad is an incredible experience where you have the opportunity to combine your learning inside the classroom to the outside world. It is your chance to spend time in another country, learn new customs, try new food, learn a new language (maybe!), and expand your perspective of the world around you.
Not all classrooms have four walls.
— Unknown
Popular Regional Destinations for US Students
- Europe
- Latin America & Caribbean
- Asia
Types of Study Abroad Programs
- Semester abroad through your (or an unaffiliated) college or university
- Enroll in a program provider’s study abroad program
- Join a faculty-led program through your school
- Go on your own through a non-credit program
Why Study Abroad?
Learn or improve your language skills
New experiences that will be a lifetime of memories
Gain insight about your destination country and about yourself
Embrace a new culture and share yours with others
See the world and expand your knowledge
Develop marketable skills for school or your next job
Make lifetime friends from around the world
Try new things and expand your horizons
See the things you have been learning about first-hand!
Before You Go
1
Talk with your study abroad advisor, global education office, program provider, or your teacher about the possibility of going abroad.
2
Find out what documents are needed, how this will fit into your academic plan, and what the deadlines are.
3
Get your documents together — oftentimes this means an essay, letters of recommendation, and getting your passport. (if you already have one, check the expiration date!)
4
See if you need a special visa to study, and if so — apply!
5
Find out what your housing options are and what accommodations you need to make.
6
Learn about your new country including the dress, food, eating customs, tipping, transportation, and learn some phrases in the local language.
7
Get any immunizations before you go, check the WHO to see what is recommended.
8
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) from the US Department of State to get important information about your travel plans.
9
Be sure you have transportation plans from the airport to your new place ahead of arrival.
Upon Arrival
1
Get settled into your new home, spend time with roommates, and be sure to check in with family.
2
Explore your new neighborhood and be sure to get advice from your school or program on the best places to go (and if there are any places you should avoid).
3
Go to as many events your school or program is hosting so that you can meet new people and get accustomed to your new home.
4
Get involved in a local club, sporting event, or organization that you enjoyed back home. This may include doing things you may not have done before. Some examples include hiking, playing chess, volunteering, etc.
5
Recognize that there is a thing called culture shock, and it may not happen in the first few weeks of arrival. Be sure to talk to friends and family members to stay in touch!
6
Find time to balance studying with maintaining a healthy life balance. Include exercise into your routine to keep a healthy body!
7
Create a budget — especially if you are studying in a country where the prices add up fast. Doing this from the beginning may mean your money goes further.
Before you go, check with your existing insurance plan to see what coverage it offers overseas. You can find a number of international travel insurance plans that are both affordable and will cover you outside your home country.
International Travel Insurance — These plans will cover you for an accident or illness that happens on your plan, and oftentimes includes travel benefits like lost checked luggage, trip interruption, natural disaster, terrorism, and political evacuation.
International Student Insurance — While these plans will cover you for an accident or illness internationally, these plans are more comprehensive; covering pre-existing conditions, mental health, organized sports, and maternity.
Trip Cancellation — If you're looking to protect your travel expenses, trip cancellation plans can protect you from losing your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs in the event you need to cancel your trip.
If you will need to show proof of coverage — for example, if you are going to a Schengen country — these plans will often meet the requirements and provide a letter to show for proof of coverage.
You may walk away with...
New friends
Foreign Language
Experiences
Culture
Advanced Career
Perspective
Make the most of it!
- Get organized and set goals for yourself
- Immerse yourself in the language and culture
- Take pictures so you can look back at all the incredible experiences you had!
- Keep an open mind and enjoy the novelty
- Stay in touch and share your experiences — perhaps a blog or journal?
84%
of study abroad alumni felt their study abroad helped them build valuable skills for the job market