Questions to ask yourself...before you study abroad.
How do you begin to narrow down your options and select the ideal study abroad program for you? The questions below should help you with making your choice. Be sure to talk about your study abroad plans with your academic advisor, LC faculty, and the off-campus studies coordinator.
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| Derrick VanLeer ’09 took part in a study abroad program to Spain during spring break 2006, and he will return to Spain for the fall semester 2008. “I feel that an extended stay in Spain is necessary for the successful completion of my Spanish major,” says Derrick. |
1. What are my academic/professional goals for a study abroad experience?
2. What is my major and which programs best meet my major requirements?
3. What is my cumulative grade point average? What is my average in my major? What are the G.P.A. requirements of the programs I am interested in?
4. What foreign languages do I speak? What is the level of my fluency?
5. Would I prefer to be taught in English or in a second language?
6. Would I prefer to study abroad for a short term (spring break, summer courses) the entire summer, one semester, or a full academic year?
7. Would I prefer to be in a structured program or do I want to be fairly independent?
8. Will I benefit most by taking general education requirements, electives, major subjects, an internship, or a mixture of these courses?
9. Is the program accredited by Lynchburg College? Are the credits I earn transferable to Lynchburg College?
10. What knowledge do I have of the people and culture of the country I am interested in traveling to? What do I know of their customs, history, politics, religion, economy? How can I learn more?
11. Would I prefer to live with a host family, in a dorm, or in an apartment?
12. What has been the extent of my previous trips abroad? If this is my first trip abroad, how can I best prepare myself in advance?
13. Would I prefer to study primarily with other Americans or would I prefer to be with a more international group?
14. What classes should I take at LC to best prepare for the courses I take abroad? What cross-cultural activities can I become involved in at LC before I go abroad?