Studying Abroad can be a super fun and rewarding experience, but like all things, there are also cons to it that need to be considered.
It is a big decision to make, so it is important to look at every little detail and make sure that you are able to do it.
That being said, here are 8 things you need to think about before deciding to study abroad.
*Note: This is not to discourage any one from studying abroad, it is just simply a list of things that I think people need to consider, since I myself had to consider them.
1. How will you pay for it?
Money
While many study abroad programs boast about being affordable, it is important to look at ALL of the costs, not just the fixed ones.
You need to look at if meals and living are included in the price or if that is extra.
Once you know how much it is, you need to figure out how you are going to pay for it. Maybe you have been working and saved up for this or maybe your parents can afford to pay for it.
Some people may have to take out a loan or apply for a scholarship to finance their trip. Just make sure that whichever way you pay, that it is realistic.
2. Is airfare included?
Airfare
Airfare is often a very expensive component of studying abroad.
Some programs may include it in the costs, but some may not and make you make the plans for how you will get there.
This is an important thing to look at, since it does need to be planed so far ahead in advance.
3. Will you realistically be able to be away from your family for that long?
Family
Even if you are not super dependent on your family, being in a foreign land with no one familiar can make you miss them a lot and may cause you to get homesick.
That is something that is vital to consider, since some people may get homesick easily.
4. Will you be able to be away from your significant other, if you have one?
Relationship
This one is similar to #3, but deals with a significant other. If you have a boyfriend/girlfriend you need to seriously ask yourself if you can be that far away from them for that long.
You need to ask yourself if you feel stable enough to leave the other person and you need to see how they feel about it, although ultimately the decision is yours.
5. Mentally, can I handle it?
Sad pug
When you are in a different country anything can happen. You need to ask yourself if you are ready to mentally handle any issues.
Like, if you have suffered from depression in the past, will you be able to handle that alone if you feel depressed while away from your support system?
If the answer is no, then this can be something very serious to consider, since your health should always come first.
6. Am I ready to put myself out there and make friends?
Friends
This may be the first time that you have ever been so far away from home and not know a single person.
So, it is important to make sure that you are ready to be outgoing and make friends.
7. Are these credits that I actually need?
Thinking
If the trip is expensive for you then you need to ask yourself this question, to make sure that it is really worth it in the end.
8. Where does this fit in in my plan to graduate?
Graduation
This is important to ask yourself so that you can plan when would be the best for you to go abroad.
Do you want to go for a semester, so that you have the summer free for an internship or do you only want to go for the summer so that you aren't gone as long?
