With so many programs to choose from worldwide, any time of year, from a spring break abroad to an entire academic year, how can you even start to decide? If you’re confused, overwhelmed, or just too excited about all of the options here are some ideas to consider before picking the right program for you!
1. Your Comfort Zone
Of course, the first thing to consider is your level of comfort participating in each program. While a huge part of studying abroad is expanding your comfort zone, this looks different in every student! The language barrier can be very real and daunting, but in many big cities around the world, English is more common than you may expect. In addition, the classes in many of Syracuse Abroad programs—including all Center programs except for Santiago, Chile—are taught in English. Even a non-English speaking country may be quite accessible and easy to navigate, so you should look into this possibility in your locations of interest.
Proximity is also an important factor for many students. The good news is studying abroad doesn’t have to mean flying half-way across the globe! If you’re looking to stay closer to home, you can explore the Santiago, Chile Center Program as well as World Partners located in Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America and SEA Semester. For students who don’t want to be too far from home, these are great options to begin stretching your comfort zone, or staying close to home according to personal needs!
Finally, the full semester duration can be of concern to some students, but this is far from the only option! Short-term Programs run for 1-3 weeks during the regular semester and can be a 1-3 credit course. The specific courses offered vary each semester. Students can also spend a summer abroad in dozens of locations participating in either classes, an internship or a combination of both!
With all of these options in mind, remember that studying abroad is meant to expand your horizons. With you will have all of the academic, health and cultural support that you would on main campus with fantastic, immersive orientation programs. No matter where or when you study, you will have the support of your peers in your shoes as well as Syracuse Abroad staff.
2. Academics
It is important to select a program that will allow you to stay on track to complete your degree.
Luckily with Syracuse Abroad’s vast selection and proper planning, this is no problem! Many majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, Whitman, Maxwell and Newhouse have great flexibility. Each location offers unique classes, often featuring cultural or historical aspects of your host country. Specialized “studio” programs including studio art, design, architecture and engineering are offered at select center programs. These often list the exact classes and curriculum you would learn on main campus, but from the international perspective of local professors. Several of our world partner programs, such as those in Sweden and Denmark, offer great options for STEM or pre-med students as well. However, in the case that a semester abroad doesn’t fit into your busy or unique academic schedule, many students opt for a short term or summer program!
Before selecting an abroad program, you should always consult with your academic advisor. They have likely done this before and can recommend common options for your area of study. The feature on the Syracuse Abroad website is another great tool to discover which programs fit your academic needs. This tool will allow you to search courses by prefix or location within the entire Syracuse Abroad system including both Centers and World Partners!
3. Adventure
Last but certainly not least, pick a program that will satisfy your craving for adventure! Research popular features of each location to discover which most fits your extra-curricular interests.
Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman, art junkie, music enthusiast, or want to get a little bit of everything, there is a location that is perfect for you! Students studying in Europe often travel to many diverse regions during their time abroad; skydiving in Interlaken, Switzerland one weekend and riding a gondola through the canals of Venice, Italy the next. A semester in beautiful Australia lends itself to exploring the vast and unique national parks and wildlife. Any niche has an ideal location, and every location will have opportunities to explore your areas of interest. Getting excited about the seemingly endless opportunities is the first part of studying abroad!
Choosing you abroad program can seem daunting, but exploring or consulting with your academic advisor or Syracuse Abroad staff is a great way to find some additional clarity. Set your own boundaries and comfort zone, and then consider what boundaries you might be willing to stretch. Understand you academic goals, opportunities or restraints and search programs that fit your needs. And of course, consider which once in a lifetime opportunities you simply can’t pass up!
through April 1 for Fall 2021 programs.
Written by Allyson Greenberg ’22, College of Engineering and Computer Science Environmental, Syracuse Florence