What to Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a dream that often excites as well as confuses students. While the general excitement of an American Dream enthrals the outward bound, often the students are left questioning which country to go to and what to study. True, all countries offer a different set of possibilities and each comes with a great bag of promised goodies which include a better lifestyle, greater career prospects and for few even immigration option and permanent residence. 

Many people when they think of studying abroad think of taking a semester abroad during their bachelor’s degree in form of exchange program. While this is common, it is by no means the only way you can study abroad. In fact, you can study abroad at almost every level of your education – even if you’ve been out of school for years!

High school

You don’t even need to be at the university level to study abroad. You can do anything from a summer abroad program for a few weeks to a year-long exchange. Studying abroad in high school could be an excellent way to differentiate yourself when you’re applying to universities, and is good life practice for living alone.

Foundation programs / Pathway programs

Foundation programs and Pathway programs are post-secondary programs that you can take after high school to further prepare you for university. If you want to study abroad, you might be eligible to participate in a foundation or pathway program that will assist you with language proficiency and teach you about the education system in that particular country, which will then allow you to thrive at your degree program abroad! 

Associate’s degrees

Associate’s degrees are degrees from undergraduate colleges that might be a stepping stone before the bachelor’s degree, or for other students, is a qualification by itself. While most common in the United States, you can find these programs in other countries too. They’re often two years long – and could be a great opportunity to study abroad before a bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s degrees

Studying abroad for a semester or a year during your bachelor’s degree might be a great way to complement the education you’re getting in your home country – but it’s not the only way you can study abroad during your bachelor’s! You could also do your entire bachelor’s degree (3-4 years) abroad. Consider this option if a school abroad has a program that particularly interests you. You also don’t need to go during the school year – a summer program at your level could be perfect if you don’t have time to commit an entire semester or year abroad.

Master’s degrees

Completed your bachelor’s degree at home? It’s never too late to study abroad. Explore master’s degrees around the world! Depending on your field of study, going abroad for your master’s could be what you need to set you apart on the job market and could help give you good internship or work experience in another country. Whether you want to get an MBA or a master’s in anthropology, there’s sure to be an excellent program abroad for you.

PhDs and doctorates

Pursue the highest level of education abroad. Doctorate programs are often quite small and competitive, and sometimes only have a spot or two open each year. If you can’t find positions in your home country, looking abroad could be a great way to pursue your studies and expose yourself to new schools of thought and experts within your field.

Language schools

Looking to master a new language? It could be time to pursue this education abroad. There’s just no replacement for interacting with locals, as opposed to self-teaching yourself from home. If you’re serious about becoming fluent, consider a language school abroad.

Certificates and diplomas

If you’re looking to study a very specific skill or just want to pursue a unique passion, a certificate or diploma program abroad could be just what you’re looking for. Take a pastry class in France or get a diploma in digital marketing. Studying abroad for these short-term courses could be a great thing to put on your CV to get ahead in the job market and learn a new skill.