Criteria for Selecting a Study Abroad Program

In reviewing any program, look carefully at and ask for specific information on the following items:

• calendar – what are the dates of the term(s)

• accreditation and approval – is the program/university officially approved by W&L?  what is its home country,  international and/or US accreditation?

• cost – how much and what does this cover? what does the cost not cover?

• application and program schedule  - when is the application due and when does the program begin?

• eligibility requirements – do you have to have a minimum GPA, language experience, etc.?

• course offerings – what courses are offered to you? What do you need to take for your W&L requirements?

• faculty with whom you would study – are they from the host country? What is their experience in the country/subject?

• housing arrangements – what are your options?  can you live with a host family, in off-campus residence hall or in a campus dormitory?  The choice you make may affect the level of interaction you have with local students and culture.

• orientation offered – what sort of orientation does the program offer? Is it included in the cost of the program?

• residential director or program office on site – is there a contact person on-site in case you need assistance? Are they easy to contact and communicate with?

• health and safety issues – what are your health and safety concerns? Are there health and safety concerns in the country?

• other arrangements offered by the program – what else does the program offer you?

You should request the names of other students from the U.S. who have recently been on the program and contact them for a review of their experience.  Evaluations of students who have returned from studying abroad are available in the Resource Room in the Center for International Education.

A useful link for researching all aspects of studying abroad is the Center for Global Education's (University of Southern California) SAFETI handbook