Study Abroad: Choosing a Program

Prepare for the Future
How do I decide?
Where do I begin?

Prepare for the Future
There are three types of study abroad programs; one is not necessarily better than the others:

• A "Stand Alone" or "Island" program, in which all courses are arranged for a group of U.S. students and taught by local faculty.
• A fully-integrated program at a foreign university, where students take all courses with host institution students.
• A combination program where courses are arranged for the group by the program sponsor, plus the student enrolls in one or two courses at a foreign university.

Madrid, Spain alumna, Jaqueline Demeranville '05 stated "The most important thing I have learned from this experience is that it's all up to you.  How much you learn and get involved with the culture really is a reflection of your own personal effort - and it takes a lot!  That matters so much more than what program you're on."

For more information on programs approved by our faculty committee, please see our Web Page on approved programs.

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How do I decide?

• Consider the type of experience you seek: cultural immersion, language acquisition, thesis research and/or internships.
• Consider which site will contribute the most to you academically and personally.  See assistance with this consideration from your professors. 
• Pay particular attention to program philosophy and design: US classmates versus local students? Cultural integration? Fieldwork? Internships?
• What are your housing options on the program?
• What is the academic calendar of your program?  In the Southern Hemisphere, fall semester at universities is mid-July to mid-November and spring semester is mid-February to mid-July.
• What extracurricular and cultural activities would you available?

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Where do I begin?

• Read your CMC email from the Off-Campus Study Office.
• Attend Mandatory and Country-Specific Meetings.
• Make an appointment to speak with an Off-Campus Study advisor.
• Meet with program representatives when they visit CMC.
• Consult program brochures/websites and student evaluations available both on-line & in the OCS office.
• Discuss your plans and ideas with faculty.
• Meet with study abroad alumni and international students from the host region for additional information.

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