After exploring the options, you’ll want to choose the right global work or learning experience for yourself. You will want to take the time to do the following:
- compare programs,
- evaluate your finances, and
- consider your identity.
Program Comparison
Study and work abroad opportunities are not one-size-fits-all. What worked for friends, siblings, or peers might not be the best fit for you. When choosing the type of opportunity you would like to pursue, there is a lot to think about. Here are a few things we recommend considering and comparing across your options: personal goals, academics, program length & timing, location, costs & scholarships, and other considerations.
Click here to learn more about program comparison.
Financing Your Participation
When it comes to studying or working abroad it is imperative that you properly plan financially for the experience. The four main aspects to financial planning for these experiences are:
- Funding Opportunities
- Know Your Costs
- Create a Budget
- Start Saving
You will want to start preparing for your international experience as soon as possible to ensure you are better prepared to finance your participation.
Click here to learn more about financing your participation.
Identity Abroad
While traveling abroad can be a life changing experience, we don’t want it to be for the wrong reasons. You will want to make sure you are traveling to places that are safe and will be respectful of your identity and social locations, as well as those you are traveling with. For example, these are some questions you can research further:
- What is the attitude toward your identity (i.e., race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, etc.) in the host city/country?
- If you have a disability, what kind of accommodations and accessibility are available where you would be living and studying?
- If you identify as LGBTQ+, are same-sex relationships legal?
- Is it safe for women to travel alone in the host city/country?
We have also created the following sections for you to access additional resources: Students with Disabilities, Indigenous Students, Racialized Students, Female Identifying Students, Queer Students, Students of Faith Communities, and Mature Students & Students with Families. One or more sections may be particularly relevant for you, but we encourage everyone to explore these sections to better understand how international travel is experienced from a diversity of perspectives.