Studying abroad gives college students the opportunity to explore new cultures, have new experiences and become more independent. Many college students long for an opportunity to study overseas, but figuring out how to get there can be a challenge. Most people assume that their options are limited.

But there are a few ways to study abroad while in college.

Study Abroad: Your Options

Many college students don’t know that there are a few options when it comes to studying abroad.

A Traditional Study Abroad Program Through Your University

The simplest and most traditional way to study abroad is to enroll in a program through your university. With this method, courses will transfer easily, as they’re already approved by the school.

Some schools will even take care of the visa for you. And because you are going through a program controlled by your school, there is a chance that the cost will be lower than staying on campus.

Not all universities offer study abroad programs or programs that are relevant to every student’s major. For this reason, many students have to look to other options to study overseas.

Direct Enrollment Through a University Overseas

Another way to study abroad is to enroll directly in a university overseas. It is possible to enroll for a semester, a year or for a full degree at a university overseas.

Depending on the university and the program, students may have to apply for a student visa.

Additionally, students may have to have a good grasp of the local language if there are no courses available in their native tongue. That can prove to be a challenge in some parts of the world, but learning a new language will prove to be an asset in the future.

Find a Program Through a Third-Party Provider

There are several companies that work in the education field that help students of all majors and levels study abroad. Third party providers may also help students find opportunities to study in the summer, when traditional programs are not available.

If you’re unable to find third-party providers through your university, Go Overseas’ offers a list of study abroad programs.

The Costs of Studying Abroad

One important thing that needs to be considered is the costs of studying abroad. The idea is a romantic one, but there’s no denying that studying overseas will be expensive.

There are several variables that will affect the cost of studying abroad. These include:

• Housing: Will you be living on campus or off campus?
• The cost of living in the country
• The tuition costs
• Costs of traveling to and from your destination
• Visa costs
• Extracurriculars
• Additional travel
• Cultural events
• Availability of financial aid and grants
• The type of study-abroad program you’ll join
• Who is running the study-abroad program

Take the time to estimate and figure out all of the costs associated with studying abroad before committing yourself. Financial aid and grants may be available that make studying overseas possible at little or no expense. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.