When deciding to study abroad, the world really is your oyster. You have choice of location, length of study, and what classes most trip your trigger -- all while fulfilling those graduation requirements, of course! However, what most study abroad newbies don't realize is you can also make your choice by what type of program is the best fit. Not only can you choose what language you want to study, but you can decide which of the four program types fits your personality and goals.
Some models work best for the homebody-but-I-want-to-escape type (like island programs), some work best for the independent go-getter type (like integrated programs), some are best for the easily distracted or bored type (like hybrid programs), and some are best for those that like to get their hands dirty (like field based programs). Below is more information about each of the types of study abroad programs, with advantages and disadvantages for each, and my honest, bottom-line opinion about each (and what they mean for you!).
For Short-Term: Island Programs
Who it's good for: If you've got one toe into the study abroad ocean and aren't quite ready to dive in head first yet, a short term island program could be the perfect gateway to test the waters.
No -- we don't mean you'll be studying on an island! (though, you could Study Abroad in Galapagos if you'd like!) For island programs, students typically take classes with other U.S. students (from their home university and universities around the U.S.) and a professor from a U.S. university. The courses are developed with you, the student, in mind and are held on site in a U.S. study center, instead of a local university.
Advantages: If you are nervous at the thought of taking classes entirely in a foreign language or alongside students from another culture, an island program is a great happy medium. Island programs are like "study abroad light" -- your comfort zone won't be nearly as challenged, but it will give you a taste of what it is like to live in another country.
If you take well to it, you might feel more confident in your ability to go abroad for a longer period of time (semester or more) and more independently (directly enrolling or through a provider). You might also realize study abroad ain't yo' thing. That's OK too.
Also, island programs offer more perks than just locale: you're earning academic credit, learning about the local economy, and taking care of those (sometimes pesky) general education classes.
Disadvantages: This really comes down to personal preference. Many island programs are led, developed, and designed by faculty members at U.S. universities, which can be a disadvantage if you want a full immersion program. Some are shorter in length, while others like the Athena Study Abroad in Paros, Greece can be catered in length to your heart's desire and depth of your wallet.
For Language Immersion: Integrated Programs
Who it's good for: Integrated programs are best for folks who want to learn how to speak a language, increase your fluency, and understand the local culture at a higher level. However, these programs aren't for the faint of heart. There are times where you will get frustrated, upset, sad, and mad. However, if you decide to go with this option (and goodonya if you do!), make sure your new university or agent offers on-site support.
Integrated programs are a match made in heaven for those ready to dive into a brand new environment and take life by the horns. Students enroll directly into a university in the host country, with some assistance from program providers (like API, IES Abroad, or AIFS) or your home university.
Advantages: Looking to challenge yourself and see what you're capable of? Want to forget your English for a while and see how far you can take your Spanish, French, or Italian skills? Ready to trade your comfort zone for something completely different?
If you said yes to any of these three questions, then you're an excellent candidate for integrated programs. Instead of surrounding yourself with your native-English speaking comrades from Spanish class, push yourself to break beyond your comfort zone, learn those chistes (jokes), and adapt to the local slang. (Also, did we mention, language immersion will make you a happier traveler?)
Disadvantages: Since you'll be taking classes alongside local university students, most, if not all, classes will be taught in the local language. This can be a beast of a challenge (you want me to analyze Cien Años de Soledad in Spanish?!), especially if you're not quite fluent yet. On top of that, if you aren't familiar with the culture, concepts of time, class etiquette, and academic rigor can vary drastically.
For Beginner Language Learners: Hybrid Programs
Who it's good for: Despite the mental exhaustion, this is a fantastic option for students who are eager to take the plunge to integrate into local universities, but aren't quite ready to fly completely from the nest just yet. You've ridden the bike all around town and zoomed around the neighborhood, but aren't quite ready to say goodbye to the helpful support of those training wheels. Integrated is the perfect program for you if you want that built-in support of your U.S. comrades and professors, but still want that extra push out of your comfort zone so you can improve your language skills.
Hybrid programs are a combination of island and integrated... I like to call this the "Goldilocks' juuuuust right" option. You get to take classes with local students at their universities and in the host language. At the same time, you get the 'translation' class -- aka, the "what the heck does all of this stuff mean!?" class -- alongside your U.S. university comrades. Talk about a hug of comfort abroad!
Advantages: Most hybrid programs are delivered in the host language and format, while supplementary classes are provided in English to offer context and comprehension help. This is particularly helpful for students that are starting to take classes in anew language, particularly if it's significantly different from English, like Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese, or Hindu. Consider the on-site university classes your cardio and the supplementary classes your weight training... both are necessary to strengthen your language skills and really understand the culture.
Disadvantages: Since you'll be taking classes in two different formats, it can be overwhelming, confusing, mentally exhausting, and downright time consuming - especially if they're held in different locations.
For Career-Focused Studies: Field Based Programs
Who it's good for: Onsite field experience is one that cannot be replaced and is oftentimes the chance of a lifetime. This is the best kind of program for students trying to figure out if their chosen field if a good potential career path, or for those that are deep into their academic program and want hands-on experience. If you're comfortable with a somewhat unpredictable schedule, or are at least willing to adjust to one, then field based programs are a good fit for you.
If the first thing that comes to mind when you hear "field based program" is glass beakers or laboratories, know that any major can participate in a hands-on, on-the-ground study abroad program. Get your dig on with archaeology programs in Italy, Greece, or China, expand your scope beyond Model United Nations with political and revolutionary studies through SIT in Nicaragua, or take stock with your economics major with the School for Field Studies sustainable development program in Costa Rica. Who said field based work couldn't be more than taking water samples in the Galapagos!?
Advantages: Field based programs are for students that like to get their hands dirty and want to be part of the movement. You're in the mix, right along side of the action, with a trusty expert -- your professor -- guiding you along the way and providing context, history, and cultural or linguistic translation.
If you don't do well with perfect rows, a chalkboard, and hours of lecture, you're the perfect student for a field based program. Popular providers include SIT Study Abroad, the Center for Global Education, and the School for Field Studies.
Disadvantages: If you're type A, crave structure and order, and don't like uncertainty, then field based programs aren't for you. This is because things can change at the drop of a hat, depending on the current environment. Quick changes to the schedule might be difficult for those that long for order and predictability.
Studying abroad can take on many different forms. Think carefully about how long you'd like to study abroad, as different program lengths will have a dramatic affect on the overall outcome of your study abroad success. Further, you may be considering your different options for WHEN to study abroad -- just because your BFF is doing her Junior fall semester in Paris doesn't mean that that same time frame works for you and your schedule (heck, you may up and decide to study abroad without your friends anyway!). You might even seek to complete an internship during your study abroad semester. With so many options, you can (and should!) be picky when choosing your study abroad program.
There are so many more choices than what meets the eye when determining the perfect study abroad program. It's important to think about your personality: Do I thrive best with the support of my peers and professors? Or do I grow the most when I'm flying solo? Also, consider your academic goals: Is my top priority academic credit? Do I want to gain fluency in the local language? As always, the best way to be prepared is to arm yourself with knowledge about your program, location, and what you can expect from studying abroad.
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