I recently graduated from high school and I’m considering a study abroad experience as a college freshman. But when I began researching my chances to study abroad, I learned that most colleges have chosen not to allow their students to study abroad during their freshman year. Many colleges offer a summer study abroad experience following completion of freshman year. So, when I say “most” colleges do not offer freshman students study abroad experiences, the implication is that there are some colleges that do.
So, can I study abroad as a freshman? Yes, I can study abroad as a college freshman at a variety of public and private colleges and universities. The reality though, is that my choice of colleges and study abroad programs are more limited than if I wait to study abroad as a college sophomore, junior or senior.
My intent with this article is to share the information I learned this summer in my effort to understand the options available to me to study abroad as a college freshman. I hope this information will help you discover what you’re looking for on your journey to study abroad.
If you are a high school junior or senior, or younger, then there is time to prepare to study abroad as a college freshman. But realize that time is not your friend. There are many time-sensitive activities you must fulfill in order to accomplish your goal of studying abroad. A few of those activities include applying for college admission, applying for a passport and, if necessary, applying for a foreign study visa as soon as possible. But you can’t accomplish the third task until you’ve decided which country you plan to study. The earlier you make plans, the more options you will have to enjoy a great experience..
But before you worry about those activities, I suggest you walk through some basic steps to determine if you are truly a candidate for study abroad as a freshman.
Eight Basic Steps to Consider if You Want to Study Abroad as a College Freshman
Step One: Ask and answer four broad questions about yourself to determine whether you should study abroad as a college freshman.
Why do you want to study abroad as a freshman?
If you answered “because I’m ready to build character, experience a new culture, and meet students my age from other cultures, as well as have a desire to develop skills in goal-setting, independence, and problem-solving,” then you may be a great candidate for study abroad as a freshman.
Am I ready to Study abroad as a college freshman?
If you answered, “I think I’m ready” or “I’m not sure”, then you have some soul searching to do. You must determine for yourself if you can handle the stresses of study abroad academically, emotionally, and physically. A few other things to consider should include: Are you ready to be homesick? Are you excited about traveling around the world? Do you welcome the opportunity to make new friends? Are you determined to follow through with all the planning, paperwork and deadlines to make it all happen? Does your family support your decision?
The bottom line is this: Only You Can Know if You are Ready to Study Abroad as a Freshman!
Where do you want to study abroad?
If you answered, “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure”, then you may think about reconsidering your motivation. But if you answered, “I want to study in a European city with great museums, great food, and tremendous opportunities to visit other cities and countries,” then you may be ready for study abroad.
Will finances determine your ability to study abroad as a freshman?
If you answered, “I have no clue if I can afford a study abroad experience,” then you’re not alone. Most students begin the process to study abroad by determining the costs of specific programs, the financial aid available, and the amount of money you and your family can access to make the decision. The good news is that many study abroad programs for freshmen cost almost the same as they would pay to live on campus at their home university, plus the added costs of travel.
Step Two: Understand why most colleges are not prepared to offer college freshman a study abroad experience
Although colleges are interested in providing their freshmen students with a safe, enjoyable, and educational first year experience on their campuses, there is a little bit of self-interest in not wanting a student to study abroad as a freshman. The college has a better chance of controlling the freshman experience on their campus than on a campus thousands of miles away in a foreign country.
A student’s freshman year is typically a time of transition, of settling into the college life, navigating the campus and its buildings, classes, clubs, faculty, atmosphere and academic life. But colleges have learned that there are several benefits to offering freshmen an opportunity to study abroad.
College Benefits of Offering Study Abroad Opportunities to College Freshmen
- Allows colleges to attract students who might otherwise attend a college or university that offers a study abroad experience for freshmen.
- Allows colleges to attract more adventurous and engaged students who are willing to try new and exciting experiences.
- Colleges believe the opportunity fosters a stronger bond between the student and the college
- Helps offset the loss of freshmen who fail to return for their sophomore year
- Fewer freshmen on campus frees up more classroom, living and parking spaces.
- Studies show students returning from study abroad experiences …
- Show improved GPAs
- Are more likely to graduate in four years
- Earn degrees at a higher rate
- Are more culturally knowledgeable
- Tend to become better leaders
Now that you understand why college administrators believe that offering a study abroad experience to freshmen students, now is the time for you to begin your search for the perfect fit.
Step Three: Check Your College Wish List
The first thing I learned is that the colleges on my original college wish list do not offer the opportunity to study abroad as a freshman. My list includes one community college and two public universities. All three institutions offer some form of study abroad experience, but none offer a full semester or year abroad as a freshman.
I encourage you to check your list. Go to each college’s website. Search the study abroad section. If you don’t see a freshman study abroad opportunity, call or email the staff. Most of the time you can find contact names, emails and telephone numbers for staff working in the Study Abroad Office.
Here is a head start on the list of questions you might ask:
Does the college allow freshmen to study abroad?
If yes, what destinations and academic programs are available?
If yes, when are the application deadlines?
If not, do you know of any colleges that offer freshman study abroad experiences?
Once you have the facts, you are better prepared to take the next step.
Step Four: Research Colleges that Offer Study Abroad for Freshman Students
It isn’t easy to find a list of colleges and universities offering a First-Year Study Abroad Experience for Freshmen.
Following are three colleges with programs for freshmen.
ARCADIA UNIVERSITY, Glenside, Pennsylvania
Arcadia’s First-Year Study Abroad Experience offers freshmen an opportunity to study abroad in London, England for the entire second semester of your first-year.
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, Tallahassee, Florida
FSU’s First Year Abroad program allows students to complete the first twelve months of their Florida State careers while studying abroad. Students may choose to study at one of four FSU year-round study centers located in London, England; Florence, Italy; Panama City, Republic of Panama; Valencia, Spain.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, College Park, Maryland
The University of Maryland offers enrolling Spring Semester students a Freshmen Abroad Destination Program either in Rome, Italy or Sydney, Australia. These semester-long programs allow students to earn 12 -16 credits while learning and living with other UMD students and faculty.
Click HERE to review our periodically updated list of colleges with Freshman Year Study Abroad Experiences on our Study Abroad Express RESOURCES PAGE.
Step Five: Apply for Admission to the Top Colleges on Your New List
Now that you have selected your list of colleges to attend, it’s time to apply for admission. Most colleges offer Admission Forms and Requirements on their websites. Be sure to follow-up with the college to ensure you’re not lost between the cracks. Colleges have been known to lose important information. Just do your best to keep in contact and return any email or telephone call as promptly as possible.
It also does not hurt to contact the Study Abroad Office as soon as possible to begin learning the requirements to Study Abroad as an incoming Freshman. The earlier you can get documents completed and returned, the faster it will be to get approved for the study abroad experience.
Step Six: Make a List of Time Sensitive and Personal Deadlines
It’s time to begin making a list of deadlines you will need to meet in order to achieve your goal of studying abroad as a freshman. Begin as soon as possible to follow through on checking off each item from the list. Here is a brief list you can start with:
- College Application Deadlines
- Study abroad Application Deadlines
- Financial Aid Deadlines
- Apply for a Passport
- Apply for a Travel or Student VISA for your destination country if necessary
- Determine Travel Deadlines
- Look into housing options
- Develop a packing list
- Update cell phone plan or order an unlocked phone that will work in your host country
- Download useful apps
- Plan your technology needs and favorite apps
- Develop a budget
- Develop an understanding of exchange rates
- Confirm apartment, or other accommodations
- Purchase a student health insurance policy
- Make copies of important documents
The better you plan, the less stress you will feel as the date for departure arrives.
Step Seven: After Admission Approval, Work with Academic Advisor
It’s time to meet with your academic advisor and the study abroad office to develop a four year academic plan that accommodates your freshman year abroad experience. The important aspect of this opportunity is to ensure that you’re able to work out a plan that keeps you on track to graduate in four years. You want to make sure coursework that requires a sequence of completion meets the demands of your major. For example, Biology majors need to complete certain courses in order to register for upper level courses later on.
Step Eight: Finalize Your Plans
Now that you’ve done all the legwork to study abroad as a freshman, it’s time to go. You may get nervous. You may not. Either way, focus on enjoying your time studying abroad as a freshman. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
But if you’ve decided to wait until later in your college career, that’s okay too. That’s what I’ve decided to do. I decided to attend a college on my original list that doesn’t offer a freshman year abroad program. But I’m envious of those of you who will make that choice. I hope it’s as exciting and rewarding as I imagine.
One final piece of advice. Before you leave your home, make sure you have your passport. Don’t leave home without it.