Getting Started

Congratulations on your interest in study abroad! You, along with many American University students, are choosing what many find a life-defining experience, and one that has the potential to influence your studies and professional career for many years to come. Finding the right program for you is the first step in maximizing your potential for a rewarding experience. How do you begin?

Things to consider

A wide variety of study abroad programming is available at AU, each organized upon different principles. Individual interests and academic needs mean that the right choice of study abroad program will be different for each and every student. In order to narrow the selection, there are four considerations to think about before you begin to search for the best study abroad program for you:

1. Academics: It is important to consider the parameters for study abroad that each major and minor will have. You will meet with your academic advisor at several points in the study abroad process. Even if you are only considering studying abroad at this point, you should meet with your advisor to discuss what courses you should or must take while abroad and how your study abroad coursework will fit into your overall academic program at AU.

2. Cost: Before you begin the application process, it is vital for you to consider how you pay for your education at AU and what additional expenses may or may not be incurred because you are studying abroad. There is a wealth of information on the financing of study abroad at AU on the Financing page, including information on AU Abroad's scholarship program. It is also important to discuss your finances with your parents and/or those who finance your education at AU.

3. Language: It is important to consider whether you wish to study language, and/or study in a foreign language while abroad. Many programs, especially those where you will enroll directly in a foreign university, will require you to take regular university classes instructed in the host country language. Others will offer classes instructed in English for visiting students, while others will offer courses instructed in English for all students. You will see language requirements and language of instruction at the top of each program entry on our website.

4. Risk: This is the hardest factor to define. In the context of study abroad, risk is your willingness to cope with ambiguity in the study abroad experience. Some programs offer you the opportunity to take a set schedule of classes that are designed for the students that sign up for the program. Room and board are frequently arranged in advance, and sometimes organized excursions and activities are included.

On other programs, you will travel as an individual student directly enrolling in a foreign university. In these programs, you are largely responsible to manage your experience and sort out your arrangements on your own. You may have to take the initiative to connect with students and faculty at your host institution. You may be responsible to make your own housing arrangements.

Further, there are many programs that offer a mix of study options, and some programs, while primarily direct enrollment, may have additional support services specifically for study abroad students. In thinking about differences in risk, consider what you find exciting and what you find frightening, and take this into consideration when making your program choice.

Thinking about the above four concepts before you think about your destination will help you to clarify your program choices considerably. If you are having a difficult time determining how to approach the selection process you are always welcome to make an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor to talk about how to choose the right program for you.