This post has been sponsored by Kalu Yala. All opinions are entirely my own.
While you were in high school or college, did you have the opportunity to study abroad? I didn’t, or at least, I don’t think I did. Looking back, it’s kind of all a blur but I don’t remember if it was ever discussed and I’m not sure I would have felt comfortable traveling to another country all by myself. What I did do, however, is take an amazing trip to Europe with a group of friends after I graduated from college - an experience of a lifetime.
Now that I am in the thick of college prep with my daughter, we have been talking about study abroad programs a lot. It’s on top of her bucket list for deciding which college she’ll attend. She wants to experience living in another country, speaking another language, and building her resume with unique opportunities she might not get here.
As a mom, I’m nervous for her but also proud and excited that she even wants to go off and have these experiences. I think that travel (for any purpose) is something everyone should have the chance to do. If you are on the fence if a study abroad program is right for your child, check out why I think it is probably a great idea.
Questions About Study Abroad Programs
But what about fulfilling my college requirements?
The amazing thing about study abroad programs these days is that the college you attend usually works closely with a school abroad to provide you the same excellent educational classes that you would take here. They align with your requirements so you aren’t “missing out” on any of the classes you need to graduate. You also have the unique opportunity to take classes that aren’t available at your school but can still be taken for credit.
What if I don’t speak another language?
There are plenty of great study abroad programs in countries that speak fluent English. Most of the courses you will take will be taught by English speaking professors so no worries there. The beauty of choosing a country where English is not the primary language is that you can become absorbed in the culture and learn the language more quickly than if you studied it here in the United States. And if you had language classes in high school, all the better for getting a chance to practice that skill. My daughters are taking French in school so they are definitely considering France for their study abroad programs.
I’m an inexperienced traveler. How would I manage by myself?
Not a problem. Many schools have guides that go with your group (if you are studying abroad with a group) who have experience with foreign languages and money conversions, etc. A college would not send off a student without having a game plan and all the details you need to live and study abroad. Talk to the previous study abroad students as well to get a feel for the experience and what you need to know. Travel is something that everyone should do as part of their unique life experience. Sure, it may be scary, but you will be all the better for it. If you are really unsure about traveling alone, grab a buddy who is studying something similar to you and plan the trip together.
How would I pay for all this?
Ahhh, this is the big question. I know the expense of travel cares off many people. Many of the colleges we researched include these programs in your regular tuition rate. And, there are plenty of scholarships available (from inside the school and outside the school) to help with the extra costs of airfare, housing, and food. One company, Kalu Yala, provides a scholarship of $1,000 to high school seniors who have been accepted to college and want to study abroad. Simply write a 500 word essay on “The Main Benefits of Studying Abroad”. How easy can that be?
Let Kalu Yala inspire you and I encourage everyone to consider a study abroad program.
Not only do you get to travel but you will be talking college courses that align with your major… and you also might have the chance to do an internship while you are abroad.
If you want to instill a love of travel in your kids, get out and take them with you. We started early with simple road trips and have taken the kids to Hawaii and on several cruises. It warms my heart that my girls all love traveling and want to do much more of it in their lives.
Did you study abroad or are you considering it for your student? I’d love to hear all about it.
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