How Do I Start Planning for Study Abroad?

Resources to use during the planning process

• Visit the OIP Resource Library (J. Walter Wilson Hall 420A)
• Speak to peer counselors (returned study abroad students who staff the OIP Resource Library)
• Make an appointment the speak with an OIP Study Abroad Advisor

Questions to ask during the planning process

Program

• What kind of overseas experience am I looking for?
• Am I interested in a work, volunteer or internship program instead of an academic program? Remember that study abroad is for the academics! The Brown Resource Center, the Swearer Center for Public Service and Career Development Center can assist you in finding other international opportunities.
• Who runs (sponsors) the program?

Requirements

• Is there a language requirement?
• Is there a concentration requirement?
• Is there a GPA requirement?

Academics

• What are my academic goals?
• What is the academic focus of the program I'm looking at?
• Do I want to earn concentration credit?
• What are the policies of my concentration department with regard to earning concentration credit from study abroad?
• Will I be able to take regular classes with local students?
• Will I be taught by faculty members of a local university?
• Does the university abroad allow students to take the combination of courses I want to take?
• How many courses do I need to take to get full credit at Brown?
• How will my work be assessed?

Culture

• What are my expectations with regard to cultural integration and assimilation?
• What opportunities do I have to meet local people?

Location & Housing

• Do I want to be in a large city or in a more rural setting?
• Where do students on the program live - dorms, apartments, homestays?
• With whom will I be living - local students, other international students?

Calendar

• What is the best semester for me to study abroad?
• How long should I stay abroad?
• What is the academic calendar?
• Is the academic calendar congruent with Brown's? Does that matter to me?
• On which dates does the program begin and end?
• Does the university abroad have semesters?

Cost

• What does the program cost?
• Besides tuition, what else will I need to pay for?