Each year the Office of International Students & Global programs offers several learning abroad opportunities to Rutgers students interested in gaining a global mind-set and immersing themselves in new and exciting cultures. With almost twenty programs being offered each academic year, choosing the right program can be a little overwhelming. After going abroad twice with Rutgers and experiencing firsthand the differences among the programs offered, here are my personal tips on how to choose the best learning abroad destination!
Picking the country.
One of the most important aspects of selecting a learning abroad program is choosing the country or region you want to visit. To help you decide, I recommend asking yourself the type of destination you want to travel to. Do you prefer a more relaxed destination or an adventurous one? For example, in some programs, you can visit big cities like Paris or London with similar lifestyles to the ones we have in the U.S, while others you will be traveling to rural areas in countries like Peru or Guatemala where the conditions could be completely different to what you are used to.
Besides, it is also essential to consider the language of the destination. While all programs have tour guides or local staff that speak English, you will need some basic foreign language skills to communicate with locals and go around in some countries.
If you have trouble deciding between two or more destinations, it is always good to look at the trip itinerary. In the itinerary, you can see the different cities or places you will be visiting in each country and the activities you will be doing. Moreover, you can get an idea of the type of accommodations you will be staying in and the country’s climate and conditions.
Select a program that counts towards your degree.
Most learning abroad programs are 3-credit classes. Learning abroad courses can fulfill major credits or general education requirements, depending on the class’s subject. It is extremely important to check with your academic advisor if the program you are interested in counts towards your degree or no. While you can apply to any program, I recommend selecting one that helps you advance in your major and is related to your field of study.
Consider the cost of each program.
The cost of going abroad varies depending on the program. Some programs are more expensive than others due to their geographical location and the services included in the price. For instance, traveling to countries in Asia could be more expensive than countries in Europe or Latin America because planes tickets are higher due to their distance from the U.S. Similarly, programs that include all meals or have upscale accommodation can be more costly than the ones that just include breakfast or stay in more frugal hotels.
Pro Tip: Scholarships can considerably reduce the cost of going abroad. The office of International Students and Global programs offer several scholarships ranging from $500 to $1200.
The choice is yours.
While I hope my advice was helpful, deciding where to go and which program to select is up to you. While all destinations are unique, in the end, all of them give you the opportunity to experience new cultures, meet new people, become more independent, and see the world from a different perspective.
To learn more about learning abroad and the different programs offered by Rutgers—Camden, check out the International Students & Global Programs website.
Written by Cris P., a Rutgers—Camden Undergraduate Student and Raptor Ambassador.