Choosing A Program

Student Nick Gray, in England en route to Zambia.

The decision to study abroad should be part of a thoughtful, careful process. Be prepared to do some in-depth research. Web pages beckon with tantalizing photos and glowing testimonials. With so many options to consider, the decision-making process can seem overwhelming at times! But if you invest the time to investigate your personal goals and priorities, you will make a good choice. And remember, you have expert help and guidance in International Programs. You don’t have to know all the answers right now… you just need the willingness to explore.

1. Investigate Your Goals

Take a look at our self-guided questionnaire. Your answers will help you shape a study abroad that meets your individual needs.

2. Know the Different Types of Program Models

NMU participates in academic consortia and has agreements with several study abroad provider organizations. You may directly enroll in a foreign university – with other international students from around the world. Or, you might choose a more traditional study-center model, in which students from other U.S. universities come together and immerse themselves in the language and culture of the host country.
In a faculty-led study abroad, NMU professors take groups of students for short-term, intensive field studies. The courses last anywhere from a week on spring break to 3 or 4 weeks in the summer session – and generally offer 4 to 6 academic credits.
Some programs offer internships or volunteer service learning opportunities in addition to formal coursework. Student teaching abroad is also available to qualified pre-service teacher candidates.

3. Select a Program

We suggest you keep a list of your questions and goals and bring it with you to your first study abroad advising session. Treat your study abroad preparation as a one-credit course with you as the instructor – and set yourself some regular deadlines and goals.

Here are some topics you might consider as you begin to compare individual programs:

• Longevity: How long has this program operated? Is there a record of success? Can you access evaluations from former students?

• Accreditation: Who backs up the academic quality of the program? The host country government? An international organization or recognized university?

• Academic quality: Do the individual course descriptions compare to similar credit loads on the NMU campus? Can you access the actual syllabi? Who reports the final grades and how is the transcript issued? Is there a minimum GPA to participate in the program?

• Price: What is included in the quoted program fee? Does the price include housing and meals? Or course-related field excursions? Are there hidden fees and expenses? These can really add up, particularly in independent, direct-enrollment situations. Different programs report fees in different formats. Airfare and personal spending money are generally not included.

• Housing: Does the program place students with host families? Shared flats or residence housing? Is it possible to arrange housing independently? What about meals? How many are included in the program fee? Is there an estimate for groceries and inexpensive local dining?

• Field excursions: Are there built-in field experiences related to your studies? And are there are extra expenses for equipment or course-related materials?

• Scholarships: Are scholarships available?

• Deadlines: What is the deadline for application? Does the program generally fill up early? How long should you plan for obtaining a host country visa?

A visual organizer can be a useful tool in organizing your research. When you compare interesting programs on a grid, the right match often leaps off the page.

Study Abroad Resource Center

The study abroad resource center is open during regular office hours, Monday-Friday. A growing library of materials is organized in subject-by-subject files, making it easy to find an NMU program to fit your academic goals.
Program evaluations from past NMU participants and country-by-country cultural files offer hours of enjoyment to armchair travelers and can also add depth to your course-related research.
Peer advisers are available during posted hours and will answer many of your basic questions about how to plan a study abroad.
Coffee and hot chocolate… colorful brochures… and the famous comfy chair make the study abroad resource center an inviting place to plan your great adventure.

There are also many study abroad search engines available online. One of our favorites is iiepassport.org. It has a detailed subject-by-subject advanced search option.