Have you ever felt a pull towards a certain city thousands of miles away? A longing for adventure? Studying abroad is the perfect way to do something you’ve only dreamed of.
I’ve dreamed of studying abroad since middle school, but when I started the process, it was more complicated than I realized. I want to break down the steps of studying abroad, because in all honesty, living in a new country is a process and requires research, reaching out to the right people, and attention to detail.
How do I even look at the programs?
Visit Boise State Global Learning to learn more about where you can go, what programs you can do, and the first steps to get there. I explored countless programs trying to find the right fit. Before settling on a program, you’ll want to attend a Study Abroad 101 meeting, a one-time, one-hour information session that covers study abroad program options, how to apply, scholarship opportunities, and more.
What is the Portal?
The Boise State Global Learning Portal is a crucial step in looking for the program that is right for you and your major. It gives you access to see the details of each program, and even gives a percentage of how well you match with the program.
Here is how my journey started: I went to the Study Abroad 101 meeting my freshman year. Then I talked with my academic advisor to adjust my schedule because the majority of the programs offered in the portal are not direct exchanges from Boise State. You don’t have to do this, but just a suggestion if you haven’t taken many electives yet. You can get classes approved within your major based on the program.
After the Application
Next steps vary after you submit your application. For example, I had my heart set on Italy, specifically Rome, ever since I was in middle school. My best friend and I go to different schools, and we wanted to spend the semester at the same university together abroad. Unfortunately, getting an Italian visa proved to be more complicated than I thought, and I wouldn’t be able to get one in time. I learned that each program has different types of requirements. For example, some 90-day programs do not require visas, some let you get a visa through the program. Reach out to the study abroad advisors in advance and do your own research to make sure you have time to secure the correct documents.
My study abroad journey has been full of twists: Rome was my first choice, so when that fell through, I tried London. After some doubts, I took a completely different direction, and now I’m thrilled to be heading to the Gold Coast in Australia! I am beyond excited for the journey ahead, and I feel like I have made the right decision.
My advice for anyone looking to study abroad is to follow your heart while being open to a change of plan. Advocate for yourself by doing your own research and keep checking in with your global advisors along the way.