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All Students
As you consider and prepare for an international experience, take some time to reflect on the following information and questions as a guide to examine some of the more personal aspects of study abroad.
The Destination
- What is life like in the country?
- What are my reasons for choosing this country?
- Have I developed knowledge about this country based on stereotypes?
- What cultural differences should I expect?
- What do I need to know about COVID in the countries I’m interested in in order to keep myself safe and limit the transmission of COVID?
The Host Program
- What types of housing are available?
- Is my program able to provide for single rooms, private bathrooms and certain roommates?
- What other resources are available to me?
Your Needs
- Am I used to being part of the minority/majority at home?
- How will it be to be a part of the minority/majority abroad instead?
- Am I looking for an extremely different experience or to retain some cultural similarities?
- What are my goals while abroad?
- How will the study abroad experience contribute to my artistic and creative goals?
- How will this experience contribute to the achievement of my academic and career goals?
- How will I involve my family in my decision to study abroad? How can I explain to my family that a study abroad experience can contribute to the achievement of my goals?
- What kind of experience am I looking for?
- How do I plan to finance my time abroad?
- What are my expectations about socializing and dating while abroad?
- Are the medications I take legal and available in my host country?
RESOURCES
- Numeo's Cost of Living Estimator
- Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s Travel Recommendations
- Check the US Dept of State Travel Advisories for your intended destination
- Managing Mental Health While Abroad
- Review the Diversity and Inclusion Abroad Guide
- COF's Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
- Use our Semester Abroad Budget Planner
- View MassArt's Steps to taking a Semester Abroad
We encourage you to meet with MassArt's Study Abroad Advisor to discuss the topics in this resource guide and make your study abroad plan.