Choosing a Program>Global Engagement

Choosing a Program

Program Types
EU Programs / Faculty-led EU faculty member(s) lead a group of EU students for a short term program abroad Programs are usually during J-term, Spring Break, or Summer term Students take the assigned course the program offers and receive EU credit Some programs are department focused, while some are open to all majors Search for program type: "EU Program" in the application portal	Affiliate Programs Third party providers that have been approved by Global Engagement to administer programs for EU credit Programs give students additional locations and subjects to choose from, as well as internships and service learning Students must apply through EU, as well as the Affiliate company Approved providers are API, Arcadia Abroad, IES Abroad, IFSA-Butler, ISA, SIT and TEAN
Exchange / Partner Programs Programs where EU has a direct relationship with the foreign university Often times students from EU and the host institution are exchanged. EU students enroll as an international student at the host university and are fully integrated with local students. Housing is often acquired by the student independently or in cooperation with the host university's international office. These programs are typically a semester or academic year in length.	Unaffiliated Programs Programs not vetted and approved by EU. An option if no other program fits Must get prior approval EU financial aid and scholarships do not apply Global Engagement does not provide registration and transcript assistance for unaffiliated programs. Fees are paid directly to the provider
Considerations
How do I choose a program? Thinking about the type of experience you want and doing research is an important step to studying abroad. Before selecting a program, you may want to consider the following questions: General What is your highest priority (location, academics, cost, etc.)? Are you interested in doing fieldwork, volunteering, service-learning, internships, or independent research? Do you want to be in a group of other US university students, local students, other international students, or a mixture? Do you have particular interests or concerns related to your personal background or identity (race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic heritage, etc.)? What can the program offer you as a study abroad student? Can the program accommodate any of your special needs (academic, health, diet, etc.)? Academics What type of courses do you want to take while studying abroad? Are you interested in courses in your major? Are you interested in courses in your minor, AoK or electives? Which language(s) have you studied? Is improving your language skills an important goal? Is instruction classroom or field-based? Are faculty primarily local or visiting professors from US institutions? Cost How will the program cost compare to a semester on campus? What is included in the program cost (housing, meals, excursions, health insurance, etc.)? What scholarship opportunities are available?	Accommodations Will you live with a local host family, local roommates, or with other students on the program? Will you stay in a house, dorm, apartment, or hostel/hotel? Are meals included in the cost? Where do students typically eat? Will you have a kitchen available to make your own meals? Location Is there a particular region of the world that attracts you? Do you prefer a big city or a smaller town? Are you comfortable in a non-English speaking country? Do you plan to travel on the weekends? How easy is it to get to another city/country? Where, specifically, is the program located (in city center, at or near a university, in rented office space, etc.)? Duration How long are you comfortable being away from home for? Students are able to study abroad from 1 week to an entire academic year. How will the length of your program effect your on-campus involvement or employment? What are the dates of the program? Not all programs follow the EU academic calendar. Pay attention to the program dates listed on the program page. Internships How many hours/week is the internship? What kinds of internships are available? Are placements guaranteed or competitive? Is the internship accompanied by an academic course (necessary to receive credit)? Is the internship done part-time throughout the program or full-time for part of the program?