Know Yourself!
You should take the time to think about and define your personal and educational goals in relation to studying abroad. The following questions will assist you in deciding what type of program would be most suitable for your needs. 

Bullfight, Seville, Spain

Questions and Considerations
(Select a question below to see an answer.)

1. What do you hope to gain from the experience of studying abroad?
2. Which country or region would you like to live in?
3. What type of living environment would you like to be in?
4. How long do you want to study overseas?
5. What do you hope to learn as a result of studying in another country?
6. Choose the host college/university at which you would like to study.
7. Choose the type of study abroad program in which you would like to participate. 
8. Choose a study abroad program sponsor.

1.  What do you hope to gain from the experience of studying abroad?

• Improved language skills, intercultural competence, preparation for graduate school or a particular career, etc.

2.  Which country or region would you like to live in? 

• Consider the country's climate, terrain and language.

3.  What type of living environment would you like to be in? 

• Would you prefer to live in a city or a town? 
• Would you prefer living with a host family or with other students?

4.  How long do you want to study overseas?

• A full academic year is recommended by professionals in the field of study abroad and by students.

5.  What do you hope to learn as a result of studying in another country?

• Do you want to learn or improve language skills?
• Do you want to study the country's history, culture, political economy, etc.? 
• Will you need to take courses within your major or minor or fulfill core requirements?
• How will study abroad fit into your academic program at Providence College? 

6.  Choose the host college/university at which you would like to study. 

• Consider the size (number of students) and location (urban, suburban, rural) of the institution.  
• Consider your academic interests and review the host institution's course offerings on their website.
• Consider what extracurricular activities are available.  
• Consider the host institution's academic calendar. 

7.  Choose the type of study abroad program in which you would like to participate.

• Would you prefer to be directly integrated into a university in the host country or do you want to take classes with other American students?
• Would you like to try a more independent style of studying a subject?
• Are you fluent in the host country language? 
• Do you meet the minimum PC and host institution study abroad admissions requirements?

8.  Choose a study abroad program sponsor.

• a. Does the program sponsor employ a full-time Resident Director  at your specific study abroad location?
  (Some programs have staff who serve a number of universities within the country or they may only use the institution's international student office).  It is best to participate in a program that provides a Resident Director with an office in the town/city where you will be living to assist you while you are studying abroad!
• b. Program options and costs --find out what is included as well as what is not included in the published program costs.
  --look for information on tuition and fees, accommodations, meals, insurance, cultural activities, trips, flights, etc.
• c. Program requirements-- GPA, language, semester/academic year program duration, etc.
  

San Marco, Venice, Italy

The staff of the Center for International Studies is available to assist in providing resources that would help in answering these questions.