Get Started: Choosing the Right Study Abroad Program

Study abroad programs are offered in large cities, small towns, and in the countryside. A variety of living arrangements are possible, including homestays, dormitories, or apartments (with either other Americans or foreign students).

Sometimes housing is on the campus; sometimes it is across town, and a student must commute on public transportation. Expect that your lifestyle and living arrangements will be different from your day-to-day existence at Seattle Pacific University!

Consider the following when deciding on the right study abroad program for you:

A Study Trip and Your Academic Goals

• Why do you want to study abroad? What are your main goals?
• How does study abroad fit into your academic experience at Seattle Pacific?
• What do you hope to learn during your experience?
• Do you plan to start learning a foreign language before or during your study abroad experience?
• Do you have certain requirements for your major, your minor, or any Exploratory Curriculum requirements you need to fulfill while abroad?
• Is it possible to fulfill these requirements overseas?

 

Day-to-Day Living Arrangements

• Do you prefer a structured learning style or one that is more independent?
• Do you prefer to study with other U.S. students while abroad, or do you prefer to be in classes with students from your host country?
• Do you want instruction to take place in English or in a foreign language?
• Do you prefer to live with a local host family, in a residence hall, or in an apartment?
• Do you want to live with other Americans, or with host nationals?
• Do you want to cook for yourself while you are abroad, or do you prefer having a meal plan?
• Would you like to live in a small town or a big city?
• Do you mind commuting on public transportation to class every day?

Potential Barriers

• What are some of the barriers you might encounter while studying abroad?
• Is it important for you to be in a country where the attitude toward Americans or foreigners is generally friendly, or are you willing to go to a destination where you may encounter some xenophobia or anti-Americanism?
• Do you have special needs such as a physical or mental health condition, or a learning disability for which you may need special support services while abroad?
• Have you considered the health and safety risks of various study abroad destinations?
• Are you willing to accept the risks inherent in traveling and living overseas?
• How important is Internet and email access to you while you are abroad?

 

Ask Questions

Before you decide on the study abroad program:

• Talk to your faculty advisor and one of the designated undergraduate academic counselors listed below.
• Talk with former study abroad students to hear their first-hand experiences about a particular study abroad program.
• Talk to SPU Study Abroad Coordinator Gail DeBell (gdebell@spu.edu).
• Talk to faculty members who have led study abroad trips.

If you plan carefully and consider your needs and requirements, you will have a rewarding study abroad experience!

 

Applying the Academic Credits

For information about how the credits from your chosen study abroad program can enrich your area of study, contact one of these student academic counselors:

If your last name begins with A-K

Contact Ben Weins at 206-281-2661 or benweins@spu.edu.

If your last name begins with L-Z

Contact Debbie Crouch at 206-281-2446 or dcrouch@spu.edu.

 

Have unanswered questions? Check out the Contact page.