Is Study Abroad Right for You?

Study abroad programs offer students alternative study environments, international experiences and exposure to diverse cultures while earning credit towards their degree.

Some top reasons to Make the World Your Classroom are:

  1. Enrich your education and extracurricular experiences
  2. Internationalize your degree and increase your employability
  3. Challenge yourself to be self-sufficient by living and studying abroad
  4. Travel to foreign destinations that you would not otherwise be able to go to
  5. Broaden your understanding of the world and gain inter-cultural skills
  6. Meet new people and make friends to last a lifetime
  7. Live as a resident in another culture
  8. Develop your foreign language skills
  9. Learn more about your own culture and increase your exposure to different perspectives
  10. Have the time of your life!

When trying to decide on a study abroad destination and program, factors to consider range from the subject(s) you will study, the language you will be taught in, and the academic credit and transferability of your courses. You will want to consider the following questions when determining your location:

  • What do you want or need to study?
  • Do you need to earn credit while abroad?
  • Are you fluent in any foreign languages or will you need to take some of your classes in English?
  • How much time can you afford to spend abroad?
  • Are you looking for a structured or open and flexible program?
  • How much money can you spend on tuition and fees?
  • Will you need to apply for financial aid, and is it available?

The BCSAC site is designed to provide students with the opportunity to easily identify study abroad opportunities offered through their home institution, or another BC institution involved with the BCSAC.

It is important to begin your research as early as possible, and optimally give yourself approximately 10 months to prepare before your departure. Check out the Find a Study Abroad Program page to find a comprehensive list of study abroad programs offered by BC institutions in countries around the world.