The best study abroad colleges provide a lot of amazing opportunities for students to experience different cultures and regions in the world. Whether you are a student at Western Colorado University that is interested in attending colleges in a different country, or a student outside of the United States exploring U.S. colleges with the best study abroad programs – there are plenty of exciting options through Western.
What Are Study Abroad Colleges?
The best study abroad colleges provide several different countries and regions for students to consider. Every year at Western, student can live and learn in some of the most interesting, historic, and beautiful parts of the world. Some of the most popular destinations include Argentina, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, England, France, Greece, Harlaxton, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Thailand and areas all throughout the United States and Canada. These are just a portion of the regions available through Western’s Study Abroad program, get in touch with your advisor to see what the best programs for your major include.
Why Study Abroad
There are tons of great reasons to study abroad. Almost every student gets involved to experience something completely new and out of their comfort zone. Immersing yourself in a different culture improves your global perspective, provides context to global issues taught in coursework, and allows students to learn all about different cultures through a more empathetic and experiential lens.
If you are trying to build you skills in a foreign language, living in a country that speaks that language is one of the most efficient and effective ways to do so. Speaking with individuals who are fluent in the language encourages faster learning and provides more insight into better enunciation and understanding.
Traveling the World Through the Best Study Abroad Colleges
Besides getting to live and learn in exciting places around the world, many people use this time to travel to multiple different countries while they are abroad. For example, those who visit European countries like Ireland or France are only a short plane or train ride to other amazing countries like Norway and Sweden. Typically, there are other students who are also studying abroad in the same country or city, so it is a good idea to plan some trips together and get to see an even larger portion of the world with other travelers.
Universities with the Best Study Abroad Programs for Volunteering
Being in a different country is an amazing opportunity to make an impact there. Western encourages student service for many majors through the Study Abroad program. Some of the recent project conducted by Western students include installing solar panels in Peru as part of an international education course in the Energy Management program. As a student in the Global Sustainability track, you can do service through the Earthship Biotecture Academy, Solar Energy International, Sustainable Development Strategies Group, Joint European Master in Environmental Studies, and beyond. Projects like these allow you to make a positive difference in the community while you are in another country.
Where to Learn More About the Best Study Abroad Colleges
Every year, Western holds a Study Away Fair, where students can get more information on the various opportunities available to them through the Study Abroad and Exchange Programs. Besides meeting alumni who have experienced a semester abroad, you can also get passport application and renewal information and discover the steps that need to be made before applying. Plus, you can participate in raffles and get some fun study away swag.
Financial Aid at Universities with the Best Study Abroad Programs
Seeking financial support for your study abroad education first requires completing your FAFSA paperwork. This will help determine the amount of aid you qualify for and can often remove a solid amount of money from the semester’s cost. There are also scholarships that support study abroad semesters, such as the Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship. Be sure to submit your application on time and provide a well-written essay to be considered.
Things to Consider
There are some other things to consider before signing up for study abroad besides, of course, the country you plan on visiting. First, is to assess whether this is something you are truly interested in. Study Abroad is an incredible experience for many people, but it is an extended period spent in an unfamiliar place. This can be uncomfortable for some people and requires some effort and planning. Beyond that, you are also going to attend classes while you are in this new area. Ensuring that you are ready not only to explore a new place, but also focus on your coursework is super important.
How long do you intend to study abroad? Some students choose to do one semester and some people decide to live a full year in a different country. Either way, be sure that you speak with your advisor to make sure you choose the right semester and time of year so your academics and accommodations are in order and planned out for your time abroad. Universities with the best study abroad programs offer support at every step of way when it comes to planning this exciting experience. Reach out to Western’s Study Abroad and Exchange Program Department advisors to start the process.
Best Study Abroad Colleges for Nature-Lovers
If you are from outside of the United States and looking for US colleges with best study abroad programs, Western provides amazing opportunities to see one of the most beautiful regions in the country. For nature lovers who want to experience the Rocky Mountains and all the outdoor adventure and culture that goes along with living in the Gunnison Valley, Western is an excellent study abroad school. To learn more about the National Student Exchange opportunities in the US and Western, see the NSE website.
Study Abroad Eligibility Requirements at Western
To qualify for study abroad as a Western student, you must have at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) and be a degree-seeking student. Before applying, you must be enrolled as a full-time student and complete at least 24 credit hours at Western. Students must also be in good standing with Student Affairs to pursue the program.
Some other things to remember for the application process include updating or applying for a passport. If your passport expires within the next year, be sure to update it as soon as possible. You can apply for a passport online through US Passport Services, or stop by the Registration & Advising Services at Taylor 302 to pick up a hard copy today.
Participate in One of the Best Study Abroad Colleges
If you are interested in universities with the best study abroad programs, check out the amazing opportunities at Western, which is recognized among U.S. colleges with best study abroad programs. There are so many different countries and regions in the United States that can be seen. If you are interested in attending Western through the National Student Exchange, be sure to talk with an advisor to explore your options and find the right program for you and your interests.
Learn more about the Study Abroad and Exchange Programs at Western and discover why it is known among US colleges with best study abroad programs.
