“Study abroad” is the umbrella term for all international education programs. Each COF institution has a study abroad contact on their campus. See the Contacts page to find your institution’s study abroad advisor, and check out the different types of study abroad programs below.
There are 5 Simple Steps to Studying Abroad!
Imagine & Explore
What types of programs are there?
There are hundreds of programs out there. The Colleges of the Fenway uses an online program called “StudioAbroad” to help you narrow your search. Please see the description of the different types programs below, and when you are ready, you can search all programs here: cof.studioabroad.com
TIP: When browsing study abroad programs, try using an Advanced Search to narrow your findings!
Faculty-led Travel Courses – Academic courses that include short-term travel led and taught by a COF faculty member. Classes meet on the home campus for the majority of the semester, with an intensive 2-5 week travel component during vacations. Destinations include Ghana/Benin, Egypt, Japan, Costa Rica, Brazil, Italy, France, Spain, Austria and more. Click here to learn more about Travel Courses.
Semester, Summer, and Year-long Programs – Programs that are taken in collaboration with a third-party provider or another college. They fulfill degree requirements for that time period. This category also includes programs during summer and winter breaks. Don’t forget, to study abroad, you must apply to the program provider and to your own home school. Click here to browse programs.
Exchange Programs – Involve a signed agreement between a US and overseas college. They offer students the chance to enroll in an overseas institution for a semester or a year while paying home campus tuition. Talk with your home school’s study abroad advisor for any exchange programs that might be available for you.
Plan & set goals
It’s never too early to get started!
How do I study abroad?
Follow these easy steps To get started.
1.Meet with your academic advisor
Find out: if i study abroad is a viable option for you, when is the best time for you to go abroad, what classes for your major can be taken abroad and will transfer over for credit(If you have trouble finding courses abroad that fulfill your major requirements, consider studying abroad over the summer!).
2. Meet with the Study Abroad advisor at your Campus
They can answer questions about school specific requirements, financial aid, approved program options, and more! They can also help you narrow down your decision about location and providers. They will help you start an online application to study abroad. Make sure that you meet with your study abroad advisor at least one month before the deadline, which is October 15 for Spring Semester, and March 15 for Summer, Fall, or Academic Year programs(Third party program provider deadlines may differ). Click here to get the contact information for your study abroad advisor.
3. Research program options
Attend information sessions on your home campus about study abroad in general, and about Travel Courses offered by your home institution and throughout the COF. Students and alumni who have already studied abroad are a great resource. They can offer you advice and travel tips. You can also attend a Study Abroad Fair, where you can speak with representatives from different study abroad fair providers. See the GEO Center Events Calendar for details about international events across the COF.
4. Budget & Financial Aid
Make a budget which includes travel, tuition, fees, accommodations, insurance, food and personal spending. If you plan to use financial aid, complete your FAFSA and meet with your Financial Aid counselor on your home campus to discuss your individual situation. There are also multiple scholarship opportunities available for study abroad that are always worth applying for so make sure to look at our Scholarships and Funding page as well as on the third party program provider pages.
5. Apply For A Passport
Apply for a passport early. Forms are available at: http://travel.state.gov/passport. Read the information carefully on this site. Some passport agencies accept passport applications by appointment only. It takes between 10-12 weeks to receive a passport. Apply now!
6.Take a foreign language course
While courses may be taught in English, knowing the local language will enhance your experience, lead to further immersion opportunities, and travel will be made easier within your host country!
7.Arrange for your return to Boston
If you live on campus, be sure to notify the Office of Residence Life of your intent to spend a semester or year abroad. Ask for advice regarding your housing arrangements for your return semester.
Apply
Go to cof.studioabroad.com to begin your application!
Apply and Comply
I found a program! Now what?
The next step is to apply for the study abroad program you chose. Follow the “How to Apply” instructions on the COF StudioAbroad site.
Go and Experience! How to make the most out of your study abroad experience
You create your own opportunities and shape your own experiences, so make sure to seize the day and try to get the most out of your study abroad abroad experience by: planning to explore a new spot everyday(beware of which areas are safe and which aren’t), trying a local food, joining a school club, making friends with a local, take part in a traditional event/ custom, going to a cafe and writing down what you observe- how is it the same or different from home?, Take the time to do some research and create a checklist of things you want to do or try and places you would like to visit in your country, keep a travel journal or blog/ vlog to help keep track of new words, phrases, facts and your adventures; to have as a nice reminder of your experience.
GO !
There are many resources to help you on your journey. Here are just a few for you to explore:
- Diversity Abroad
- Mobility International
Return & Reflect
You went abroad, now what?!?!
- Be prepared to experience Reverse culture shock
- Start thinking about how can you now utilize your study abroad experience in the work field, a good way to do this is attending the New England returnee conference with Lessons from Abroad
- Join a language and or cultural club at your institution
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- Research local international groups and events in your community (ex. Showa Boston is a Japanese Institute that works closely with the COF and holds many traditional events in and around the Boston area)
- If you want to become involved and help fellow students, look for positions or opportunities to work/ volunteer with your study abroad office and or with the third party program provider you went abroad with. This can be a great experience to add on your resume and every little bit of help is appreciated