A study abroad experience, typically designed for college students, enables students to live and study in another country temporarily while continuing to work toward degree completion at their home institution.

What is a study abroad timeline like? There are many different structures to study abroad experiences, as well as different timelines. Students may choose to study abroad for one semester or for an entire year. Alternatively, students may study abroad during a summer session.

GCU fully supports students who would like to enrich their education with a study abroad experience, and our university cooperates with numerous study abroad partners. Our study abroad program staff can help you learn how to study abroad and how to choose a program that’s right for you.

A study abroad program is an academic program that takes place in another country. Take a closer look at questions like, What does study abroad mean? to learn more about it.

The Definition of Study Abroad

A study abroad student is not quite the same as an international student. International students attend colleges in other countries for the entirety of their college experience, graduating from those schools with a conferred degree. In contrast, a study abroad student attends college in their own country and receives a conferred degree from that college, but spends part of their college experience in a host country.

Before considering where to study abroad and whether it’s worth it for you, you should become familiar with how this academic experience works.

Choosing a Host Country and Institution

Study abroad students can choose from a range of host countries and regions. They can experience cultural and language immersion in their host country. They also attend a host institution, taking classes alongside other students in their degree track.

Earning Academic Credit Abroad

When you travel to another country, you’ll take classes at another university. You’ll earn academic credit for those classes. You’ll need to check with your home university to verify that those earned credits can transfer to your degree program.

Program Length

Study abroad programs are quite flexible, with varying lengths and options to choose from. You could choose a short-term program during the summer, or you could study abroad for the fall or spring semester. Some students choose to study abroad for a full school year.

There are multiple types of study abroad programs and study options to choose from. For example, some students decide to focus on a faith-based mission, while others choose a language immersion experience. Others might start a service-learning project or incorporate an international internship.

The basic types of study abroad programs include: 

• Semester abroad programs: Study at a host institution for one semester.
• Summer and other short-term programs: Spend just two to four weeks abroad during winter vacation, or spend the summer in a host country.
• Direct enrollment: At some universities, students have to oppertunity to enroll directly in their host institution (not permitted through GCU).
• Faculty-led programs: Travel abroad with a professor from your department at your home institution.

There are numerous reasons to study abroad, including academic and potential career benefits, as well as personal growth. Is study abroad worth it? Only you can determine this but consider the following.

Academic Advantages

Studying in a host country can enrich your academic experience. If you’re studying a foreign language, then studying in a host country that commonly speaks that language can help support your language acquisition, as you’ll have countless opportunities to practice your conversational skills, according to the Institute of International Education (IEE).^{(See disclaimer 1)} A study abroad experience can also expand your worldview and provide different perspectives to consider.

Personal Growth and Cultural Immersion

Another benefit of studying abroad is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture. You’ll gain new perspectives, both about the global community and perhaps even about your own culture.

Personal growth is another potential benefit. Traveling to another country can help you learn more about yourself, as well as become a more resourceful traveler.

Rebecca Crisman, a Grand Canyon University student entering her senior year, recently completed a study abroad program in Florence, Italy. She reflects on her experience balancing academics with the opportunity to immerse herself in Italian culture, explore historic cities, and make the most of life abroad.

Career Opportunities

Studying abroad may offer a boost for your career. According to a survey by IEE, over half of 4,500 college graduates who studied abroad believe their experience helped lead to a job offer.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Studying abroad provides numerous opportunities for professional networking, enabling students to form meaningful connections around the world.

Studying abroad may also contribute to career opportunities by teaching invaluable soft skills. These can include adaptability, inquisitiveness, communication skills, teamwork and the willingness to go beyond one’s comfort zone.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

There are certain requirements for studying abroad, which can vary by school. Keep in mind that you’ll need to meet the requirements for your home institution, as well as your intended host institution. The staff at the GCU Global Studies office can help you learn how to study abroad.

Academic Eligibility

You may need to meet academic eligibility requirements before traveling abroad. For example, you might need to demonstrate a minimum GPA for acceptance at your intended host institution.

Language and Visa Requirements

In some cases, you might need to demonstrate language proficiency in the primary language of your chosen host country. Alternatively, many students choose to travel to countries that share a language in common with their home country.

Rebecca shares, “I took a three-week beginner Italian class that helped me learn the basics for ordering food and drinks, as well as understanding some things in conversation. Although I mainly spoke in English except for greetings and goodbyes. I didn’t get much better with the language other than the very bare minimum.”

A study abroad experience can take advance planning, as you’ll need to meet the necessary visa requirements. Each country establishes its own temporary visa requirements for students.

Application Documents and Deadlines

You can expect to fill out some paperwork to apply to a study abroad program. Work closely with the study abroad program staff to ensure you meet all deadlines.

It can be challenging to choose the right study abroad program, particularly if your university offers many options. At GCU, for example, study abroad students can choose from 60 different locations, including Italy, South Korea, Australia and Ecuador.

Consider the following when choosing a study abroad program and location:

• Academic goals: First and foremost, you’ll want to keep your academic goals in mind. What do you hope to gain from the experience? Which location and type of program is most closely aligned with that intended outcome?
• Credits: Along with your own personal academic goals, you’ll want to consider how the study abroad experience will affect your anticipated timeline to graduation. Will the credits transfer to your degree?
• Costs: Compare tuition costs as well as the cost of living in your host country.
• Language: Do you prefer to take classes in English or are you interested in a full language immersion experience?

How much does it cost to study abroad? In many cases, study abroad students continue paying their usual tuition rate to their home institution. Direct enrollment involves paying tuition fees to the host institution. In some cases, third-party providers serve as a middleman for payments.

It’s important to be aware of all expected costs before finalizing the arrangements. This includes living expenses and any “fun” expenses you might anticipate, like weekend trips for sightseeing.

Determine whether your existing financial aid and scholarships, if applicable, will help fund your study abroad experience. You can also look into applying to additional scholarships. Some student visas in certain countries may allow part-time, on-campus employment during study abroad programs.

It’s to be expected that any new experience would come with challenges. Consider the following common issues and ways of overcoming them.

Culture Shock and Adjustment

Culture shock is a feeling of disorientation and confusion experienced when encountering a different culture. Culture is a broad term that encompasses a people’s way of life, including their traditions, religious beliefs, cuisine, attitudes, perspectives and societal expectations. Study abroad students experiencing culture shock may feel homesick and anxious.

You can best overcome this by preparing in advance. Take the time to learn as much as you can about the culture you’ll be experiencing. Sample the international cuisine and learn about the customs. Arrive in your host country with an open mind and a willingness to try new things.

Managing Finances Abroad

It’s possible for some students to have their finances become problematic during a study abroad experience. To overcome this challenge, research the cost of living in your destination in advance. Establish a realistic budget and track your daily spending.

Staying Academically Successful

During your study abroad program, you’ll undoubtedly want to see the sights and experience new things — and that is an important part of cultural enrichment. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll still need to keep up with your coursework. Set aside regular time for studying and prioritize good grades at your host institution.

GCU encourages our students to consider enriching their academic experience with a study abroad semester, which may include a service-learning project, faith-based mission or language immersion course. Our students can also explore international internship options to gain hands-on experience and build a global professional network.

GCU maintains numerous study abroad partnerships, including with CEA CAPA and the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC). Our study abroad partners empower our students to choose from a wide range of destinations and experiences.

Whether you are interested in business, education or another field, GCU offers a variety of bachelor's degree programs designed to help you pursue your academic and career goals.