Choosing a Program
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM?
First, keep in mind that there is no "one size fits all" in study abroad. The choice needs to be an individual one based upon each student's academic and personal goals. It is important not to rush into a program choice without considering all the options, however tempting it may be to simply follow the choices of your peers. "The road less traveled" often leads to the greatest rewards.
So how do you identify the program which is the best fit for you? First, you need to ask yourself some questions about your academic goals, and how the various programs might help you achieve them.
Language of Instruction:
- Is one of your goals to improve your fluency in a foreign language?
- Are classes conducted in English or in the language of the host country?
- What are the language requirements for applicants?
Duration of the program:
- Is this a year-long program, or can students enroll for a single semester?
- If a summer program, how many weeks is it?
- How long can you be away from the home campus?
Credits:
- How many credits can a student expect to earn on the program?
- How many study abroad credits will your department accept towards a major/minor/certificate program?
- Will you be able to earn the course codes that you need to progress in your degree program?
Level of immersion in the host culture:
- Is there a Resident Director, or any staff who deal solely with this group of students?
- Would you enroll directly in classes at a foreign university, or is there a separate center for the program?
- Are there special classes at the center? If so, in what subjects, and who teaches them?
- If you enroll directly at the university, would you be taking separate classes specially designed for foreign students, or would your classmates be from the host country?
- Do you want a high level of support and structure in your program or do you desire to be as independent as possible?
Living arrangements:
- Do students live with host families, in apartments, or in dormitories?
- How far is the housing from the university or program center?
- How much privacy/personal independence does the housing offer?
- Who would arrange the housing and could you switch if it were not satisfactory?
- Are meals included? Can the program accommodate students with special dietary needs (e.g. food allergies)?
Fees:
- What do the fees cover? (The cost of tuition, books, housing, meals, special excursions, and airfare may or may not be included.)
- Are there not-so-obvious expenses you should take into account?
- Are there scholarships available?
Eligibility requirements and number of participants:
- Is there a minimum GPA for the program?
- Are there prerequisites and do you meet them?
- Is the program limited to degree-seeking university students?
- Is the group large, small, or medium, and do you feel comfortable with the group size?
- How selective is the program? Will you need to apply to a back-up program?
Past participants:
- Is it possible to speak with a student who has recently participated in the program?
We always recommend that you start by looking at Duke's own programs, for which you pay Duke tuition and earn in-residence Duke credits. If there is a Duke program that suits your goals, this is usually the simplest option. You can find more information on all our programs by browsing this website and visiting our office.
If you do not find what you seek among the Duke-in programs, you may wish to explore the Duke-Approved Program List listed on the Global Education Office for Undergraduate's website. This list, which is updated yearly, includes about 100 non-Duke programs currently approved for transfer credit. The list is organized by region and country, and contains links to each program's website.
If you are unable to find a Duke-administered or Duke-approved program that suits your academic needs, please contact the Global Education Office for an advising appointment.
