Why Study Abroad

Studying abroad is now considered an important part of undergraduate education, with the potential to yield enormous benefits in academic, career and personal development. Undertaking a study abroad program, then, takes careful planning.

Before you start investigating these programs, think about your reasons for pursuing a study abroad program. It’s important to understand that simply living in another country for a semester, or a year, doesn’t in and of itself merit academic credit. Remember that you’ll receive academic credit for your study abroad period upon successful completion, and accordingly, you’ll need to have an academic purpose for going abroad.

Ask yourself: What are your goals in undertaking a study abroad program? Are you looking to increase your language proficiency? Engage in active learning or research opportunities? Clark offers programs that involve each or all of these areas.

If your primary motivation is simply to “get away” or to experience another culture through travel, you’ll probably be better served by traveling on your own rather than by participating in a formal study program. So ask yourself what you hope to accomplish by studying abroad. More importantly, consider whether a period of foreign study will complement and expand upon your academic program at Clark. Your faculty advisor and the Office of Study Abroad Programs are available to discuss this important issue in detail.

Once you’ve decided that a period of studying abroad will enhance your academic plans and goals, you then need to decide where you want to study, for how long, and at what point in your academic program you should go.