Let’s consider the basic course of life. We go through elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. After college, it’s onto work. Maybe you’ll find “the one,” and settle down to create a house and home.
When, in that course of time, can you fly off and spend approximately four months in a different country? If you’re one of modern society’s digital nomads, then that’s quite likely.
But, if you or your children are on course for a first-class education and a first-rate job, then it’s smart to consider a study abroad program. This will provide an opportunity for full immersion, cultural exchange, and a lot of travel.
Simply put, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. As you begin to research the top study abroad programs throughout the world, we thought we’d share our research and experience with you. We hope something here will tickle your fancy and send you packing.
CEA Study Abroad: Ireland
CEA offers a wealth of study abroad programs. They have one of the most robust offerings out of all the major outfits. Here’s a list of the countries you can consider through CEA:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rice
- Czech Republic
- England
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Spain
We’ve found their organization to be a well-oiled machine. They’ll work with your university to take you to the country of your choice. They have study programs from San Jose to the west coast of Ireland in Galway.
Once you arrive in your new home, a CEA representative will be there to greet you at your dorm. They’ll help you settle in and work with you through all your university-related questions.
Your CEA rep will also help you get out and plan some local activities in your new city. You can kick things off at the typical start of the semester, or you can create a well-rounded program and dive into one of their early start programs.
This will take you to your new destination a few weeks early to immerse yourself into, say, an English or a Music early start program before you start the full semester. This is a great way to map out the lay of the land before you start your 12-15 credit semester abroad.
IES Abroad: Austria
How about a little time in the streets that Beethoven and Mozart frequented? IES hosts a wonderful music program in Vienna where you can learn anything from music history to performance studies.
This will be a transformative time with fellow students who also have a deep-rooted love for music. Undoubtedly, you’ll make friendships that last a lifetime. You must have advanced proficiency in German for this program, so hopefully, you’ve been a German buff for quite some time.
AIFS Study Abroad: India
If you’ve always had a penchant for Indian culture, then this is your time to pursue it. The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) offers an “all-inclusive” ticket to India. In your program fee, you’ll be set up with housing and three meals a day in the cafeteria for residents.
Like CEA, who appoints a representative to help you learn the lay of the land, the AIFS program will also help you explore India. You can take part in walking tours, cooking classes, and other excursions to historic sites (including the Taj Mahal).
USAC: Korea
USAC stands for University Studies Abroad Consortium. They’re one of the heavy-hitters in the world of study abroad. Instead of India, if you feel drawn to Korean culture, then you should take a look into USAC’s program.
You’ll likely be at Yonsei University in Seoul, a very well-known and reputable university. This is full immersion at its finest. As you wander through Seoul, you’ll wonder how ancient temples and futuristic skyscrapers blend so artistically.
Take your homework from your Korean language, religion, philosophy, or business classes to any of the local cafes when you’re ready for a change of scenery. If you’re an American student, the scenery in Korea is something you won’t find here and the memories will last a lifetime.
CIEE: Spain
If Spanish is more in line with your culture and language intrigues, then CIEE has a wonderful program that will take you to Seville. We like CIEE’s offering because, if you think an entire semester is too long to be away, then you can choose CIEE’s summer program.
You can take a wide variety of courses in both English and Spanish. CIEE will also help you to enjoy local activities, including flamenco classes, bike tours, and language exchanges with local classmates.
In this time, students are also able to travel to other Spanish cities to test run their Spanish skills. Seville, alone, is a wonderful city to get lost in, too. The reviews say it all. CIEE Seville is the way to go for a short-term stay in Spain.
The Top Study Abroad Programs for 2020
If 2020 is your (or your child’s) year to study abroad, then you can’t go wrong with major organizations like these. They’ve perfected the art of cultural exchange and have thought of every last detail.
Your classes will be selected before you arrive. Someone will typically be there to meet you “on the other side,” and you can’t beat the immersion opportunities. It’s a comfort to know that you (or your child) aren’t setting sail with no idea what to expect upon arrival.
Here at My Press Plus, we love to write about life tips and news. Whenever we’re chatting with college students, we always recommend a semester abroad. We hope this research has helped you decide to span your wings and take flight into uncharted territory. Happy travels!