About Study Abroad

Study abroad is a unique experience that often leads students to personal growth and cultural immersion, and one that can help develop academic and professional skills. We hope that your upcoming program will be enriching, challenging, and rewarding!

As you start thinking about studying abroad (your goals, the type of experience you want to have, the programs you might be interested in, the planning process), you may want to consider asking yourself the following questions:

• What do you want to come away with from this experience? What are your top priorities when it comes to studying abroad? Is it satisfying specific major/graduation requirements? Is it the practical or cultural experience? Perhaps personal growth? Connections to faculty members? Maybe all of the above?
• How comfortable do you feel traveling and/or living abroad? Are you looking for a program/experience that will be more structured with on-site support? Or are you looking for a more independent experience?
• Do you have dependents or other special needs that will need accommodation while abroad?
• How long do you want to be away?
• Do you want to live in a dorm? With a host family? In an apartment?
• How important is cost to you? Do you have a personal budget or cost-range in mind?
• What scholarships and financial resources do you currently have to attend university? What others are you able/willing to apply for to fund this experience?
• When is the best time for you to go? Have you talked with your major advisor about graduation requirements and perhaps figured out when a study abroad program would fit in nicely with your graduation schedule?

Are you ready for your next adventure yet?

Please go to https://isuabroad.iastate.edu/ to review study abroad opportunities affiliated with the College of Design (CoD). If you have questions about the programs, contact Jen Hogan, the Director of International Programs at jenhogan@iastate.edu We hope you will expand your horizons by participating in an international educational experience during your academic career at Iowa State!