How to Study Abroad Guide: What Can I Study Abroad?

When considering how to study abroad, many people think of taking a semester abroad during their bachelor’s degree. Yet, there are so many other ways that you can study abroad beyond a semester overseas. If you need answers to when asking yourself 'What can I study abroad?', find them here.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Studying abroad for a semester or a year during your bachelor’s degree might be a great way to complement the education you’re getting in your home country – but it’s not the only way you can study abroad during your bachelor’s! You could also do your entire bachelor’s degree (3-4 years) abroad. Consider this option if a school in another country has an entire program that particularly interests you. You also don’t need to study abroad at the bachelor's level during the school year. A summer program at your level could be perfect if you don’t have the time to commit an entire semester or year abroad.

Master’s Degrees

Have you already completed your bachelor’s degree at home? It’s never too late to study abroad. Explore master’s degrees around the world! Depending on your field of study, going abroad for your master’s could be what you need to set you apart on the job market and could help give you a good internship or work experience in another country. It is also usually easier to continue working on a visa in another country after you graduate from a master's program abroad. Whether you want to get an MBA or a master’s in anthropology, there’s sure to be an excellent program abroad for you.

PhDs and Doctorates

You can also pursue the highest level of education abroad. Doctorate programs are often quite small and competitive, and sometimes only have a spot or two open each year. If you can’t find positions in your home country, looking abroad could be a great way to pursue your studies and expose yourself to new schools of thought and experts within your field. Your experiences will often lead to an international network of contacts, and perhaps even an international research career.

Foundation Programs and Pathway Programs

Foundation programs and pathway programs are post-secondary programs that you can take after high school to further prepare you for university. If you want to study abroad, you might be eligible to participate in a foundation or pathway program that will assist you with language proficiency and teach you about the education system in that particular country, which will then allow you to thrive at your degree program abroad! 

Associate’s Degrees

Associate’s degrees are degrees from undergraduate colleges that might be a stepping stone before the bachelor’s degree, or for other students, is a qualification by itself. While this degree type is most common in the United States, you can find these programs in other countries too. They’re often two years long and could be a great opportunity to study abroad before a bachelor’s degree.

Language Schools

Looking to master a new language? It could be time to pursue your language education abroad with full immersion in a different country. There’s just no replacement for interacting with locals, as opposed to self-teaching yourself from home. If you’re serious about becoming fluent, consider a language school abroad. You will learn quickly while also making friends who you can practice with long after your studies are over!

Certificates and Diplomas

If you’re looking to study a very specific skill or just want to pursue a unique passion, a certificate or diploma program abroad could be just what you’re looking for. For example, you could take a pastry class in France or get a diploma in digital marketing. Studying abroad for these short-term courses is a great thing to put on your CV to get ahead in the job market, all while learning a new skill!