Wednesday, December 24, 2008

How Do I Select a Study Abroad in Asia Program?

There are times when you are studying in college when you need a change of pace. This can be for any number of reasons. Perhaps you have studied only in North American schools where subjects are taught in a particular way, and you desire to experience your educational focus from a different perspective. You might be wondering how you can set your resume out ahead of other college graduates. You may just want to explore the world and go to school at the same time. No matter what the reason, you will find a wealth of opportunities to explore study abroad Asia programs online.

There are many ways to study abroad in Asia. You could select a year-long study abroad China program, or a shorter semester abroad Japan program. In either example, a quality educational liaison will help you enroll in a university located in China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand or other Asian countries. Classes for foreign exchange students participating in a study abroad Asia program are occasionally offered in English, with intensive language studies in the host country language available if you choose to partake.

The courses that you take overseas as part of a study abroad China or Japan program, because they are university credits, should transfer to your current college or university. It does make sense to check with your home university academic guidance counselor to ensure that credits earned in a study Abroad Asia program will apply to your degree program back home.

Good study abroad China programs will also ensure that you are comfortable and safe while studying away from home. You will want to seek out a program that offers guaranteed housing in your host country. It is also helpful if there is some kind of introductory period when you first arrive in the host country, so that the program advisors can offer tips and help you make the successful transition to living and studying in a different culture. For your safety, day and night emergency help should be available to not only you but also your parents and the advisors of your foreign exchange program while you are in country.

Financing a trip on a Study Abroad Asia program is not all that difficult. You may find that you can use student aid from your home university to help pay for the foreign study experience.

It is always wise to talk to students who have gone on the semester abroad Japan program, or other Asian destination program, that you might be considering. Alumni of the Asian study program should be able to share their experiences and offer good advice about the program and how it helped them after they returned home.

Anne is director, student services and programs, for study abroad Asia. Their study abroad China program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the semester abroad Japan program.

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