How will I choose the program that is right for me?

The possibilities for study abroad are abundant. Before researching programs you will want to have made some preliminary decisions as to the type of experience you want to have. Start by realistically assessing your academic and personal preparation and your objectives.

Consider the following questions to help you think about the kind of study abroad experience that would be the right "€œfit"€ for you:
LOCATION
  • Where do you want to go? Why?
  • Do you want to study in a less-developed or more-developed country?
  • Do you want to be in a big city or a small town/rural area?
ACADEMICS
  • Are there specific academic requirements that you need to fulfill during study abroad?
  • Are you fluent enough in a foreign language to take classes, write papers, and take notes, or will you need to take some or all of your coursework in English?
  • Are you interested in taking courses on the language and culture of the host country?
  • How will study abroad positively affect your academic program?
  • What do you want or need to study to meet personal objectives?
STRUCTURE
  • To what extent do you wish to integrate yourself into the host culture?
  • How much contact do you want with other American students?
  • Would you feel more comfortable with the services of a resident director?
  • Do you prefer to participate in planned excursions included in the program or to arrange your own sightseeing and travel?
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
  • Do you want to live in a university dormitory?
  • Would you prefer to live in an apartment?
  • Do you want to live with other Americans or with local students?
  • Do you want to live with a local family?
COST
  • How much time can you afford to spend abroad in terms of economic resources?
  • How much money can you spend on the study abroad experience? Consider not only tuition and fees, but also housing and food, personal expenses, and international travel.
  • Do you need to apply for financial aid? Is it available to you?
  • Are there scholarships that you might be eligible for to help fund your study abroad?
ELIGIBILITY
  • Does your GPA qualify you for the program? Minimum GPA requirements vary from 2.5 - 3.0 depending on the program.
  • Do you have the language skills required for the program?
  • Do you have time to apply before the application deadline?
DURATION
  • How long do you want to study abroad (academic year, semester, summer, special short term program)?

Will studying abroad delay my graduation?

Not with proper planning. In fact, some University of Florida students who study abroad actually graduate sooner on average than students who do not!  We encourage you to take courses abroad that will meet your degree requirements and help you stay on track to graduate.

Can I afford to study abroad?

YES! Early planning for study abroad helps you make cost-effective program decisions' €”some semester and academic year programs are actually more economical than staying on campus! If you received Bright Futures, this will apply to your semester term abroad and Pre-Paid will apply to all semesters abroad.  It also helps you prepare your finances through savings, and scholarships. Financial aid applies to study abroad costs and, in some cases, your eligibility for aid will increase to cover additional expenses. May and summer financial aid requires a minimum six-credit registration and may not be available if you have already met your aid eligibility during fall and spring semester.  The University of Florida offers more than $100,000 in scholarships for study abroad. Study Abroad Services provides resources on these and a variety of other scholarships available to undergraduate students. Stop by the Study Abroad office to research all your options. Click here to find out more about scholarships.

Can I work on completing my General Education and Major requirements through study abroad?

Absolutely! Appropriate courses taken abroad can count General Education and Major classes. Consult early with your Academic Advisor to decide which requirements you want to satisfy through coursework taken overseas during your learning abroad experience.

Where can I find information about studying abroad that is specific to my major?

Visit our Study Abroad portal to search for programs within your major. With over 1,000 programs, there are options for most majors and minors.

I don't speak a foreign language. Can I still study abroad?

No problem! Not only are there lots of opportunities in such countries as Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, but even in non-English-speaking countries many programs are taught in English. If you have already studied a language, you should also be able to find a program that allows you to continue developing your foreign language skills or, if you are sufficiently advanced, to take courses taught entirely in the local language.

I'm nervous about traveling overseas, is it safe?

With so many incidences worldwide, it is normal to be concerned about travel safety.  We encourage you to visit the State Department’s website at www.travel.state.gov for up to date travel alerts and warnings.  We monitor events, alerts, and warnings worldwide. Study Abroad Services has many precautions in place to help students to stay safe and healthy while overseas. All study abroad program fees include comprehensive health insurance. Your pre-departure and on-site orientations will include lots of common-sense tips to stay safe. All UF-Sponsored programs have on-site staff to help you with any challenges. In most cases, after a short time in your new overseas surroundings, you will likely feel comfortable and very much at home.

Can I fulfill my summer residency requirement abroad?

Yes! Students who enter a state university in Florida with fewer than 60 credits must earn at least nine credits before graduation during summer terms at State University System (SUS) institutions. However, students who earn six credits through UF-sponsored, UF-exchange or SUS study-abroad programs during one or two summer terms satisfy the entire summer residency enrollment requirement. Students going on approved study abroad programs can count those credits towards the summer residency requirement.