First Steps to Study Abroad

Photograph of a person carrying a globe with the tagline: Explore the World. Discover Yourself. Study Abroad.

You want to study abroad, but you don’t know where to start? With 20 current programs in 9 locations, and four possible terms from which to choose, it can be overwhelming. This is why we’ve designed the following questionnaire/worksheet to help you narrow your options, plan for your study abroad experience, and turn your goal into an achievement!

Complete the worksheet, and bring it with you when you meet with a Study Abroad advisor. Or, check the Study Abroad calendar for the next scheduled First Steps Workshop.

1. WHAT

Which of your graduation requirements do you want to fulfill while you’re studying abroad? Do you need general education, focus requirements (E, O, or W), major, or elective credits? Do you want to study a foreign language or take courses in English?

2. WHY

What is your primary motivation to study abroad? What do you hope to get out of the experience and what are some of your main concerns?

3. WHERE

Is there a region or country that you have always wanted to visit? The Study Abroad Center has established programs in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Oceania.

ASIA EUROPE
Shanghai, China London, England
Kōbe, Japan Angers, France
Machida, Japan Annecy, France
  Lille, France
LATIN AMERICA Paris, France
Mendoza, Argentina Berlin, Germany
  Dublin, Ireland
OCEANIA Florence, Italy
Adelaide, Australia “My Two Italies”, Italy
  Seville, Spain

Photograph of a person sitting on the edge of a cliff in the mountains with the tagline: Study Abroad. If not now, when?

4. WHEN

When would you like to study abroad? This coming Fall, or next Spring? Do you prefer Semester, Summer, or Academic Year-long programs?

SUMMER SEMESTER ACADEMIC YEAR
Mendoza, Argentina Adelaide, Australia Machida, Japan
Shanghai, China Shanghai, China Kōbe, Japan
Angers, France London, England  
Annecy, France Paris, France  
Lille, France Florence, Italy  
Paris, France “My Two Italies”, Italy  
Berlin, Germany Kōbe, Japan (Spring only)  
Dublin, Ireland Machida, Japan (Spring only)  
Florence, Italy Seville, Spain  
Kōbe, Japan    
Seville, Spain    

5. WHO

Do you prefer living with a homestay family or in a dorm/apartment? With a homestay, you take meals with the host family; if you live in a dorm or apartment, you prepare your own meals.

HOMESTAY DORM/APARTMENT
Mendoza, Argentina Adelaide, Australia
Angers, France Shanghai, China
Annecy, France London, England
Paris, France Lille, France
Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany
Florence, Italy Dublin, Ireland
Kōbe, Japan “My Two Italies”, Italy
Seville, Spain Machida, Japan
Kōbe, Japan  
Seville, Spain  

6. HOW

Photograph of view of the clouds and wings from an airplane window with the tagline: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Study Abroad.

7. NEXT STEPS

  • Meet with your college and major academic advisors to see what requirements you still need to fulfill.
  • Complete this worksheet and bring it to the Study Abroad Center to meet with an advisor to discuss your options.
  • Schedule an advising appointment with a study abroad advisor.
    • Make an appointment on STAR Balance.
    • Or contact one of our three advisors based in UH Colleges!
  • Visit our Study Abroad Fair or Information Meetings (please check calendar, and look out for email blasts, for event details)
  • Attend a “First Steps to Study Abroad: Study Abroad 101” workshop (please check calendar, and look out for email blasts, for event details).
  • Attend a “Funding Your Study Abroad Program” workshop (please check calendar, and look out for email blasts, for event details).
  • Apply for a passport
  • Learn as much as possible about the host country and culture in which you want to study abroad.

Updated Feb. 9, 2022