How to Study Abroad

Study abroad provides a wonderful opportunity to enhance a Columbia education, especially given the numerous programs either sponsored or approved by Columbia in foreign countries around the world. GS students should speak with their GS academic advisor about their interest in studying abroad and research the approved programs and opportunities for study abroad available to Columbia undergraduates.

Students cheer on the local team at a soccer match in St. Petersburg, Russia.

When you are researching programs and thinking about the possibilities, you might ask yourself a few questions to guide your search:

• What are my personal goals for my time abroad? Academic goals?
  
• How will my term abroad complement my course of studies here on campus? What kind of language-learner am I?
  
• What kind of strategies should I consider for immersing myself in the local culture: Housing arrangements with locals? Opportunities to get involved with the local community? Direct enrollment with local universities?
  
• What do you think will be most challenging about studying abroad?

There are two main categories of study approved programs approved for Columbia undergraduates: Columbia-sponsored programs (such as Reid Hall and the Kyoto Program) and Columbia-approved programs (programs run by other institutions but approved by the Columbia Study Abroad Committee). Credits from Columbia-sponsored programs are considered Columbia credits, whereas credits from Columbia-approved programs are counted as transfer credits for GS students. A list of sponsored and approved programs can be found here: Approved Programs