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study abroad

  programs are not created equal. Five different people can study abroad in China, for instance, and do five very different things. Before taking the overseas plunge, take stock of your study abroad options.

Academic study abroad
Academic study abroad programs typically last a semester or a year and enable students to earn academic credit while meeting new people, learning a new language, exploring a new locale, and experiencing a new culture. The beauty of these programs is the way they blend academic coursework with extensive co-curricular travel. Academic study abroad programs are available worldwide through universities at home and overseas, as well as through private program providers.

Intern abroad
An international internship refers to a short-term work experience that allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting and gain a better understanding of their field in a global context. Study abroad internships may be linked with academic study abroad programs and offer the opportunity to learn more about the local culture through placement with a local organization. Intern abroad opportunities may be found through university-sponsored programs, private program providers, or directly with international organizations.

Language immersion
Language intensive study abroad programs go beyond the classroom walls, incorporating appropriate field experiences and interaction with the host country's culture. Classes are taught in the foreign language, with the goal of language proficiency and fluency. Students often stay with host families to ensure total immersion in the language and culture. Language immersion programs are available through local and overseas universities, private program providers, and specialized language institutes.

Teach abroad
Typically geared toward college graduates, most teach abroad programs focus on English language training but do not require formal teaching experience. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) programs involve teaching English to people in their country of origin; TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) programs entail teaching English to immigrants in English-speaking countries. Students may find a paid teaching position through private program providers, foreign government sponsored programs, or directly through international schools.

Volunteer abroad
Through study abroad service learning programs, students have the opportunity to participate in an organized service project while taking classes to complement their service. Volunteering abroad enables students to learn more about the local culture by working directly in the community. Many students choose to volunteer abroad through a university-sponsored program; others opt to travel with private program providers.

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