Why Study Abroad

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When you study abroad, you are joining a passionate community of students, faculty, and staff from all over the world that have sought to explore new cultures, encounter fresh ideas, and create memorable experiences.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's study abroad opportunities are designed to work with your academics. The benefits of study abroad are numerous and there is an opportunity for every student—whether you are interested in expanding your academic research experience by studying marine ecology in the Galápagos Islands, growing your professional skills by taking on an internship at a cheese factory in Rome, or developing lifelong friendships in Korea. The university's study abroad community is here to help you throughout the process, starting with breaking down the most common study abroad myths and providing you with the tools to launch your program search.

Benefits of Studying Abroad

Earn Credit Toward Your Degree

Studying abroad allows you to take unique classes that can often be applied to your degree requirements. You can take courses in a variety of disciplines from different cultural perspectives. Classroom instruction is often enhanced by experiential opportunities, such as academic excursions, internships, service learning, labs, and engagement with the local community.

Advance Your Professional Goals

Studying abroad doesn't just "look good" on your resume. In today's competitive job market, it is essential to gain global competency. In fact, many jobs require the ability to work across cultures. Studying abroad allows you to grow professionally by gaining critical thinking and problem solving skills; characteristics that employers want to see from new hires.

Enrich Your Global Perspective

Studying abroad can be one of the most impactful experiences of your college career and it can personally influence you in many ways. In addition to the academic and professional benefits, studying abroad will expose you to rich cultures that can broaden, deepen, and challenge your perspectives.

Study Abroad Myths

Studying abroad is costly

Reality: The university offers more than 300 study abroad programs that range in cost. In fact, 43% of semester programs are equal to, or less than, the cost of attending a semester on-campus. Additionally, there are a variety of ways to financially support your study abroad experience, including grants, scholarships, financial aid, and loans. Planning ahead is key!

You have to speak a second language to study abroad

Reality: While some programs have a language requirement, many programs offer instruction in English. To find programs taught in a specific language, specify a “Language of Instruction” when searching for programs.

Studying abroad will delay graduation

Reality: Many students study abroad and graduate in four years. Consult with your academic advisor to craft your academic schedule that includes studying abroad. In fact, some students study abroad two or three times and still graduate on time.