why study abroad
Studying abroad is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences a student can have. Many students say it is transformative and life changing! Studying abroad has the ability to impact your professional and personal development, as well as your academic career.
benefits of studying abroad
- Increase your intercultural understanding & cross-cultural competence
- Gain independence and self-confidence through navigating new cultures and languages, problem-solving, and developing global mobility competence
- Become more adaptable and able to deal with ambiguity
- Enhance your teamwork and collaboration skills and develop leadership skills
- See your area of study through a fresh lens by experiencing a new education system
- Studying abroad increases your marketability with potential employers due to the skills gained through the experience
Studying abroad will allow you to have an authentic and unique experience. Living abroad as a student gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and help you to develop more meaningful, long-lasting relationships, and authentic opportunities with locals than just traveling abroad as a tourist.
Not to mention, it’s fun! You have the opportunity to make new friends from all over the world while creating lifelong memories.
Want to know more? Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor
Start Planning
Start planning your adventure abroad today! On this page, you can read an overview of the study abroad planning process.
Ideally, you should begin to plan for your study abroad experience 6 – 9 months before you go overseas...but we work with students on a much shorter timeline every semester!
We encourage all students to participate in the NSU Spartans Abroad 101 Session as your first step to study abroad.
The Global Learning & International Programs’ Office hosts a fair each fall and spring to spread the word about the numerous study abroad opportunities available through NSU. Students from all disciplines are invited to come learn about study abroad options, funding, and resources.
Students who visit the fall fair will have the chance to meet study abroad program providers, students who have studied abroad, Study Abroad staff, and Program Providers. The fair will also offer students the opportunity to connect with NSU offices that assist with the study abroad process.
The spring fair primarily features NSU's summer programs. At the fair, students are able to engage with faculty program directors, previous student participants, and Study Abroad staff.
For more information or if you would like to volunteer, please email us at studyabroad@nsu.edu.
Research program options
After completing NSU Spartans Abroad 101, you should have the skills to begin researching programs that you're interested in applying to. You can learn more about different types of opportunities under the programs tab.
Meet with a Study Abroad advisor
After you have completed NSU Spartans Abroad 101 and done some preliminary reflection on programs that you are interested in, schedule an appointment with an advisor. We will help you to finalize your program selection, and give you more in-depth information about the application process.
It is your responsibility to verify that your program is recognized by NSU and that your program will issue a transcript from an accredited university.
If you are participating in a NSU faculty-led summer program, you do not need to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
Meet with your academic advisor
Be sure to meet with your NSU academic advisor to ensure that your proposed study abroad program and coursework fit with your degree plan. It is best to discuss these things before you apply, as some programs have nonrefundable registration fees.
Get your courses approved
Before you finalize your program selection, you should verify that the individual courses that you plan to take will fit with your academic goals for study abroad, and request that they be assigned NSU equivalencies. You can find an overview of the course approval process on the credit transfer process page. Contact your Study Abroad advisor for more detailed information about getting your courses approved.
Apply to your program
After meeting with your study abroad and academic advisors, it's time to apply!
Register your program with NSU
After you've been accepted into your program, it's time to complete NSU's registration process. Registering your program with NSU is necessary to maintain your enrollment, allow you to use financial aid, and transfer your credits when you get back. Your Study Abroad advisor can give you more information on NSU's registration requirements.
Attend the pre-departure orientation
All accepted students must complete NSU's pre-departure orientation process. The Pre-Departure Orientation will familiarize you with ways to have a healthy, safe, and successful time abroad. Topics include money, support services, academics, health and safety, and more. These are invaluable sessions that will give you insight into living and studying overseas.
Enjoy your time abroad!