The big four (in no particular order):

• Country - which country would you like to study in?
• Term - Full year, fall, spring, summer or other
• Subject - which departments would you like to take your classes in?
• Language - English, a foreign language, a mixture of the two?

Some students have known all their lives that they wanted to study in France, Australia, or Mexico. Others worry less about where to study than when to fit it in with the rest of their academic schedule. Some students simply have to find a place that offers Clinical Pharmacokinetics (!); and still others know that no matter what, they just don't have a foreign language background strong enough to study in another language. If you have an idea of when, where, what, and in what language you want to study abroad, you're already on your way to narrowing down programs to find the perfect fit.

For example, if you want an English language program that offers Communication courses, you will find that two or three programs fit that description. Choosing from that point becomes a matter of finding out more about the countries - their environments, their cultures, their histories, and their lifestyles - and discovering when the best time for you to go abroad might be - a question your academic advisors can help you with. Likewise, if you know that you have always wanted to perfect your Italian in Italy, then your advisors can help you determine the kinds of classes to take abroad and the best terms to take them in so that you stay on track for graduation.

Is there more than one location in the program of your choice?

Ok, so you've decided to study English Literature for the spring term in the United Kingdom. Great. Now there are eleven schools that would love to have you. How do you narrow them down? You want to consider some larger questions first. Do you feel that you absolutely must live in the capital city? Do you like big cities, but could be happy in the second or third or eighth largest city in the nation? Do you prefer smaller cities with lots of character? Or do you like a woodland refuge, a coastal town, or a hilly retreat? How important is the climate to you? Answers to these questions will quickly narrow down the list of schools for you. Academics are another way to fine-tune your search. Does one school have a great literature program in Shakespeare, while another has a renown creative writing program? Do you like an interdisciplinary approach or a more traditional format? Does the idea of a 10-person class scare you to death or delight you? No matter how many choices you have, we can help you zero in on the program that is your match.

Don't fall prey to the myths out there

There are a number of myths about admissions for study abroad programs:

I have to speak a lanuage to study abroad. The vast majority of our programs do not require proficiency in any language other than English. For those programs that do require experience in a foreign language, we generally recommend that you have completed your intermediate grammar work and one literature course in the language before you participate in that program.	I cannot afford to study abroad. There are a variety of ways to cut the costs of studying abroad. Many of our programs cost approximately the same, or slightly more, than staying at Rutgers. We can help you develop a budget or a payment plan that meets your needs. In addition, we can help you find out more information on financial aid, scholarships, and loans that may be available. Click here for more information.
My grades are too low for study abroad. We are primarily looking for students in good academic standing. The Admissions Committee reviews each application on a case-by-case basis, so your file is given very careful attention. Remember, we want you to study abroad! If you have selected a program that is not a fit for you academically, we will work with you to find a better match.	It takes too long to find out if I am admitted. Once your application pacakge is complete, the Admissions Committee reviews you generally within a week. You will be contacted as soon as the decision is made.

Admission Information The Admissions Committee at Rutgers Study Abroad reviews your entire application package before making a decision. The committee looks closely at your full transcript(s), your letters of recommendation, your personal essay, and the information you provide on the application form. Admissions decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and are specific to the programs you have indicated on your form. Programs are open to students at Rutgers University and at colleges and universities nationwide.

Have you submitted an application? Make sure we've received all the application parts by clicking here. Also, see the "Admission" menu on the above tool bar to find links to common questions, or click on the Ask the Expert button to talk to former participants who can answer your questions about the programs. You should also check out our calendar to find out more on upcoming events.