| Considerations | |
| Cost | Money from federal financial aid programs may be used for studying abroad. Many students save money to pay for part or all of their study abroad programs. There are also some scholarships available. Study abroad is an investment in your future. |
| Foreign Language | Not all programs require fluency in, or even knowledge of, the host country language, and many programs offer courses in English. Those wishing to learn a language may seek a language immersion program. |
| Academic Credit | Credits will transfer back to your institution, and many programs offer resident credit at the home institution. Approval for academic credit for your study abroad program should be arranged prior to your departure. |
| Diverse Courses of Study | Program options are diverse in both fields of study and location. |
| Diverse Destinations | Program options are available for most destinations. In the 2004-2005 academic year the UM Study Abroad Office offered programs in more than 35 countries. |
Students report that study abroad experiences change their lives - they open their eyes to the world. As such, study abroad has been the topic of much research. A 1988 survey of more than 2,500 students reported that educational exchange was associated with a variety of learning outcomes. Students in this survey reported developing bilingual skills; expanding their knowledge of the host country, its people, culture, politics, economy, society and role in the world; developing the capacity to empathize with people from other countries; and gaining an understanding that the world is one community. Developing such knowledge, attitudes and beliefs tends to make one less ethnocentric and more adaptable. Study abroad also helps students gain skills in creative and critical thinking as well as expand their knowledge of their home country and culture.
In addition to personal development, study abroad can also be an excellent addition to a resume. A 1994 study found that employers now put a high value on international skills such as knowledge of a foreign language and cross-cultural competence. A student that makes the most of a study abroad experience will certainly enhance these skills. This means reaching out to people of another culture, and learning to communicate within another cultural and linguistic framework.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness . . . Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one corner of the earth all one's lifetime."- Mark Twain
