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Studying abroad offers American college students a way to experience other cultures, make friends, master other languages, and develop self-sufficiency and other life skills. The experience can be especially rewarding if the location is related to the student’s area of academic interest. Thanks to modern technology, this opportunity is not limited to traditional campus-based students.
Although it may seem strange at first, distance learners are able to study abroad, sometimes without even leaving their hometowns. Since online college students aren’t always as connected to campus culture as their on-campus peers, these opportunities can easily go unnoticed. Read on to learn more about studying abroad as an online student.
Do universities offer online study abroad programs?
Many online students work full-time and do not have the flexibility to leave the country for several weeks or months at a time. However, these restrictions do not exclude them from cultural learning opportunities.
Online study abroad programs include options that do not require students to learn new languages or fully immerse themselves in other cultures. These opportunities can last from a weekend to a semester or longer.
The following programs provide a good overview of the types of opportunities available.
- Arizona State University: ASU offers full-immersion semester programs and virtual distance learning internships. Global Intensive Experiences take place during academic breaks. Global Flex programs allow students to continue online courses while immersing themselves in a foreign culture for up to 18 weeks. The school offers courses in English regardless of a student’s location, meaning participants do not have to learn a new language to succeed in their classes.
- Deakin University: This Australian institution allows students from around the world to take online classes on subjects such as health, nursing and business. Participants can access Deakin’s library materials, online support staff and lecturers.
- University of California-San Diego: UCSD offers remote internships in partnership with several external organizations. Online students can gain real-world work experience in areas such as marketing, business, and international relations in dozens of countries.
Can you study online from another country?
Compared to traditional on-campus classes, online courses are often more flexible. In addition to benefiting students with work and family obligations, this accessibility and flexibility can allow them to travel abroad while taking classes.
Traveling as an online student is different than enrolling in a study abroad program through your college or university. Instead of completing a school-designed learning experience, you can independently arrange accommodations and travel itineraries while completing coursework on your own time. Because online classes are flexible, you can take them anywhere you have an internet connection.
How to Study Abroad as a Distance Student
There are multiple options for studying abroad online. For example, you can do remote internships or take classes on campuses in other countries. You can also attend professor-led summer trips or travel independently while enrolled in online courses. These programs can last just a weekend, a full semester, or even longer.
Universities and colleges offer study abroad programs that connect you with partner institutions around the world and set default transfer credits for courses you take while abroad. Third-party providers also offer study abroad experiences, which may require you to negotiate transfer credits with your home institution. Research whether financial aid opportunities, including scholarships from your school, may apply to third-party options.
In addition to programs that assign you special classes to study abroad, some foreign schools offer direct enrollment programs, which treat you as a regular student rather than a visiting student. These direct enrollment options offer a more immersive experience.
Schools and third-party providers also offer virtual study abroad programs and virtual internships where you can stay at home (or travel elsewhere) while working for an international company and earning course credit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Study Abroad Programs
Can I study abroad as an online student?
Yes, there are several options for online students who wish to study abroad. They can study at foreign institutions by enrolling directly at the school of their choice, or they can take programs at their home institutions or through third-party providers. Online students can also travel abroad while completing their distance learning courses in the U.S.
How much does it cost to study abroad?
The cost of a study abroad program varies by school, provider, and location. According to a study by Survey.com, the average cost per semester for study abroad programs in 2023 was around $16,000. Shorter programs typically cost less; for example, third-party provider Global Experiences offers virtual international internships that last eight weeks and cost $1,500. Find out if your school allows you to apply for financial aid for online study abroad experiences.
Can Americans go to college abroad?
Yes, many schools around the world allow international students to attend classes. In some cases, attending a university abroad is cheaper than in the United States. You may need a student visa to take courses in other countries, which can be a lengthy process.
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