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How to Get Started

If study abroad is something you are interested in, but you don't know where to start planning, start by asking yourself some of these questions:

• What locations are of interest to you? If there is a city or country you know little about, do some research. You might be surprised by the possibilities!
• Do you want to study abroad in an English speaking country or in a country where English is not the first language?
• Would you like to study in a location that is popular among U.S. study abroad students, or would you like to explore a less-traveled location?
• Do you want to study a foreign language, participate in service learning, or do an internship abroad?
• What kind of environment would be best for you? A large metropolitan city, a medium sized city or a small town?
• What type of housing you would like to live in while you are studying abroad? Would you rather live with a family, in a shared apartment or in a residence hall on the school's campus?

Once you have an idea of where you would like to study, start researching study abroad programs. There are links to all our study abroad programs on this Web site listed under Undergraduate Study Abroad.

Begin to research the study abroad programs that are of interest to you, and then search for courses you might want to take when you are abroad (courses to satisfy your major and minor requirements, core requirements and electives).

You should begin your study abroad planning in your freshman year or at least one year in advance of your departure. Although you are not permitted to study abroad until your sophomore or junior year, it is not too early to begin planning in your freshman year.

If a country that you want to study abroad in has a Travel Warning issued under the State Department, the Center for International Education cannot in any way allow you to study abroad in that country under the support of Saint Xavier University.

If you have more questions regarding study abroad, e-mail Katie Barcikowski at barcikowski@sxu.edu