Choosing a Program

Study abroad programs vary widely in their academic structure and course offerings. Some provide full access to a host university’s curriculum, while others offer a more limited, pre-selected set of courses. Because course availability is not standardized across programs, it’s important to understand your academic goals and degree requirements before selecting a program. 

In addition to course offerings, academic environments can differ greatly—even between programs in the same city. Factors like class size, teaching style, grading systems, and student expectations may vary by program type and location. Learn more about how differences in program types can impact your academic experience abroad. Visit our Academics page for an overview of eligibility requirements and academic differences abroad. 

To make an informed decision, start by identifying the courses you need or want to take abroad, and think about the kind of academic experience you’re looking for.

As you reflect on your academic needs and how they align with various programs, you may want to consider:

• Are you aiming to take very specific courses during your term abroad? Or does your academic plan afford you more flexibility?  
• Are you comfortable adapting to new academic environments, or would you prefer your classes to be more similar in style to what you have experienced at Loyola?  
• Are you able to take classes in another language? Or are you looking for classes taught in English?  
• Do you receive any academic accommodations?  

On some study abroad programs, you may find yourself living in the middle of a thriving metropolis with many of the conveniences of home. On others, you may be living in a small town full of opportunities for immersion in the local culture. Different locations will offer different opportunities for travel, engagement, language learning and more. As you consider which location is right for you, you may want to think about:  

• Do you have a strong preference when it comes to city size?  
• Do you hope to live in a very international destination, or do you hope to spend more time amongst locals?  
• Do you expect to travel extensively during your term abroad? Or do you hope to prioritize time spent in your host city or country?  
• Do you have any language learning goals that might be best supported in a certain location?  
• Have you considered how your identities might be viewed in various locations?

Costs can vary considerably from program to program due to factors such as duration, destination, and more. Financial aid portability can vary as well. Please review the financial recommendations from the Study Abroad Office as well as the cost sheets from your chosen programs to help you find a program that fits within your budget.

Study abroad experiences can last anywhere from one week to a full academic year. It is important to consider how long you would like to be abroad. This may be dictated by your own preferences, but also by your academic plan. As you consider matters related to the timing of your program, please consider:  

• Do long-term programs fit within your academic plan or are you better served by something shorter?  
• Is there an ideal term for you to go abroad?  
• Are you able to accommodate programs that run on different calendars to Loyola? For example, a spring semester that runs from April - July?

Depending on which program you choose, you may have different options for your living arrangements. Some programs offer homestays in which you live with a local family. Others may offer residence hall or apartment living arrangements. A few programs even offer you the opportunity to be housed in a Living Learning Community! As you select your program, it will be important to consider your housing preferences and needs:  

• What is your budget for housing? Some programs may have housing included in the program fee, whereas it may be an additional expense in others. Housing expenses can vary considerably from city to city.  
• Do you have any accommodations related to your housing needs?  
• Are you willing to commute to and from your classroom sites?  
• Do you prefer to live with other international students? With local students? With host families? Independently?

Some students may be studying abroad for reasons closely linked to their professional goals. Consider whether you may want the availability of the following features on your program:  

• Internships 
• Research opportunities 
• Language immersion opportunities

Loyola is pleased to partner with other Jesuit universities that have study abroad program centers in locations around the world. Affiliate or exchange programs at Jesuit institutions worldwide are a great choice for students seeking mission-aligned opportunities both in and out of the classroom.