International Trade

Asia, home to approximately half of the world's population, offers prospective study abroad students many educational opportunities within colorful societies vastly different from the West.

Under the broadest definition, Asia encompasses more than 30 countries in East Asia and South & Central Asia, with some of the largest study abroad destinations represented by China, Japan, India, Thailand, Korea and Hong Kong. Asia is a welcoming, exciting and contemporary destination for students from North America. However, proper planning and good preparation can improve the experience immensely.

If you're thinking of studying abroad in Asia, consider these tips:

Outline your goals and purpose for studying abroad. Are you looking to study language only, language and culture, or a mix of language and cultural studies, as well as classes related to your major?

Consult with your university's study abroad office about available programs and internal requirements.

Program options may include:

Student exchange - an agreement between your university and a foreign institution allowing payment of your regular home university tuition fees and direct enrollment in the host university. (Often, best suited for independent students comfortable and knowledgeable about the prospective country and host university.)

Direct Enrollment - similar to student exchange, but allows you to apply and pay fees directly to the overseas university. (Well suited for independent students comfortable and knowledgeable about the prospective country and host university.)

Faculty-led - developed and run by your university, generally as a short-study program comprised of participants from your university. (Often appeals to students who don't want to spend a full semester abroad and value the leadership of their own faculty and participation of university peers.)

Program provider - international education organizations providing a variety of study abroad opportunities, including language/study centers and facilitation of direct enrollment at host universities. (Often best suited for students seeking additional information, assistance and support for their study abroad experience.)

Consider your academic needs in consultation with your home university advisors to ensure your overseas studies are applicable to your degree.

Test your own cultural IQ by mentally preparing for your experience. Set your expectations against your knowledge and identify where you will face challenges.

Seek out other students who have studied in the countries you are considering and ask them for advice.

Research the health risks or recommended/required immunizations or inoculations for your intended country. A good resource is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Familiarize yourself with crime statistics, laws and penalties of the countries you are considering. This will help you avoid becoming a victim of common crimes or committing crimes unknowingly. Laws and regulations may differ significantly from those in the United States, ignorance of laws is often inexcusable, and violations and penalties can be severe. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information.

Begin at least a survival language program prior to your departure overseas so you develop a basic vocabulary and are comfortable navigating your local area.

Learn the destination country's systems and services, whether money and banking, healthcare, transportation and entry and exit requirements.

Anne is director, student services and programs, for AsiaLearn. Their China study abroad program led to her experience growing in these studies, such as the study abroad Hong Kong program.