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Studying abroad offers U.S. college students a way to learn about other cultures, make friends, master other languages, and develop self-reliance and other life skills. The experience can be especially rewarding if the location is related to a student’s area of academic focus. Thanks to modern technology, this opportunity isn’t limited to traditional on-campus students.
Though it may seem odd at first, distance learners can study abroad—sometimes without even leaving their hometowns. Since online college students aren’t always as plugged into campus culture as their in-person peers, these opportunities can be easy to miss. Read on to learn more about studying abroad as an online student.
Do Colleges Offer Online Study Abroad Programs?
Many online learners work full time and don’t 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 immerse themselves fully in other cultures. These opportunities can last from a weekend to a semester and beyond.
The following programs provide a good overview of the types of opportunities out there.
- Arizona State University: ASU offers fully immersive semester programs and virtual remote internships. Global intensive experiences take place during academic breaks. Global Flex programs allow students to continue online coursework while immersed in a foreign culture for up to 18 weeks. The school offers English-language coursework regardless of student location, meaning participants don’t 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 in topics like health, nursing and business. Participants can access Deakin’s library materials, online support staff and faculty.
- University of California-San Diego: UCSD offers remote internships in partnership with various third-party organizations. Online learners can earn real-world job experience in fields 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 usually more flexible. In addition to benefiting students with work and family obligations, this accessibility and flexibility can enable students to travel abroad while they take classes.
Traveling as an online learner differs from enrolling in a study abroad program through your college or university. Rather than completing a school-designed learning experience, you can independently arrange lodging and travel itineraries while completing coursework on your own time. Because online classes are flexible, you can take them anywhere you can find an internet connection.
How To Study Abroad as a Distance Learner
There are multiple online study abroad options. For example, you can complete remote internships or take classes on campuses in other countries. You can also attend professor-led summer tours or travel independently while enrolled in online courses. These programs can last just a weekend, a full semester or even longer.
Colleges and universities offer study abroad programs that connect you to partner institutions worldwide and establish predetermined 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. Investigate whether financial aid opportunities, including scholarships from your school, can apply to third-party options.
In addition to programs that put you in special study abroad-specific classes, some foreign schools offer direct enrollment programs, which treat you like a regular student instead of a visiting learner. 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 home—or travel elsewhere—while working for an international company and earning course credit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Study Abroad Programs
Can I study abroad as an online student?
Yes, there are several options for online learners who wish to study abroad. They can study at foreign institutions by enrolling directly with their desired school, or they can pursue programs at their home institutions or through third-party providers. Online students can also travel abroad while completing their U.S.-based distance learning courses.
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 from Survey.com, the average cost per semester for study abroad programs in 2023 was around $16,000. Shorter programs often cost less—for example, the third-party provider Global Experiences offers virtual international internships that last eight weeks and cost $1,500. Investigate whether your school lets you apply financial aid to online study abroad experiences.
Can Americans go to university abroad?
Yes, many schools worldwide let international students 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.