Custom Programs is dedicated to providing your students with the best program imaginable. We utilize the culture of whichever site you could choose, offering excursions and educational activities to develop a unique and unforgettable study abroad experience. But before you choose your program site, here are a few things to take into consideration.
1.) Hablas espanol? First of all, do you want to be in an English-speaking country or have students experience a foreign language? If you want to add another dynamic to your students’ study abroad experience, a country that has a different national language would do the trick. However, if you’d like to focus purely on your academic subject, an English speaking country could be an easier transition for your students.
2.) Big or small? Would you prefer to be in a smaller town or a larger city? Larger cities offer a more dynamic and fast paced environment, but if you want more intimate immersion, with more contact with locals, a small town could be more suitable for your goals.
3.) Traditional or modern? This question can narrow down your list by half. Some environments may lend themselves to your academic subject more appropriately. For example, business works better in a modern environment, and history or art in a more traditional culture.
4.) Money, money, money. What is your program price range? Some sites can be more cost-effective than others. Exchange rates vary all across the globe, so if budget is an issue, you may want to research the cost of living for your potential sites. However, Custom Program Managers are trained to build programs that maximize cultural experiences and educational activities for a variety of price points.
5.) We have a connection. Do you have networking possibilities in a particular site? For example, if you have a colleague or connection to a local professor or business owner, utilizing those relationships can add a unique component to your experience. If you don’t have those preexisting relationships, not to worry! ISA has a network of resources in all of our sites to organize guest lectures and business visits for your academic subject.
6.) Set your sites on school. Pick the site that has an ideal environment for your academic subject. You may be more drawn to Prague’s multicultural demographics, but would an Asian country be better for studying business? Our CP staff has chosen the top subjects for each of their sites:
Find out more about popular academic subjects in ISA sites!
*This list is by no means comprehensive, and the ISA Custom Programs team can build a program in almost any academic discipline in any of our ISA sites!*With these suggestions in mind, it’s time to start building the customized program that’s right for you! Contact the ISA Custom Programs team today at cp@studiesabroad.com
