Student Experiences Abroad
Today’s college student populations are increasingly diverse and no longer only include 18 to 21-year-old students, but older adults, full-time employees, retirees, parents, and caregivers. Your different set of responsibilities may make it seem challenging to fit in a study abroad experience, but nevertheless, it is possible and a valuable experience to consider, especially if you have never had the opportunity to live or travel abroad before.
A woman with curly brown hair stands in front of a city backdrop
“My biggest concern was not fitting in. I am 55 years old and most of the undergraduate population of the University of Michigan is somewhere near their twenties. My choice to study abroad turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It gave me the opportunity to study the fascination that Rome, Italy brings to so many people along with the culture of a world outside my own.”
Planning your Experience Abroad
Use this page to explore the considerations, opportunities, and challenges of traveling abroad as a nontraditional student.
As you consider and prepare for an international experience, use the following questions as a guide. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list and you may relate to multiple identities. You are encouraged to discuss these topics in-person with an education abroad advisor in your school or college. The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) can also provide guidance and resources as you prepare for your experience. Nontraditional students often have different responsibilities such as those tied to familial, professional, and other obligations at home that do not affect many other students in the same way. Thus it is important to take these factors into consideration when studying abroad. Further explore traveling as a nontraditional student through the following resources: Download the Nontraditional Students Abroad flyer for additional questions and considerations for traveling abroad. Bring this resource with you when meeting with an academic advisor, education abroad advisor, or other UM office. Education abroad programs vary across a spectrum and can be as short as one week, one month, or even as long as a semester or whole year. In addition, there are many ways students can fund their education abroad experience, even with families. These include financial aid, scholarships, and other funding programs. Like many endeavors which require time and resources, careful planning and thorough research are necessary components for a successful experience. Technology has improved our ability to communicate across time zones quickly and efficiently. Consequently, there are apps and calling/data plans that allow travelers to connect with family as well as access work emails and other communication platforms. Take into account the locations you are considering and conduct research to determine communication accessibility. Whether you can bring your family depends on the program type, program location, duration, and itinerary. It is important that you speak with your education abroad advisor to determine the feasibility of bringing family. If you participate in a program that allows you to bring children, you will need to make arrangements for a caregiver to provide care for your child(ren) during class, site visits, excursions, etc. You’ll also want to make sure your family has the appropriate travel documentation including health insurance, passport, and visa.
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60+
Languages
More than 60 languages are offered at U-M
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No.5
Nationally
U-M ranked 5th in the nation in the number of U.S. students studying abroad for the 2019-2020 academic year
