Ask an Advisor: What Should Students Ask?

What questions do study abroad advisors wish students would ask? Read on to find out!As a study abroad advisor, students ask me a bunch of questions.  The usual ones include the following:

Where should I go?

How can I get credit for my program?

What should I do when I get there?

However, there are many questions that I wish students would ask me.

While we all care very deeply about the fact that you are interested in traveling throughout Europe during your semester abroad, we know that you are capable – and worthy of – having a deeper experience.

… But we all know that traveling is a major perk of studying abroad.  Promise.

If you are looking for the best questions you can ask a study abroad advisor, you are in the right place!  Here are some questions to prove that you know how important this experience will be for you:

Which university / program is a good fit for me and my major?

This is the quickest way to an advisor’s heart – acknowledging that studying abroad is inherently academic in nature.

Sure, you might take courses that are different from what you usually take – and they might feel easier – but we always like to remind students that there is “study” in “study abroad.”

If you choose a program or university that is relevant to your major as well as your degree plan and future goals, you will deepen your learning by exploring your interests in a different cultural context.

Also, graduating in a timely manner is pretty cool too.

I have _____ challenges / accommodations / illnesses / etc.  Will this/these prevent me from studying abroad / what accommodations are available at _____ program / university?

It is hugely helpful when students are upfront about any accommodations they need.  If students have specific needs, I am able to contact the providers or universities in advance to make sure the students get what they need.

If I find out about accommodation requests after a student is accepted to a program, however, it is more difficult to ensure support.

I would love for all students to ask this as early in the process as possible.

Are there any programs that offer internships – for credit or not for credit – in my major?

How awesome would an internship abroad look on your resume?

Hint – very awesome.

Even if the internship cannot be completed for credit, it would still be an enriching experience for students to bring back from study abroad.

Internships involve getting immersed in the work culture of a country (waaaaaaaay different from student life) and potentially some great references.  If more students asked me about internship opportunities abroad, I would weep with happiness.

Or at least get really excited for them.

What immersion opportunities exist at this destination / program / school?

This question tells me that students are thinking of how to have an experience that is deeper than just spending four months traveling.

It also tells me that the student who asked this question is going to have a much easier time articulating his or her experience in the future (like in job interviews, for example).

Ask this question.  Your advisor will love this question.

This question will probably spark an on-going conversation – one that will impact you for years to come.

How can I make the most out of my time abroad?

This is a great question to ask!  Study abroad advisors have experience living abroad, and each advisor had different tips for how to engage with the host country.

I typically tell students (you know, unsolicited advice during pre-departure orientations) that blogging, keeping a journal, minimizing social media usage, and saying “yes” to less-than-typical experiences are all great ways to make the most out of studying abroad.

I (would hypothetically) tailor my response depending on the student, the student’s major, the housing, and other factors.  You know, if students actually asked this :).

What can I do during my study abroad program to make me more marketable on my resume?

Remember, studying abroad is a great resume booster – but there are some things you can do to make it even more prominent.

Pursuing immersion activities, improving your language skills, finding internships, and volunteering all look wonderful on a resume.

Each program will have different ways to connect to your experience (and your home university might have opportunities for you to volunteer when you return – bonus resume booster!); however, the more research you do in advance, the better prepared you will be when you return home.

What are my resources when I come back?

Preparing for your return from studying abroad is just as important as preparing to study abroad!

This is far from any student’s mind when they are leaving, since it’s much more fun to plan for the actual time spent abroad.

Each campus has different resources for students who are returning from studying abroad, and your study abroad advisor knows what is available.

The moral of the story – if you ask your advisor these questions early in your study abroad process, you will be setting yourself up for a successful, immersive, and more meaningful experience!

Related Posts:
7 Habits of Successful Study Abroad Students
Why Students Prefer Spring Study Abroad (and Why You Should Consider Fall!)

How to Write a Kick-Ass Application Essay
How to Get Credit for Study Abroad Programs
5 Reasons Why Students Don’t Study Abroad

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