Finding the Right Program

Given the range of opportunities available, it is important to evaluate each study option, and carefully examine your own interests and needs, and consider Babson’s academic requirements. The process of selecting an appropriate option takes time, so you need to begin planning early.

Special Note for Global Management or International Business Concentrators: Babson Partner Schools will offer you the best opportunity to fulfill your concentration requirements, so be sure to evaluate and apply for those options.

As you begin to think about education abroad, there are some important points to remember:

• Be flexible. It is important to be flexible in this process. Education abroad is competitive at Babson, and the more flexibility you show in terms of your education abroad location and term of study, the more likely you are to have a placement.
• Know your requirements. Talk to the education abroad adviser about the application procedures and your class dean about your academic plan. It is important for you to know what requirements you need to satisfy both abroad and when you return to Babson in order to graduate on time and fulfill your concentration if you have one. All qualified Babson students are eligible to apply to study abroad for at least one semester and should graduate on time with careful planning.
• Complete and submit an application in a timely manner. Allow plenty of time to fill out the requested documents for your application and obtain letters of recommendation from your professors.

Step 1: Self-Evaluation & Practical Questions
Before you meet with the education abroad advisor, it is important to think about what you hope to attain from your experience abroad. Some questions to consider:

• How does studying abroad fit into your concentration or learning plan?
• What kinds of courses would complement your concentration(s) or career focus?
• Do you meet the basic eligibility to apply?
• Would you prefer to study with other international students or in classes with students from the host country?
• Would you like to learn a new language, or do you have language skills you would like to improve?
  Would you prefer classes in English or in the language of the host country?
• What personal experiences can you draw upon (e.g., previous overseas experiences, international friends, or exposure to other languages and cultures at Babson and at home) that will help you choose where to go?
• What financial limitations do you need to consider?
• How long would you like to study overseas?
• When would be the ideal time for you to go abroad?

Step 2: Gather Information
The Office of International Programs (OIP) understands that with classes and activities, you have a very busy schedule! To make the best use of your time, we require that you attend an information session. Click here for details about the informational meetings and the Education Abroad Fair. Also watch for posters and e-mail messages with details about when and where sessions will be held.

• Attend an information session—this is where you can learn more about OIP, ask preliminary questions, and fill out your interest form.
• Once you have attended an information session and filled out an interest form, set up an appointment to meet with the education abroad advisor to review your options, and discuss your academic plan with your Class Dean.
• Talk to as many people as you can who have traveled, lived, or studied overseas. Don’t forget that many exchange and international students studying at Babson can give you firsthand knowledge of their home school or city. Returned education abroad students can tell you about their experience abroad. Many of Babson’s faculty and staff members are well traveled and internationally knowledgeable. While you gather information from other sources, please keep your academic and career goals in mind as this decision is very important.
• Research program options online or in the OIP library. Use the links in the box above to find specific information about Babson's Education Abroad programs or visit the university Web sites directly.  The OIP office houses information about all of the Education Abroad programs as well as evaluations from past participants.   

Step 3: Identify & Evaluate
Going abroad is not just choosing a location because it sounds exciting. You should leave yourself plenty of time to do research, talk with your parents and select an institution not only for its location but also for its academic program and appropriateness to your personal, professional, and academic goals. As you research program options, it is important to ask yourself some practical questions.

• What are the living costs in the area you’ve chosen?
• Do the courses abroad satisfy your requirements and are they of interest to you?
• Are there additional grants or scholarships for which you can apply?
• What is the length of the program?
• When is it offered?
• Will the program interfere with any internship plans?
• What is the language of instruction?
• What are the housing options?

If you have questions about this process after attending an Information Session, please visit the Education Abroad Advisor during walk-in hours or make an appointment by calling (781) 239-4565.