How to choose a study program

• Language: When the only way to communicate is in the local language, you will pick it up faster. But be careful: it can be easy to fall into the trap of only speaking English with the other students in the program. The best way to learn the language is to surround yourself with international students so that you have no option but to speak the language of the country in order to communicate. Even if you have not studied the language, don't be afraid of a non-English speaking country. The learning and personal development that goes on when a student has to navigate another country without knowing the language is great and you will also learn a fair amount of the language by just being surrounded by it.

• Going alone or with some company:  Going alone on a study abroad program helps you to become more self-reliant, forces you to go out and meet new people, and build up your confidence.  On the other hand, it can be helpful to have someone to share all of your experiences with and who knows what you are going through. It can also be safer. So this is a catch 22 situation, just make sure what you want.

• Where you stay: Where you are going to live is another important consideration because it can alter your perception of a country. Living with a host family gives you one of the best chances to experience a different culture first hand.  Living in a dormitory, residence hall or apartment usually gives you more freedom. "Location-wise and freedom-wise it is often better in the long run.

To conclude I would just like to say,  everyone has different needs. Your challenge is to figure out exactly what you are looking for. The right study abroad program will help you to develop cross-cultural skills and greater self-confidence, improve language skills. It will allow you to learn more about the rest of the world and become less ethnocentric and what I have given you here would help you in the same.