Sponsored at home or internationally?

Study abroad programs usually fall into two categories:

• Sponsored by a U.S. institution
• Sponsored by an international institution

The sponsor offers the program and generally makes your academic and living arrangements. According to Ann M. Moore, author of The Unofficial Guide to Study Abroad, programs can then be further broken down into university enrollment or "island" programs:

• U.S. sponsor/university enrollment. American schools help U.S. students enroll directly in university classes in another country.
  
• International sponsor/university enrollment. Host universities overseas directly recruit American students and make academic and living arrangements.
  
• U.S. sponsor/"island" program. American schools make overseas arrangements for American students and also create the curriculum.
  
• International sponsor/"island" program. Overseas institutions arrange study programs exclusively for American or international students.

How long do you want to stay?

These programs are generally offered for the following durations:

• Short-term programs last a few weeks (usually less than a semester). This option is increasingly popular because of its lower cost. Students in short-term programs rose from 28% to 46% over the 13 years that this information has been tracked.
  
• Semester (fall or spring)
  
• Summer
• Academic year

See what your school offers for Programs and destinations.