Am I Able to Study Abroad as an Underclassman? 

64

Studying abroad is the perfect way to earn credits towards your degree while you immerse yourself in a new culture. It’s an opportunity like no other, offering access to unique courses, hands-on learning experiences, and an exciting international environment where you can meet new people and grow your network. Many students wonder if they can study abroad during freshman or sophomore year of college, or if this experience is only available to upperclassmen. Below, we’ll dive into everything you need to know as an underclassman looking to study abroad. 

AIFS Abroad offers many study abroad programs for freshman and sophomore college students. Read on to learn how and why underclassmen should study abroad! 

Can I Study Abroad as a First-Year or Second-Year College Student? 

If you want to study abroad as an underclassman, you’re in luck! You can study abroad during your freshman or sophomore year (or even before you start college as a recent high school graduate!), depending on a couple of key factors.  

Many college students prefer to study abroad during freshman or sophomore year because it can be more feasible to satisfy general education requirements, and you aren’t as deep into your area of study as you will be as an upperclassman. So, for some students, doing a study abroad program during your first or second year of college is not only possible, but it may be the best time to do it! 

Why Study Abroad as an Underclassman? 

Studying abroad as a freshman or sophomore in college will provide you with many opportunities for personal and academic growth. The benefits to studying abroad as a first-year or second-year college student include: 

• Apply a global perspective to your studies: A semester abroad or short-term study abroad program will expose you to new ideas and different perspectives in your field of study. 
• Study or intern abroad more than once: Studying abroad as an underclassman could inspire you to take advantage of other study abroad or international internship opportunities later in your college career if you choose to do so. (Note: many freshmen and sophomores are eligible to intern abroad as well!) 
• Take Gen Ed courses abroad: As a freshman or sophomore, you probably have some general education (gen ed) courses you need to take in order to graduate. Many of these courses or their approved equivalents are available on study abroad programs, so you can complete those baseline requirements for your degree while you immerse yourself in a new culture! 
• Develop a global network: Study abroad programs enable you to connect with other students from the U.S., international students, and professors from around the world, helping you expand your network across multiple continents. 
• Increase independence: Studying abroad is a great opportunity for growth as an underclassman. As you set out on your own, you will become more independent and self-reliant, while still enjoying support from the on-site AIFS Abroad team. 
• Access unique programs and courses: Studying abroad gives you access to courses and programs that may not be offered at your university, giving you more flexibility and the chance to explore specialized subjects or regional perspectives. 
• Benefit from location-based learning: If your academic interests are rooted in another country’s history or culture, a study abroad experience gives you the chance to deepen your knowledge right where that subject originated. AIFS Abroad programs incorporate the local city into the curriculum and use excursions and cultural activities to enrich your learning, transforming your host destination into your classroom. 

Study Abroad Requirements 

As we mentioned, yes, underclassmen can study abroad. Whether or not you are eligible to study abroad as an underclassman will depend on your home university’s requirements and your academic track, as well as the eligibility requirements of your specific program of interest. AIFS Abroad offers study abroad programs that cover a wide range of academic disciplines in international destinations around the world, so no matter your area of study, we likely offer a program that will help to advance your degree, rather than hinder it! 

Most college students must earn credits while they study abroad, which is no problem with AIFS Abroad programs. Many of the courses offered on our programs provide credits issued through Fairfield University, our school of record in the U.S., allowing students to easily transfer credits to their home university. 

How to Study Abroad as a Freshman or Sophomore 

If you plan to study abroad as a freshman or sophomore, you should speak with your college advisor. They’ll be able to tell you if your college or university allows first or second-year students to study abroad (as many colleges do). Additionally, your college advisor can provide you with more information about your personal eligibility. For example, if there are specific courses you must complete to graduate, this may impact when or if you are eligible to study abroad, depending on your academic track. 

In addition to speaking with an academic advisor, you should visit your school’s study abroad office or point-person on campus (if there is one). They can help you review program options, discuss financial assistance opportunities, and decide on a program that best fits your academic and personal needs. 

Once you know you can study abroad, you should apply immediately to ensure you meet program deadlines. 

If your college does not allow underclassmen to study abroad during the fall or spring semesters, or you’re ineligible due to academic restrictions, consider a summer, January Term, or May Term program instead! These short-term study abroad programs allow you to earn credits outside of the school semester, so you can take courses at your home university during the school year and study abroad when you’re not required to be there. 

TLDR: The short answer to “How to study abroad as an underclassman” is talk to your college advisor and then click here! 

AIFS Study Abroad Benefits 

When you study abroad with AIFS Abroad as an underclassman, you’ll get all these amazing benefits and more, including: 

• Safe & central housing: All AIFS Abroad programs include housing located near your host institution’s campus and/or the city center. Housing options may include a homestay, a student residence (dorm), or a shared apartment. 
• Trips & excursions: Program-led tours around your host city or to other destinations around your host country (and beyond). 
• Social & cultural activities: Led by local experts who will teach you more about the culture of your host country, all while you bond with other students! 
• On-site support: Includes an on-site Program Director who will meet you as soon as you arrive and be there throughout your program to support you and answer questions. 

AIFS Abroad program inclusions don’t end there! Learn more about our study abroad programs. 

Advance your degree and explore new cultures as a freshman or sophomore—study abroad with AIFS Abroad! 

Studying abroad allows you to advance your degree, gain unique international experiences, and travel the world as an underclassman. Study abroad with AIFS Abroad and enjoy our valuable program inclusions such as social and cultural activities, housing, trips and excursions, 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance, and on-site staff, so you can focus on making the most of your experience abroad!