Study abroad programs are one of the most enticing aspects of higher education. Every year, thousands of American undergraduates climb over each other to claim these selective opportunities. If you think it sounds like fun to spend a semester (or two. Or three...) "studying" in another country, then you're not alone.These programs have a reputation for being light on academic rigor and heavy on the sangria. While that may sometimes be the reality, most study abroad programs are viewed as an asset on a student's resume. Employers and graduate schools understand that study abroad experience is an invaluable experiment in cultural immersion.
So what are the best majors for studying abroad? You can't, after all, spend six months in Serbia if you're pursuing one of the many online social work degrees. The truth of the matter is: some majors are routinely selected to go abroad in greater numbers than the rest. If you're dead set on spending part of college overseas, consider declaring in one of these five academic departments to increase your chances.
1) Foreign Language
This is the obvious answer. Some foreign language programs even require their students to spend time abroad. There's no better way to learn a language than to immerse yourself in it. By that logic, studying abroad is one of the best decisions a foreign language student can make. You don't have to box yourself in with traditional options either. A Spanish major could study in Argentina or El Salvador, while a French major might opt to spend the spring
semester in Algeria instead of France. The possibilities are endless.
2) Anthropology
Anthropology majors study humanity, culture and all other aspects of the human condition. With such a broad field of study, anthropology majors often avail themselves of many different kinds of study abroad programs. Cultural anthropologists can pursue humanities programs at major European universities, while evolutionary anthropologists might prefer to do field work in Africa. Whatever your specialty, there's an overseas program for you.
3) Classics
Classics majors study ancient texts and the dead languages that they're written in. They read Juvenal, Homer, Horace and Virgil, and they read them in dead tongues. If you're fluent in Ancient Greek or Latin, then you can take your talents to the study abroad program of your choice.
4) Sociology
Sociology majors study...society! What else? There are plenty of interesting things to study in American society, but what could be better than seeing a comparative case in another country? Young sociologists regularly make pilgrimages abroad to witness foreign cultures in action.
5) Religion
Unless you're writing a thesis on Mormonism, Christian Science or Scientology, chances are your faith of interest has its roots in the ancient world. In order to access that world, you may want to visit sites like St. Petersburg, Athens, Jerusalem and Mecca.
Whether they're studying at a seminary or a traditional university, Religion and theology students almost always see the value in spending part of their education abroad. There's no better major for world travelers interested in the origins of faith.
image by CollegeDegrees360