Education programs vary greatly; here we will give a general overview based on the most important factors. Programs may be located anywhere in the world and can be single-country and multi-country. Different lengths are available, too: year, semester, summer, or intersession. International education programs cane of different type. The major difference is made by who sponsors the program and who runs it. You may go on a program sponsored and operated by your own university in its own department abroad. In this case you will still pay tuition and earn credits on the same basis as you would do it at the school. The same is true if the program is run and sponsored by a consortium of schools that your school is a member of. If your program is operated by another school, you will pay tuition to the sponsoring institution and earn credit by transfer. Often the school that runs the program also sponsors it. There a lot of programs available that are sponsored by independent study-abroad organizations (like Fullbright). If it is your case, two options are possible: you may be enrolled in the host university (usually of your own choice), or the organization may provide its own program based on a curriculum designed especially for you and other students participating in the program. You can also design your study-abroad program by yourself. In this situation, you are to apply directly to the institution you chose and that will transfer the equivalent credits. In this case especially, you need to make sure that there be agreement between your home and host universities on your credit transfer. It is safest to have a written document. There are also international volunteer programs run and sponsored by the organizations that offer them. The usual question is where to start looking for international education programs and financial aid you will most probably like to have. There are generally two answers: your college's Study Abroad Office and the Internet. At the Study Abroad Office, you are likely to be offered different brochures and books that contain detailed information and expected costs. There you can also get oral recommendations from the study-abroad adviser or other experienced people. If you have chosen the program, it may be a good idea to talk to its past participants about their experience. Their contact information can be obtained from the program's office. On the Web, you will find lots of sites with lists of programs offered by both schools and independent organizations, categorized by country, language, subject, etc. They also provide independent advice for students going to study abroad. We suggest trying the following resources: http://www.iiepassport.org, www.goabroad.com, www.istc.umn.edu/study/search.html Remember, there are many resources available, never hesitate to use them. Sources: http://www.studenttraveler.com/mag/09-02/checklist.php http://education.yahoo.com/college/essentials/articles/college/study_abroad.html