Study abroad versus exchange

Typically, institutes of higher education refer to Study Abroad programs as programs in which courses are taken (usually for academic credit) in a foreign environment. These could range from students taking courses at a foreign institutions either through direct enrollment or institutional exchange. Some programs, often referred to as "island programs" utilize the professors of the institution that is sending the students.

A Student exchange program implies that the student is being exchanged to the foreign university (and is therefore taking courses with local students taught by local faculty). These definitions, however, are not strictly adhered to. In fact, new terms are constantly being created and used to more accurately describe different types of programs/experiences (e.g. direct enrollment programs, immersion programs, (faculty-led) study trips, etc).

Students can participate in a program through their home university, a study abroad company, or directly through the foreign university.

Although some colleges and universities prefer their students to study abroad through their programs and credits are most easily transferred in such programs, this can be limiting. The study abroad companies are generally more flexible, can have more available options, and provide an opportunity to be involved in a group of students from all over the country. One extra available option that a study abroad company may offer that a university may not, is the ability to study during the summer in intensive language schools. These language schools focus only on teaching students a foreign language.

The most independent form of studying abroad is directly enrolling in the foreign university. Some foreign universities offer classes with other students studying abroad or some offer their regular courses with the native students. However, the student should be very independent and have a good knowledge of the language in the country.

The financial aspects and expense of studying abroad varies widely. Sometimes, direct enrollment in a foreign university may be less expensive than participating in a home-university run program. Some programs offered through a home university can be substantially less expensive due to fee negotiations and tuition waivers as a result of reciprocity agreements.

This article contains information from the Wikipedia.