Your Study Abroad Class List: A List of Classes That Will Help Make the Most of Your Study Abroad Trip

1. A Language

Studying the local language while you’re abroad is a no-brainer. It’s obviously the best and most effective way to learn a language, or perfect one that you may already have a background in. It gives you the perfect opportunity to test out your second language in a natural environment and you can get real life experience and feedback. 

2. Art, History, or Art History

These three go hand in hand, and can provide some of the richest cultural experience. Imagine taking an art class while you study in Paris and having a field trip to the Louvre. A history class would give you a much better understanding of the country you are studying in and where it came from. Being able to embrace that kind of culture that you’re learning about in class is a much more rewarding experience overall.

3. Architecture/ On-Site

You can study the designs of famous buildings and structures like the Colosseum from a book, or you can study them in person. Being able to take a tour through famous buildings and churches all over the world as you study the architecture and design is something that you can never grasp just by reading about them and seeing pictures. On-site classes are a great way to cross off touristy spots from your list, and the best part is that it’s during class time. 

4. Photography

There is nothing better than going around the city you’re studying in and taking good quality photos of everything you see and calling it class time. In any photography class, you will learn how to take better photos than the average person, so all of the great pictures you will come home with with be of great quality, preserving your memories in HD. 

5. Local Literature

Imagine a literature class in Rome and reading about Julius Caesar, and then going and seeing the exact spot he was stabbed. Literature classes are a great way to expand your collection of books, but it’s also a great opportunity to analyze literature from a potentially very different point of view. American literature is very opposite of a lot other countries and regions, so the stories will be fresh and the breakdown will be enlightening. 

The actual studying part of studying abroad is very unique and will challenge you in my ways. Make sure to enroll in courses that will help fuel that challenge in a positive way and keep you interested during the semester. But just like they encourage us to at home, be vocal with your professors and reach out if you are having trouble. Studying abroad classes shouldn’t be an easy “A” but you also don’t want them to wreck your GPA.