Getting Started With Your Study Abroad
Ready to experience a new part of the world but need a little guidance? No problem. Below, we will outline the general process of studying abroad with us – so you can take it one step at a time. We’ll talk about:
Always fell free to contact us with any questions. Let’s get started!
Meet an SRAS Advisor
We hold regular Info Sessions (group) and Advising Sessions (individual) throughout the year during which you can discuss the many options for study abroad in our region.
Choosing Your Program and Location
SRAS programs are designed with our unique destinations at their core. Each location offers language instruction and/or subject courses along with an extensive cultural program that is designed around the unique history and modern character of your host city and country. Experiential learning and site visits are integrated into a powerful, authentic learning experience.
Browse our locations with the map below or start with our full program listing. There’s a lot there to choose from, though, so, if you’d like a little help, sign up for info or advising session and let us help match you with an option that suits your goals and learning style.
Click a Location!Geopins mark cities where SRAS offers permanent programs and resident staff. Countries marked in green but which do not have a geopin have either 1) historically hosted SRAS programs or 2) are often included as travel study experiences on certain SRAS programs. |
Are You a Current University Student?
It’s ok if you aren’t! You are still more than welcome on our programs! However, if you are currently a student, visit your home university’s Study Abroad Office (or similar) early in the process. They can advise you on credit transfer, let you know about any university deadlines for study abroad, advise you regarding your financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and so on. Some universities require that you complete an application with them for study abroad before you apply for the program itself.
Got Your Passport?
You will need your passport information to complete your application. If you do not have a passport yet, apply for that immediately. If it’s close to our program deadline, check with us to see if you might need expedited passport processing. It is important to note as well that in some cases where a visa is required, your passport may need to be valid for 18 months past your planned entry date.
Apply For Your Program
The SRAS application is pretty straight-forward (see our Program Finder and click on the program to access the application). Again, if you are currently enrolled in a university, you will also need to contact your Study Abroad Office (or similar) and will usually need to complete an application for your home university as well. Submitting your application also creates an SRAS user account, which you will use for the next steps.
Complete Your Enrollment
Once you are accepted into your program, you will need to check your SRAS user account periodically. Over time, you will have some new enrollment tasks there to complete (e-signing contracts, purchasing flights, etc.). Make sure to check your email from us and stay in touch with your home university (if you currently have one) as well to make sure you are all set for credit transfer and, if applicable, financial aid transfer.
Get Ready to Depart
Now you have all the paperwork out of the way and are ready for your adventure. Our Student Services Manager will be in touch to make sure you feel prepared for your experience abroad. You will receive detailed information on packing for your destination, what to expect when you arrive at the airport, your fellow SRAS students, strategies for dealing with culture shock and adapting to your new environment, how to bring guests over, and much more.
We’ll also be available throughout your experience abroad to answer questions, resolve any issues that arise, and help you achieve your goals. We can’t wait to meet you abroad!
More Facts About Study Abroad
What Our Students Say
I spent Fall and Spring with your program in St. Petersburg and it was truly the highlight and culmination of my University experience and just a banner year! I can’t thank you enough for or gush enough about your program. I recommend it to just about everyone I talk to, whether or not they’re interested in learning Russian.
B. LewisUniversity of Utah
I’ve studied in Irkutsk and St. Petersburg with SRAS, but [Bishkek] is, by far, my favorite because of the intense focus on speaking skills. I spend about three hours, 4 times a week speaking one-on-one. It’s such a unique opportunity! The people are also especially friendly here. My homestay is fantastic, the coordinator is a never-ending wealth of help, and the food of Central Asia is delicious.
C. HughesThe Evergreen State College
At a time in my life when I was at a crossroads regarding where my career might take me, this course showed me a path that truly inspired me, and I haven’t looked back since.
B. DeYoungReed College
The program here is wonderful. All of my teachers have been extremely helpful and I have made friends both here in the dorms and with others who live in the city and find that I often have many opportunities to practice Russian outside of the classroom. Already I feel that my Russian has improved immensely, especially my listening and speaking.
J. WilburnUniversity of South Carolina
I wanted to find a program that combined my love of Russia and my passion for environmental studies. Because of my interest in environmental issues, Lake Baikal had always been a site of interest to me. Studying abroad in Siberia gives you the opportunity to see a completely different side of Russia and the Russian people. Just think, few people at home even know that Siberia is anything but a wintery tundra!
I. Korsgard
My semester back home so far has been incredibly influenced by my semester abroad with SRAS and I find myself talking about it almost daily. Since many of my classes touch on the region (Europe after Socialism, Central Asian Politics), I’m able to add comments and insights unavailable to me before. My contributions to our Russian club have also been greatly enriched. Thank you for everything you did to facilitate this experience and going out of your way to ensure our success.
E. FinnUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst