As an alternative to a summer internship, you might want to think about studying abroad.

Study abroad opportunities will allow you to travel to another country and take courses at host universities. Aside from taking courses, you also gain valuable exposure to different cultures. Understanding a variety of perspectives is integral to your growth as a scholar and as a person, and any opportunity to do this should not be missed. Visit the study abroad page at your school’s website to find out about the various programs, dates, names and locations of host universities, course offerings, costs and application requirements.

It is important to contact your school’s study abroad office and speak with a representative to get more in depth information, particularly about funding sources to cover tuition, fees, books, room, board and other expenses that will be incurred while abroad.

Some schools even have study abroad fairs at which representatives from host universities attend and speak with students about their respective study abroad programs. If your university has one, make sure you attend. While there, you can collect information about different programs and then make an informed decision about which one is best for you.

For many first-generation students the decision to study abroad must be balanced with the need to earn money during the summer. Discuss the matter with your family and other whom you trust. Make the decision that is best for you.