Study Abroad Program Consulting

There are three types of Study Abroad Program Consultation:

You haven't yet picked which college you'll attend, but you know you want to study abroad while in college. This consultation focuses on the important questions to ask the study abroad office based on your individual needs before you commit to attending the institution. For example, what is the fee structure? As x major, are there restrictions on when and where I can go abroad? Asking good questions now can ensure you attend a college that makes studying abroad as accessible as possible for you!

You're already in college in the U.S. and now you're ready to study abroad! You've met with the study abroad advisor (or are planning to soon), and you need some guidance. What questions should you be asking to be sure you're getting the information you're looking for? If you're new to international travel, what concerns should you be aware of? Out of the various programs your study abroad advisor shared with you, how do you make the decision that is best for you? How well-known are certain programs? Researching your options and not just accepting a program suggested by your study abroad advisor is always a good idea! Sometimes, study abroad advisors are trying to recruit students to a particular program for various reasons; but that program may not be the best-fit for you in the end.

You're a parent and have questions about having your high school or college student study abroad. You're looking for information on the experience, how to evaluate programs, wondering about safety, supervision, and if studying abroad is worth it.

To request Study Abroad Program Consulting, please complete the Contact Form and mention study abroad consulting. Please do not schedule a free consultation appointment, as the process is different.

Carissa’s International Education Experience: Having worked in the international education industry for 12 years in various positions, I can provide the insider knowledge that will help you select the best study abroad program for you. After studying abroad in Spain while in college and completing my master's degree in Puerto Rico (not abroad, but still a different culture), I worked in several distinct environments with various roles within the field.

My experience includes working at:

• The country’s oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad organization. I supported high school and college students as they adapted to a new culture, language, school, and work environment. I also answered a 24-hour emergency phone.
• A small, for-profit, start-up study abroad organization. As the only employee in the USA, I managed every aspect of a student’s recruitment, pre-departure journey, and many administrative and planning duties.
• A medium-sized, public university. As a Study Abroad Advisor at an institution that offered many types of programs (bilateral exchanges, consortium arrangements, faculty-led, partner institutions, third-party providers, and internships abroad, with programs as short as one week and as long as an academic year). I sent students to all continents but Antarctica, heard their feedback, completed site visits, and did my own extensive research on programs. I handled students' and parents' urgent concerns before and after departure as well as the occasional emergency. I also guided many students on their study abroad competitive scholarship essays, resulting in multiple students receiving the Department of State Gilman Scholarship. I've presented at conferences and still attend international education conferences to stay current. 
• A for-profit study abroad organization. To my surprise, I found myself making the very tough decision to leave the organization after only two weeks, as I did not feel I could in good faith recruit for the organization.
• A university in Puerto Rico. As a graduate student, I taught university level ESL general education courses focused on academic reading and writing while living in Puerto Rico.

I've also volunteered within the field:

• I've been on an interview/selection committee for two different Department of State study abroad scholarship programs.
• I hosted an Italian high school exchange student who attended my local public high school.
• I've presented at two international education conferences.

Students must adapt to many unknowns while studying abroad, but the more they know and understand going into the program, the better they are able to handle challenges and changes that may come up!