To make the most out of the experiences, it is best to think about what you hope to achieve by studying away, what course credits you need, how much it will cost, and where you d like to study. Take some time to reflect on the following issues before selecting a program. Rather than learning in a traditional classroom, the host community becomes the classroom.
Students set learning goals for themselves within individual courses and the program as a whole.
Learning is often assessed through participation in discussions, journals, individual or group projects, and research papers. Some take students to other parts of the country or region. Students receive a framework to study a topic and go out into the community to listen to a variety of perspectives on the topic. After several class sessions in the community, the group of students come together to analyze and reflect on what they ve heard and learned on an academic and personal level. Programs that have a social action component take students beyond reflection and analysis, to taking action based upon the learning which is taking place.