Sometimes study abroad can be mysterious. With so many different kinds of programs and options, it can be hard to know what you don’t know or where to start. That’s why we made this pros and cons post to better help you understand the benefits and potential challenges of each type of program.

BSU-in

BSU-in is a semester-long program with Ball State faculty and students on a host campus in another country. Ball State faculty will teach Ball State courses to Ball State students, and there are opportunities to connect with local students attending the host institution as well. Typically cultural experiences and excusions are built into the program. Additionally, with a study abroad team focused on affordability, you know that they’re being created to be as cost-effective as possible. In fact, BSU-in is designed to mirror the cost of an on-campus (Muncie) semester, almost to the dollar. Program locations and courses vary from term to term.

Pros

Cons

Accommodations and excursions are all pre-arranged No need to get approvals for foreign course equivalencies, no transfers BSU academic alignment is built right into the program A defined group of BSU students and faculty can be comforting Pay BSU tuition and fees Good exposure to another language without any prior experience Easier application of financial aid than some other programs Flexibility to take an online class or two at BSU while you’re abroad Very cost-effective

Limited course options Geared towards first-year and second-year students who have core curriculum requirements left

Faculty-Led Programs

These programs are directed and led by Ball State faculty, with Ball State students taking Ball State courses. Typically, these programs offer a detailed itinerary, with coursework and cultural experiences built right in. Program locations and topics vary from year to year based on faculty offerings. Program length also varies. Some faculty-led programs are the length of a Summer session or a semester, and many are short-term, perhaps over Spring or Winter break

Pros	Cons
Accommodations, excursions, and flights are all pre-arranged No need to get approvals for foreign course equivalencies, no transfers BSU academic alignment is built right into the program A defined group of BSU students and faculty can be comforting	Contact with local students can be limited Limited course options

Provider, Consortium, and Direct Enroll

These Ball Stat-approved programs are created for U.S. students and managed by an outside entity. Ball State works with several partners, including the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS), the American Institute for Foreign Studies (AIFS), and other foreign universities that offer study abroad as a direct enroll. These programs can be independent because you might be one of the only Ball State students, but you’ll join up with the rest of your group from other universities upon arrival. There is typically a menu of courses, some of which might be taught in a local language and others that may be offered in English by visiting faculty from peer institutions. These courses will be transferred back to Ball State if you earn a grade of C or better.

Pros	Cons
On-site support from local coordinators and visiting faculty Options for semester, year, Summer or Winter break An extensive list of locations all over the world Excursions and cultural activities are typically included	Can be costly Course equivalencies must be arranged before departure

Exchanges

Participating in an exchange involves studying at another university abroad or in another state as a guest student for a semester or year. These programs are partnerships that Ball State has with other universities where they sent students to us, and we send our students to them. Students enroll in foreign universities and earn credit toward their Ball State degree. Exchanges are designed for students comfortable being more independent and needing less academic and social support.

Pros	Cons
Independent and intercultural learning opportunities Entire course catalog of foreign universities is available Very cost-effective (typically, you pay BSU tuition and host school room/board/fees) Immersed in the culture of the host location	You must be nominated by BSU, and placement may not be possible for every student Language proficiency may be required for some placements Housing, meal plans, and grading systems may differ from what you’re used to

Internships

These are independent programs that involve unpaid credit-bearing work that takes place abroad. Ball State partners with several international internship providers, such as Connect 1-2-3 and Academic Internship Experts (EUSA). These programs are recommended to rising seniors and typically happen during a Summer semester. An internship advisor in their department arranges credits.

Pros	Cons
Guaranteed placements- If you’re accepted, they’ll find you an internship Access to employers and internships that would not be available in Muncie Housing and orientation arranged by the provider organization Placements are possible for most majors/industries	Language proficiency may be required for some locations Can be cost-prohibitive

If this post got you thinking and you’d like to talk to a study abroad advisor, set up a 1-on-1 advising appointment here.