Exploratory Studies Education Abroad Guide

Why Explore Abroad

Going abroad is an incredible way to explore who you are in the world and develop your interests and passions.Ìý Make the world your classroom -and your oyster- with over 400 programs in over 60 countries to choose from, a range of available scholarships, and a team of specialized advisors.Ìý A term abroad is a great opportunity to explore a number of different academic areas and possibly discover a passion for a new academic field!Ìý

There are a number of benefits to studying abroad, including:Ìý

  • Explore your academics from a fresh perspective: take courses taught by professors with different worldviews, gain access to courses and subjects that are not offered at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder, and experience subject matter before your eyes.Ìý A term abroad is also a great opportunity to explore a number of different academic areas and possibly discover a passion for a new academic field!ÌýYou could take an art history class that includes class time in the Louvre in Paris, study climate change while walking the glaciers in Iceland, orÌý discover a passion for archaeology while walking dig sites in Mexico!Ìý
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  • Improve your job prospects: Study abroad experience can help you develop uncommon and sought-after skills such as intercultural communication, adaptability, independence, and problem-solving. A study by the Forum for Education Abroad found that students who studied abroad started their careers earning a higher starting salary on average compared to their peers who did not (seeÌý*).ÌýÌý
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  • Deepen your self connection: Relate with new perspectives, expand your self-awareness, and build resilience as you navigate new cultures, worldviews,Ìýand social norms.Ìý

Going abroad isÌýstrongly encouraged by Exploratory Studies (PES). Use the following general guideline to plan your time abroad, and make sure to connect with your academic advisor to discuss your best options. Work withÌýEducation Abroad advisors to get more details on how to get started, discuss programs and next steps.ÌýÌý

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*Dietrich, A., et al. (2025). International Experience as a Career Asset: Exploring the Earnings Impact of Education Abroad Participation. The Forum on Education Abroad. Doi.org/10.36366/R.SS2025.ÌýÌý

Deadlines

Specific deadlines vary by program, but generally fall into these ranges:

  • Spring: September 1 - October 1
  • Fall: February 1 - March 1
  • Summer: December 1 - March 1

Deadlines & How to Apply

Finances

Program costs can range widely, but there are affordable options all over the world. For the most part, you can use federal, state, and institutional aid you would normally be offered for your anyÌý. There are also a number of scholarships available especially for study abroad.ÌýÌý

Finances

Academic Exploration Abroad

A term abroad is ideal for exploring potential major and minor interests while meeting general education degree requirements.Ìý Depending on your specific interests and goals, there are a few important things to consider.Ìý All Exploratory Studies students in good academic standing are required to declare their major before their 5th semester by submitting anÌýIntra-University-TransferÌýapplication. YourÌýExploratory StudiesÌýandÌýEd Abroad advisorsÌýwill gladly help you determine which classes, programs, and timelines could support you to best achieve your unique exploration goals.

Program Options by Term

Make sure to check the class standing requirements of any program you're looking into. Many programs require 2 semesters of college-level studies, but some programs have a different class standing requirement (either higher or lower).Ìý

First Semester at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØ

Set yourself apart from the start by spending your first semester with Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder studying abroad onÌý! With a cohort of other globally-minded Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder students, discover all London has to offer, including its diverse cultures, complex history, and vibrant student life scene.Ìý

For your first-year Spring semester, you can be a part of theÌý. Designed for first-year students, this program boasts a small supportive cohort, transferable IUT requirement courses, and flexibility eligibility requirements. This is a great option if you want to study abroad before navigating year-long housing leases in Boulder.

By your third semester,Ìý will be available to you! This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen and expand your interests before choosing a major.Ìý Make sure to work closely with your Exploratory Studies advisor to discuss your course needs and IUT timelines. Since Exploratory Studies are required to submit an IUT application during their fourth semester, it is important to work strategically with your support team.

Looking to study abroad for a shorter term?Ìý Many summer programs are open to students once they have completed their first year in college!

Suggested Programs

Check the Exploratory Studies department recommendations and use these links to access suggested program lists based on what your interests & course needs are: