Heading Abroad from Princeton: Your Ultimate Guide to Studying in Another Country
So, you're a Princeton student, & you've got that itch. The one that whispers about cobblestone streets, bustling foreign markets, & classrooms that look out onto something other than FitzRandolph Gate. You're thinking about studying abroad, & honestly, it’s one of the BEST decisions you can make during your time at Old Nassau.
But where do you even start? The idea can feel HUGE, a little intimidating even. You've got questions about applications, costs, which program to choose, & what it’s really like to leave the "Orange Bubble" for a semester or even a whole year.
Well, you've come to the right place. I've dug deep into the world of Princeton's study abroad opportunities to give you the real scoop. Think of this as your friendly, knowledgeable guide to everything you need to know about taking your education global.
Why Even Bother Leaving Princeton?
Let's be real, Princeton is an amazing place. The academics are top-tier, the campus is gorgeous, & there's always something going on. So why pack your bags & leave?
Here's the thing: studying abroad isn't just about taking classes in a different location. It's about a complete & total immersion into a new way of life. It’s about challenging your own perspectives, gaining a new sense of independence, & learning things about yourself & the world that you just can't get from a textbook.
One student, in an article for The Daily Princetonian, put it perfectly: going abroad is "deeply transformative." They talked about how spending even just a week at Oxford made the world feel bigger & full of possibilities they hadn't considered before. It's about breaking out of the sometimes intense & all-consuming Princeton environment & gaining a new perspective.
And it seems like a lot of students agree. The Office of International Programs (OIP) estimates that around 61% of Princeton undergrads have a "significant international opportunity" of at least four weeks. That's a huge chunk of the student body, & for good reason. Students who've done it rave about the experience. One student who went to Copenhagen said their time abroad was "an entirely new lifestyle, with an abundance of freedom & independence that is rare to find while in college." Another, who studied in Doha, talked about the thrill of engaging with different cultures & practicing their Arabic with native speakers.
So, yeah, leaving Princeton for a bit can be a pretty incredible thing.
The Nitty-Gritty: How to Make It Happen
Okay, so you're sold on the idea. Now for the practical stuff. How do you actually make this dream a reality? The process can seem a little complicated at first, but it's totally manageable if you break it down.
This is the fun part! Princeton has over 100 approved programs in more than 40 countries, so you've got a TON of options. You can browse through them on the Global Programs System (GPS), which is Princeton's online portal for all things international.
But you're not just limited to the pre-approved list. If you have a specific academic interest that isn't met by one of the existing programs, you can actually petition to attend a different one. This gives you a ton of flexibility to find the perfect fit for your major & your personal goals.
The OIP is your best friend in this process. They have advisers who can help you narrow down your options & figure out what makes the most sense for you. It’s a good idea to meet with them early on in your planning.
Step 2: The Application Process
This is where things can get a little tricky, so pay attention. For most programs, you'll actually have to complete TWO applications:
- The Princeton Application: This is done through the GPS portal. It's basically you getting the green light from Princeton to go abroad. You'll need to get your courses approved & all that jazz.
- The Program-Specific Application: This is the application for the actual university or program you'll be attending.
It's super important to keep an eye on the deadlines for BOTH of these applications. Some programs, especially popular ones or those at places like Oxford & Cambridge, have super early deadlines. For example, the Oxford/Cambridge deadline is in February of the YEAR BEFORE you plan to go. So, if you're thinking about your junior year, you need to be on top of this during your sophomore spring.
Most other programs for the fall or a full year have deadlines in late April, while spring semester programs have deadlines in late October. But a word to the wise: many programs use rolling admissions, so it's ALWAYS a good idea to apply early.
Step 3: Getting Your Courses Approved
This is a big one. You want to make sure the classes you take abroad will count towards your Princeton degree, right? This is where your departmental representative comes in. You'll need to meet with them to discuss your plans & get your courses approved. This is all done through a form in the GPS application.
Don't be afraid to take a mix of classes. You can take some that count towards your major, some that fulfill distribution requirements, & some that are just for fun! One of the cool things about studying abroad is the academic freedom it can offer. An exchange student from ETH Zurich who came to Princeton noted how amazing it was to be able to choose all their classes, a big change from their more rigid curriculum back home.
The Money Talk: Can You Afford It?
This is probably one of the biggest questions on your mind. Princeton is already expensive, so how on earth can you afford to study abroad?
Here's the amazing news: Princeton's financial aid travels with you. This is a HUGE deal. If you receive financial aid at Princeton, you'll continue to receive it for your semester or year abroad.
The way it works is pretty simple. The Office of Financial Aid will create a budget for your specific program, which includes tuition, housing, food, airfare, books, & other personal expenses. If the cost of your program is MORE than a semester at Princeton, your grant will actually be INCREASED to cover the difference. If it's less, your grant will be reduced accordingly.
So, for most students, studying abroad for a semester or a year won't cost any more than staying on campus. Some programs, like the faculty-led ones or exchanges, will even have you pay your regular Princeton tuition.
Of course, you'll still need to be mindful of your spending. Your financial aid won't cover things like extra travel, fancy dinners, or souvenirs. But the core costs are taken care of, which makes studying abroad accessible to a much wider range of students.
And hey, while you're away, you might even need a place to park your car back in Princeton, or maybe you're thinking of decluttering your dorm room & need a place to stash your stuff. That’s where a service like Prked can come in handy. It’s a pretty cool platform that connects people who need parking or storage with homeowners who have extra space in their driveways or garages. So, if you need a safe & affordable spot for your car or your belongings while you're off exploring the world, it's a great option to keep in mind.
The Real Deal: What's It Actually Like?
So, you've done the paperwork, you've figured out the finances, & you've finally landed in your new home for the next few months. What can you expect?
Well, for starters, it's going to be different. You'll probably experience some culture shock. One student from Sciences Po who came to Princeton was surprised by the "planned out" nature of student life here, with calendars filled to the minute. It’s a good reminder that what seems normal to us can be totally foreign to someone else.
You'll also have a ton of independence. You'll be navigating a new city, maybe a new language, & a new academic system. It can be challenging, but it's also incredibly empowering. As one student put it, "it was an entirely new lifestyle, with an abundance of freedom & independence that is rare to find while in college."
And the learning won't just happen in the classroom. You'll learn by trying new foods, getting lost & finding your way back, & having conversations with people from completely different backgrounds. One student who went to Oxford talked about the simple joy of seeing the ancient city walls, visiting a manuscript exhibit, & trying an Irish Spice Bag for lunch. These are the kinds of experiences that stick with you long after you've forgotten the details of that art history lecture.
A World of Options: More Than Just a Semester Away
While a semester or year-long program is the most common way to study abroad, it's not the only option. Princeton offers a bunch of other cool international experiences.
Summer Programs
If you're not sure about a full semester or year, a summer program can be a great way to dip your toes in the water. There are a ton of faculty-led programs, like Princeton in Beijing or Princeton in Argentina, that offer intensive language study. These are amazing opportunities to really focus on mastering a new language.
The Novogratz Bridge Year Program
This is a REALLY unique opportunity for incoming first-year students. Before you even step foot on campus, you can apply to spend nine months doing service work abroad. It's tuition-free, & it's an incredible way to gain some real-world experience & a broader perspective before starting your college career.
International Internships
The International Internship Program (IIP) is another fantastic way to go abroad. You can find internships in a huge range of fields & countries, giving you valuable work experience while also getting to live in a new culture.
The Other Side of the Coin: Exchange Students at Princeton
It's also interesting to think about the students who come to Princeton to study abroad. There are about 19 exchange students on campus each semester, coming from universities all over the world. Talking to them can give you a really interesting perspective on our own university culture.
For many of them, Princeton is a bit of a "bubble," a very safe & integrated community. They're often surprised by the level of academic freedom, the close relationships with professors, & the "participation culture" in our classes. It’s a good reminder that the things we take for granted here are actually pretty unique.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
Look, the idea of studying abroad can be a little daunting. It takes planning, paperwork, & a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. But as one student so eloquently put it, "every Princeton student should stretch themselves, just a little, to study abroad."
It's an opportunity to see the world, to learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible, & to have experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life. It's a chance to make your Princeton education even richer & more meaningful.
So, head over to the OIP website, start exploring your options, & get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Hope this was helpful & gives you a good starting point for your own study abroad journey. Let me know what you think
