start planning early
Where you go and the path you take to get there is totally up to you. The more you know about the possibilities and any associated requirements, the better you can tailor your plan on what, where, when and how you go abroad!
As soon as you arrive at MIT, begin to explore and reflect on your interests and consider the possibilities
- Talk to upperclassmen about their global experiences
- Take courses and attend lectures that address global issues
- Participate in student groups and events with a global focus
- Talk to your professors and your advisor about your interests and what paths you could consider
- Talk to your advisor, academic administrator, and upperclassmen in your department about how to fit an experience abroad into your academic plan
- Attend information sessions for programs such as study abroad, MISTI country programs, and explore the program websites
Narrow down your choices
- Meet or email the staff of the programs you're interested in to understand how to get involved, the program requirements, and to begin to make a plan
- If the path you choose is not fully-funded by MIT or a sponsoring organization, explore sources of funding
Develop cultural literacy by studying a foreign language and culture
- Many MIT global programs require at least a working knowledge of the local language of the destination country. Some require proficiency.
- Examples of programs that have a language requirement include MISTI internships, research and study abroad, MIT-Madrid and IAP-Madrid
- Speaking the local language can enrich your experience regardless of whether it is required
- MIT offers Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Italian (IAP only). You can take other languages through Harvard or Wellesley College.
Consider taking a minor that will help you understand language as well as international economic, political, cultural, and historical patterns:
- Minor in Applied International Studies
- Foreign Language minors in: Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish
- Regional Studies minors in: African and African Diaspora Studies, East Asian Studies, European Studies, Latin American Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, and Russian Studies
