We highly recommend students participate in a study abroad program. Not only is it a wonderful experience, a time to explore a different country and culture, as well as a good addition to your college life, but you also earn Illinois credit through most programs.
The Economics Undergraduate Office works closely with study abroad to develop programs in different countries and promote opportunities to our students. Please work with your advisor to decide the best semester to study abroad. In most cases, we encourage you to seek out any program for which you are interested, even if they do not offer any major courses. Most students may take a semester off of their major coursework to explore a minor, general electives, or interest areas.
Please visit the Study Abroad Website and the LAS International Programs website to learn more about programs. Study Abroad Scholarships Available!
View our events page for any upcoming Econ Study Abroad Info Sessions (throughout the semester, also check the weekly econug email newsletter).
If you are unable to study abroad for any reason (DACA, documentation, immigration status, funding, disability, obligations, etc.), but are interested in opportunities to enhance your academics, please speak with an advisor in our economics office. It is our mission to ensure all of our students have opportunities to enhance their ILLINOIS experience.
Exchange
- Most Affordable Option (other than short-term)
- Institutions ‘Exchange’ Students
- On-Site Student Assistance Varies by Program
Provider
- More Expensive Typically
- More On-Site Services, Resources, and Opportunities
- Providers May Offer Scholarships to Help with Costs
Residency
- Some Programs are Residency
- Typically provides On-Site Illinois Staff to Assist with Logistics
- Vienna, and many Language Programs
Center
- Some Programs are Not Taught at a University, but instead at a Center set-up specifically for study abroad exchange
- All, or some of the courses may be taught at the Center and possibly another institution (Rome Food & Culture)
Multi-Institution
- Some Programs are not set at just one institution, but students may be able to select from a number of institutions (Vienna)
ECON Study Abroad (in coordination with LAS International Programs)
- Programs coordinated directly with our Department, providing direct support
- Residency Programs (students earn ILLINOIS credit, counting towards the 60 hours on-campus and 21 advanced-hour requirements)
- Specific Collaborative Programs
Illinois Abroad & Global Exchange (IAGE)
- Lots of Programs, many of which are very popular for ECON students (offering a variety of course options)
- 112 International Studies Building (on 5th St. & Chalmers)
- Resource Room; First Steps Info Sessions; Advising Sessions
- Additional Programs, many open to Economics (first priority goes to ACES Majors)
- Office: 123 Mumford
- Aces-studyabroad@Illinois.edu
- Additional Programs, some may be open to Economics