When searching for a host institution, you should consider how the study period abroad will fit into your plans for the future.
- Profile: You may consider how the academic profile and/or the courses of a host institution will look in a future job application. Some host institutions may have a strong research profile within a very specific area which may be exactly what you are interested in.
- Career: Your stay abroad can be translated into important competences on your CV. Having studied abroad demonstrates maturity and initiative. You will gain a very special insight into your host country and achieve intercultural and linguistic competencies that both you and a future employer can benefit from.
- Language: Not only which language you speak but which language you would like to practice/learn. Consider taking courses in English in a non-English speaking country, for example in Eastern Europe, the Benelux countries or Asia.
- Geography: Many choose their host institution according to geography, but you should also keep in mind that knowledge of a smaller country may come in handy in a future job. While Hawaii and Australia seem appealing to many applicants, many exciting destinations and excellent institutions can be found in Asia and throughout Europe.