Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS)
Study Abroad
There are many ways to gain international experience, from a ten day study tour, to summer courses or internships abroad, to studying at a partner university for a semester or academic year. Study abroad can take you to destinations all around the world via programs offered by ACES, other colleges on campus, the Study Abroad Office and third party providers.
You'll find a wealth of information in the ACES Study Abroad planning pages, including tips on how to identify a program that's right for you and lists of top programs by country and major.
How to get started finding your own study abroad experience
- Know your options! Search for programs at studyabroad.illinois.edu.
- Go to the Study Abroad Office (SAO) reference room in 115 ISB (910 S. Fifth Street).
- Watch the First Steps video
- Meet with the ACES Study Abroad director in 123 Mumford Hall. To set up an appointment, call 333-3380.
- Talk to students who have already studied abroad.
Sample Four-Year Plans for Study Abroad
Most students find a semester-long study abroad experience fits best during their junior year, and that planning needs to begin about a year in advance. If you're thinking about study abroad, be sure to work with your academic advisor to plan your course work so that your time overseas won't disrupt your regular progress toward your degree. You canalso work with your advisor as you identify which courses you might take overseas. Click on the appropriate link below to see a sample 4-year plan for your major and concentration that includes a fall or spring semester study abroad experience:
- HDFS – Child & Adolescent Development
- HDFS – Family Studies
Don't Overlook HDFS Study Tours!
HDFS faculty collaboration with colleagues overseas often produce study tour opportunities for HDFS and other interested students. A three-week winter-break tour to Cape Town combines an introduction to the history, politics and culture of South Africa with volunteer work in local clinics and child-care facilities. During a two-week summer tour to Brazil, students see first-hand how families in different communities respond to the variety of living situations in that remarkably diverse country. For more information about these and other study abroad opportunities, click the links to the left, or contact the HDFS advising coordinator at gwalter@illinois.edu.