No one has to tell a college student that the job market is scarce. Now, more than ever, it seems like students are struggling with choosing the “right” degree — one that interests them but will also provide job security and a steady income for a lifetime. Even after making that tough decision, some students still wonder even as graduation approaches: Will the degree be worth the sweat, blood and money that went into it?  

Most people are familiar with the typical study abroad setup: living with a host family and taking classes at a university with local students for a full semester. Area universities offer a plethora of options for students interested in broadening their horizons through such study abroad programs. In addition, short-term immersion programs over spring, winter or summer breaks have become increasingly popular.  

College is expensive. There’s no doubt about it. College is also incredibly finite. One can lose the opportunity to attend easily. One of the biggest culprits of failure is, well, literal academic failure. Thus one must be armed with all the right tools to succeed.