<p>i’m currently applying to colleges, and it’s really important to me to study abroad in the middle east. i recognize that i can’t totally plan for this since situations can change quickly, but i have certain preferences that are pretty important (my first choice would be the west bank, which a few schools on my list are open to, but i’d also love to go to jordan, egypt, or qatar) so i’m feeling like it’s pretty important for my college to be flexible when it comes to this. a few of the schools on my list are seeming like they may be a bit difficult when it comes to studying abroad, though i love them for other reasons. should i allow this to be a big factor in my college choice, or should i focus on the elements of the school that will be more relevant to the 6/7 semesters i’m not studying abroad, since my plans might change anyway?</p>
<p>It sounds like you’ve already worked it out for yourself- like you said, you’ll spend 6/7 semesters at the college you end up picking and you might change your mind anyway. Maybe narrow your list down to your most favorite schools, and if necessary, use their flexibility on studying abroad as a tie-breaker.</p>
<p>Most schools are open to students studying abroad. It gives them some recognition and all. I would check out the study abroad policy with these schools more. It’s pretty unlikely that they wouldn’t allow you to go abroad. Plus, you can always take a gap semester or a year and study abroad through an independent program instead of going through your school.</p>