
Study general studies abroad
An in-depth guide to studying general studies as an international student.
General studies degrees abroad
The interdisciplinary nature of general studies degrees makes it ideal for students with diverse academic interests. Taking classes in an array of fields, including science, humanities, business, and art, means you’ll be prepared for countless exciting careers.
As a general studies student, you’ll have the flexibility to choose modules that align with your personal and professional goals. The research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills you develop along the way will take your employability to the next level.
Not only will studying abroad give you a wider pool of universities and programs to choose from, but it’ll also leave you with unforgettable memories and lasting friendships. It’s an unbeatable way to combine your higher education experience with your desire to explore the world.


General studies program structure
General studies degrees are only offered at the undergraduate level. Two-year associate degrees are a great starting point for individuals who’d like to progress up the academic ladder but are unsure of what subject to specialize in. They’re also a useful springboard into entry-level employment.
Bachelor’s degrees can be studied over three or four years; the exact duration will depend on where you choose to study. The classification of your degree will be determined by the modules you select. For instance, students who take more science-based courses will likely be awarded a BSc, while art and humanities-based options will result in a BA.
In the US, students follow the four-year liberal arts model of education. You’ll take pre-requisite classes in subjects like English and math, before selecting the modules that’ll make up your general studies major.
Teaching methods vary according to the classes you choose. However, lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and labs are commonplace. Some institutions also offer online and after-work classes so that students can fit their education around their existing work and family commitments.
Because it’s such a far-reaching field, the module options on general studies degrees really are endless. Here are some examples of the subjects you might encounter:
- Literature
- History
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Business
- General science
- Psychology
- Politics
General studies program structure
General studies degrees are only offered at the undergraduate level. Two-year associate degrees are a great starting point for individuals who’d like to progress up the academic ladder but are unsure of what subject to specialize in. They’re also a useful springboard into entry-level employment.
Bachelor’s degrees can be studied over three or four years; the exact duration will depend on where you choose to study. The classification of your degree will be determined by the modules you select. For instance, students who take more science-based courses will likely be awarded a BSc, while art and humanities-based options will result in a BA.
In the US, students follow the four-year liberal arts model of education. You’ll take pre-requisite classes in subjects like English and math, before selecting the modules that’ll make up your general studies major.
Teaching methods vary according to the classes you choose. However, lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and labs are commonplace. Some institutions also offer online and after-work classes so that students can fit their education around their existing work and family commitments.
Because it’s such a far-reaching field, the module options on general studies degrees really are endless. Here are some examples of the subjects you might encounter:
- Literature
- History
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Business
- General science
- Psychology
- Politics
Best countries to study general studies
How to study general studies abroad
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General studies study abroad programs
General studies undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in general studies
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Ethnic Studies: General Studies - BA California State University, Sacramento, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,800 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
General Studies - BGS Black Hills State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,724 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,724 USD
- Start date
- August, January
-
Musical Arts: General Studies - BM Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,098 USD
Fee in university's local currency 21,383 CAD
- Start date
- May, January, September
-
General Studies - BGS University of Nebraska at Kearney, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,900 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,900 USD
- Start date
- August, January
-
General Studies - BSc Trinity Western University, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,799 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,260 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
Associate in general studies
-
General Studies - AA St. Charles Community College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
5,520 USD
Fee in university's local currency 5,520 USD
- Start date
- August, January
-
General Studies - AA Black Hills State University, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,422 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,422 USD
- Start date
- August, January
-
General Studies - AA Coast Mountain College, Canada
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,230 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,794 CAD
- Start date
- September, January
-
General Studies - AA Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,098 USD
Fee in university's local currency 21,383 CAD
- Start date
- May, January, September
-
General Studies - ASc Trine University, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,576 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,576 USD
- Start date
- August, May, March, January, October
Diploma in general studies
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Business Administration: General Studies (Salmon Arm) - Dip Okanagan College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,546 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,440 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
-
General Studies - UGDip Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,098 USD
Fee in university's local currency 21,383 CAD
- Start date
- May
-
General Studies - UGDip Douglas College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,393 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD
- Start date
- May, January, September
Certificate in general studies
-
First Nations Interdisciplinary Studies - Cert University of Regina, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,393 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD
- Start date
- September, May
General studies graduate programs
Master's in general studies
-
Religious Education (Interdisciplinary Studies) - MA Liverpool Hope University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,770 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,400 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
-
Interdisciplinary Studies - MIntS Southern Utah University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
23,620 USD
Fee in university's local currency 23,620 USD
- Start date
- September, May, January
-
Interdisciplinary Studies - MA University of Regina, Canada
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,927 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,666 CAD
- Start date
- September, January
-
Interdisciplinary Studies - MA DePaul University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,880 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,880 USD
- Start date
- September, March, January
-
Interdisciplinary Studies - MIS Stephen F. Austin State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,562 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,562 USD
- Start date
- August, January
Doctorate in general studies
-
Interdisciplinary Studies - PhD University of Regina, Canada
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,241 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,058 CAD
- Start date
- May, January, September
Future general studies careers
The unlimited career pathways provided by general studies degrees is what makes them so useful. You’ll graduate with a highly-transferable toolkit that you can apply to almost any sector and role.
Although your employment prospects will be boundless, here’s a taste of common graduate destinations:
- General manager
- Public relations specialist
- Project manager
- Copywriter
- Software consultant
- Social worker
- Marketing executive
- Business administrator
No matter what career path you’ve set your sights on, it’s important to gather some relevant work experience. Your university’s careers office can help you apply for placements with local businesses and organizations.
