Many traditionally-aged students at colleges and universities consider studying abroad for a semester or for a whole year. They're attracted to the adventure, the opportunity to sharpen their foreign language skills, the chance to add something noteworthy to their resumes, and more. But are traditionally-aged students the only ones who can study abroad, or is it something that working-age adults can do also?

It turns out that not only can working-age adults study abroad, but there are even programs designed specifically for those who are older than the usual college undergraduate. There are two ways you can go about finding them. If you're enrolled at a university or online college, contact their international programs office and ask what study abroad opportunities they may offer that can earn you credit. If your work and family circumstances permit, there should be no reason you're not eligible for the same programs as your younger classmates just because of age. Another way is to look online for programs that aren't affiliated with a specific institution. Many of those cater specifically to working-age adults, and will be accustomed to finding ways to accommodate their unique needs and concerns.

One common problem is that for many adults, work and family circumstances aren't very flexible. But even then there's still hope for the intrepid adult who wants that international experience. One issue that often comes up when talking about studying abroad for adults is what if that adult is also a parent? In that case there are two choices, leave the children with a trusted friend or family member, such as their other parent, or take them with you. And why not take them along? After all, much of the educational value in a few months or year abroad happens outside the classroom, and this part of the experience is one that can also benefit the kids. Yes, there are logistical challenges that must be met, with such matters as childcare, schooling, and the like, but the operator of your study abroad program should at least be able to point you in the right direction.

Employment is another challenge. Many people would be reluctant to quit their jobs to spend a few months abroad, only to return to financial and professional uncertainty. One possible approach to this situation is to turn it on its head. Rather than look for an educational experience in another country, look for foreign employment. Then, while working abroad, you can keep up with your studies by enrolling at a university in the country where you are staying, or you can take advantage of convenient e-learning programs offered by a growing number of universities back in the U.S.

If after careful consideration you decide that the challenges really will keep you from a study abroad experience that's a semester or year in length, consider a program with a shorter duration. Often study abroad programs for adults will offer experiences that are one or two weeks long, making them a sort of educational vacation in an exotic locale. This sort of program is a compromise, yes, but sometimes a compromise that is possible is better than an unworkable ideal.

So if you're a working-age adult who is interested in a study abroad experience, be encouraged. Yes, it can be more difficult to arrange that experience for those with adult responsibilities, but as with so many of life's challenges, the will to find a solution is often the key to success.