Studying Abroad in College

Planning on studying abroad in college? Most likely, you’re brimming with questions about the best time to travel abroad and the duration of these programs. With the availability of options for students, you can make the most of your experience by tailoring your study abroad to fit your needs.

Finding the most suitable program for your time commitments isn’t always easy, but be realistic about your long term education goals to make sure you stay on track. Your study abroad experience is meant to complement your course schedule, so it’s important to make sure your program satisfies your college requirements. Study abroad programs can range from a short-term program, a semester, to a full year. Junior year is a popular time to study abroad. By this time you have fulfilled most of your core classes, so many international programs are structured for Junior students.

Traditional study abroad programs last for a semester, giving you just enough time to become comfortable your surroundings. If your school year schedule is inflexible, signing up for a summer travel abroad program is your best option. While shorter than a semester abroad, summer programs are gaining popularity, as it’s possible to gain college credits in more condensed courses. If  you have a summer internship on your plate, planning a study abroad for a short-term program of a few weeks is a great use of your time. Similar to the summer program, a short-term study abroad is still a rewarding experience to learn at international universities. For those seeking an in-depth cultural immersion, the year-long international programs offer a broad range of education. You’ll have time to learn a new language and soak up the culture. However, there will be significantly more planning involved to fulfill your required curriculum.

One of students’ biggest regrets are not taking advantage of the study abroad programs while at college. If you are able to allocate the time and cost for your travels, studying abroad can be an enriching time. With proper planning, you may even have the opportunity to study abroad more than once!