A semester abroad can be the experience of a lifetime for any student. Immersing yourself in a new culture and using a foreign language every day as part of a college study abroad program can be a thrilling experience that will forever change you. Whether you study for one semester abroad or two, or even for just a summer, you have many options when selecting an international study abroad program.
Is a Semester Abroad Right for You?
For many people a semester abroad in a college study abroad program is the ideal way to experience the world. Others wish to stay longer, or may want a different experience altogether, like challenging their inner philanthropist by volunteering abroad. There are also loads of opportunities to work abroad, including teach abroad positions in every country of the world. Not sure exactly what you want to do? Use these questions to help you assess your particular situation before you enroll in an international study abroad program:
- What level of foreign immersion do you want? – It may seem obvious, but the longer you stay in a country the more you get to know their people and culture. In most cases a semester abroad is the perfect amount of time. However, if gaining an intimate understanding of a foreign culture is part of your plan, then a full year abroad may be better for you.
- Do you want to attain language fluency? – If you’re a foreign language major, or just looking to increase your fluency of a foreign language, a semester abroad might not be enough time to accomplish your goals. For foreign language proficiency, enrollment in a college study abroad program for two semesters is a better option.
- Will cost dictate how long you stay? – A summer abroad program is almost always less expensive than a semester abroad. This is directly related to time spent abroad, number of classes taken, and the like. But remember to consider your total annual student budget, as adding summer classes may increase your overall education costs. And be sure to take advantage of your student status by using the services of companies that specialize in finding great deals like the ones listed in our Preparing To Go section.
- Do you depend on financial aid? – In most cases federal financial aid and private student loans are applicable for study overseas while you’re enrolled full time. In certain cases, however, students must remain enrolled as a full time student at their home schools to keep institutional aid. In these instances a summer abroad offers the perfect solution. In either case you can finance your experience with the help of a study abroad loan.
Decide Where and When to Go
If you’re not sure where you’d like to go abroad, but know you’d like to spend some time somewhere start by narrowing your choices to one or two particular locations in the world. You can start at the continent level by comparing say Europe to Australia to Asia and then getting more specific as you go. Many factors should be considered as you decide. Don’t forget that weather and seasons around the world are not all equal. And neither is the school year. Consider that many British schools operate on a trimester system. If you can only go for a semester, you may have to remove England from your consideration set.
Be sure to consider factors at home and abroad before you lock in a timeframe to go as well. Are there annual cultural events you’ll want to attend in your country of choice? For instance, if you study in Germany and want to experience Oktoberfest, you need to enroll in a college study abroad program in the fall. Or do you have commitments at home, like playing field hockey in the spring, that require you here during a specific time?
Study Abroad Benefits
Why study abroad? Because you’ll benefit from the experience for the rest of your life. From honing your foreign language skills to growing as a student, as well as maturing as a responsible adult, studying abroad is a life-changing event. To learn many additional benefits of studying abroad, click here.
Study Abroad Programs
There are countless study abroad programs to pick from, virtually anywhere in the world. Don’t know where to start? Use this resource list as a springboard to help you choose the program that best fits your needs. For additional information on study abroad programs, click here.