Benefits of Summer Study Abroad Programs
There are many types of study abroad programs available for students to choose from. Some of them involve going abroad for an entire semester, while others last for a matter of weeks during summer or winter breaks.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, you may be wondering which type of program is right for you. Summer programs are a popular choice and offer many benefits to the student. Here are a few reasons why you should consider choosing a summer study abroad program:
1. Summer Programs Are Shorter
Traveling to a foreign country is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of challenges, and the longer you stay abroad, the more significant these challenges become. Even while having experiences that last a lifetime, you’ll miss your friends and family. Homesickness and culture shock can start to take a toll on your well-being. It’s also possible that you wind up liking your host country a lot less than you thought you would. In that case, being stuck there for a whole semester can be a difficult experience.
For many students, summer programs provide an ideal length of time to be abroad. Your trip is long enough to expose you to new cultures and teach you valuable lessons, but not so long that the excitement wears off and you start to struggle with homesickness.
2. Less Planning Is Usually Required
Longer stays abroad generally require more preparation and paperwork, as remaining in a country for a whole semester often means you’ll need to obtain a student visa. Semester programs also tend to be less centrally-organized than summer ones. Students may have to arrange their own housing and contact the host university directly rather than going through a program organizer.
All this hassle is eliminated when you choose a summer experience. Well-organized study abroad programs should provide you with an itinerary and help you with arrangements every step of the way. This structured approach to studying abroad can reduce stress and allow you to focus on learning.
3. Your Study Plans Aren’t Disrupted
Some students may find themselves limited in terms of study abroad options due to the rigid structure of their required courses. If you’re majoring in a field like this, fitting a study abroad experience into your school year can be quite a struggle. Shifting around credits and trying to satisfy requirements can cause plenty of stress and even delay your studies.
A summer study abroad experience may be the solution you’re looking for. Since they take place outside of the normal school year, these programs are a great way to enjoy the benefits of learning in another country without throwing off your ordinary study progression.
4. You Don’t Miss Out at Your Home School
A lot can happen in a semester. Returning to school after spending several months abroad can feel like stepping back into an unfamiliar world. Your friends will have gone through new experiences without you. Clubs, sports, and activities will have progressed without your participation. This can be distressing for some students, especially for student athletes and for those who are heavily involved on campus.
Enrolling in a summer program allows you to experience another culture without missing a beat of campus life. Anyone looking to make the most out of their college years should take this into account.
5. The Weather Is Better
When there’s so much to take into account, something as trivial as the weather in your destination may slip your mind. But would you rather experience the streets of London or Paris during a cold and rainy winter’s day or a bright summer afternoon? Summer study abroad programs take place during months that are mild and pleasant in many regions. Experience the best your host country has to offer by taking your trip when it’s in its finest clothes.
With their compact itineraries, great value, and convenient timing, summer programs are an obvious choice for many students. No matter what your career goals or which part of the world you’d like to experience, the perfect summer program is waiting for you to discover.
