My interest in studying abroad did not surface until I began investigating engineering programs. I was a community college student looking to transfer to a quality university engineering program. While visiting Texas Tech University I was told a study abroad experience was required to graduate with a degree in engineering. One of my first thoughts concerned the length of time required for an eligible study abroad experience. Would I be required to study abroad for a week, a month, a semester or longer? So I did some research. Here’s what I learned.
How long do study abroad programs last? Study Abroad Programs range from a couple of weeks, a month, a semester, a summer session or an academic year. The specific duration of your program will be based primarily on the selection of destinations available, the requirements of the college, and your goals as a student.
The benefits of offering study abroad programs of different durations are many. College students come from all types of backgrounds and consider study abroad experiences from unique perspectives.
Some students are traditional students focusing on attending college during the four years immediately following high school graduation. Some have means, while others do not. Some have financial assistance, others do not. Some students are non-traditional, with family responsibilities that would preclude them from leaving the country for an extended period. These are just a few of the situations that students come to regarding study abroad.
College study abroad programs do their best to offer experiences that fit the needs, desires and goals of all students. With that in mind, programs are available that range from expensive to less-expensive, short-term to long-term, and are made available in the Fall and Winter semesters, Summer break, and other times in-between.
Short-Term Study Abroad Programs
Colleges and universities offer study abroad programs with various durations. If your personal or academic schedule doesn’t permit a longer study abroad experience, or your college doesn’t offer a Semester or Full Year opportunity, a short-term study abroad program may be the perfect solution that gives you a taste of international travel.
Many community colleges offer short-term study abroad programs. Many are faculty-led programs which include a group of students traveling together to a specific destination with scheduled excursions nearby. Multiple destination programs are often available, as well.
Short-term faculty-led study abroad experiences are quite popular. This type of study abroad program offers the student a relatively brief, often less-expensive experience that delivers a taste of international experience. The duration of some of these programs may be one week to ten days. Fellow travelers are normally other students attending the same college and led by a faculty member at the college with specific knowledge and experience with your chosen destination(s). Others may be longer.
Some colleges offer a “Maymester” study abroad program. A Maymester is normally scheduled in late May and early June. The University of Texas at Austin offers a variety of Maymester faculty-led programs. The duration is less than a full semester, usually four weeks, and the 3-credit hour courses are offered in a variety of subjects and destinations.
Summer programs are also very popular and last from four to 12 weeks during the summer months. One reason these programs are popular is because a summer program doesn’t interrupt a student’s activities from the normal school year. The student can remain involved in campus-related activities with their friends during the normal Fall and Spring semesters.
Rather than attempt a longer program that doesn’t truly fit your needs, I encourage you to consider a program that fits your schedule, goals, and finances.
An Example of a Community College’s Faculty-Led Short-Term Study Abroad Program
Glendale Community College’s Vienna and Prague Winter study abroad program is described as a 10-day, 8 night, faculty-led program focused on European history. The February program offers daily lectures and discussions to provide insight into the local culture and history of the area. Field excursions and independent explorations to local cultural locations add flavor to the experience. A four star hotel in Vienna and an apartment in Prague add more local flavor to the program. A few of the sights of interest on the itinerary include Schonbrunn castle in Vienna, Hofburg State Apartment in Vienna, Terezin concentration camp (in the Czech Republic), Prague Castle (the largest castle in the world) and the Museum of Communism in Prague.
Semester Study Abroad Programs
Most college study abroad programs offer full Fall and Spring Semester experiences. Personally, I chose the Spring Semester study abroad option at Texas Tech University. It allowed me an opportunity to experience a fully immersive, eye-opening, life-changing experience.
I enjoyed my semester in Spain because I was able to experience the Spanish people, their culture, and their history 24/7 while living with a host family.
A full semester in a foreign country and studying at an international university allows you to assimilate, something that doesn’t occur on a short-term study abroad experience. I was able to build relationships with my Spanish host family, other Spanish people in Seville and elsewhere, as well as to meet people from throughout the world. I was also able to improve my Spanish language skills, although I’m sad to say that I’m not fluent in the language. In hindsight, my semester-long experience was almost perfect, except for one small detail. I was not ready to come home at the end of my program.
Although my semester experience in Spain corresponded to my university’s normal semester, you should be aware that semester terms in some foreign countries may not correspond with the semester dates at your college here in the United States. For example, the academic school year in Australia begins in February.
An Example of a University Semester Long Study Abroad Program
You can “Take the World by the Horns” at the University of Texas at Austin. The International Office offers students the option to satisfy major or minor degree requirements, learn a language, or complete the requirements of a certificate program. In order to accomplish that goal, UT offers an opportunity to “explore the more than 400 programs in 80 countries we have built to help you take the world by the horns.”
Specifically, UT allows students to select programs offered throughout the year, including programs scheduled for Fall, Spring, Maymester, Summer or an entire year. The program offers options in countries throughout the world, including popular European and South American destinations.
One specific example is an opportunity to study in Morocco at Al Akhawayn University during an entire Spring or Fall semester. The university in Morocco claims that 30% of its student population is international. Students live on campus and are offered “a comfortable, safe, and exciting residential student life.” Courses are taught in English and each student enrolls in 15 credit hours.
Long-Term Study Abroad Programs
Long-Term Study Abroad Programs are often described as any program scheduled for one semester or more. In this article, define a Long-Term Study Abroad Program as any program more than one semester in length.
Some students choose to sign up for two semesters abroad or an entire calendar year.
Unique Programs With Varying Durations Specific to the College
Some colleges and universities offer unique, one-off study abroad programs. The University of Texas at Austin offers a “Semester Plus” experience. This program allows opportunities to earn credit at international universities in Australia, France, Mexico or Spain. A few other unique aspects include:
- An online cultural analysis course
- A three-week UT course taught by UT faculty members
- A fall semester exchange.
- The ability to earn 16 or more credit hours
- Financial aid may be used
- Student pays UT tuition
Related Questions
How Do I Get Started on a Study Abroad Program?
Here are six tasks you should complete to begin a study abroad journey.
- Determine that you want to explore a study abroad program.
- Consider where in the world you would like to study.
- If you do not speak a foreign language, you should consider a program where English is the primary language.
- Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your educational path and determine if a study abroad experience is feasible academically.
- Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to discuss your options based on your academic path.
- Make a financial plan.