Why Everyone Should Study Abroad THIS Summer!
Why Everyone Should Study Abroad THIS Summer!
Who needs a summer in the Hamptons when you can be strolling along Parisian streets? Splashing in the Mediterranean Sea under the Italian sunshine? Zip-lining above the forests in South America?
Have you considered a summer study abroad program? Studying abroad allows you to have an incredible international adventure while also earning credits for college. And to top it off, your answer to the inevitable “How was your summer?” question, when you go back to school, will be way better than everyone else’s, including those who “summered in the Hamptons.”
Helpful Tip: When researching summer programs, keep in mind the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. Even so, you can still find a mild climate in most countries, so you won’t miss out on your summer sunshine.
Summer study abroad is a fantastic option for students looking to chase adventure while also either getting ahead on their semester course load or trying a course or courses outside their major - but not for a whole semester! Summer programs typically run for 6 weeks, allowing time for travel before or after your official program dates if you choose to extend your adventure and take advantage of that.
Paris, France
Just like semester programs, summer programs are available throughout the world. ASA offers programs in Europe and Latin America specifically! These programs are also available in a variety of academic focus areas; many courses revolve around the culture of the area or region students are studying in and can offer you an eye-opening experience of a lifetime. For example, if you decide to go to Florence for a few weeks in the summer, you may be able to take a class called “The Italian Food Industry: From Farm to Table.”
Summer programs are also a fantastic option for students who have majors (e.g. nursing engineering, science majors, etc.) that require them to be on campus for certain classes each semester. If this applies to you, summer programs can help you enroll in some of your more general required classes.
Alternatively, you can take a break from the courses required for your major and focus on another interest you may have such as art history, photography, literature, psychology, foreign language, or an astounding number of other fantastic options. Seek out your university’s study abroad advisor and talk about your options if a summer program sounds like the right fit for you!
Advisors know the specifics about programs offered and can help you find the best fit for your academic needs and goals. They also work with your university to make sure things like your courses and financial aid will transfer and with ASA, who takes care of things like finding your housing, getting you enrolled in your international school, and offering you excursions and on-site support once you arrive.
Things to consider when looking at a study abroad summer program: program length, housing accommodations, courses offered, included excursions, and on-site support. These are just a few starting points in a very exciting search for your ideal summer program. So start your search today, because why summer in the Hamptons when you can summer in Europe or Latin America?!