You can enhance your learning experience and enjoy the trip of a lifetime by enrolling on a summer study abroad program.
These days, you no longer have to spend their summer vacation simply in leisure instead you can venture abroad on a study program and benefit your knowledge and experience, whilst getting to enjoy a whole new country.
This type of experience is really popular with people after freshman or sophomore year. Although summer study abroad programs are quite a different experience as compared to an academic year abroad or semester study program but they are still as enlightening and rewarding.
A successful summer trip might help you to determine if you want to pursue a further year or semester abroad program.
Reasons to Study During Summer
Spend a summer vacation from your home school and choose between different locations around the world.
You’ll get to:
• Learn a great deal about a foreign country and its culture
• Improve your foreign language skills
• Meet and make new friends and sharing experiences
• Take classes to earn extra credits while seeing the world
It’s perfect for those students who want to study abroad, but can’t be away for a semester abroad due to academic scheduling or other commitments. Plus, summer study abroad is less expensive than going for an entire semester. What’s better than that?
Benefits of a Summer Study Abroad
Classes
The main summer study abroad benefit is the chance to study abroad without falling behind on your course load. A lot of majors have strict course schedules, and missing an entire semester of the in-depth, area-specific courses is just not acceptable. Summer study abroad allows you to take the necessary classes you need during the year while also being able to participate in study abroad.
Cost
Another advantage is getting to experience a foreign country at a smaller cost than a full semester would cost. Summer study abroad programs are shorter than the typical 3-month semester, and therefore easier on your wallet. To learn more about how to finance your study abroad experience click here.
Resume Builder
Like all study abroad opportunities, a summer study abroad program acts as a terrific resume booster. Companies looking to hire interns and employees after graduation are looking for individuals with knowledge of the global economy, if they don’t work in a global company. Having foreign work experience on your resume will put you ahead of other candidates.
How to Find a Summer Study Abroad Program
Finding a summer study abroad program can be as simple as talking with your study abroad office at your university.
However, what happens if your university does not offer summer programs or they don’t have a summer program for the location you which to travel to?
Fear not – most programs take students who are not students of the university hosting the study abroad program.
For example, NYU offers over 25 programs for all students anywhere in the world during their summer semester. There are also websites specifically designed for students looking for a summer study abroad program not affiliated with their university.
No matter where you decide to go, what program to go on, or how to fund your summer study abroad adventure, remember to keep up with the deadlines as they are fast approaching for summer!
Types of Programs
There are many study abroad courses; business, language, music, English, film and so many more.
Summer study abroad programs need not necessarily be for formal study. They can be for foreign language study, independent research programs or be. joined as part of international internships, jobs abroad or volunteer abroad programs. There are now even several study abroad programs just for high school students.
Some of the fellowship opportunities available for students that focus on summer study abroad can apply to Freeman Asia, International Summer Award program, Fulbright, NSEP, Sanders, Richard U. Light Fellowship etc which are either need based or merit based. These are among the best study abroad programs for high school and college students. Visas as well as getting accommodation sorted are somewhat easier for students on these programs. However, it’s recommended that you consult with your schools study abroad advisor to get more information on available programs.
The success of summer abroad study has facilitated in increasing the number of international students throughout the world!
Best Summer Study Programs
Some of the most popular summer destinations include the School for Field Studies in Kenya. Europe has the CET Siena, Academic Programs Abroad in Paris, Denmark International Study Program, International summer school at University of Oslo, Schools for field studies in Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico and Georgetown University in Quito, Ecuador. Some of the rewarding as well as fascinating experiences that students can have are those with Butler University, Institute for Study Abroad and many others.
Credits and Scholarships
When looking for courses, it’s a good idea to check whether you can get credits from the various programs which are handled on a case by case basis by universities deans or heads of the relevant department for courses taken abroad. Many universities also give students a chance to apply for scholarships and financial aid although grants which sometime tend to be quite limited especially for summer courses. As with any study trip, students wishing to go overseas should apply well in-advance so you can get placements, accommodation and scholarship assistance if needed.
There are lots of amazing summer study abroad programs for students but available spaces fill up fast, so hurry and make the choice that you are interested in!