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January Term programs are gaining popularity among college students, providing exciting short-term experiences abroad during winter break that simultaneously advance your degree. Whether you refer to it as a winter program, winter session, intersession, January Term, or J-Term, there are so many benefits of choosing this type of program.
With a multitude of destinations to spend your winter break, it can be tough to choose just one! To help you decide, we’re breaking down some of our favorites, ranging from winter wonderlands that offer snowy views and winter sports to warm weather destinations perfect for those who want to defrost this winter break.
Read on to discover our top cities for January Term study abroad programs for 2026!
Salzburg, Austria
Spend time in the elegant and scenic city of Salzburg, Austria! Immerse yourself in the charm of this peaceful city, birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled in the foothills of the Austrian Alps, you’ll love the breathtaking scenery and cozy, quaint atmosphere where The Sound of Music was filmed!
At the AIFS Abroad Global Education Center (GEC) in Salzburg, you can take a music history course that goes far beyond the classroom. To build on your coursework and help you get a true taste of Austrian culture, AIFS Abroad will take you on various activities and excursions, such as visits to museums, galleries, markets, restaurants, and concerts.
San José, Costa Rica
Try the laidback and bustling city of San José this winter for a warm weather destination. Choose from a variety of course options focusing on healthcare, environmental studies, and business.
During your January Term in Costa Rica, you’ll have access to beautiful natural landscapes like volcanoes and rainforests, plus exposure to some of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. Did we mention the weather averages in the high 70ºs during this time of year? This is the perfect January Term study abroad destination if you want to escape the cold!
Florence, Italy
Winter is beautiful (and mild) in the Jewel of the Renaissance. With a January Term program in Florence, the city itself will play a vital role in your studies, serving as your open-air classroom with valuable hands-on experiences spanning Art, Art History, Fashion, Marketing, Photography, Italian Language, and more.
Join program-led cultural activities and excursions that enrich your academic area of interest or enhance your understanding of Italy’s Renaissance art by viewing Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia gallery, touring the Uffizi Museum, or visiting the Pitti Palace. Spend your winter break feeling inspired on a January Term program in Florence with AIFS Abroad!
Rome, Italy
With unparalleled history, archeology, art, religious culture, and delicious food, Rome has so much to offer you during your January Term study abroad experience. Roman icons like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, in addition to its exquisite art scene, outstanding architecture, and delicious food, will have you wanting to return in no time!
This winter break study abroad program in Rome lends local insights into management, social sciences, and the Italian language—offering hands-on learning practices like field trips that bring your coursework to life. Choosing an AIFS Abroad in Rome program gives you access to a wide range of courses in various disciplines. Plus, at our Global Education Center, located in the center of the city, you can step out of class directly into thousands of years of history!
Milan, Italy
While Milan is renowned as a global fashion capital, this international business hub also presents numerous opportunities for students across a variety of industries and interests. There are countless sites to explore, from Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and the Fondazione Prada, to opera at La Scala and soccer at San Siro. Thanks to its central location and extensive rail system, traveling beyond Milan to the rest of Italy and Europe is both easy and convenient.
The AIFS Abroad January Term Business, Management, and Sustainability program in Milan offers students the unique opportunity to engage with global business concepts in a city that blends historical legacy with cutting-edge innovation. It’s an ideal environment for gaining a real-world perspective while immersing yourself in Italian culture.
London, England
London is a magical place to spend your winter break! As a bustling metropolis and gateway to the rest of Europe, you’ll have the world at your fingertips. Our January Term programs in London offer courses in fields like History, Sociology, Area Studies, Communications, and a multidisciplinary option.
Your textbooks will come to life as you visit museums, local cooperatives, and London’s famous markets. If you’re looking to study abroad in an English-speaking country this January, London is the place for you.
Paris, France
Spend your winter break in Paris and experience the City of Light at a quieter pace, without the usual tourist crowds. As a global hub for business, fashion, and the arts, Paris offers the perfect setting to deepen your academic and cultural understanding.
With three January Term programs to choose from—Business, Fashion, or Art History—you can align your studies with your interests while exploring one of the world’s most iconic cities. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, your classroom extends into the very streets of Paris, offering daily inspiration through its architecture, culture, and creative energy.
Berlin, Germany
Travel to the modern and trendsetting city of Berlin this January Term and study at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the city’s oldest university, which has hosted 29 Nobel Prize winners, including Albert Einstein. Choose from a variety of course options offered in fields like Cultural Studies, Geography, History, Law, Political Science, Social Science, or German language.
Berlin has been at the heart not just of European politics and culture but also world affairs for several centuries. It combines a tremendous variety of experiences from fine historical museums to cutting-edge modernism. Plus, in the winter, it’s perfect for those seeking a cozy, festive environment.
Lisbon, Portugal
Roam the seaside city of Lisbon and enjoy moderate temperatures while you watch surfers catch waves by the shore this January Term. Study international business at the Instituto Universitario de Lisboa (ISCTE) International Business School. Located in the lively city center, the business school holds both the prestigious AACSB and AMBA business accreditations.
Famous for its sunny weather, colorful buildings, Fado music, and friendly locals, Lisbon is an excellent location for complete cultural immersion during winter break.
Barcelona, Spain
Discover the exciting and eclectic city of Barcelona this January Term. Famous for its lively Catalan culture, striking architecture, and delicious cuisine, this is a great place to breathe new life into the winter season.
Study Spanish art, culture, or international business through Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), ranked among the top 5 universities in Spain. To help you get a true taste of local life, the AIFS Abroad team in Barcelona arranges a variety of cultural and social activities, like visits to La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter and Cathedral.
Salamanca, Spain
Is a big city like Barcelona not your style? Try Salamanca, a smaller, more peaceful option known for its bright sandstone buildings, which gives it the name “Golden City.” Study Spanish at the University of Salamanca, the oldest university in Spain and the leading national institution for teaching Spanish as a second language.
This winter in Salamanca, you can visit museums, take a Flamenco class, see gorgeous cathedrals, and taste delicious cuisine. The learning and exploration never end with a January Term study abroad program in Salamanca!
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Explore the famous Galápagos Islands—swim in warm, azure water and study the archipelago’s rich ecological diversity. This Environmental Science January Term program is offered at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), a leader in education, research, creativity, and entrepreneurship in Latin America. Field trips will be a key part of your study, taking you to nearby beaches, lakes, and animal habitats, providing you with valuable hands-on learning experiences.
If you want a winter break full of color, wildlife, and stunning natural landscapes, you can’t do much better than a January Term study abroad program in the Galápagos Islands.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Plan your trip to the scenic university town of Stellenbosch and study abroad this winter break just 30 minutes from Cape Town. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and dramatic mountains, this unique destination offers the best of Western Cape warmth and hospitality.
On our January Term program at Stellenbosch University, courses are offered in Business and Photography and include field trips that provide you with meaningful hands-on experience in your area of study, including a visit to a large-scale beer and wine export company for Business students and a 3-hour game drive to locate and photograph elephants for Photography students. Take your studies to the next level this winter break with an AIFS Abroad January Term program in Stellenbosch!
Why pick just one location when you can study abroad on a multi-destination Study + Travel program this January Term?
European Art and Culture
This unique opportunity allows you to visit London, Paris, Nice, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome, studying the masterpieces of art history. With numerous museum, gallery, and site visits to enhance classroom study, the world becomes your classroom! Learn about European art and culture while studying in England, France, and Italy this January Term.
Fashion Marketing
Why visit just one fashion capital over your winter break when you could see four? Let our expert AIFS Abroad team take you around Europe on our dynamic Fashion Marketing program this January Term. This unique opportunity takes you to London, Paris, Milan, and Florence. You’ll have on-site excursions and experiential learning opportunities that focus on introducing students to marketing within the context of the fashion industry.
Storytelling in Dublin and London
All artists draw inspiration from the masters, and writers are no different. By immersing yourself in the setting of historic and present-day authors, poets, and playwrights, you can learn how their sense of place influenced their writing. This January Term program takes you to two of Europe’s literary capitals—Dublin and London—for an unforgettable course that allows students to examine national identity through a literary lens. Write your own story this winter break with AIFS Abroad!
Enjoy life-changing experiences during your winter break with AIFS Abroad!
January Term is the perfect opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey of cultural immersion, personal growth, and academic enrichment. Leave behind the winter blues at home and embrace the opportunity to expand your horizons, forge new connections, and create lasting memories in a distant land, all while you earn credit towards your degree. Whether you choose to explore the historic streets of a city in Europe or venture into the breathtaking natural landscapes of Central or South America, the possibilities are endless when you choose to study abroad during winter break. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the world in a whole new light!