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Studying abroad for a full semester is one of the most impactful ways to make the most out of your study abroad experience. Short-term programs are great if committing to a full semester abroad isn’t feasible, but a spring or fall semester abroad will give you more time to immerse yourself in the local culture—all while you earn credits toward your degree. But how do you decide whether to study abroad during the fall or spring semester? Below, we’ll lay out everything you need to know about semester programs to help you decide on when to study abroad.
Discover whether a fall or spring semester abroad is right for you and your academic journey!
When is the Best Time to Study Abroad?
Whether a fall semester or spring semester abroad is right for you depends on several factors. The truth is, there is no universally favored time to study abroad—what’s best for you may not be best for everyone, and even then, it can come down to personal preference or needs.
Factors to Consider When Weighing a Fall vs. Spring Semester Abroad
Whether a fall or spring semester study abroad program is better for you may depend on a range of factors, including:
1. Your Academic Track
Are there specific courses that are only offered during a certain semester that you must take at your home university in order to graduate? If so, this may affect when you can study abroad. Be sure to talk to your Academic Advisor to confirm!
Keep in mind that most college students are eligible to study abroad, regardless of their major. Students can choose programs that fulfill Gen Ed or major-specific requirements—including STEM majors and other specialized fields that require careful academic planning.
2. Climate
Do you want to escape to a winter wonderland, or do you dislike the cold winters at home and want to spend a semester in a country with warm weather? Fall and spring look a little different in every country, so if you have a destination in mind, do some research and see which season has weather that better aligns with your preferences.
3. Program Start & End Dates
Most AIFS Abroad semester programs are about 3 – 4 months long. Fall programs generally begin in August and end in December, while spring semester programs often begin in January and end in May; however, these start and end dates can vary greatly depending on the program and the location.
For example, our fall semester Immersion Program with Early Start in Buenos Aires begins in June and ends in early December, while fall semester programs at the Prague University of Economics and Business generally don’t start until mid-September.
If you’re interested in a specific location or program, take a look at the start and end dates for each semester to see if one makes more sense for you personally.
4. Program Availability
While many AIFS Abroad programs are offered during both the fall and spring semesters, this is not always the case. If you have a specific program in mind, double-check the schedule to ensure it’s offered during fall and spring semesters. Program availability may affect your decision.
Pros & Cons of a Studying Abroad During the Fall Semester
Some of the pros of studying abroad during the fall semester include:
- Study abroad during a less touristy season and experience your program destination from a more local perspective. Plus, enjoy shorter lines for popular attractions!
- You can study abroad and return home in time for the holidays.
- Before you return home, you can get a taste of the holidays abroad. Europe, in particular, is known for its many holiday markets during December.
- Experience local autumn traditions and festivals abroad.
- Start your school year off with an exciting cultural experience.
- Weather is often mild or even ideal during the fall semester months (neither overly hot nor overly cold), depending on where you study abroad.
- After your program ends, you can travel during your winter break if you choose to do so.
The cons of choosing a fall semester abroad over a spring semester may include:
- Your program may overlap with fall campus events and sports seasons.
- You may not have as much time to readjust to life at home before you return to classes as you would with a spring semester abroad.
- It might be more difficult to extend your study abroad program, should you choose to do so.
Pros & Cons of Studying Abroad During the Spring Semester
A few of the pros of studying abroad during the spring semester include:
- You can readjust to life back home during the summer, giving you plenty of time before school starts.
- Start the school year at your home campus.
- You can easily extend your program with a May Term or summer study abroad session.
- You can travel during the summer after your program ends.
- The end of your program may have warm, summer weather (depending on where you go).
The cons of choosing a spring semester abroad over a fall semester may include:
- Late winter or early spring start dates could mean colder weather upon arrival.
- You’ll likely run into more tourists during the spring months.
- You’ll have to prepare for your semester abroad while you’re still in school during the fall semester.
Making a Decision
After considering all the factors we’ve discussed—including other factors such as athletic obligations and seasonal clubs—and weighing the pros and cons of each semester, you should be able to come to a decision.
If both semesters are an option and you’re still undecided, why not consider studying abroad during the fall and spring semesters? That’s right, you don’t have to decide! You can choose one location to study abroad for a full school year or explore two different study abroad experiences in different countries! (We even offer a special Go Abroad Again grant if you do!)
Whether you choose a fall or spring semester abroad (or both!), we guarantee you that you’re in for an experience of a lifetime. Chances are, your future self will thank you for your decision to study abroad, no matter which semester you choose.
Explore the world while you study abroad during the fall or spring semester with AIFS Abroad!
No matter when you choose to study abroad—whether it’s during the fall or spring semesters, the summer, Winter Quarter, January Term, or spring break—you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Choose AIFS Abroad for your semester abroad and enjoy our valuable program inclusions, such as housing, trips and excursions, social and cultural activities, 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance, and the support of our trusted on-site staff.