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Studying abroad is an experience of personal and academic growth like no other—allowing you to earn credits toward your degree while you explore a new corner of the world and immerse yourself in an exciting culture. The benefits of studying abroad are numerous, but there are many factors to consider and questions to answer, such as, “When is the right time to study abroad?” Below, we’ll guide you through this question and help you decide when a study abroad program is best for you.
Now’s the time to map out your study abroad adventure—read on to learn about your options and how to decide when to go abroad.
When to Study Abroad: Evaluating Your Options
There are often many options for when you can study abroad, especially when you realize that some students don’t need to be in college to study or intern abroad. This means that some recent high school graduates and college graduates can study abroad, in addition to underclassman and upperclassman college students.
Consider the following factors to narrow down your choices:
1. Seasonal considerations
Do you want to study abroad during a specific season? Do you have a favorite season at home you don’t want to miss or athletic obligations that prevent you from going abroad during your competition season? Or maybe you hate the cold and want to study abroad in a warm country.
Whatever your preferences are, consider what time of year you’d like to or are eligible to study abroad.
2. Duration
How long do you want to study abroad? A full school year, a fall or spring semester, or a short-term program? AIFS Abroad offers many program options throughout the year. These include January Term programs that last a few weeks, to full semester programs that can be combined with May Term or summer sessions for a longer study abroad experience.
Short-term options often occur outside of traditional semesters, like summer or winter break, making them an excellent option if you can’t study abroad during the traditional school year.
3. Academics
AIFS Abroad offers countless programs that help students complete Gen Ed or major requirements and earn credits toward their degree. Some universities may require students to complete certain courses on campus, so make sure to check with your college advisor.
4. Finances
When you study abroad may also affect the cost. For example, some short-term study abroad programs may have lower program fees than longer, full-semester programs. Also, local costs may increase in study abroad destinations during peak tourist season.
Remember that financial aid packages can often apply to study abroad programming if your home institution allows it—just make sure to check with your financial aid office. Additionally, AIFS Abroad provides scholarships and grants, and we accept third-party scholarship funding.
Studying Abroad as a High School Graduate
Before you set off for college, you can study abroad as a high school graduate as long as you are 18 or older and enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree.
Wondering, “How can I study abroad as a high school graduate?” You can study abroad during a gap year, the summer before college, or a semester if you defer. Don’t forget to speak with your college advisor or university’s study abroad office and research programs that are available to high school graduates.
Studying abroad as a high school student may be a good fit if you’d like to:
- Study abroad multiple times: Studying abroad before college will give you more opportunities to do it again in the future.
- Graduate early: Earning credits before you begin college may help you graduate early.
- Explore academic interests: If you’re not sure what major or degree you want to pursue in college, a study abroad program can help you explore your options.
- Workaround academic or athletic requirements: If you are unable to study abroad while you’re in college due to academic or athletic obligations that require you to stay on campus, studying abroad before you get to college may be a solution.
Studying Abroad as an Underclassman
Studying abroad as an underclassman is another option for many students. Consider studying abroad as a freshman or sophomore in college if you want to:
- Decide on a major: Explore various academic interests during your study abroad program to help you decide on a future course of study.
- Take Gen Ed courses abroad: As an underclassman, you likely have a number of Gen Ed courses you must take to graduate. Many study abroad programs offer these same courses or their equivalent so you can finish academic requirements in an exciting international destination.
- Boost your foreign language skills: If you want to major or minor in a foreign language, studying abroad is an excellent way to quickly advance your language proficiency, helping you place into more advanced language courses at your home university.
- Study or intern abroad multiple times: If you study abroad as a freshman or sophomore, you’ll have more opportunities to do it again as an upperclassman, or intern abroad, if you’re interested in doing both. (Did you know you can study and intern abroad at the same time?)
Studying Abroad as an Upperclassman
Studying abroad as an upperclassman is a popular choice for many college students. After all, you’ve got more experience under your belt, and you’re likely more independent than you were as an underclassman, allowing you to study abroad with more confidence.
Study abroad as a junior or senior if you want to:
- Gain unique academic opportunities: Dive into a niche or access courses and experiences that may not be available at your home university or to underclassman. Now that you’re pursuing a specific area of study, you can choose specialized programs and take more advanced courses.
- Lend your studies an international perspective: As a junior or senior, you’ve built a foundation for your studies, now see how other professors and international students can shape your knowledge and offer a new perspective to your learning.
- Study in a global hub: Advance your degree in a city best known for your area of interest. For example, study theater at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, learn about Renaissance art in Florence, or pursue fashion marketing in Milan.
- Decide on a career: Even if you have a major, it doesn’t mean you know what career you’ll pursue after graduation. Studying abroad can help you pursue options and make a decision before graduation.
While some students prefer to study abroad during their junior year so that they’re on campus during their final year of college, others want to make the most of their senior year by studying abroad. Some students even choose to study abroad during their final semester of college so they can continue their travels directly after graduation.
Still can’t decide? Map out your academic courses and when they’re offered for your junior and senior years to see which one makes the most sense. Or contact our team; they can provide guidance to help you make a decision!
Studying Abroad as a Recent College Graduate
Didn’t get the chance to study abroad during college or want to do it again before you enter the workforce? You may be eligible to study abroad as a recent college graduate—especially if you’d like to do so during the summer after graduation. If this is something you’re interested in, make sure to speak with your college advisor before you graduate, to ensure you’re eligible.
Study abroad as a recent college graduate if you want to:
- Boost your resume: Show future employers you have cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to adapt to new cultures.
- Grow a global network: Studying abroad allows you to develop international connections, setting you up for success once you enter the professional world.
- Explore post-grad options: Not sure if you want to continue academia after graduation, or if you do, unsure which direction to take your studies? A study abroad program can help you decide. Plus, some study abroad programs offer post-graduate and master’s level courses, allowing you to get a jumpstart on your post-grad degree.
- Study abroad (last chance!): If you’re a recent college graduate, this is your last chance to have the amazing, one-of-a-kind experience of studying abroad. Don’t miss out—study abroad before it’s too late!
Another option as a recent college graduate is to intern abroad. As study abroad options are often limited for graduates, there may be more international internship programs available to you. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience while you immerse yourself in a new culture and travel the world!
Deciding When to Study Abroad
Now that you’ve reviewed your options, you should take some time to evaluate your academic track and timeline. It can help to ask yourself questions such as:
- What are my academic and travel goals?
- How flexible is my coursework? What required courses do I have?
- Based on my personal preferences, degree, required courses, and other obligations, which term and year makes the most sense to study abroad?
While you don’t need to have every moment of your college career planned out to a T, going over potential paths, looking at degree requirements, and talking to your academic advisor will ensure you can study abroad without needing extra time to graduate.
If you’re like many college students, you won’t have a single small window to study abroad—you’ll have multiple options, meaning it really comes down to personal preference. There may not always be an obvious “best” time to study abroad, which can make it difficult to make a decision.
At the end of the day, you just need to take that leap of faith—find a study abroad program and apply for one that’s the right fit for you and your goals. Your future self will thank you.
Are you ready to take the leap and study abroad? AIFS Abroad is here to help!
Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to grow as a person and travel the world, all while earning credits towards your degree. While making the decision on when to study abroad may feel scary, you can rest assured that AIFS Abroad has your back. Thanks to our valuable program inclusions such as social and cultural activities, housing, trips and excursions, 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance, and on-site staff, you can ditch the study abroad nerves and focus on making the most of your experience abroad!