Study Abroad Success
Summer Study abroad is a
very popular option for many students.
As a student, you are typically free to schedule any activities you want during your summers.
This can be an ideal time to visit overseas. It doesn’t really need to be a summer study abroad; it can be summer intern abroad, summer volunteer abroad, summer work abroad, or any other alternative. These activities can be quite preferable to study abroad for some students.
Everyone I know who has spent any time abroad has said it is truly life-changing, so if you prefer to live overseas during the summer, you can still have the time of your life. The fact that you only have several weeks to enjoy can make your adventures even more intense.
If you travel internationally during an academic year or semester, then your pretty much need to study abroad because you cannot afford to take a leave of absence during the academic year. You need that academic credit.
However, when you decide on summer study abroad , you have more options on the kinds of activities you want to pursue, so make the most of those choices and really think about what you want to achieve with your intercultural sojourn.
However, when you decide on summer study abroad , you have more options on the kinds of activities you want to pursue, so make the most of those choices and really think about what you want to achieve with your intercultural sojourn.
Now let’s look at some of the benefits of summer study abroad:
Capetown, South Africa
- It costs less than semester or year programs
- It’s not school or college related so you get to do a wide variety of activities.
- You don’t have to worry about school work and getting academic credit.
- You don’t miss out on your home institution activities and friends.
- You can look forward with summer excursions to more foreign countries and exotic locations with your host family if you are in a homestay or with other American and international students if you choose an academic program.
- You enjoy a fascinating break from your traditional summer routine.
These are some of the weaknesses of summer study abroad:
Capetown, South Africa
- It lasts for only a few weeks.
- For high schoolers, specifically, most of the cultural immersion and friendships you enjoy arise from school activities and meeting other teenagers in school. That is typically not an option for summer study abroad.
- Minimal financial aid and scholarships are available.
So, as you can see, there are benefits and trade-offs to your decision to live overseas during the summer. Because of your college schedule, your only alternative may be a summer study abroad program.
So just go with it and delight in the fact that you have a chance to travel internationally. It’s an option many people never enjoy. Now, let's take a look at high school study abroad.
