Vanessa
what year is best of study abroad
To determine what summer break might work better for a study aboad. #study-abroad
7 answers
Julia Bridgforth
Julia’s Answer
In my opinion, it is always a good time to study abroad. I studied abroad twice during my undergraduate degree. Once for the first semester of my junior year and then for the summer before my senior year. Both were rewarding experiences that helped me gain a clearer perspective of who I am and what I want my role to be in the world.
There is a caveat to my initial response. You should prioritize your local community ties as much as your global citizenship. Meaning, it may be difficult to remain grounded at your actual university if you choose to study abroad before you have established real roots. Additionally, you may find comfort of book-ending your collegiate career with on-campus life.
Good luck! Studying abroad is an amazing experience.
Marissa Jensen
Marissa’s Answer
Hi Vanessa,
This is a great question! I too studied abroad during the summer in Rome, Italy. I chose the summer between my sophomore and junior year - I knew I would be interning the summer of my junior year and figured I would do this opportunity over the summer when I could take a step back and really enjoy. It was the best decision of my life - never again will you have the opportunity to have these unique experiences and take these fun classes, so I genuinely hope you decide to - it will be worth it!
Cosmina Backs
Cosmina’s Answer
I think your question will vary from person to person. It also depends on the timing and credits you have, how financially, and if you can graduate on time if studying abroad. When I studied abroad, I did the summer going into my junior year. I studied in Italy, taking six credit hours (2 classes). I went from May 27th-end to June. It was the perfect amount of time for me because I knew I didn't want to go for a whole semester, so the summer was an ideal time. As long as the classes you are taking fit into your schedule, you will be fine. Overall, it depends on the person. If you want to do a whole semester, I'd recommend that if summer feels too short. This is a great question to ask your school advisor!
Emmy Leone
Emmy’s Answer
To add to all the great advice above, check in with your adviser or major or minor program. If studying abroad is a part of your requirement for your major or minor, they will often have a recommendation as to which time frame is best for meeting all your requirements. If you are in a study abroad program that is filling primarily general and elective requirements, you may be better off doing this somewhere during or between Sophmore or Junior years before you are into your specific major requirements. If the requirements for your major do not allow for a full semester than you may want to consider a holiday break (winter or summer) study abroad that would allow you to meet an elective or general requirement or two. There are so many options. Have fun.
Emmy
Vic Wong
Vic’s Answer
It really depends on a multitude of factors. For me especially I timed studying abroad with recruiting and extracurriculars. Some fields have early identification programs where you interview while in college for an internship the following year and then after that if you do well you get a full time return offer. Because of this timeline I decided to go abroad my senior year first semester so that I would be able to come back and spend time with friends the final semester before starting full time.
Austin L.
Austin’s Answer
Vanessa, good question. Studying abroad is a great choice and it was the highlight of my college experience. When you should go really depends on your schedule and what your college plan is. If you want to study abroad during the summer, doing so between sophomore-junior year and junior-senior year makes the most sense. You can't really study abroad after senior year given that you will have graduated, and studying abroad after your first year is a little early.
If you have time during the academic year to study abroad, most people study abroad during their junior year.
I hope this helps you plan out your study abroad!!
Best,
Austin
