Tips and Advice for Deciding How Long to Study Abroad

Study abroad and foreign exchange programs last anywhere from a few weeks to a year or more, which gives you the flexibility to choose a program that will work for you. To help you decide how long you should go abroad, think about these questions:

• How long can I stay abroad without delaying my graduation?
• Will my school allow me to go abroad as a senior?
•  How long can I afford (financially) to be abroad?
• Will my school permit me to take non-general courses abroad?
• How much time am I willing to spend away from my family?
• How long do I need to spend abroad to meet my goals?

Whether you plan to participate in traditional study abroad program or other foreign exchange programs such as a intern abroad or an intensive language program, the length of study abroad programs fall into two main categories: Semester/Academic Year Programs and Short Term/Summer Programs.

Semester and Academic Year Programs Abroad

Short-Term and Summer Study Abroad