Summer Study Abroad & Summer Exchange Programs, J-Term and Maymester Programs

Not sure if summer or short-term study abroad or exchange programs are for you? Ask yourself:

·         Does your major make it almost impossible to study abroad without delaying your graduation?

·         Does your economic situation prevent you from spending a summer abroad without working?

·         Are the costs of long-term programs too high?

·         Do you play a collegiate sport, which makes long-term study abroad impossible?

·         Are you an adult student with children or a full-time job?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then short-term study abroad may work for you. Short-term programs will offer you many of the same benefits of a long-term one but in a shorter amount of time.

Keep in mind that short-term programs good if you are trying to decide if you’d like to study abroad for a semester or a year. By participating in a summer study abroad/foreign exchange program early in your college career, you can get a feel for study abroad and determine whether a long-term program is right for you.

Short-term programs fall into three main categories: Summer, Maymester, and J-term. While many of these programs are conducted entirely abroad, be aware that some have a portion taught in the U.S. and part spent abroad.

Summer Abroad Programs Maymester Study AbroadJ-term Study AbroadJ-term Study Abroad

Summer Abroad Programs

Rather than going to traditional summer school, why not do a summer abroad program? You can earn credit while experiencing another culture. The length of summer programs can vary from just a couple weeks to over a month, giving you the flexibility to choose one that works with your schedule.

Maymester Study Abroad

Maymester programs start in May, immediately after the spring semester ends. You will be studying at an international location for up to four or more weeks. Because of the short time frame, these courses can be intensive. Be sure to check whether your university considers Maymester courses part of the spring or summer term, because this may affect what financial aid is available to you. Also, if you are a graduating senior, be aware that you might not be able to walk at your university’s May graduation ceremony, since some Maymester programs require you to be abroad then.

J-term Study Abroad

J-term programs take place during the winter break in December and/or January. Similar to Maymester, J-term programs allow you to study abroad or purse other foreign exchange programs for a few weeks, giving you the opportunity to become familiar with another culture without interfering with your regular academic calendar.

Spring Break Abroad

Spring break abroad programs provide an opportunity for you to get a taste of study abroad for 7 – 10 days during your spring break. Many universities

and private organization offer week long cultural immersion programs that are usually more focused on service-learning and volunteering and less on academics