Timing your study abroad plan

Posted date: 28 Aug 2021

A study abroad experience is an opportunity to get the education you need while also satisfying your unquenchable desire to travel and visit new places. It's simple to decide to go on an adventure; deciding when to go is a different beast entirely, and it depends on a variety of circumstances. While it would be ideal if this were the case, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for studying abroad. There are a number of things to think about, including:

* School year start and finish dates: When does the school year start and conclude for the school you want to attend? Many schools in different regions of the world use academic calendars that may or may not coincide with your local school year.

* Length of stay: Do you wish to stay for a semester? If so, which semester are you in? Is it for the entire year? Summer vacation for six to eight weeks?

* Academics: Do you need to finish any prerequisites before going abroad? Are there any course prerequisites that you haven't completed that have equivalencies? Is it possible that going overseas at a specific period could delay your graduation, and if so, are you willing to do so? Make an appointment with an advisor to go through all of your requirements and see which ones you can earn equivalencies for.

It's difficult to strike a balance between all of those variables! Let's break down each period of time when you might study abroad so you can figure out what the best time is for you to go.

Studying Abroad as a freshman: If your preferred college permits you to study abroad as a freshman, why not take advantage of it? You'll be leaving home for school anyhow, so why not ‘shoot for the moon' and travel to another country? You'll have plenty of opportunity to meet new people, just like you would on campus at your local school, but with the extra benefit of being in a whole different location. You'll learn to deal with problems on your own and develop a stronger sense of independence than you would at a school closer to home.

Studying Abroad as a sophomore: By the end of your sophomore year, most institutions ask you to declare a major. Studying abroad as a sophomore allows you to explore your interests and take classes that you wouldn't have had the opportunity to take before committing to a major. You'll also have two more years of school after you return to complete the remaining course requirements, so finding the correct combination of course equivalencies won't be as stressful.

Studying Abroad as a junior: The most common period to study abroad in college is when you're a junior, and many universities advise you to do so. As a result, institutions frequently schedule abroad programmes for students in their third year, making the process easier for you.

Senior Study Abroad: Senior study abroad is the greatest option because it fits better with my curriculum and timetable. By this point, you should have completed the majority of your major's requirements and settled into a comfortable routine. This is your time to mix things up and try something new in the last year of your life! It might also serve as a type of send-off before you graduate. It also allows you to add international experience to your resume, which you can use to get work almost immediately.

Summer Studying Abroad: For many students, the summer is the ideal time to travel the world or find a summer job to add to their résumé. Summer study abroad combines the best of both worlds, giving you the opportunity to broaden your horizons while also discovering a new location.

The most essential thing is that you go if you have the chance, regardless of when you decide to study abroad. Studying abroad has numerous advantages, in addition to improving your academic record or resume.

Posted By

GSP Admin