Many
students fantasize about spending a semester or even a year abroad. But
short-term programs can be just as enriching and may be the perfect fit
for your aspirations, your schedule, and your pocketbook. Why choose a short-term program?
First there's the obvious: by condensing your trip, you'll potentially save thousands of dollars in tuition, room and board, and other expenses. In addition, a short-term stay allows you to test the waters of a foreign country without the pressure of a long-term commitment. Learn how it feels to be far from home, and figure out if the country you've chosen is a good match. If you like what you find, then you can consider an extended stay in the future.
What can I do during a short-term trip?
These days, your short-term options are as varied as the array of more traditional, longer programs. You can take college course on a variety of subjects, in your native tongue or another language. If you're looking to earn college credits, then it's best to choose a university that's affiliated with your home school. Visit an international education counselor at your school or find an EducationUSA advisor in your area.
In a few short weeks, you can also earn credentials that will set you apart from your peers back home. For instance, in less than a month, you can become certified in teaching English as a foreign language or earn an international business certificate. Or, you might prefer something off the beaten path—take a wine-tasting workshop in Paris, explore the Galapagos Islands aboard a yacht, or learn about traditional Chinese medicine in Beijing.
But you don't have to enroll in a course to learn something while abroad. Internships and volunteer projects can make living abroad eye opening and affordable.
Where do I start?
Plan ahead in order to make the most of your short time abroad. How long do you want to be gone? Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? Would you prefer a high-rise apartment in New York City or a dorm room surrounded by forests in upstate New York? An international education advisor can help you establish your criteria and find a program that meets your needs. Web sites such as that of CIEE and IIE Passport can also help you to focus your search.
