You’ve committed to studying abroad and you even know where you’re going (watch out Austria!), but you just can’t decide on a program length. We get you, but worry not! We’re here to guide you through the differentiators of studying abroad for a trimester, semester, and an academic year.
First ask yourself, What are your goals and what are some potential barriers?
- Unable to miss any part of the school year? We recently launched study abroad options in the summer!
- Do you want a taste of another culture, but also want to save some money? A trimester might be your jam.
- Really want to hammer out your language skills, but need to be home for soccer season in the spring? Looks like you’re going abroad for a fall semester.
- Maybe you’re ready to take the full leap into cultural immersion. Surround yourself with 10 months of language, culture, as well as host family and friend relationships by signing up for the academic year.
To further break it down, consider these factors…
Summer (1-2 months): Maybe your high school at home won’t allow you to miss any part of the year, or you are really dedicated to a certain club. For so many reasons, the option to study abroad in the summer was highly demanded. That’s why we are now offering programs in Costa Rica, Argentina, Australia, Austria, and New Zealand. Schools in these countries take their summer breaks at a different time of the year than schools in the US and Canada, so you will still get the full experience of attending high school abroad.
A Trimester (3 months): The calendar for a school year overseas can vary slightly, so the trimester might match up better for your school. Take a high school abroad program in Spain as an example. You’ll arrive in early September, and depart right before December 25th. You’ll have enough exposure to your host culture to be life-changing, but you’ll easily transition back into your life at home.
Three months also goes by the alias; “90 days.” On those days when you might feel particularly homesick, just remind yourself that you only have ‘X’ amount of days left. Time seems so much more manageable when you’re thinking in days versus months.
If money is on your mind, it’ll be good to know that trimesters are on average $2,000-$4,000 cheaper than the semester or academic year. Take into account that you can purchase your own flight (especially if you have airline points), you can make your college application stand out, and you can have a super fun, life-changing experience for less than $7500 – school, housing, and food costs included!
Now, let’s move on…
A Semester (5-6 months): If you’re really focused on sharpening your language skills, it helps to stay longer – say 2 months longer. All the great experiences you can have during a trimester, you can extend on a semester program. This option grants you the opportunity to get a solid footing in your local host culture and language, but be back home for the fall musical or the spring tennis season. Depending on your school calendar, this might actually be a better fit for you. Some host schools begin in August and wrap it up in mid January. You’ll start to understand what’s being said in the classroom, and why it’s best if you take your shoes off when you enter someone’s home in Japan.
And last, but definitely not least…
Academic Year (10 months): This is the most well-known and popular program length. After spending 10 months overseas, you’ll have a better understanding of certain cultural aspects of your host country than you do your home country. You’ll wake up and realize that you just dreamt in your host country’s language. You’ll try to figure out how to incorporate Finnish licorice/Japanese Mochi/German pretzels/Tortilla Espanola into your daily diet back home. You’ll be able to get around anywhere with breeze and ease, because you were able to navigate in a different country!. You’ll realize that you don’t just have a host family – you have a second family and a place across the ocean to always call home. If any or all of these things sound appealing, congrats! You’ve found your desired program length.
If my school requires me to take a certain class to graduate, will I be able to take it will abroad?
Hello, Marylu! This is something you’d need to work out with your school! We’d be able to show you a loose curriculum of the classes you’d take abroad, and then you’d need to see if they match with your home school’s requirements.
Hey
I’m interested in a trimester in Canada
Could you kindly elaborate a little more.
Hello, Amal! Thanks for your interest. You could directly reach out to our program manager with your inquiries for this opportunity via email: ayates@greenheart.org. Her name is Allison. Thanks again!
I want to study abroad after high school for a year to improve my German language skills and also understand German schooling, as I want to go to university there. I have heard from my own exchange students that German school is harder, so that’s why I want to do it AFTER high school when I have a better understanding of all of my subjects, but I still want the German high school experience and a host family. Will I still be eligible for a year long exchange when I am 18 and have graduated high school in America already? Do you recommend taking any specific classes to improve my core skills to prepare for German school?
Hey Stephen! So great to hear from you, we’re thrilled you’re interested in studying abroad in Germany to improve your German to eventually go to university there! If you study abroad after U.S. high school, you would be eligible for Austria: https://greenhearttravel.org/program/teen/high-school-abroad/high-school-in-austria
We recommend taking as much German as you can prior to going abroad!
I think that 6 and 10 months are the best possible choices for language learning and cultural immersion.
I understand that not everyone has the financial opportunity to get a 6-month program but in this case, even two months of study abroad will give you the result, as well as new experiences and positive emotions. But of course, this time will pass so quickly…
Choosing the length of your study abroad program is an important decision that depends on various factors, including your academic goals, personal preferences, and financial considerations. Here are some tips to help you decide on the appropriate length for your study abroad experience:
Academic Goals:
Consider the requirements of your academic program and how a study abroad experience fits into your overall curriculum.
Determine if there are specific courses or credits you need to fulfill during your time abroad.
Personal Goals:
Clarify your personal goals for studying abroad. Do you want to become fluent in a language, immerse yourself in a new culture, or gain specific skills?
Think about the type of experiences you want to have and how much time is necessary to achieve those goals.
Program Options:
Research the study abroad programs available to you. Some programs may offer semester-long options, while others may be full academic years or shorter summer sessions.
Explore the differences between short-term and long-term programs and assess which aligns better with your preferences.
Language Proficiency:
If language acquisition is one of your goals, consider your current language proficiency. Longer programs may provide more time for language immersion and improvement.
Financial Considerations:
Evaluate the cost of living and tuition fees in the host country. Longer programs may be more expensive, so it’s essential to consider your budget and available financial resources.
Research scholarships, grants, or financial aid opportunities that may be available for different program durations.
Comfort Zone:
Assess your comfort level with being away from home for an extended period. If you’re unsure about a long-term commitment, you might start with a shorter program to test the waters.
Cultural Adjustment:
Consider the time it takes to adjust to a new culture. Shorter programs may provide a taste of cultural immersion, but longer programs can offer a deeper understanding and integration.
Career Goals:
Reflect on how a study abroad experience aligns with your future career goals. Some industries may value longer international experiences, while others may prioritize specific skills gained in a shorter timeframe.
Consult with Advisors:
Seek guidance from academic advisors, study abroad offices, or professors who can provide insights into program options and how they align with your academic and personal goals.
Listen to Past Participants:
Connect with students who have participated in study abroad programs of different lengths. Their experiences and insights can help you understand the advantages and challenges associated with various durations.
Remember that the right length for a study abroad program varies for each individual. It’s important to thoroughly research and reflect on your goals and preferences before making a decision.