Summer is quickly approaching and whether you’ve decided you’re heading abroad for the summer or determining if summer is the best time for you to study abroad, you still need to know the best place to go.
The good news is that USAC offers more than 35 summer program locations, but today we’re going to talk about five study abroad gems that should definitely be on your list.
*Summer deadlines are as early as March 15 and go through May 1. Be sure to check the application deadlines for your program*
5 Summer Study Abroad Destinations
Bengaluru, India
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in a place unlike any other, then head to Bengaluru, India where the city is loud, the food is delicious, and the sounds and sights will light up your days.
A student in the busy streets of Bengaluru
There’s no better crash course on the life and culture of India than a summer spent in Bengaluru taking courses like Buddhism and Hinduism in Contemporary Society; Caste, Class and Gender in India; Health Care Services; Women’s Issues in Indian Society; and more. India is a great summer study abroad destination for sociology majors.
USAC students explore Bengaluru
If you’re open-minded, flexible, and adventurous, then a summer in India will deliver unique opportunities to volunteer in Indian culture and society, field trips to Coorg and Mysore and an unforgettable tour to Northern India.
The Bengaluru summer program runs from early June to late July. Deadline to apply is March 15.
China
With two study abroad destinations in China, you’ll have plenty to look forward to when you study in Chengdu or Shanghai.
You’ll get the opportunity to get to know other USAC students when you study abroad in China
Both locations offer the ability to practice Chinese language and culture. If you’re looking to take some business classes we recommend looking into Shanghai. If International Relations is more up your alley, then head to Chengdu.
With both of these summer programs you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of field trips including (but not limited to) the Panda Research Institute (Chengdu), Yellow Dragon River (Chengdu), Xitang (Shanghai), Nanjing (Shangha), and Beijing (both programs).
USAC students on the Beijing Tour
If you need some additional help deciding which USAC China program is best for you, check out our Chengdu or Shanghai comparison post.
Chengdu and Shanghai both offer two summer sessions to study abroad. You can study abroad for one or both sessions, or mix and match sessions.
Chengdu/Shanghai Summer Session 1 – Deadline to apply is March 15
Chengdu/Shanghai Summer Session 2 – Deadline to apply is April 15
Cork, Ireland
We guarantee you won’t find a more unique or beautiful university to spend a summer studying at than the University of College Cork. It was founded in 1845 and is one of the oldest universities in Ireland.
Student in front of University of College Cork
The summer Cork program spans from courses in Irish Roots and Introduction to Gaelic Language to Ireland’s Modern Day Music, World Religious and Global Issues and Food, Obesity and Society, to name a few.
When you’re not in class you can enjoy exploring the second largest city in Ireland, and experiencing the variety of restaurants, fresh food markets and cafes. You’ll never get bored with a variety of summer festivals like the Cork City Marathon, Live and Marquee concert series, and Midsummer arts festival. In addition, you’ll be within close proximity of famous sites like the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney.
Student exploring the Cliffs of Moher
Summer students also have the opportunity to participate in included field trips to Cobh, Clonakilty, Mizen Head, and Barleycove and an optional tour to Dublin and Southwest Ireland.
Cork’s summer session runs from the end of May to early July. The deadline to apply is April 1.
Prague, Czech Republic
There’s no better time to explore the medieval city of Prague than during the summertime. Spend the days admiring the beautiful architecture of the city, parks, castles and frescoes. Summer days in Prague are long and most classes will take you out of the classroom and into the heart of the city to learn from it’s history.
USAC group in Prague
Prague is a great destination for politics, culture and the arts with classes like Exploring the Great Art and Architecture of Prague; Politics in Europe’s New Democracies; Travel Photography; The Two World Wars in Europe and more.
Don’t miss the optional tour to Vienna and Budapest and a variety of included field trips to Terezín, Lidice, and Litomĕřice, Kutná Hora, Kamenický Šenov Glassworks and Mĕlník, and Konopiště Chateau and Historical City of Tábor.
Prague students at Točník Castle
Prague offers two summer sessions, you can study for one or both.
Summer Session 1 – Deadline to apply is April 1
Summer Session 2 – Deadline to apply is May 1
San Sebastián, Spain
Can’t imagine summer without the ocean? Then head to the Basque country of Spain and spend your summer days in the “Paris of Spain” hiking in the mountains, lounging on the beach, and indulging in delicious pintxos.
Students taking a surfing class in San Sebastián
You’ll of course have to take some classes, but with focus on Spanish Language, European and Cultural Studies you’ll have no problem finding a class the fulfills your academic needs.
A summer study abroad in San Sebastián includes a variety of field trips such as a trip to the Province of Guipuzcoa, the Pyrenees Mountains, Province of Biscay, and French Basque country.
Hiking in the Pyrenees
San Sebastián offers two summer sessions, you can study for one or both.
Summer Session 1 – Deadline to apply is March 15
Summer Session 2 – Deadline to apply is April 15
We hope we’ve gotten your wheels turning and excited for a summer study with USAC. If you didn’t find a destination that sparked your interest here, be sure to check out the rest of our study abroad programs.
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