Studying abroad doesn’t have to take a long time. Check out the short-term options USAC offers.
Have you thought about studying abroad but don’t think it will fit into your degree plan? If you need to be at your home institution for specific terms to take certain courses, you might think study abroad is impossible.
It’s not!
University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) offers programs ranging from a few weeks to an entire academic year, so there’s something for every student. If a short-term study abroad session — ranging from three to five weeks — sounds like the right fit for your academic journey, read on.
Winter and January sessions
Winter sessions and January (J-term) sessions run from late December through mid-January. These two-to-three-week-long sessions are a great way to experience study abroad without a huge financial and time commitment. Typically, you will take one three-credit course in a January session.
Summer sessions
Summer is a great time to study abroad because most students aren’t in school during that time. Many USAC programs also offer Summer Session I and Summer Session II options. You can choose to participate in one or both sessions, giving you the flexibility to spend your summer the way you want.
Typically, you can earn three- to seven-credits in Summer Session I and three- to six-credits in Summer Session II.
Short-term study abroad might be the answer
Whether you need to squeeze study abroad into a short winter program or plan to spend the whole summer abroad, there’s a USAC program that will work for you. Studying abroad, no matter how short or long, is a great way to amp up your resume, gain international experience, and meet new people… all while earning credit toward your degree.
Short-term study abroad programs are more affordable than their semester and yearlong counterparts, which can be helpful if finances are your biggest barrier. Shorter programs can also help students who are anxious to go abroad dip their toes into the experience with an extra level of support.
If you find yourself ready for a longer study abroad challenge once you return home, you’re in luck! USAC offers a discount for returning students, so you can head abroad again — to the same place or a new destination — at a discounted rate. No matter which option you choose, studying abroad will change your life for the better. Get started with the USAC Program Search Tool — you can select the timeframe that works for you, as well as location and course offerings.
