By Sarah Jongsma, USAC Chiang Mai and USAC Bengaluru
What is the best possible study abroad option? I didn’t ask this question out loud when looking at a study abroad question, but it’s one of millions I had before studying abroad — including all the ones about locations, challenges, cultures, and the perfect length of time.
Before I studied abroad, I had never left the country before. I also had a reputation as someone who refused to accept change — even the positive kind. But, I didn’t want to be that kind of person anymore. I knew myself well enough to realize that if I only went abroad for a short-term program, there wouldn’t be enough time for me to just relax and adapt to the new environment. So, instead, I chose to go on a longer program first. It was a way of preparing myself, knowing I would eventually get used to the new surroundings and start enjoying the experience.
The two study abroad terms I signed up for were: A yearlong study abroad program (two semesters) in northern Thailand during my sophomore year, followed by a summer program in southern India after finishing my junior year.
It was two VERY different experiences.
Here’s what the difference is between a short summer and a full year-long program:
During a full year:
You will experience a commitment. A full-year study abroad program lasts for nine months, which is a long time. Someone once told me that moving overseas feels like you’re casually ‘dating a city’ for a while. It’s about hanging out, getting to know each other … but, it’s a little more intense than that.
In Thailand, Chiang Mai started to feel like it’s my home. I had a list of favorite things to do. I tried a lot of new things. I had time to travel (and get recommendations from people about where to go and how to do it). I could easily try a new place for lunch. If I didn’t like it, that’s okay, because I always had tomorrow.
I also had bad days. I remember that my relaxed attitude became my downfall a couple of times. By saying, “I can always do that later,” it made it really easy to get complacent rather than take advantage of experiencing something new.
Your classes will be more in-depth. During a yearlong program, your full course load will be more comprehensive and leave you well-rounded. You’ll dive into the subject matter fully and look at the details. I felt like classes required a lot more of my attention.
Having several different courses (including maybe a language course to help you get around) allows you to interact with more students on your program. The longer time frame also gives you the chance to ask questions about topics that really interest you or to set up field trips that weren’t available at the start of the semester.
During a short term:
You will commit to an experience. When I went to India, it was a month and a half — 42 days — where the clock was constantly ticking in the back of my mind. I felt the pressure of time from the moment I stepped off the plane. Today was Day One of a finite number.
It was a rush. I wanted to be present for every moment, even if that meant sacrificing nighttime hours of rest so I would have more time to explore.
That said, I truly made the most of every day: I tried a new dish at every meal, hiked all day long, and still found energy to do more after dinner. I didn’t want to miss a thing!
I got to visit the most well-known places and try the important cultural experiences. When locals heard I was only there for the summer, they became more passionate about what they wanted me to take away from the trip — opening up an honest conversation about history and culture.
A short study abroad program timeframe can feel stressful, but it also forces you to be engaged and seize your opportunities. One example that sticks out was when some new friends and I took overnight sleeper buses two weekends in a row; first to Hampi, then Pondicherry. We were exhausted from constantly being on the move, but with only six weeks, saying ‘yes’ to side quests felt essential.
I still remember the sunset in Hampi: I was perched on an ancient boulder, feeling a little sleep deprived, and staring out at what felt like the edge of the world. I wasn’t just traveling — I was chasing time.
Your classes will be more focused. In a shorter time abroad, you get to home in on the subjects you care most about. It’s about becoming an expert on particular topics that sent you abroad in the first place.
The professors and classes are the same in structure and attitude as a yearlong program. There isn’t a noticeable difference in the amount or type of homework, because you only have one or two classes. Plus, obviously, the bonus of finishing a full class at a higher level in six weeks or less is always nice.
During both a full year and a short term:
You will get homesick — for something. Maybe it’s for your family, friends, or even your dog. Or, it could be for the nostalgia of a city you thought you were sick of.
When I got homesick about halfway through my time abroad, it didn’t include expensive plane tickets back home. Instead, I reached out and sent messages to my family and friends. Having a strong support system back home and keeping connected to my family really helped me work through these feelings.
Homesickness may feel overwhelming, but you will find ways to adapt and enjoy your study abroad experience.
You will learn in and out of the classroom. Looking back on it now, going to Thailand for a full year made me a better person. But, I am also surprised at how enormously my life changed in six weeks. I am certainly no longer that person who hated change.
On top of that, all my negative experiences naturally washed away in the tide of time. Whether I was too exhausted from a whirlwind weekend or frustrated by my own misstep, it honestly didn’t end my world.
However, I do have a warning: Rather than leaving you perfectly satisfied, the downside of any study abroad program is that you’ll always want more. I suddenly developed these tiny lingering regrets that made me plan new trips — even as I was flying home. I craved to be wherever I was just a little bit longer because the time I had there would never be enough.
So, what is the best possible study abroad option?
I’d say, “Go for as long as you can, but live every day like it’s your last.”
Sarah is a senior at the University of Nevada studying history, French, and Mandarin Chinese. She’s passionate about growing things — ideas, tomatoes, and friendships included. Whether singing, reading, or swapping stories, she’s all about connection, curiosity, and community.
