College students are often told about the various benefits of studying abroad: learning a new language, going out of your comfort zone, having the opportunity to intern abroad, among others. The difficult decision to make, though, is whether or not you should spend a semester or a summer studying abroad. I personally struggled to make this decision, but ultimately, I decided to study and intern abroad this summer in Hong Kong and it's one of the best decisions I could have made. Here are some reasons why you might want to seriously consider studying abroad in the summer.
You won't spend a lot of time away from your family.
I'm only in Hong Kong for seven weeks, which might seem like a long time, but it means that I can spend the beginning and end of my summer with my family before I go back to school. If you spend a semester abroad, you most likely won't see your family for 15 weeks or so, unless they come to visit you. It's been hard being away from my family, but it definitely makes me feel better than I'll see them in a few short weeks.
You participate in an activity (i.e. sports, clubs) that requires year-long commitment.
Dragon's Back Trail, Hong Kong
Katelyn Tsai
Often, athletes can't participate in study abroad programs during the year because of their busy schedules, but summer abroad programs allows them to have that experience. Even if you're like my friend Arushi, who's the captain of her dance team on campus, you can have the experience of going abroad without sacrificing your commitments.
You're a transfer student and want to maximize your time on campus.
Some transfer students have doubts about going abroad during the school year because they want to spend as much time on campus as possible, so studying or interning abroad in the summer is the best option for that case.
Summer weather!!
Dragon's Back Trail, Hong Kong
Katelyn Tsai
I will admit Hong Kong is unbelievably humid most days and we are here during typhoon season, but I'd rather be in warm than cold weather. In other countries with distinct seasons, it would be more enjoyable to study and/or intern abroad in warmer climates.
There is less of an academic commitment!
It's pretty well known that abroad classes are more laid-back than ones taken on campus, so you can receive class credits over the summer for taking much less difficult yet interesting classes. The class we're taking in Hong Kong, Global Political Economy, is an upperclassman class requirement that I'm already getting done the summer before my sophomore year. Also, the fact that we're taking the class in Hong Kong means that we can witness firsthand what we learn in class.
You make friendships faster.
Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong
Katelyn Tsai
Because summer study abroad programs are shorter, you are forced to develop relationships with people much faster. If you know in the back of your mind that you don't have an entire semester to get to know people, it makes sense that you'll have stronger friendships earlier. I've only been here for a week, but I feel like I've made some long-lasting friendships.
However, there are some downsides to studying abroad in the summer. Because these programs are usually a few weeks long, you would most likely be experiencing the country as tourist. It would be a priority to visit the most famous destinations as opposed to more local ones. After having talked to many locals, though, they are still able to tell us students about restaurants that they enjoy.
Additionally, if you're really trying to learn a certain language, I would recommend going to that country for an entire semester at least. During our time in Hong Kong, we've learned simple Cantonese phrases to help us get around, but we are by no means native Cantonese speakers. The best way to learn a language is to be immersed in the country for longer than a few weeks.
Overall, whatever study abroad experience you decide to participate in, it will be a life-changing experience no matter what. Personally, I decided to study abroad in Urbino, Italy as well for the entire second semester of my sophomore year, because I thought it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. Never in your life will you be able to travel with so many other people and not have to worry about responsibilities like a job or your family. So don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone, see the world, and make some memories while you're at it.
