Studying abroad over the summer?

Question

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows any good programs for summer study abroad programs. It seems like everyone's pushing the whole spend a full semester away, but I'm a biochem major and I don't wanna be learning science in another language or anything, and I don't want this to mess with my 4-year plan.

I was just wondering if anyone has some tips / websites or whatever. And when do you think is a good time to go? Summer freshman, sophomore or junior year ???

Answer 1

First:
It seems that you are an English native speaker from the US. You might consider a semester or full year in another English speaking country, like Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. That way you would not run into the language issue and you might have less trouble in getting credits for your studies.

Second:
Check with your school about exchange programs. Ask your counselor what he or she would suggest and ask them WHY. Have your causes why you want to go abroad well prepared for this discussion.

Other than that I suggest to go as early as possible. That way you have a chance to repeat the experience if you would like to.

Answer 2

The reason full semester or year programs are often pushed is that it is not practical to try and learn a foreign language in just a short summer term. And if your not planning on learning a foreign language, or being immersed long enough in a foreign culture to really understand it, then doing a "study abroad" program might just be a waste. Your money and time might be better spent just back-packing in Europe (or wherever) for a summer after you graduate.

When I went to study in China, I just looked up enrollment information on Chinese university websites and directly enrolled as a foreign student. I saved thousands of dollars, was able to stay for over a year instead of a term, and had a lot of freedom to explore and "go native". Other people would not feel comfortable doing this and probably need a structured, chaperoned, program, perhaps an exchange through their own university. Those traditional programs are easier to use to earn credit hours back home and are a lot easier if you don't speak the language of wherever your going to.

Some universities even offer "internship abroad" opportunities where language classes are combined with internship placement (Ohio University for one). It all depends on why you want to go, and what type of person you are.

Answer 3

I did an internship abroad in Hamilton, New Zealand my junior year. (although this was a film program, I know that there were some excellent bio technology programs in Auckland. Everything was in English, although I was exposed to, and learned a lot about Maori and Asian languages (there were a lot of students that were coming from the west).
I went through the SUNY systems abroad programs (State University of New York) and although I wasn't a student at a SUNY school at the time, I was able to pay SUNY tuition (which was much cheaper then the school I was attending at the time) and have almost all of my travel arrangements and costs covered through the program.

Keep in mind that a "summer" term is really a very short amount of time to get over there and get into a groove for studies... less alone exploring the country and the culture of where ever you end up. (in a lot of cases the school your studying through can insure that the courses you take and need will fit into your requirements)

But if you have your heart set on a summer term, I would suggest going at the end of your junior year, possibly your sophomore one... good luck. Spending time abroad, any time, is a fabulous experience and I hope it is something that you make the decision to pursue! My time abroad is probably the best thing that ever happened to me.

Answer 4

I went the summer after my junior year. Generally, though, I suggest going earlier so you can take easier classes (as you will likely have taken all the easy classes by your junior year). Check with the International Center or equivalent on your college campus or ask your academic advisor.