Study Abroad Summer Program

By Taylor Hicks

A few Suggestions for Getting the Most out of your Study Abroad Summer Program

There are hundreds of study abroad summer programs to choose from. Whether you elect to study abroad through a program at your college or university or choose to study abroad through a company specializing in study abroad programs, your experience is sure to be one that you will never forget.

Because your time is limited when you engage in a study abroad summer program, we have compiled a handful of student suggestions to help you get the most out of your experience. So, read on for some valuable information from summer study abroad participants that have gone before you.

* Don't go to sleep. I know you think I'm kidding, but your summer study abroad program is so limited that spending time sleeping is really a waste. I did a study abroad program in London for four weeks in college and seriously went out every night and chance I could. Every night, I made a commitment to the other study abroad participants on my program to either go to the theater, a concert or a pub to get some cultural experience. You wouldn't believe the amount of pictures we took and the amount of sleep we got. When I came home at the end of that month, I slept for a whole weekend straight. I wouldn't change anything about the way I studied abroad and really suggest that everyone dedicate the same energy to it - you might never be able to study or live abroad again!

* I studied abroad in Stockholm and really liked the experience. I don't speak any Swedish, but because I was doing the Master's program at the School of Economics, I didn't really need to know much. I spent a lot of time studying because the course-load was very intense. If I had to do the study abroad program again, I would study the same amount, but on the weekends and holidays, I would go out into the city and try to visit other parts of Europe a little more. If you're a college kid looking for a good study abroad program, I would say to check out Sweden. You'll have more time than I did to see things. I would also suggest studying abroad in Sweden in the summer if you can. Things will be more laid back and you can really experience the culture at its finest.

* I went to Vienna to study with the Umbau School of Vienna. It's a graduate program that takes place in the summer. The study abroad experience truly was a once- in a lifetime chance to check things out abroad. We studied architecture and drew up architectural plans that were designed to help rebuilt war-torn cities, like Bosnia. I think the summer is the best time to enroll in a study abroad program and recommend Vienna to everyone. You must go! The thing that made it most special for me was that I was enrolled in a program that actually helped us make a difference in the life of other people.

* Photos. I bought a digital camera while I was studying abroad in Cracow because I realized that I couldn't possibly store the same amount of photos on my 35 mm camera. I wanted to get as many photos as possible during my short summer study abroad program and am so happy with my purchase. Plus, the exchange rate is so much cheaper in Cracow so my camera was actually pretty cheap! and it's really nice to. If I had one suggestion for summer study abroad students it would be to not scrimp on the photos. I still look at them all the time now that I am home and am so delighted to recall these fond memories.