How to Get the Most out of Your Summer Study Abroad Program

By Taylor Hicks

If your a high school, college or post-graduate student about to embark on a summer study abroad program, you're probably wondering two things:

1. Did I choose the right semester to go? and 2. Will I be able to see everything? Below are some tips from fellow summer study abroad program participants to help you figure out how to get the most our of your summer study abroad program.

* I was studying for 6 weeks in Ireland. Because we were based in Dublin, we were able to hop on a flight and travel to basically anywhere in Europe. The only tricky thing is that Ireland and the rest of Europe are on a separate currency system, so be sure to hang on to a little bit of each wherever you go so that you can get home quicker. The other students on that study abroad program that summer really seemed to enjoy being able to get away too. I mean - you only have a limited amount of time - why spend it sleeping when you could be out doing cool stuff all over the place in Europe!?

* I studied abroad for my summer semester in Copenhagen. I went there to study finance, but the program had very little English, so I'm not sure how much I really learned. Denmark is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. I don't think many people take advantage of study abroad programs there - maybe because it's so cold in any other time of year than summer. But the architecture is magnificent and the people are just as kind as can be. I would go to Denmark again if I were to repeat my study abroad experience.

* For the whole summer, I studied abroad in Avignon, which is in the south of France not too far from Nice. I chose to go to Avignon because I had been to France before and I just felt like the south was so much more peaceful than a place like Paris or Lyon. During my summer study abroad, I also got to work on a vineyard and visit some fun secret spots in France that many other students don't even have an opportunity to learn about. At the end of the summer, my mother flew over and we took a one-month long tour around Europe together. It was an experience I'll never ever forget for as long as I live.

* I studied in Florence this past summer with the Art Institute. I was thrilled to have been accepted - because not all students are. I lived with a host family and spent a lot of time at the Duomo studying or in the piazza just watching people pass by. I also had a chance to visit other parts of Italy, even though I was in Europe only for 6 weeks. I went to Venice, Rome and Milan. I love Milan. If I were to study abroad again, would choose a program that took me to Milan. I learned a little Italian, but mostly learned a lot about the culture in Italy. Everyone: you should go abroad.

* Paris was my home for 6 week two summers ago and then for one semester last year. I love the city and have now had a chance to live both with a family and on my own in an apartment. I think that anyone doing a study abroad program to Europe, especially in the summer, should at least visit Paris. There are beautiful parks, great shopping centers and tons of culture and art to see. The winter is a little cold and many people stay inside, but definitely check it out in the spring or summer.