Summer Study Abroad Programs

If you don't want to or can’t study abroad in the spring or fall, summer is a perfect alternative. You can spend a season exploring a new destination, enhance your education, and come back to campus with a world of experiences. Even better, many summer study abroad programs are shorter and more budget-friendly than semester-long alternatives.

The world is full of great places to study abroad, but some stand out for their popular short-term summer programs.

United Kingdom

The UK, made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has long been a popular study abroad destination for international students. The UK is home to four universities ranked in the top 10 globally and offers a wide variety of study options for English speakers.

Spend your free time exploring medieval castles, stopping to have a cuppa and a chat in a cozy local cafe.

📌 Popular majors for summer study abroad in the UK: English literature, history, marketing, journalism

Spain

Although it is a top country for Spanish language students, there are also opportunities to take classes in English in a variety of disciplines through knowledgeable program providers. Stick to the north of Spain and east coast for perfect beach and outdoor terrace weather.

📌 Popular majors for summer study abroad in Spanish: Spanish language and culture, business, politics

New Zealand

The northern hemisphere’s summer is New Zealand’s winter so if you’re looking to beat the summer heat, this is the place for you. With temperatures averaging in the mid-50s F in July and August, you can comfortably hike, bike, and climb New Zealand’s beautiful countryside.

📌 Popular majors for summer study abroad in New Zealand: tourism, environmental science, marine science, agriculture

Italy

If a summer of touring famous art museums and snacking on gelato sounds like the perfect study abroad, Italy is the perfect option. While it’s favored among Italian language students, and those with a passion for art and fashion, other majors can enjoy the Italian culture and lifestyle with classes in English.

📌 Popular majors for summer study abroad in Italy: Italian language and culture, art, architecture, fashion

To study abroad in the summer, you'll typically need to be enrolled at a university, meet the minimum GPA requirement, and show proof of language proficiency depending on the country.

Each program or university may have its own requirements, but generally, these are the steps you'll need to follow to apply for summer study abroad programs.

1. Research programs and universities. You’ll need to decide on the country and program that best fit your academic and personal goals. Weigh the pros and cons of enrolling directly or going through a third-party program provider to determine which option is a good match for your budget. You may also want to find out if your university participates in exchange programs with foreign schools.
2. Prepare your application materials. Gather documents you’ll need to submit like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and/or personal statement.
3. Apply for a visa. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may or may not need a visa for short-term summer programs. For example, US citizens can study abroad in most European countries without a visa if their program is less than 90 days.
4. Start budgeting & exploring scholarships Understanding the upfront and hidden costs will help you budget. Apply for scholarships and grants to reduce your overall expenses.
5. Prepare for your adventure overseas! Pack your bags and get ready for the time of your life!

Studying abroad in summer tends to be more affordable than going abroad for a semester or year. Here are some of the costs to consider along with possible scholarship opportunities to offset major expenses.

Average costs of tuition

The cost of tuition will vary by country and length of your program. You will also find differences in price between enrolling directly at a university or studying abroad through a third-party provider. Generally, on average summer programs can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 USD.

Scholarships

To reduce the cost of your study abroad experience, you can apply to any scholarship or grant you’re eligible for. Special scholarships are available for BIPOC students as well as those demonstrating financial need.

Cost to consider

Outside of tuition and fees for your summer study abroad program, there are other costs you’ll need to factor into your budget.

• Flights: it’s typically cheaper to secure a roundtrip flight (not just one way!)
• In-country transportation: if you’re in a city or town with good public transport, you may choose to invest in a travel pass. Research the costs of a local cab ride for nights out.
• Spending money: if you want to shop, take weekend trips, or even just go out for a fancy dinner or two, set aside some extra spending money.
• Meals & housing: third-party providers usually include room and board in the fees you pay for the program. If you enroll directly, look into the costs of campus housing and meal plans.