You’ve settled on your ultimate , made a list of , and even picked up a phrase or two in the local language. Now, all that’s left is figuring out the perfect semester to study abroad.

Let’s consider your options.

Easy, right? Hold up. That apfelstrudel or kulfi surely tastes just as sweet in any season, and you can equally see yourself practicing your new language skills with changing autumn leaves or vibrant spring flowers.

Do you keep asking, “Is it better to study abroad in the fall or spring” again and again without settling on a clear answer? You’re not alone. Both semesters come with some real benefits, but each has its drawbacks too. Considering the good and bad sides of both can help you .

How to decide between fall or spring study abroad

In the end, your decision will depend on when the classes you need are available (both abroad and at your home school) as well as your comfort with traveling at different times of the year. There’s no wrong answer, so considering the pros and cons when deciding whether to study abroad in fall or spring can help you make the right choice.

Pros of studying abroad in the fall

Nothing like those vibrant fall colors!

1. A whole summer to prepare

Going abroad during the spring semester means you’ll have to condense your preparations into a short winter break. Sure, you can get some things done during the fall semester, but between classes, midterms, and finals, that time you think you have can evaporate way faster than you expect. If you study abroad in the fall, though, you’ll have the summer downtime to for the semester.

2. It’s easier to study abroad as a senior

Kept putting off your plans for a semester abroad? If your , going during the fall semester often simplifies the experience. You’ll have enough time before graduation for your transcripts to come in, plus you’ll be back on campus to graduate alongside your friends.

3. A shorter semester can equal savings

Take a close look at the academic calendar. If your heart is set on expensive destinations like London and you’re struggling to , choose the fall. In some cases, the fall semester is shorter than the spring, which can translate to savings on housing and other day-to-day expenses that add up over time.

4. Seasonal fun, wherever you’re headed

Christmas markets in ? Check. Mid-autumn moon festivals in ? Check. How about a bonus round of spring and summer if you’re studying abroad in the Southern Hemisphere? Though spring may be romanticized for perfect weather, you’ll find plenty of can't-miss-it moments during the autumn-semester months.

Cons of studying abroad in fall

1. Missing on-campus activities and traditions

Spending the start of the academic year on your home campus does have its perks. Fall is often when you reconnect with friends and meet new members of your favorite student activities. If your college is big on fall sports, a fall semester abroad means you’ll miss those traditions, too.

2. Holidays away from home

Skype or FaceTime with your family can still be fun though!

Academic calendars vary, but many fall semesters abroad mean living far from home on Thanksgiving. Many semesters don’t quite align with the calendar you’re used to, and you may find yourself away for the “fall” into January or February.

3. Less time to adjust when you return

OK, you expected to deal with a little when you went abroad. But reverse culture shock? Yeah, that’s a thing too. It can hit you pretty hard when you return from a fall semester abroad and need to get in the swing of things. Returning to campus and life overall takes some adjustment, and you’ll have less time to get into your new (old) rhythm after touching down back home.

Pros of studying abroad in spring

1. Spring weather

Imagine transitioning from chilly winter at the start of your semester abroad to blossoming flowers and balmy weather ripe for seeing the sights. Of course, you’ll want to check the climate where you’re headed before packing only T-shirts and sandals, but spring travel in many regions is popular with good reason. Just remember, if you’re studying south of the equator, the months that correspond with your “spring” semester will occur as autumn turns into winter.

2. More travel opportunities

Find your bliss among the cherry blossoms during spring study abroad.

If you’re looking to up your travel game without compromising your studies, this semester may include a built-in spring break as well as ample time for post-semester travel in the summer. But don’t just because you have more time to jet off on longer trips. Some of the most meaningful and authentic moments come from discovering what awaits around the corner.

3. Starting the next academic year back home

Instead of returning in the middle of things, you’ll start the academic year alongside your at-home friends. Reestablishing a routine and reconnecting with friends is all part of . Having a fresh start with everyone else can ease some of the natural bumps in the road as you readjust.

4. More time for, well, everything!

Whether you go for a longer spring semester or you stay longer thanks to summer break, a spring semester can help you make the most of your simply by offering more time. That’s extra time to explore your go-to local spots, hang out with your local friends, learn the language, and maximize the experience of living abroad.

Cons of studying abroad in spring

1. No time for in-person goodbyes

Missing goodbyes can be hard. Is it a deal breaker for you?

You won’t have a chance to say goodbye in person to friends who are graduating that semester. If you go abroad as a senior, you won’t be on campus yourself for your last semester—so even if you jump through the logistical hoops of studying abroad during your final term, you’ll miss the festivities and traditions that come with graduation.

2. A longer semester means higher costs

Some countries and calendars have longer spring semesters compared to the fall semesters at the same school. Though opting for a longer semester has its advantages, it can also mean shelling out more money overall to earn the same number of credits because .

3. Cutting into summer break

Even if your spring semester is technically the same length of time as a fall semester in your chosen program, academic calendars can vary widely depending on your destination. It’s not unusual to find spring semesters that run from March or April through July or even August. That overlap with your typical summer break can mess with your plans for a summer job, summer classes, or just some necessary time to relax and recharge.

Still can’t decide? What about studying abroad during the summer?

Is it better to study abroad in the fall or spring? Sometimes, the answer is…neither.

Maybe your major requires you to take classes at your home institution every fall and spring. Maybe a full semester just seems too long to spend away from home. Whatever your reasons, a summer abroad can be the right fit when neither fall nor spring feels quite right.

Summer, sun, and sangria…perfect for relaxing after classes.

. As with fall or spring study abroad, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons when making your decision:

• Pro: You can fit in your study abroad experience between semesters. Summer study abroad offers a great alternative if you can’t get away during a traditional semester because you have set classes you need to take in both the fall and the spring. You won’t have to sacrifice progress toward your degree to go abroad; you may even get ahead on degree requirements by taking extra summer classes. And with , you don’t have to miss out on visiting your top choice destination just because you’re traveling in the summer.
• Con: You won’t get as much immersion. Let’s face it, the longer you stay abroad, the more cultural immersion you’ll get. A few weeks over the summer isn’t quite the same in terms of language practice and having the chance to live like a local in your chosen country.
• Pro: Summer study is a budget-friendly option. For all of its eye-opening experiences (and ), there’s no denying that studying abroad requires funds. Summer study abroad programs are often than their semester-long counterparts—the time commitment is shorter, you’ll foot the bill for fewer credits, and daily living expenses won’t add up as much.

Trust us—you can’t choose a wrong time to study abroad

The world is waiting for you any time of year!

Whether you study abroad in the fall or spring (or summer!), you’re in for an amazing experience. Research which semester offers classes that fit in with your degree, and consider any dates you can’t imagine without family or friends. No matter which semester you choose, you’ll and broaden your perspective of the world.

Oh, and if you get back from your semester abroad and still can’t get your curiosity about another time of year out of your head? You can always and discover the best of the opposite season. The choice is yours!

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