Longer study abroad programs preferable

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Written by Brandon Bishop

Tuesday, 02 December 2008 08:50

College students picking a study abroad program are faced with a number of choices, and one of the hardest decisions to make is the choosing the length of their study abroad program. These programs range from only two or three weeks to an academic year or more. Having had the opportunity to study both in a three-week program at Oxford University in England and a yearlong program in China, I recommend other students interested in study abroad look into longer rather than shorter programs.

While several-week intensive programs can be useful, especially if the program focuses on subjects not usually covered by classes at the University of Wyoming, these programs lack one of the greatest experiences offered by long term programs: the experience of actually living in another country.

My experience with a short-term program in England was excellent; however most of my time was taken up with classes, activities or generally traveling to see as much as possible. There was no chance to speak with local students, make friends outside of the study abroad class, or get a feel for life in England. While it was exciting, I spent most of my time feeling like a temporary tourist.

A friend studying in Scotland this semester told me she has had a similar experience. While she has gone to a number of places both in Scotland and in other European countries, and enjoyed experiences that she never thought she would, she also said that she felt the few months she had spent in Scotland were too short. She explained that she felt like she’d gone from feeling like a tourist to having only three weeks left and thinking only about what she’d need to do upon returning home. She has enjoyed her experience, but thinks that it might have been worthwhile to spend more time in Scotland and get a feel for actually living there.

I’ve spent six months in China and being nowhere near the end of my study abroad program, I understand what she means. During the first two months, all that I could focus on was the novelty of the place and how different it was from home. During the third month here, I’d moved into a phase of living abroad called “culture shock,” which was unpleasant and caused me to ignore some of the best parts of living here. After that had passed, I began to feel much better emotionally and enjoyed my time here.

Since that time, I’ve begun to make friendships with local and long-term foreign students. In addition I’ve learned a great deal while experiencing what it means to live in China. Had I only participated in a three to four-month program, I am certain I would not have had as rewarding of an experience.

As it takes nearly four months to get the most out of a study abroad program, and as most semester-length programs last no more than four months, I must say that an academic year or longer study abroad programs are the best choices to get the most out of studying abroad opportunity.

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