Let's start with definitions: a long term study abroad program is at least one full (fall or spring) semester and can be longer than a year in some cases. In long-term programs you will enroll in a university, either local or based in the US, and take a full course-load (typically 4-6 classes a semester). A short term program can be as short as a week or as long as an entire summer. It can be a study tour (a class about the region you are visiting), an internship or field experience, or a summer semester at a foreign university (or a US university abroad) where you take one or more classes.

 When deciding what kind of study abroad experience is right for you first consider what your goals are for your time abroad. Do you want to completely emerse yourself in a foreign culture? If you are relatively fluent in the language of your chosen destination you might consider spending a semester or a year at a local university as part of an exchange. These programs allow you to experience life as a typical college student in your host country. Your classes will be in the local language and you will most likely not have many other American students in the program. The cost of these programs is typically similar to what you would spend at home, so it can be a good way to study abroad on a budget. Keep in mind, however, that room and board, travel, and other incidentals can vary significantly by location. Also consider whether you are willing and able to deal with being uprooted and surrounded by completely unfamiliar customs, language, and people. Remember how hard it was to adjust when you went away to college your Freshman year? Don't let me scare you away from a program like this though. If you're up for it this type of program is the best way to really experience life in a foreign country and become fluent in the language. You will be much more likely to meet and make friends with locals if you are not in a structured American program.

And speaking of those programs: the most common long-term study abroad experience is through an American university or program abroad. These programs are essentially American schools in a new setting. Your classes are in English (though often there are options to take some classes in the local language), your credits will be more likely to transfer accurately and fulfill some CORE or major requirements, and typically there will be courses available about the host country. For example, The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome (ICCS) offers a semester-long program hosted by Duke University for students interested in studying the Classical heritage of Rome while experience modern life in the great city. Programs like these are more structured and typically do not require prior experience with the local language. However, you in these kinds of programs you will typically be more cloistered and have less opportunity to meet the locals and immerse yourself in the local culture. Housing, which can be with a host family or in a dorm, is typically included in the tution, which is typically higher than what you would pay for a semester at a private university in the US.

If you don't think either of these experiences sound like something you might enjoy but you still a study abroad experience you might consider a short-term program over the summer or winter semesters. Some of the benefits of short term programs: you get a more guided on-point expereince (especially if you take a study-tour of one country or region), you don't have to take a break from your normal coursework, and you can throw in some independent travel afterward without feeling home-sick for too long. There are very few dwon-sides to this type of program. Even if you go for a long-term experience you can always go somewhere else for a few weeks a year later! The biggest problem for most students who would like to participate in a short-term program is the cost. While costs range significanly depending on the school that hosts it, the length of the program, and the destination, you can expect to pay up to ten times what you would pay for the same number of credits in a local summer or winter program. But before you ignore the possibility, consider that most study-abroad scholarships are enough to cover a significant portion of a short-term program, but will barely make a dent in the tuition for a semester or year-long experience! Check out my article on paying for study abroad for other suggestions about how to finance your trip. Plus, if you're lucky enough to find an internship that will cover your travel expenses then living in Barcelona or Beijing might not cost you much more than staying in the DC area!