2, 4, 6, 8: How Much Time Should You Spend Abroad

There are many programs offered to study abroad and there are a variety of lengths of time in which you can choose to study abroad. Whether it be a three week study abroad class sponsored by a specific department at a university, a two month summer language intensive program, or a semester or year abroad there, are a various options to choose from. I have been reading articles about the effectiveness of short and long term programs and whether the duration of the program truly affects the value of the time abroad. I have personally studied abroad for various lengths of time from two weeks to six months and while the longer I stayed in a place during a study abroad experience the more I explored that particular place and immersed myself in the culture of my surroundings, I found great value in every study abroad experience. My first study abroad trip was a two week tour around Spain in which I learned about Spanish Art. It was an amazing trip that was a great introduction to the study abroad experience. I was able to explore many cities, all while learning about art and culture. Being the language geek that I am I took that opportunity to practice the Spanish language as well. That trip opened my eyes to a whole new way of exploring the world. It wet my appetite for more. As soon as the plane touched down to return home I was ready to board another plane to study abroad again. From that point forward I was hooked and took every opportunity I was afforded to study abroad. All from that initial two week trip.

Spending five weeks in Guadalajara, Mexico was a great experience. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in the Mexican culture and stay with a host family. My language skills greatly improved. Did the timing of the five weeks that I spent there have a major impact on my experience? It definitely did. The longer you stay in a place the more you can explore, the more you can absorb from your surroundings, and the more you can learn and practice those things in which you are there to learn such as the culture and the language. The longer you stay in a place the greater the opportunity to meet people who can make a profound impact on your life. That is what I learned when I spent 6 months in Spain last year. I really met some great people that I really got to know because of the time I spent with them. It was amazing! Talk about learning about a culture from the inside! That is exactly what I took the opportunity to do. From getting to know my professors both inside and outside of the classroom and meeting new friends from my program and others native to Valencia where I lived the six months I was there helped me to cultivate lasting relationships and help to engrain a sense of community while in another country. The funny thing is I met my closest friends who grew up in Valencia the last month I was there. Nonetheless each person in our group made a huge impact on my life. Would I have met my friends if I left Spain months earlier? Probably not. Will I ever know for sure? No, but I am grateful for the time that I spent with them and the time that I spent in each place that I studied abroad.

Each of my previous study abroad experiences enriched my desire to learn and explore more. In each opportunity I learned a great deal about each of the places, people, culture and language. I also learned a great deal about myself in the process. The variety of lengths of each trip showed me that  I could incorporate my love for learning and travel into my life regardless of time constraints or other obligations.  Although I am no longer a student I would jump at the chance to study abroad again. The length of time I would go would definitely depend where I am in my life at the time and what other things are going on at the time but since I am a student of life and culture at heart I would soak up all that I could whether my trip were a two week vacation or if I decide to move to another country for an extended period of time.

I don’t think there is a particular amount of time you should spend abroad. Instead of emphasizing the length of time I prefer to emphasize the value and quality of the experience. There are valuable learning experiences whether you are abroad for a couple of weeks or a year. As long as you are taking the opportunity to travel abroad, are open to the experience, and willing to learn about the place/culture there is value can be found in it all. 

KoMiSa’s Thoughts: Regardless of the amount of time you have to study abroad, make the most of that time and experience as much as you can. You never know that time can lead to many more experiences abroad and could enrich your life in unexpected ways.