Study Abroad for summer or semester??

Question

I have signed up to study abroad for a semester but i am having second thoughts about it! I'm really nervous about missing out on my life here. I love college and I love my friends, and i don't know if i want to spend an entire semester in Spain. I have heard that studying abroad is an amazing experience, but when i think about it, i'm not at all excited. I don't know if it's just nerves, but i'm really confused. Should I just study abroad for a summer? Or go for the semester? I don't want to come back and be completely out of the loop with my friends and my life here. And this isn't at all the biggest reason, but I'm also talking to this guy I really like, but if i go abroad in the semester, i know nothing will happen between us.

I kinda feel like the summer isn't a true experience especially cause summer in any place isn't the typical life in many cities... basically i'm super confused!

Answer 1

If you have doubts, go with the summer experience to begin and then if you feel it´s something for you, just do the semester. Although the semester is a always a great experience, you also need to listen to your inner side, your feelings and your intuition. A semester long is not for everyone. It is not healthy neither helps to go abroad with hesitation, with doubts,... it may prevent you for living it to the fullest.

Summer is great, too. It´s always better than nothing or better than hesitation and fears about a longer stay. An excellent program in Spain is www.beautifulspain.com. They get many returnees that had the greatest experience (even some that participated in other programs and felt this one was the best). Good luck and enjoy!

Answer 2

i lived in spain for 2 semesters back to back and there were no regrets so i definately think you should go for the semester. better to go and experience it, than not and always wonder 'what if?' im assuming your young so for you to even be considering maybe trading the semester for only the summer just for a unpredictable shot with a guy is ridiculous. trust me, unless you sit at home everyday, you will meet alot of interesting ppl abroad, especially guys. and not just spanish guys either. i met alot of guys from all over europe as well. also youll make alot of new friends to top it off. you really shouldn't pass this up. summer is better than nothing but the semester will probably be best.

Answer 3

I think you should go for the full semester. A summer will not give you a real insight into the Spanish culture.

In relation to your friends, it might be a good test to see who your real friends are. You will notice that when you return that many things have almost stayed still. You will still be able to gossip with your friends via email, facebook, skype and other means. A semester is only a couple months and you will gain the experience and adventure of a lifetime.

Good luck!