Study Abroad vs. Europe Tour

Question

So I have always wanted to study abroad in Europe during college. I am planning to do this next summer, because its hard for me to do it during the school year because of various committments that I have. However, it is very expensive, so I looked at doing a Europe tour through a tour group that caters to college students, where you would visit various countries in europe over a 2-3 week period. This is considerably less expensive, however, I am worried that if I do the tour option, than I won't really become fully immersed in the European culture as if I was to be there for the whole summer. Anyone who has expirence with this sort of thing, which option do you think is best?

Answer 1

If you really want to immerse yourself in the European culture, I suggest you choose the study abroad option. Then you will really get to live in Europe and see what it's like (I lived in Germany for a month last year and really loved it). Of course, you will probably not be able to visit as many places you would with the tour. But, personally, I don't think that running around town and spend 1 hour in each museum is the best way to enjoy European culture (there is so much to see and 2-3 weeks is really short!). Plus, when you're with a tour group, you don't get to interact with the locals a lot.

Answer 2

Definitely study abroad! It sounds like you are looking for a life changing experience not a tour.



I don't know where you have been looking but try contacting the embassies in Washington of the countries you are interested in to find out about exchange programs or scholarships. You can also research the countries and cities you are interested in and call the universities directly instead of paying an agency to help you.

Good luck!!!!