Most students go abroad for a semester because they're more comfortable spending that amount of time away from their home universities. Schools that operate on a trimester system send students abroad for one quarter. Academic-year programs are less common because they require students to devote one year to study abroad more than many are ready to commit. Advisors, however, often encourage students to consider this option so they can become more acclimated to their host country and culture. Academic-year programs normally run from September to June, but session dates vary from program to program.
Abbreviated programs are usually six weeks long and offer two for-credit courses.
Most students attend abbreviated programs in the summer. January term programs are the second most popular short-term option. Abbreviated programs can give students enough time to become more comfortable with another language. They prepared fresh vegetables, drank wine from the local vineyards, and ate locally-prepared cheeses daily. Northwestern University offers a six-week program called Summer Study Abroad in South Africa .