The majority of University System of Georgia students attend short-term summer study abroad programs. However, most students who attend short-term programs wish they could have stayed longer. Frequently, students who have gone on a short-term program decide to go abroad again for a longer stay. The longer the duration of the study abroad program, the greater the development of foreign language and cross-cultural skills will be. Students should plan early for study abroad so that they have the time and flexibility in their academic schedules to go abroad for a longer period of time.
Students study abroad from freshman through senior years, as well as in graduate school.
However, the majority study abroad in their sophomore or junior years. Sometimes it is good to go during your freshman or sophomore year, before you need to concentrate on finishing courses in your major. In other cases, the program you are considering may offer upper-level courses in your major, allowing you to go during your junior or senior year. If you know you must take a particular course while abroad, this can help you narrow your possible program choices. However, sometimes courses are cancelled, so it is better not to base your program selection on one course.