Here's Where to Study Abroad Next Summer

If you want to add another layer of productivity to those dog days of pool parties and babysitting gigs, study abroad over the summer. That’s right: pack a punch as you improve your resume, indulge in real gelato, get lost, get found, form study groups with seven different countries, have a summer fling with an accent, and use the real world as a textbook.

Incredible summer destinations await!

Wondering where to study abroad for a summer...or if studying abroad in the summer is worth it? Transferable course credits, foreign language experience, an evolved self, an international network, and infinite new summer snacks can also be ticked off… all of which pave the way for a fast-track to featured IG posts and future success.

Spending three weeks splashing around in the Mediterranean suddenly sounds very responsible when you attach a report card to the passport on the way back; make the most of the travel experience!

How do I choose a summer destination?

Picking a place in which to study abroad for the summer might just be the most difficult part of the whole experience; after all, there are so many countries and so little time! If you are undecided, here are a few practical things to keep in mind:

• Program length: Shorter programs are usually more intense
• Weather: Summer is actually winter in the southern hemisphere
• Language: Take advantage of language immersion!
• Cost: Research the cost of living. Sometimes, you actually save money by paying more for a program in a cheaper country than vice versa!
• Extracurricular: If there is a hobby you are passionate about (flamenco, rugby, opera), where can you expand this activity?
• Course credits: Which schools are affiliated with yours so credits transfer easily?
• Culture: If you can’t imagine dressing conservatively in 40° (that’s about 100° for Americans), don’t go to the Middle East.
• Visa requirements: Short student visas are usually easy to apply for, but check all current entry requirements.
• Vacation: What about extending that study abroad to vacation abroad? Southeast Asia and Europe are easy to travel within a timeframe; South America might be more difficult.

Write down the scope of your summer abroad and find a balance between your heart and the practicalities of the experience!

Where to study abroad for a summer

Remember: Summer study abroad destinations don’t *have* to be filled with palm trees.

1. Multi-country

• Why? In love with the entire planet and can’t choose just one country in which to study abroad for the summer? Then experience the best of several lands! Providers like AIFS offer multi-country programs, so your experience will be ever-changing.
• Whether you want to focus on fashion marketing, criminal justice, LGBTQ history, art, Southeast Asia history, architecture, viking studies, Western European cinema, or genocide history, you’ll find a program that highlights the most important places and aspects as you are toured through geographic gems and cultural kaleidoscopes. 
• Summer days fly by fast and the world is vast; take advantage of forming international connections that transcend political lines!
• What? Business, art, architecture, history, ethnic studies, international relations 
• Recommended program: AIFS Study Abroad: European Art and Architecture

2. Albania

• Why? If a crystal-clear coastline, majestic mountain hikes, organic food, sandy beaches, over 3000 types of flora (accounting for 30% of all flora for Europe), and bunker attraction parks don’t pop into your head when thinking about Albania, you haven’t done your research.
• Shqipëri is a country of endless discoveries, incredibly welcoming people, Mother Teresa’s birthplace, and four UNESCO heritage sites that keep all history and culture geeks happy for many more months than a short summer program.
• Moreover, Albania’s unique language is an adventure for any linguistic enthusiast (after all, it does have its own reggaeton sub-genre!).
• What? Language, literature, history, culture
• Recommended program: Centre International de Formation Européenne: Summer University in Albania

3. South Africa

Studying abroad in the summer is worth it as long as you don’t take unnecessary risks, right?

• Why? For those wanting to fill their summer abroad with winter boots, penguins, and lion safaris, hop on down to South Africa. With no shortage of both marine and land animals to gawk at, South Africa is full of wonder and diversity.
• Not only are there three capitals, over 11 official languages, ten UNESCO sites, and infinite adventure opportunities, but the population that forms the cultural fabric of South Africa is rich in flavour and colors.
• Celebrate summer with an exotic winter in the southern hemisphere!
• What? Conservation, ecology, zoology, international business
• Recommended program: Operation Wallacea – South Africa

4. Brazil

• Why? A loose Portuguese translation of going to Brazil to study abroad for the summer is diversão. The home country of Carnival has all the tropical frills to ensure a constant supply of energy to take notes: both in class and on the Brazilian lifestyle.
• From the bustling metropolis of Rio de Janeiro to the (at least) 70 remote tribes in the Amazon, there is a niche for every type of student. Plenty of coffee break opportunities as well!
• Latin American studies forms a large part of education here, so for those who want to study the history of conflict, diversity, and ethical relations while chowing on some feijoada, Brazil’s the place.
• What? Portuguese, environmental studies, Latin America studies, international relations 
• Recommended program: USAC BRAZIL: Florianópolis-Global Economy

5. Vietnam

Food, views, culture—Vietnam has it all.

• Why? Ancient local folklore says that Vietnamese people are descendants of dragons. While studying among pagodas, áo dài, and the Binh Chau hot springs, this folktale might seem pretty possible.
• Alongside impressive technology and engineering classes, you have the chance to learn about the food philosophy of elements, how to eat traditional pho, and about the four values of life (which teach you that the answer to “Is studying abroad in the summer worth it?” is always YES).
• For any off days, there is snake wine to increase vitality and reconnect with the inner dragon. 
• What? Accounting, anthropology, biochemistry, computer engineering, TV & media production
• Recommended program: ABROADER/Student Exchange Vietnam: Faculty-Led Program in Vietnam

6. Egypt

• Why? Studying a semester abroad in Egypt is always a hot choice. Egypt is home to one of the oldest civilizations of the world; that means a looooooot of hieroglyphics to depict and stories to learn.
• Other than the pyramids, there’s an invention for every day of the study abroad program (including the world’s oldest dress and the 365-day calendar) and lots of local tips to stay cool (like drinking hot tea!).
• Religious and gender studies are sizzling topics, while students of Arabic will leave fluent after just a couple of shared bowls of koshary. Also: camels.
• What? Sociology, Egyptology, gender studies, comparative religion, Arabic
• Recommended program: American University in Cairo: Study Abroad in Egypt

7. Scotland

• Why? When considering where to study abroad for a summer, Scotland is the sexy choice, with its rough accent, warm woollen socks, and quaint haggis dinners. There’s also no shortage of haunted castles, bloody tales, and men who wear kilts. Plus, the national animal is the unicorn.
• If you’re not convinced yet to pack your jumper and stuff your knapsack with leather-bound books, let us remind you that Scotland is also the birthplace of golf, has the highest percentage of red-haired people, records more than 300 annual UFO sightings, and is home to some of the most spectacular scenery of the world. Best enjoyed in summer!
• What? Creative writing, education, literature, management, sports science, journalism
• Recommended program: ISA: Study Abroad in Stirling, Scotland

8. Colombia

Go off the beaten path and explore Colombia!

• Why? If waking up to hot chocolate with cheese and milk soup sounds like the perfect breakfast before a day of classes, Colombia will not disappoint when you consider where to study abroad over the summer.
• The love of life is infectious, the dance rhythms never stop (ahem, Shakira), the biodiversity encompasses tropical beaches and snow-covered volcanoes, and you can practice your Spanish along to the national anthem that is broadcasted on public radio/television twice a day by law (6 a.m. and 6 p.m.).
• Business is flourishing, innovation is through the roof, and the arepas are calling; ¡vamos!
• What? Business, international relations, liberal arts, political science, conflict studies
• Recommended program: Red Tree Study: Peacebuilding in Colombia

9. Argentina

• Why? This is another country that will turn your head upside down: summer is winter, the tango music stops at dawn, and the population worships the Pope and Maradona to the same extent.
• Producer of the first animated feature film, Argentina is a fantastic summer study abroad choice for anyone in the movie industry, the tech field, or in the arts. Furthermore, the love for wine and relation to the land creates many opportunities to learn about latino hospitality and the culinary field.
• Whichever field of study your summer focuses on, the friendships over asados and accordion tunes will steal your heart!
• What? Spanish, hospitality, arts, dance, environmental studies
• Recommended program: Spanish Studies Abroad: Summer Term – Cordoba, Argentina

Start planning for next summer and get matched with 5 summer study abroad programs (it’s free!)

Study abroad over the summer and make memories!

We know summer study abroad is calling your name.

Often, it’s the lessons outside of the classroom that teach the most, and there are few things more eye-opening than immersion in a new culture. No matter the destination(s), summer is the perfect time to keep the educational inertia rolling while trying out new salad recipes, schedules, and vowels.

Not only do you come back with a bag of souvenirs, new vocab, foreign tan lines, and international business cards, but also with all those school credits you earned while exploring ancient ruins and dancing tango.

Graduate from summer camp and fill that yearbook with memories of foreign horizons!

Explore ALL Summer Study Abroad Programs on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). AIFS is a leading study abroad provider with more than 50 years of experience and locations on 6 continents.